A delegation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) visited the Biokinetics Division at the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) of the North-West University (NWU) on Wednesday, 15 May. The delegation, led by Lieutenant General Ntshavheni Maphaha, the surgeon general of the SANDF, met with Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU. Prof Awie Kotze, the director of Human Movement Sciences, and other senior staff members of the CHHP were among the guests who were present during the visit.

The aim of the visit was to view the new world-class facilities of the NWU CHHP Biokinetics Division, understand the service delivery to military patients at the centre, and strengthen the existing relationship between the NWU and the Department of Defence.

General Maphaha was accompanied by Brigadier General Modikana Langa, the director of Military Health Planning of the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS), Brigadier General Mcebisi Mdutywa, the general officer commanding of the Area Military Health Formation, Brigadier General Magan Govind, director of Ancillary Health of the SAMHS, Brigadier General Gerhard Kamffer, director of the SA Army Reserves, and several senior military officers.

General Maphaha thanked the NWU for having taken care of the military patients for the past forty years. He described the relationship between the two parties as beneficial and hoped it would continue for many more years. “We would like to continue enjoying the benefit that comes with the relationship between the SANDF and the NWU,” said General Maphaha.

In agreement with General Maphaha’s remarks, Prof Tyobeka said the parties should preserve the town by working together to find renewable energy that would fix the electricity crisis in the area. The renewable energy would also be for the use of the NWU, and the army units based in Potchefstroom.

Prof Tyobeka said the collaboration ought to be expanded so the NWU and the larger community could use the SANDF sports facilities to advance sport in Potchefstroom.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka welcoming Surgeon General Ntshavheni Maphaha at the CHHP.

Mr Cor Leijenaar, the manager for Biokinetics at the CHHP, facilitated a tour by walking the delegation through the world-class facilities of the NWU’s CHHP Building.

Brigadier General Gerhard Kamffer, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and Surgeon General Maphaha socialising after the brief memorandum of agreement (MOA) discussion.