OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Extended Army Command Cadre (EACC) 2025 officially commenced at the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn on Sunday 12 October one of the SA Army's distinguished Centres of Excellence.
According to the commanding officer of Oudtshoorn Infantry School, colonel Tiisetso Sekgobela, this four day strategic engagement will take place till 16 October and brings together the army's senior leadership, commanders and key stakeholders under the guiding theme 'Accountability'.
The proceedings of day one began with a warm welcome address by the Oudtshoorn Mayor, Johan Allers, who expressed pride in hosting the South African Army. Allers highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Infantry School and the Oudtshoorn community, praising the army for its role in local development, youth empowerment and national service. He extended a heartfelt gratitude to the chief of the army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha and the leadership cadre for selecting Oudtshoorn as the venue for such an important gathering of minds and leaders.
Mbatha, then delivered his opening remarks, setting a strong and reflective tone for the week ahead. In his speech, Mbatha emphasised that accountability remains the cornerstone of leadership, a principle that sustains trust, discipline, and mission success. He urged all commanders to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in every sphere of their command and conduct.
"Day one also featured presentations from various stakeholders, including the SA Army Foundation, Force Preparation, Modernisation, the Evolving African Battle Space by James Mphahlela Thaba from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Reserve Council Major General (Ret) Gordon Mzwandile Yakelo. These engagements provided strategic insight into the Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership effectiveness, operational excellence, and institutional transformation."
As discussions unfolded, a clear sense of unity and purpose resonated among the delegates. The day closed with a reaffirmation that accountability is not merely a theme; it is a commitment to lead with honour, serve with integrity, and ensure that the South African Army remains a professional and trusted instrument of national security and pride.
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