08/09/2026
Change of command marks a new chapter for South African Military Health Service leadership.
On 4 September 2026, the Surgeon General Change of Command Parade took place at the Pretoria Military Sports Club in Thaba Tshwane. During the formal parade, the outgoing Surgeon General of the South African Military Health Service, Lieutenant General N.P. Maphaha, officially handed over command to the incoming Surgeon General, Lieutenant General M.N.R. Skosana.
The parade commenced with a prayer and scripture reading by the Chaplain General of the South African National Defence Force, Brigadier General (Father) E.T. Masweu, who read from Luke 5:17: “One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.”
Speaking on leadership, Brigadier General Masweu said leadership is about servanthood rather than the pursuit of power or personal status. He said true leadership is rooted in humility and seeks to put the interests of others first, with Jesus as the perfect example.
Brigadier General Masweu commended Lieutenant General Maphaha for his excellent and faithful service. Addressing the incoming Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Skosana, he said his new appointment was ordained by God and not by people, adding that the best way to show gratitude to God is by caring for His flock. In closing, he prayed that God would be with both the outgoing and incoming Surgeon Generals as they begin their respective new chapters and reminded them to remain humble.
Reflecting on his service in the military, the outgoing Surgeon General, Lieutenant General N.P. Maphaha, noted that every chapter of his career had served as a reminder that service is greater than self.
He expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, stating that a military career is not an individual journey. Addressing the incoming Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Skosana, he emphasised that he cannot lead South African Military Health Service alone, but will lead it together with members of the organisation across all ranks.
“Continue to serve and protect the dignity of others. Remember that behind the uniform is a human being whose life matters,” he added.
Lieutenant General Maphaha concluded by saying that he leaves with no regrets, but rather with gratitude for the opportunity to have served the Republic of South Africa in uniform. He stated that the greatest privilege one can receive is the privilege to serve.
The parade concluded with a march-past by members of South African Military Health Service, followed by a ceremony during which the sword of command was handed over and pledges were read.
📝Article and 📸photographs by Mihlali Matiwane || Chaplains Service Division.
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