Signals Association
About Us
The S.A.C.S. Association was established in 1944, but became non-
Its successor, the SIGNAL’S ASSOCIATION was established at Signals Formation on 7 October 1995 and used to be administered from Signals Formation/CMI Headquarters in Wonderboom, Pretoria, but became dormant around the turn of the Century.
A KZN branch of the Signal’s Association was established in Durban on 25 November 1998, but lasted for only two or so years.
A Western Cape ‘Branch’ of the Signal’s Association was initiated as part of 71 Signal Unit’s ‘Prestige Community Day’ event held at Acacia Park, Goodwood on Saturday, 6 May 2000. However, it was not until Saturday, 2 December 2000 when the Founding Meeting of the association was held, resulting in the Establishment of the ‘SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape)’ on 2 December 2000.
The current SIGNALS ASSOCIATION
Our Association has managed to remain operational strictly in terms of its Constitution ever since 2000 and is the ONLY Veteran Association for Signallers in the country that is registered with the Council for Military Veterans (CMVO), and as such, automatically affiliated with the South African National Military Veterans’ Association (SANMVA).
We were recognized as a Military Veteran Association by the Minister of Defence since 2001.
When the Chairman of the CMVO was unsuccessful in getting the Signallers to establish a national military veteran association we, in Cape Town, went to a lot of effort during 2014 and 2015 to try and revive the original “mother” Signal’s Association in Pretoria. Our Chairman, Robbie Roberts, sent emails and reminders to over 40 former participators of the “mother” Signal’s association, with only 6 of them ever responding. Despite all six of those former members being positive towards reviving the old “mother” association, not a single one of them had the time or capability to become involved.
As the Western Cape branch was the only registered military veteran organisation for Signallers in the country and has been acting strictly in terms of its own Constitution (derived from the original “mother” organisation constitution), it was unanimously decided at an Annual General Meeting of all members to drop the words “(Western Cape)” from our Name, thereby paving the way for us to branch out nationally as time and circumstances permit.
With our Logo/Emblem and Flag formally having been approved and registered with the Department of Military Veterans, our Flag was officially unfolded and displayed at an Historic Handing over of Tradition event held on Sunday, 1 May 2016.
We, therefore, are proud to now display our Flag and other association insignia produced just in time for the aforementioned event and invite all signalers, from wherever they may originate, to join hands with us to ensure a sound and effective national military veteran organisation.
The logo of the ‘Signals Association’ consists of a ‘Wheel’ signifying a rolling/continuing organisation with the image of Mercurius/Mercury (or Jimmy as he is commonly known and/or referred to) as the sign of the South African Corps of Signals (S.A.C.S) and its traditional logo ‘Certa Cito’ (meaning Swift and Sure for fast and accuracy in the transmission of signal messages) and ‘S.A’ for ‘South Africa’ enscripted in the base of the image.
According to Roman Mythology, Mercurius/Mercury was the fleet-
The Colours Green signifies the Land (or Army) forming the Core of the wheel. Adjacent to the green is Light Blue signifying Air (Air Force) and the outer colour Royal Blue for Water (Navy), these colours being in line with the three colours having represented the Corps of Signals over the years, not only in South Africa, but also abroad.
A ‘wreath’ of Protea flowers surround the design so as to depict a ‘national’ image as membership of the Association in terms of its Constitution, is open to any Signaller, not only in the Western Cape. The name of the Association enscripted in the outer blue circle is in White lettering and encompasses a single Disa flower, which is endemic to the Western Cape and Cape Town in particular, being the ‘birth place’ of the Association. The first petal of the Disa flower represents the individual ‘Membership’ of the Association. The second petal represents the Association with all its members as a ‘group’ to create Unity and the third petal is for all Signallers generally, other than those who are members of the Association.
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Constitution
(As Amended and Replaced as Adopted at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on 25 March 2017)
(And as further Amended to comply with Director: Non-
1. NAME
The name of the Association shall be the ‘SIGNALS ASSOCIATION’ [Formally, the ‘SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape), as Established at its Founding Meeting held on 2 December 2000].
1.1 The ‘Head Office’ and Management of the Association shall be located in Cape Town or anywhere within the boundaries of the Cape Peninsula, with any possible future branch offices reporting to, and being answerable to, such ‘Head Office’. The Chairperson and Executive Committee members shall all be resident in or near the ‘Head Office”’.
2. INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS
In this constitution, unless the context requires otherwise -
2.1 words importing one gender includes the other gender;
2.2 the singular includes the plural and vice versa;
2.3 the words below shall have the meanings assigned to them -
2.3.1 “Signals” means any unit, whether past or present, of the South African Corps of Signals (S.A.C.S.), or its successors in title;
2.3.2 “the Association” means the ‘SIGNALS ASSOCIATION’ [Formally, the ‘SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape)’ as Established at its Founding Meeting held on 2 December 2000];
2.3.3 “Committee” or “Management Committee (Manco)” means the Committee established as provided for in Clause 9 hereof;
2.3.4 “Executive Committee (Exco)” means the Committee established as provided for in Clause 10.2 hereof;
2.3.5 “Signaller” means anyone who is or was a member of the S.A.C.S. and includes a “Signaller / Communicator” in the SAMHS, SAAF or SAN;
2.3.6 “S.A.C.S.” means South African Corps of Signals;
2.3.7 “SANDF” means South African National Defence Force.
2.3.8 “President or Association President” means a member of the Association elected at a Annual General Meeting of the Association to act as the honorary ceremonial head of the Association and who is not a member of the Management or Executive Committees. Such person shall serve in such capacity for a period of 3 (three) calendar years, but shall be eligible for re-
3. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Association shall be:
3.1 to unite all Signallers / Communicators all over the country (South Africa) and all over the world, whether they are current and/or former members of the South African Corps of Signals, including the Signals Formation in the South African Army and / or the other Arms of Service (Air Force, Navy, SAMHS) including any Signaller / Communicator who served in the other forces (Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA), uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK), Bophuthatswana Defence Force, Ciskei Defence Force, Transkei Defence Force, and Venda (TBVC) Defence Forces as well as the South African Cape Coloured Corps, which all integrated into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
3.2 to maintain an association of those persons who are or become members of the Association;
3.3 to actively encourage Signallers/Communicators to become members of the Association and partake in activities in order to ensure the continuity of the Association;
3.4 to foster and encourage the continuation of the spirit and traditions of Signals;
3.5 to assist members in obtaining any right or privilege to which they are or should be entitled by reason of membership;
3.6 to affiliate with any organisation having objects similar in part, or in whole, to those of the Association and whether within or outside the Republic of South Africa;
3.7 to receive funds donated to it from any source, and to raise funds for the furthering of the objectives of the association by :
3.7.1 financing or providing for the publication of such journals, magazines or circulars containing matters of interest to members;
3.7.2 subscribing towards any memorial to Signallers’ or the South African National Defence Force of a benevolent or charitable nature;
3.7.3 voluntary contributing to the funds of any unit or branch of the Signals Association;
3.7.4 voluntary donating to any charitable or military veteran association/organisation as may be considered worthy for benefit as determined by the Management Committee;
3.7.5 generally financing the objects of the Association;
3.7.6 making donations to such other organisations as the Committee may deem fit, provided that their activities are beneficial to the association’s members;
3.8 Body corporate:
The Association shall:
-
-
-
In this regard, the Association may acquire and dispose of immovable property, provided that such acquisition or disposal is agreed to by a two-
3.9 Continued existence:
The Association shall continue to exist even when membership changes and there are different office bearers, from time to time.
3.10 Rights in the property or other assets of the Association:
Members or office bearers of the Association will not have any rights over things, objects or property that belong to the Association.
3.11 Powers of the Association:
The Manco may take on the power and authority that it believes it requires to be able to achieve the objectives of the association.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Persons eligible for membership of the Association shall be -
4.1.1 anyone who is or was a Signaller / Communicator in the SANDF;
4.1.2 anyone approved by the Manco, who is or was a member of the South African National Defence Force, other than the S.A.C.S., who is or was attached to the S.A.C.S.;
4.1.3 anyone approved by the Manco who is or was a member of Signals of any other country;
4.1.4 anyone who is or was a Signaller / Communicator in the SAAF, SA Navy or SA Medical and Health Services;
4.1.5 anyone who served as a Signaller / Communicator in any of the other forces (Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA), uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK), Bophuthatswana Defence Force, Ciskei Defence Force, Transkei Defence Force, and Venda (TBVC) Defence Forces as well as the South African Cape Coloured Corps, which all integrated into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
4.1.6 anyone approved by the Manco who is or was associated with Communications, whether by means of radio or otherwise, and who has a distinct interest or shows a distinct interest in the Signals “Industry” in a military and/or military veteran context”.
4.2 Friend of the Association Status – ‘Friend of the Association’ status may be granted to anyone approved by the Manco who has or is rendering dedicated and loyal service to the Association and shows a keen and distinct interest in the affairs of the Association on a regular basis, irrespective of whether, or not, such person has or is a member of Signals in a military and/or military veteran context. A person who is awarded such status shall have no special privileges other than to be known as a ‘Friend of the Association’ and be entitled to wear the official lapel badge (logo) of the Association. Such person shall not be required to pay any subscription, except on a voluntary basis and shall not automatically be entitled to any benefits, other than as may be approved by the Manco.
4.3 A person eligible for membership, wishing to apply for membership, shall do so in writing as per application form as approved of by the Manco from time to time.
4.4 The Name and personal particulars of an Applicant for membership, if received and accepted by the Manco, shall be added to the National Nominal Roll of all members, and that of the branch to which he/she belong.
4.5 Membership shall cease on the death or written resignation of a member or if he is expelled by the Manco, after he has committed any act of a disgraceful or reprehensible nature, which is unworthy of a Signaller, provided that no such expulsion shall take place until the Exco has enquired into the matter, after giving the member concerned, if he so wishes, an opportunity of being heard. The Exco may appoint a special sub-
5. CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Companies which have been actively involved in the assistance of the S.A.C.S. or the Association, may be invited, subject to the approval of the Manco, to become Corporate members.
6. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Anyone elected as an Honorary Member with the approval of the Manco, shall become a member of the Association.
7. ENTRANCE FEE AND ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
7.1 A person applying for membership of the Association shall remit the prescribed entrance fee, as determined and annually reviewed by the Manco, with his application.
7.2 At the beginning of each financial year the Manco shall determine the amount of the annual subscription for the ensuing year and shall notify the Members. The Manco shall be responsible for the collection of the subscriptions. Pro rata subscription fees, calculated from the first day of the month in which membership commences, may be payable for a part of the financial year.
7.3 Honorary Members shall not be required to pay any annual subscription except on a voluntary basis.
8. FOUNDER MEMBERS
Any person eligible of being a member who was present at the founding meeting of the Association (2 December 2000), will be known as a FOUNDER MEMBER. Such founder members shall have no special privileges other than to be known as founder members. A nominal roll of founder members is to be displayed in the Headquarters of the Association.
9. COMMITTEE(S)
9.1 The Association and its affairs shall be administered generally by a Management Committee (Manco)
9.2 The Manco shall, during the periods between Annual General Meetings of the Association, and subject to this Constitution and the general direction of the Association, have full power to manage all the affairs of the Association.
9.3 The Manco shall appoint an Auditor(s) or Accounting Officer or other professionally qualified officials as it shall deem necessary on such terms as it shall regard fit for the audit of the books and / or Report on the financial statements of the Association.
10. CONSTITUTION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (MANCO)
10.1 The Manco shall consist of an -
10.1.1 Chairperson,
10.1.2 Vice -
10.1.3 Secretary or Secretary General (SG),
10.1.4 Treasurer,
10.1.5 Public Relations Officer; and
10.1.6 Five (5) Ordinary Manco Members consisting of other Members appointed at an AGM each year, and co-
10.2 Executive Committee (Exco), consisting of the –
10.2.1 Chairperson,
10.2.2 Vice -
10.2.3 Secretary or Secretary General (SG),
10.2.4 Treasurer,
10.2.5 Public Relations Officer
10.3 If a holder of any of these offices becomes deceased, resigns, is removed from the Manco, is convicted of any crime involving imprisonment with or without the option of a fine, or if his estate is surrendered or finally sequestrated as insolvent, his office shall be declared vacant.
10.4 The election of the Chairperson and other Manco members, excluding those member(s) co-
10.5 Members of the Manco shall receive no remuneration, but may be reimbursed reasonable and proven out-
10.6 The office of the Association shall be situated at a location to be decided by the Manco.
11. MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCO) AND/OR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (MANCO)
11.1 Manco meetings shall be held as and when decided by the Chairperson, at least once annually.
11.2 Special meetings may be summoned by the Chairperson by notice of at least 7 (seven) days in advance.
11.3 Exco Meetings may be summoned by the Chairperson at any time if and when deemed necessary in the opinion of the Chairperson.
11.4 The Chairperson or in his absence the Vice -
11.5 Voting
11.5.1 Each member present shall have ONE vote.
11.5.2 The Chairperson shall have a casting vote in addition to any vote or votes he/she may have.
11.6 Quorum
11.6.1 The Quorum for all meetings of the Executive Committee shall be 3 (three) of those 5 (five) members of the Exco. Committee.
11.6.2 The Quorum for all meetings of the Manco shall be 4 (four) of the 10 (ten) members of the Manco.
11.6.3 If at any time, date and place appointed for the meeting, no quorum is present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to a date and time at the same place, if available or otherwise at a date, time and place to be fixed by the Chairperson which shall be notified to the Manco or Exco members, as may be applicable, at that time and place and on that date, those present shall constitute the quorum.
11.7 Agenda and Minutes
11.7.1 The business of the Exco and/or Manco shall be dealt with/considered by means of an Agenda, which shall be sent to members’ last known e-
11.7.3 Any matter of which a Member has given not less than 14 (fourteen) days’ notice
11.7.4 Any nominations of members to be elected as Honorary Members of the Association provided that :
11.7.4.1 Persons nominated as Honorary Members shall be such as to have rendered meritorious service to the S.A.C.S., or to the Association.
11.7.4.2 Anyone who through meritorious service is deemed worthy of the honour may be elected as an Honorary Member.
11.7.4.3 No nomination shall be considered by the Manco unless it shall have been accepted by the nominee.
11.7.4.4 If an Honorary Member passes away, resigns, is convicted of any crime involving imprisonment with or without the option of a fine or if his estate is surrendered or finally sequestrated as insolvent, his membership shall be terminated.
11.7.5 Such other business as two thirds of those present shall agree to allow to be brought up for discussion or decision or both.
12. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGM)
12.1 An annual general meeting (AGM) will be held by not later than 30 June of each year.
12.2 The Quorum for all Annual General Meetings of the Association shall be at least ten (10) members who shall all be in good standing and who shall be present at the appointed place, date and time as notified by the Manco to the member’s last known e-
12.2.1 Should a representative not be able to attend the meeting he/she may lodge a written proxy in favour of a representative who will attend the meeting, which must be lodged with the Chairperson at least 1 hour prior to the commencement of the meeting, and which must be expressed in general terms in favour of the proxy, without limiting the proxy's vote on any particular issue.
12.3 The business of the Annual General Meeting of the Association shall be dealt by an agenda, which shall be sent to members’ last known e-
12.3.1 Any matter of which the Manco or Exco has given notice either for discussion or decision or both.
12.3.2 Any matter of which a Member has given not less than 14 (fourteen) days’ notice.
12.3.3 The election of Honorary Members of the Association as proposed by the Manco.
12.3.4. The Adoption of the Annual Financial Statements of the Association.
13. FINANCE
13.1 The Funds of the Association shall be managed, invested, applied and administered by the Manco subject to the general direction of the Association.
13.2 The Funds of the Association shall be managed, invested, applied and administered by the Manco subject to the general direction of the Association, as per an approved budget and subject to the restriction that any extraordinary expenditure, as prescribed at an AGM from time to time, will require a two-
13.3 All non-
13.4 Cheques or orders for withdrawal of moneys shall be signed by any two of three authorised Manco Members one of whom should preferably be the Chairperson or Vice-
13.5 Despite the provisions of sub-
13.6 The financial year of the Association shall end on the last day of December each year.
13.7 The Treasurer shall keep accounting records which shall be audited or reported on in accordance with Clause 9.3 of this Constitution and which shall be presented at an annual general meeting of the Association for adoption.
13.8 The financial statements will be available to members.
13.9 Should the Annual Financial Statements, for any reason, not have been audited by the date and time of the Annual General Meeting of the Association, then such Financial Statements shall be adopted at the first Manco meeting, at which a quorum is present in accordance with Clause 11.6 of this Constitution, following such Annual General Meeting.
14. AMENDMENTS
14.1 Any amendments, addition or deletion to this Constitution may be made at any duly convened Annual General Meeting of the Association, provided that notice has been given of the terms of such amendment, addition or deletion in the same manner and at or before the same time as the notice convening the meeting and provided further, notwithstanding anything herein before prescribed, that in the event of there being a division in the voting, no amendment, addition or deletion shall be made, unless agreed to by a two-
14.2 Domestic rules may be drawn up and amended by the Manco.
15. DISSOLUTION
In the event of the Association ceasing to exist for any reason whatsoever, its assets and funds shall, at the discretion of the Manco, be donated to any deserving institution or organisation.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
This Original and First Constitution of the Association was APPROVED and signed at the Founding Meeting of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape) held at Acasia Park Military Base on the 2nd day of December 2000 by the following Office Bearers at the time:
JOHAN DE VILLIERS (Chairman);
JAMES TIMONEY (Vice-
WILLIAM ALEXANDER ROBERTS (Secretary)
This Amended and Second Constitution of the Association was APPROVED and signed at a duly constituted Annual General Meeting of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION held at Fort iKapa Military Base, Goodwood, Cape Town on the 25th day of March 2017 and REPLACES the Original and First Constitution of the Association dated 2 December 2000.
This Amended and Second Constitution of the Association was APPROVED and signed at a duly constituted Annual General Meeting of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION held at Fort iKapa Military Base, Goodwood, Cape Town on the 25th day of March 2017 and REPLACES the Original and First Constitution of the Association dated 2 December 2000.
CHAIRPERSON (William Alexander Roberts)
VICE-
SECRETARY/SECRETARY GENERAL (SG) (Howard Joshua Shagom)
As Amended (to comply with Director: NonProfit Organisations requirements) APPROVED and signed at a duly constituted Annual General Meeting of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION held at Fort iKapa Military Base, Goodwood, Cape Town on the 23rd day of June 2018.
CHAIRPERSON (William Alexander Roberts)
VICE-
SECRETARY/SECRETARY GENERAL (SG) (Howard Joshua Shagom)
Domestic Rules
(As Amended at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on 9 March 2002)
1. SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES
1.1 Although the Constitution makes provision for the objectives of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape), it is necessary to have short term objectives (sub-
1.2 To promote a feeling of association among all serving signallers, all ex-
1.3 To establish a sound administrative system for the Association.
1.4 To ensure that the financial administration is based on sound financial practice and principles.
1.5 To register as a Fundraiser and Welfare Organisation.
1.6 To affiliate to the Council of Military Veterans Organisation.
1.7 To affiliate to any established signals/communications association.
1.8 To design, develop and have manufactured heraldically approved insignia for the Association.
2. MEMBERSHIP FEES
2.1 All members of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION are liable to pay membership fees. The membership fees will provide the Association with the necessary capital as to enable it to administer the Association professionally. The membership fees are as follows:
Initial entrance fee: Voluntary contribution. Details of the Voluntary Initial Entrance Fees contributed by the Founder Members have been included in the Minutes of the Founding Meeting of the Association held on 2 December 2000.
Annual subscription fee: The annual subscription fee shall be by means of voluntary donations until such time as decided otherwise at an Annual General Meeting following a recommendation by the Committee.
2.2 Corporate Members will pay an annual membership fee as negotiated with the Committee, which will entitle that organisation to one vote at meetings and at the Annual General Meeting and to nominate up to three persons to represent such corporate member during that particular year.
2.3 The membership fees will be reviewed annually by the COMMITTEE but will not be increased by more than the annual inflation rate on a year to year basis.
2.4 Founder Members are liable only for a once off Voluntary amount of at least R20,00 which will take care of the Annual Subscription Fee for the first year (i.e. 2001).
2.5 Membership Fees are due and payable on the 1st of January of each and every year.
3 FINANCIAL CONTROL : EMPLOYMENT OF ASSETS
3.1 The COMMITTEE must ensure that the funds of the Association are employed to the advantage of the members as described in the objectives of the Association. The responsibilities of the Committee imply that:
3.2 Any funds available may be invested or re-
3.3 A building which may serve as Headquarters of the association may be acquired by means of a donation, deed of sale, loan, rent, etc.
3.4 Any movable assets of the Association may be sold by means of public auction, public tender or a private transaction, with the approval of the Committee.
3.5 Members who are likely to incur travel and accommodation claims may claim them back from the association with the necessary invoices. The authority of the Committee is needed prior to the trip.
3.6 Moveable and immovable property must be insured against theft, loss or damage against fire, natural disaster and public lawlessness.
4. THE EXECUTIVE (DAGBESTUUR)
4.1 The Committee shall appoint their own executives to handle the day to day administration of the Association.
4.2 The EXECUTIVE shall meet when required and at the discretion of the Chairperson.
5. MEETING PROCEDURE
5.1 The standard meeting procedure will be used for all Association matters.
5.2 When the number of votes are tied with regard to a certain motion or amendment, the Chairperson has a casting vote, but is not forced to exercise it. In the event of him/her not exercising his/her casting vote, the motion / amendment will be regarded as rejected.
6. FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS
The Committee meetings are to be held as frequently as deemed necessary by the Chairperson.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
These DOMESTIC RULES of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape) were APPROVED at the Founding Meeting of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape) held at Acasia Park Military Base on the 2nd day of December 2000.
Association Dress & Memorabilia
Association Tie
Our brand new Tie has been received from the manufacturers (House of Monatic) and is now available for purchase.
The cost is R250 which is a cent above what we paid for it.
Although R250 may sound a lot the tie is of good quality an similar in design and quality as the WP Rugby tie which, currently is out of stock but, I believe from the manufacturers, will retail well above our price of R250.00.
We only have 40 in stock, so if you are interested in obtaining one of these ties, I suggest you email me soonest as we expect these will be sought after by not only members, but also by collectors.
The cost of R250.00 must be paid directly into the association's bank account, details of which are as follows (notify me once paid):
ABSA Bank
Account Name : SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (Western Cape)
Savings Account No : 92 7873 0595
Branch Code : 632005
Structure
Founder Members
DE VILLIERS
Johannes Hendrik
(Johan)
DE VILLIERS
Marthinus Christian
(Chris)
DU PLOOY
Abraham Isak
(Braam)
FORCIOLI
Michael George
FOURIE
Pierre Johan
JOHNSON
Johannes Jacobus
(Johan)
JORDAAN
Petrus Johannes
(Piet)
KRÜGER
Johan Daniel
(J.D.)
LONGBOTTOM
Peter
ROBERTS
William Alexander
(Robbie)
ROSSOUW
Pieter Jacobus
SAMUELS
Edon
(Sammy)
SOLOMON
Jerome Leslie
VAN STADEN
Hendrik Petrus
(H.P.)
STANDER
Barend Nicholaas Daniel
(Nico)
TIMONEY
James
Honorary Members
HOLLOWAY
Charles Daniel
(27/03/2006)
The following 11 members have been granted Honorary Status at an AGM since date of inception of the Association in terms of the provisions of the Association’s Constitution. The date in brackets reflects date of becoming an Honorary Member of the Association (Photographs in alphabetical sequence).
DE VILLIERS
Johannes Hendrik (Johan)
(19/03/2012)
DE VILLIERS
Marthinus Christian (Chris)
(19/03/2012)
FOURIE
Pierre Johan
(22/03/2014)
IRELAND
Sydney Thomas
(19/03/2012)
JELLIMAN
Denis
(25/03/2017)
JORDAAN
Petrus Johannes (Piet)
(22/03/2014)
JOHNSON
Johannes Jacobus (Johan)
(22/03/2014)
ROBERTS
William Alexander (Robbie)
(19/03/2012)
VAN DER MERWE
Willie
(22/03/2014)
SHAGOM
Howard Joshua
(22/03/2014)
TIMONEY
James
(27/03/2006)
Management Committee (MANCO)
ROBERTS
William Alexander (Robbie)
CHAIRMAN
(Exco)
BEKKER
Wilna
TREASURER
(Exco)
JORDAAN
Petrus Johannes (Piet)
VICE-
(Exco)
SHAGOM
Howard Leslie
SECRETARY GENERAL
(Exco)
FOURIE
Pierre Johan
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (Exco)
Executive Committee (Exco)
DE VRIES
Alfred
MEMBER
LASKEY
William Geoffrey (Geoff)
MEMBER
GOODLESER
Marc Leon
MEMBER
(Co-
RHODE
Fahmy
MEMBER
VAN DER MERWE
Willie
MEMBER
SCHMIDT
Carl
MEMBER
SMUTS
Johan
MEMBER
(Co-
ROBERTSON
Ian
MEMBER
(Co-
Management Committee (Manco)
Past and Present Chairmen
Johan de Villiers - 1st Chairman 02/12/2000 to 29/03/2005
(Member of 3 Signal Squadron and South Africa’s last Postmaster General)
Johannes Hendrik (Johan) de Villiers was born on a farm near Riviersonderend in the Southern Cape on 8th October 1931 and went to school at nearby Napier. After completing matric in 1948 he joined the old Department of Posts and Telecommunications and then enrolled at UNISA where he attained the degrees BA and BCom Hons. He worked in the Post Office as the Department was then called until his retirement on 31st October 1991 as the last serving Postmaster General of the Republic of South Africa. The Department was thereafter transformed into two separate companies namely SA Post Office Ltd and Telkom SA Ltd.
Johan underwent his compulsory military training in 3 Signal Squadron at Youngsfield from 1949 to 1952 of which Major DMC Johnson was then the commanding officer. Johan fondly remembers that basic military service was rather dull and boring at the time with nothing serious threatening our borders. For example, on a Saturday afternoon the troopies would much rather listen to horse racing on their field radios than practising the real use of the instruments.
Johan is married to Marié and the couple lives in Hermanus. He has three married children and nine grandchildren.
Pierre Fourie -
Pierre Johan Fourie was born in the little town of Elliot in the Eastern Cape on 11 December 1951. He started his schooling at De Vos Malan in King Williams Town and also matriculated there in 1970.
He commenced his basic military training at 1 Signal Regiment, Pretoria on 7 July 1971 and a few days later, on 26 July, transferred to the School of Signals on instructor’s course where he served until 16 June 1972.
Thereafter, he was transferred to 7 Signal Squadron, Pretoria on 31 October 1972, to 202 Signal Squadron in Port Elizabeth on 31 September 1975, where after he was further transferred to Northern Transvaal Command Signal Unit on 9 March 1976 and finally to Western Province Signal Unit on 1 January 1989.
Pierre did border duty from 9 June 1980 for three months and was thus awarded the Pro Patria Medal. On 1 December 1989 he was awarded his 10 year Good Service Medal. Pierre joined 71 Signal Unit on 30 March 1995 where he is still serving. He was awarded his 20 year Good Service Medal on 14 April 2015.
Pierre is a very active and dedicated member of the Management Committee of the Signals Association. He also currently serves on the Warrant Officers’ Association of the Western Cape and on the Management Committee of the SA Legion.
He has been married to Ramona for the past 40 years and they have a 33 year old son Charl who is a keen Photographer working a Digital Strategist for an IT company.
Robbie Roberts -
William Alexander (Robbie) Roberts was born in Parow on 16 February 1947. He left school at the end of 1962 and started working at the Department of Posts and Telecommunications at the beginning of 1963 whist studying part-
In order to return to Cape Town from Pretoria where he served in the office of the Postmaster General, he left the services of the Department of Posts and Telecommunications in 1969, where after he joined Chrysler Motor Company in Cape Town. When Chrysler decided to relocate to Pretoria, Robbie joined Markhams Clothing Retail Company as a credit manager.
In January 1976 he commenced employment with the Industrial Council for the Cape Clothing Manufacturing Industry where he worked his way up the ladder to eventually become the National General Secretary (CEO) of the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry in South Africa. He retired on 30 June 2005 after more than 30 years’ service.
With regard to Robbie’s military background, he underwent his basic military training at 1 Signal Regiment in Voortrekkerhoogte in 1965. He progressed through the ranks, first to Corporal, then Sergeant, later Staff Sergeant before he became Warrant Officer in the NCO ranks. He then accepted Commission as a Lieutenant, later Captain, thereafter Major and eventually Lieutenant Colonel, which rank he held until he retired as Officer Commanding of 71 Signal Unit (the subsequent name change of 3 Signal Squadron) on 31 May 2005. He served for a total of 40 years in the Military including serving as the Officer Commanding of the Unit for the last ten years before he retired.
Robbie has been awarded the Pro Patria Medal, the Johan Chard Medal for 12 years’ service, the John Chard Decoration for 20 years’ service and the Bar thereto for 30 years’ service. He was also awarded the Military Merit Medal and the Southern Cross Medal which is granted to officers of the SANDF who have delivered exceptional meritorious service and particular devotion to duty.
Objectives
The objectives of the SIGNALS ASSOCIATION are -
- to maintain an association of those persons who are or become members of the Association;
- to actively encourage Signallers/Communicators to become members of the Association and partake in activities in order to ensure the continuity of the Association;
- to foster and encourage the continuation of the spirit and traditions of Signals;
- to assist members in obtaining any right or privilege to which they are or should be entitled by reason of membership;
- to affiliate with any organisation having objects similar in part, or in whole, to those of the Association and whether within or outside the Republic of South Africa;
- to receive funds donated to it from any source, and to raise funds for the furthering of the objectives of the association.
The Values of the Signal Association are; (“CLEAR”)
Camaraderie: Understanding the importance of working together, respecting fellow members and their families and encouraging social cohesion
Leadership: Management to plan, organise and lead by example so as to achieve our objectives and to strive for organisational creativity and adaptability
Ethics: Respect all military veterans and their organisations and adhere to ethical and professional standards
Accountability: Be responsible for decisions taken and the consequences thereof
Responsiveness: To maintain ceremonial and memorial standards and preserve heritage for future generations
Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Signals Association is: To create camaraderie amongst former and serving signallers and to support, promote, preserve and maintain the Corps of Signals traditions and promote a spirit of remembrance.
Vision Statement:
The Vision of the Signals Association is to: To be the most influential, effective and efficient military veterans’ organisation for former and serving Signallers.
History
This page contains stories and articles relating to the South African Corps of Signals and other articles of military interest.
This page will be updated frequently, so remember to bookmark it and visit it often. To view an article merely left click on the link below.
Establishment of the South African Corps of Signals
An article by Dr. Brian Austin, a former member of the S.A.C.S who now lives in England. Dr. Austin writes about how the Corps was established as well as how the Corps badge was given the nickname of ‘Jimmy’
Victory in Europe
An article extracted from the Sunday Times ‘Section 3’ on 7 May 1995 regarding the 50th anniversary of the Victory in Europe.
About the 3rd Brigade Signals Reunion Association
In 1946 Charles Holloway decided to interest a few of his ex-comrades in arms of the 3rd Brigade Signal Company in forming a reunion association. They met for the next 70 years - something of a record.
End of an era
Background and Messages from the last Chairman of the 3rd Brigade Signal Company Reunion Association as presented at the Historic Handing Over of Tradition Event held at the Italian club of Cape Town on Sunday, 1 May 2016. As well as messages from the other two remaining members and a message from the Chairman of the Signals Association.
Affiliated Associations/Organisations
The SIGNALS ASSOCIATION is proud to be affiliated to the following Organisation:
Council for Military Veterans Organisation (CMVO)