Chairman’ Message: August 2023

Chairman’s Message: October 2025

Where have the years gone? Where has this year gone, as we now approach Christmas and the end of 2025? Thank you for reading my message.

Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and close friends of a great friend and colleague, Veteran Godfrey John Giles MMM JCD. Very sadly, Godfrey passed to higher service on Wednesday morning (South African time), the 16 th October, 2025. May he rest in peace.

He and I worked very closely from an administrative point of view, with me welcoming every new member on behalf of SAMVO, and Godfrey, doing the same, on behalf of SAMVOZA. From there he administered SAMVOZA members, and handled all other business on behalf of our other Veterans around the world, which required localised support in dealing with SANDF in Pretoria. There was no man more dedicated to doing things in a timely and correct way than Godfrey. He brought in so many positive changes and improvements, and his reach within military and veteran circles was amazing. He introduced Membership Certificates, which was important to many of our Namibian Veterans, who just wanted to be recognised as veterans.

I am sure that Veteran Colin Bowring MMM, our SAMVOZA Zone Chairperson, will miss Godfrey, who often accompanied him to Memorial Services and military events.

SAMVO, has been extremely busy, and I am very please to say, that, up to this point, we have had 2,767 members join this year. Most have been from Namibia, where we now have 2,483 members, of which 2,209 joined YTD. Much of this can be attributed to Godfrey, who was a strong advocate for our black colleagues to join and become recognised as Veterans. To date, I understand that the Namibian government has failed in this.

I know it is a bit early, but may I wish you all a very merry, and blessed Christmas, and a happy New Year, and may 2025 bring you much joy and happiness, filled with new adventures and good fortunes.

Best Veteran regards,
Tony.
Veteran Tony Macquet MMM