Arrival

Arrival under traditional water jets

At the same time as her arrival, Operation Altasur VII took place in South African waters.  On the night of the 21st of May 2008, the SAS QUEEN MODJADJI I took part in a naval exercise in the area between Saldanha Bay and Simonstown.  According to reports the vessel and crew did an outstanding job and passed with honours. 

The morning of 22nd of May saw the SAS QUEEN MODJADJI I entering False Bay, leading a 9 ship armada, including the SAS Charlotte Maxeke, SAS Amatola, SAS Isandlwana, SAS Drakensberg as well as vessels from Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.  Members of the press were taken out to sea onboard the harbour tug SAS Umthloti.  At precisely 9 o’clock the formation broke and the SAS QUEEN MODJADJI I and SAS Charlotte Maxeke sailed alongside each other for photo opportunities.  The tug returned to Simonstown, leaving behind the 2 submarines.  In the mean time, the 10 remaining vessels lined up, line astern to welcome the new submarine home.  Another two tugs went out to the harbour mouth and with the SAS Umthloti welcomed the submarine home with the traditional spray of water jets while a 19 gun salute marked the occasion in history. The submarine was gently pushed towards the harbour wall before being moored.  

Re-united - its been 5 months

There was great excitement as friends and families of the crew eagerly waited to be re-united after a five month absence from home.  The crew then formed up to each receive a commemorative medal from the Minister of Defence, H.E. Mr Mosiuoa Lekota. The usual formalities took place with the Minister of Defence outlining the importance of the 3 submarines in the South African Navy.  After receiving the official Delivery Protocol, the submarine was welcomed into service by Constance Lathene – a traditional African women praise singer while five descendants of Queen MODJADJI looked on.