Revitalized Rides: SA Army Vehicle Restoration

Key Takeaways

• The South African Army is making significant progress in returning hundreds of combat and logistics vehicles to service, with a focus on self-reliance and refurbishing its own spares.
• The 101 Field Workshop at the Combat Training Centre is playing a crucial role in this effort, with technicians working to repair and maintain prime mission equipment, including Ratels and other vehicles.
• The SA Army has established five regional workshops around the country to ensure the Army remains mobile and has made significant strides in refurbishing vehicles, with over 100 Ratels refurbished since August last year.
• A project to convert trailers into accommodation for deployed soldiers is also underway, with dozens of trailers already converted and put into service.
• The SA Army is working to secure a supply of spares and has been assisted by technicians from Cuba, who have helped to fix software issues and built driving simulators for the Army.

Introduction to the Vehicle Resuscitation Project
The South African Army is making great strides in returning hundreds of combat and logistics vehicles to service, with the 101 Field Workshop at the Army’s Combat Training Centre (CTC) playing a key role in this effort. The workshop is bringing Ratels and other vehicles back to life, and converting trailers to accommodation for deployed soldiers as an upgrade over tents. This project is part of the Modern Light Brigade initiative, which aims to make the Army more self-reliant and efficient. According to Acting Officer Commanding 101 Field Workshop, Major C Motau, the unit’s main task is to repair and maintain all prime mission equipment (PME), particularly for deployments and exercises like Vuk’uhlome.

The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance
Exercises like Vuk’uhlome can put a strain on vehicles, but thanks to the hard work of technicians at 101 Field Workshop, serviceability has been at around 90% this month. Technicians have been working for months to ensure enough vehicles are serviceable, and have been assisted by counterparts from Cuba. The Cubans have been particularly skilled in resolving software issues and have helped to fix cranes, amongst other equipment. They have also built four driving simulators for the SA Army, which will help to improve the skills of drivers and reduce the risk of accidents. The SA Army is also refurbishing its own spares to help ease the burden of securing a supply of spare parts, with much of this work being done in Pretoria.

The Role of 101 Field Workshop
The 101 Field Workshop is a key part of the SA Army’s efforts to return vehicles to service, and has been working tirelessly to refurbish and maintain a range of equipment, including Ratels, G5 and G6 howitzers, Military Health Service equipment, and other hardware. Since August last year, over 100 Ratels have been refurbished, and dozens more are in the process of being overhauled or getting ready for overhaul. This includes servicing mechanical components, replacing anything that is defective, and repainting the vehicle from brown to camouflage. The workshop is also rehabilitating other equipment, including trailers, which are being converted into accommodation for deployed soldiers. This project is not only improving the welfare of troops but also saving accommodation costs.

The Trailer Conversion Project
The project to convert trailers into accommodation for deployed soldiers is a significant undertaking, with dozens of trailers already converted and put into service. The trailers, which were originally acquired decades ago, are being repainted, re-equipped, and having their brakes, suspension, and other components refurbished. Each trailer is being fitted with either four, six, or eight beds, as well as a fridge, microwave, and stove. This project began in 2022, and has already made a significant impact on the welfare of troops. The converted trailers provide a comfortable and secure place for soldiers to rest and relax, and are a significant upgrade over tents. The project is also saving the SA Army accommodation costs, which can be significant, especially during long deployments.

The Future of the SA Army
The SA Army is working to establish itself as a modern and efficient force, and the vehicle resuscitation project is a key part of this effort. The Army has established five regional workshops around the country, which will help to ensure that the Army remains mobile and effective. The SA Army is also working to secure a supply of spares, and has been assisted by technicians from Cuba. The Army is refurbishing its own spares, which will help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The aim of the vehicle resuscitation project is to help "bring back the glory days" of the SANDF, and to establish the SA Army as a modern and effective force. With the help of 101 Field Workshop and other units, the SA Army is making significant progress towards this goal, and is well on its way to becoming a more self-reliant and efficient force.