Egyptian Armed Forces Day Commemorated in Pretoria Amid Calls for Peace in the Middle East
14 October 2025 — The Egyptian Defence Office in South Africa hosted a commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of Egyptian Armed Forces Day in Pretoria on 2 October. The event marked Egypt’s 6 October 1973 military victory across the Suez Canal, a moment of national pride and restored sovereignty that continues to hold deep significance for the Egyptian people.
Colonel Ahmed Abd El Rouf, Egypt’s Defence Attaché to South Africa, opened the ceremony by recalling the determination and sacrifice of the Egyptian Armed Forces during the October War.
“This historic event, etched in the hearts and minds of the Egyptian people, restored our nation's dignity, the pride of the people, and the grandeur of the Egyptian military,” said Colonel Abd El Rouf. He emphasized that Egypt’s military strength is matched by a commitment to peace. “Egypt, which fought to reclaim its land, is also a nation that seeks to achieve peace.”
Colonel Abd El Rouf also highlighted the military’s role in safeguarding national interests and combating terrorism. “The Egyptian Armed Forces remain ever vigilant and capable under all conditions, able to reach the furthest range in the shortest time to secure Egyptian interests despite all current threats,” he said.
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), spoke of the longstanding relationship between Egypt and South Africa, rooted in shared struggles for liberation and self-determination. “It might sound as a rhetoric when I say that our relationship is both historic and continue to flourish in the current contemporary era. But we have empirical data that shows evidence that ours is a relationship forged through the furnace of our people's struggles.”
General Maphwanya detailed several areas of defence cooperation, including training exchanges and participation in multilateral initiatives. “We have also been part of the prestigious exercise Bright Star for the past two years,” he said, referring to the joint military training led by Egypt and the United States, which now includes South African involvement.
He further acknowledged Egypt’s role in supporting African liberation movements during the apartheid era, as well as historic ties between the nations. “Egypt was the first country that President Mandela visited since becoming president of the Republic of South Africa after the end of apartheid.”
While the event focused on historical and bilateral military cooperation, it unfolded against a backdrop of current diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump, who is currently in Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt along with other world leaders, is involved in negotiations aimed at securing a resolution to the Palestinian conflict. Egyptian media have described the talks as a critical phase in what could be a major regional breakthrough.
General Maphwanya alluded to this during his speech: “We salute and celebrate the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of the Egyptian people and primarily the Egyptian armed forces that has been an epitome of freedom for peace loving people of our two regions. As witnessed with what some people may misconstrue by a recent resolve to see resolution of the Palestinian issue.”
The commemoration ended with mutual expressions of commitment to peace, security, and continued cooperation. Both nations reaffirmed their intention to strengthen military and diplomatic ties in support of a secure and stable African continent.
TDS