City honours military units with Freedom of Entry Parade

23 September 2023

Today, the City held a parade at the City Hall to confer the Freedom of Entry to military units that have a long history of outstanding service and dedication to the City of Cape Town. 

The Freedom of Entry is regulated by the City Council's Conferment of Civic Honours Policy.

 It is an acknowledgment of outstanding service rendered by a military unit to the City of Cape Town and the Republic of South Africa.

 Since 1967, the City of Cape Town and its predecessor municipalities have granted Freedom of Entry to 16 military units.

 The following units, comprising both regular and reserve forces, were honoured at the parade:

• Nelson Mandela Regiment, formerly the Cape Field Artillery
• Cape Town Highlanders

• Chief Langalibalele Rifles, formerly the Cape Town Rifles
• South African Navy
• 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment/ Artillery Air Defence School
• Autshumato Anti-Aircraft Regiment, formerly the Cape Garrison Artillery
• 35 Squadron SA Air Force
• 22 Squadron SA Air Force
• Gen Jan Smuts Regiment, formerly Regiment Westelike Provinsie
• Air Force Base Ysterplaat
• Nine South African Infantry Battalion
• Three Medical Battalion Group
  
   The City has a proud tradition of acknowledging military units that played a role in the diverse and rich history of  Cape Town and hosts various parades to honour those who contributed to making Cape Town a world class city.
  
   By receiving the Freedom of Entry, military units have the honour and distinction of marching through the streets of Cape Town on ceremonial occasions.
  
   'Today, the award is a ceremonial honour, bestowed upon a unit with historic ties to an area, as a token of appreciation for their long and dedicated service. It is an affirmation of the bond between a military unit and a city's citizenry. On behalf of the council of the City of Cape Town, I am honoured to reaffirm these units right to exercise your "Freedom of Entry to the City". It is a matter of pride that we, as a City, are able to provide the opportunities for our residents to see those that are there to protect us in times of need. We would like to thank all those regiments who participated for their contribution towards building Cape Town's legacy of being an inclusive city of hope and opportunities,' said Alderman Ian Neilson.
  
   End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office