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R172 million parade — but no lift for a 107-year-old veteran

World War II veteran neglected amid lavish celebration

By Anton van Zyl, Maanda Bele • 25 February 2026
R172 million parade — but no lift for a 107-year-old veteran

South Africa's 107-year-old WWII veteran, William Masindi Sadiki, was overlooked for the national Armed Forces Day celebration despite its R172-million cost. Though invited late, a lack of transport funding meant he couldn't attend. His only wish is a modest indoor toilet.

While thousands gathered in Thohoyandou last Saturday for one of the largest military parades ever held in the region, one of South Africa’s oldest surviving World War II veterans remained at home.

Armed Forces Day, costing taxpayers an estimated R172-million, featured a parade, a flypast by Air Force fighter jets and even an extravagant music festival. President Cyril Ramaphosa, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officials and members of the diplomatic corps attended.

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