SANDF invites the community to join Armed Forces Day 2026 celebrations in Thohoyandou. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Thohoyandou – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has warned residents of Thohoyandou, the Thulamela Local Municipality, and surrounding areas to expect road closures and increased noise as the country prepares for the 2026 Armed Forces Day celebrations. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 21 February, along the R524 Punda Maria Road near Thavhani Mall.
In preparation for the parade and related military activities, certain roads and access routes in Thohoyandou will be closed to traffic during rehearsals from 19 to 20 February and on the official celebration day.
Routes / Roads Time of Closure Dates Applicable
| Routes / Roads | Time of Closure | Dates Applicable | |
| 1 | R524 at Zwikwengani Junction | 15h00 until 17h00 04h00 until 06h00 | 19 to 20 Feb 26 21 Feb 26 |
| 2 | R524 at Shayandima Traffic Light | 15h00 until 18h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 3 | R524 at Maungani Junction | 15h00 until 18h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 4 | R524 at Sasol Traffic Circle | 15h00 until 20h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 5 | R524 at Thavhani Mall Traffic Circle | 15h00 until 20h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 6 | R524 at Acacia Traffic Circle (Builders) | 15h00 until 20h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 7 | R524 at Lukoto (Left) | 18h30 until 20h00 11h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 8 | Game Traffic Circle | 17h30 until 20h00 09h00 until 10h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 9 | Astron / Caltex Garage | 15h00 until 18h00 04h00 until 10h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 10 | Premier Hotel Stop Sign | 18h30 until 20h00 04h00 until 12h00 | 19 Feb 26 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
Communities and residents affected by the closures are advised to use designated alternative routes to reach their destinations safely.
| Closed Routes / Roads | Alternative Route(s) | Dates Applicable | |
| 1 | R524 at Tshisaulu Traffic Light | Duthuni via Sibasa to Thohoyandou | 19 to 20 Feb 26 and 21 Feb 26 |
| 2 | R524 at Shayandima Traffic Light | Shayandima via Muledane to Thohoyandou | 19 Feb 26, 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 3 | R524 at Maungani Junction | Maungani via Ngovhela to Thohoyandou | 19 Feb 26, 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 4 | R524 at Phangami Mall Junction | Phangani Junction via Maniini / Block G to Thohoyandou | 19 Feb 26, 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 5 | Premier Hotel Junction | Maniini via Lukoto Robot / Phangami Mall Junction | 19 Feb 26, 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
| 6 | R524 at Lokoto (right) | Thohoyandou via Block F | 19 Feb 26, 20 & 21 Feb 26 |
Armed Forces Day serves a dual purpose: honouring men and women currently serving in uniform while remembering the roughly 600 soldiers who lost their lives during the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917. “It is a deeply sombre, yet prideful occasion, balancing the modern excellence of the SANDF and the profound historical tragedy of the SS Mendi. This day is a celebration of courage of those who wear the uniform, and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the distant horizon,” the SANDF said in a statement.
Since its inception in 2013, Armed Forces Day has been commemorated in all nine provinces to expose communities to the SANDF and enhance public understanding and appreciation of its work. Hosting the 2026 event in the Vhembe District and Thulamela Local Municipality is part of an ongoing effort to reach rural and outlying communities. “This event charges the SANDF to showcase itself, heighten a sense of patriotism and service to all South Africans,” the briefing noted.
A series of activities will take place in the build-up to the main parade, including a Career Expo at the Fan Park, an interfaith church service, sport clinics, and a wreath-laying ceremony by the President in honour of fallen members. Communities will also have the opportunity to witness some of the Defence Force’s military hardware. While the day highlights the SANDF’s capabilities, it also serves as a real-time demonstration of the force’s ability to mobilise rapidly across the country. “As we always say: we train, as we fight, to be prepared for any eventuality should such arise,” the SANDF said.
Closures will be implemented in phases to accommodate military convoys, parade formations, and logistical movements. Traffic officials will be on-site throughout to assist with diversions and ensure public safety. Residents are urged to plan ahead, exercise patience, and follow official guidance.
The briefing further highlighted the SANDF’s people-centred approach to security, aligned with South Africa’s adoption of human security, which focuses on protecting individuals from non-military threats and emphasises freedom from fear, want, and indignity.
