CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim embarked on a coordination visit to Pretoria, South Africa
From left to right, sitting: CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim (left), General R. Maphwanya, Chief of SANDF, Maj Gen Maikano, CISM VP Africa.
From left to right, sitting: Brig Gen Ledweba, Col Bakari, Col Mutungutungu and Brig Gen Monica, Deputy Chief
PRETORIA (RSA) - CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, accompanied by CISM Vice-President for Africa and OSMA President Maj General Maikano Abdullahi and CISM Games Director Col Joseph Bakari, recently concluded a five-day coordination visit in Pretoria, South Africa.
The visit was initiated in response to an invitation from the Chief of South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, to discuss the possibility of South Africa hosting the upcoming edition of the CISM Military World Summer Games in 2027. This invitation was extended after CISM Headquarters received a request from the South African Delegation to CISM.
During a courtesy call with General Maphwanya, Colonel Joseph Bakari presented detailed information regarding the organization of the CISM Military World Summer Games. This was complemented by strategic insights from Colonel Nilton Rolim, the CISM President, and Major General Maikano, the Vice-President for Africa.
CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim presents SADF Chief General R. Maphwanya with a plaque of honor from the Brazilian National Defense.
General Maphwanya expressed appreciation for understanding the mission of CISM and its diverse tasks, as well as the operational elements associated with hosting the Military World Summer Games on the African continent. He also emphasized: “Engaging in physical training and participating in sporting activities not only enhances combat readiness but also serves as a catalyst for global peace. I encourage my team to proactively address the challenges at hand and align themselves with the preparatory timelines for the CISM summer games.’’
Additionally, the CISM Delegation met with Admiral Asiel Elias Kubu, the Chief of Human Resources Division, and the CISM President had the opportunity to discuss the expectations of CISM regarding South Africa's potential as the host for the 8th Summer Games in 2027, which would mark the first-ever edition in Africa.
Acting Chief of South African Delegation to CISM Colonel B. Mutungutungu (first left) in a group photo with CISM Delegation.
As part of the visit, the CISM Delegation, guided by Colonel Mutungutungu, the Acting Chief of the South African Delegation to CISM, visited various significant sports venues in Pretoria, including the Pretoria Loftus Stadium, Tuks Stadium (University of Pretoria), Pretoria Military Sports Club, and Pilditch Stadium. They also had the opportunity to explore historical areas such as the Apartheid Museum and Soweto township in South Africa.
The CISM Delegation, led by CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, expressed satisfaction and admiration for the accommodations and sports facilities during the visit, as well as the valuable insights gained into South African culture through cultural excursions: “The fruitful results of the extensive five-day meetings with the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) authorities in Pretoria are undeniably regarded as a significant accomplishment in the preparations for the 8th CISM Summer Games.”
Admiral Asiel Elias Kubu (Chief of Human Resources Division), third from left in a group photo with CISM President and representatives from CISM and South African Delegation
Colonel Nilton Rolim also emphasized: "As the CISM President, I firmly believe that military athletes representing all 140 member countries will truly recognize and appreciate the remarkable endeavors undertaken by South Africa in exemplifying the essence of the Games and promoting our motto, “Friendship through Sport”, throughout every corner of the globe."
The CISM Military World Summer Games is a multisport event held every four years, one year prior to the Olympic Games. It upholds the values of CISM and the Olympics, promoting friendship through sports without any consideration or discrimination based on politics, religion, or race.
(Source: CISM General Secretariat)
