The Commander of U.S. Africa Command General David Rodriguez traveled to South Africa to observe training events, which took place August 1-2, 2013, as part of Shared Accord 13. 

Shared Accord is a U.S. - South African combined joint exercise designed to increase the ability of both forces to respond to humanitarian disasters and peace keeping operations.
The exercise took place in the Eastern Cape cities of Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, and East London starting July 22.

General David M. Rodriguez's Comments

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have visited South Africa,” said Rodriquez. “During the trip, I was able to observe the Shared Accord exercise hosted by the South African National Defense Force and to meet with their leadership to get a better sense for security and defense related issues.  The partnership we have with South Africa is an important one, as our nations share a number of security interests focused on bringing peace and stability to the whole of Africa.”  

"The Shared Accord exercise builds on successes and lessons learned during previous events, which were conducted to establish and develop a strong military partnership between the U.S. and South Africa. These exercises promote regional relationships, increase capacity, and enhance cross-training and interoperability between our militaries.  In the end, this exercise provides our militaries the skills required to enable readiness in support of peacekeeping operations, and responding to disasters.

Our countries’ militaries share a steeped history of partnering that precedes U.S. Africa Command.  For decades, the U.S. has partnered with African militaries in capacity-building events through various exercises like Shared Accord. Through these engagements, the U.S. demonstrates its long-term commitment to South Africa and the entire continent.”