In a gesture rich with symbolism, four newborn infants and their mothers on Tuesday became the first people in South Africa to board the Navy's latest acquisition, the corvette SAS Amatola.

The Amatola, the first of four state-of-the-art vessels to be delivered under the controversial multi-billion-rand arms procurement deal, sailed into False Bay yesterday afternoon.

She was met at the dock at the Simon's Town naval base by the Navy's top brass - and by the four excited mums and their babies.

"We thought it was a nice gesture. It's the first time for the dads, who had gone on training in Germany, to see their children," said navy spokesman Commander Jaco Theunissen.

Curious onlookers dotted the False Bay coastline as the corvette, built in a German shipyard, nosed into view.

She was guided into the harbour by three tugs which sprayed water in a traditional navy salute, and docked to the accompaniment of a brass band, as cheering sailors lined other flag-decked vessels.

Chief of the Navy Admiral Johan Retief said the Amatola represents a "new beginning".

"This is the first time in 18 years we will operate big warships again and for us it really is quite an occasion."

It will take about another two years for the ship to be fully operational.

Asked whether the acquisition of the four corvettes within the space of 12 months represents any logistical problems, Retief said no, because they have 18 months for each ship to be fitted out.

"However, we must keep in mind that the navy is manning all four ships as well as other ships until some are decommissioned.

"This means doing twice as much with only one [set] of staff."

The Amatola's sister vessels, the SAS Spioenkop, the SAS Isandlwana and the SAS Mendi, are still under construction in Germany.

According to the defence publication Jane's, the ship is a general purpose vessel of frigate size with a combat system closer to that of a first-rate corvette.

Each corvette will have an endurance of 28 days, a range of 6 200 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 20 knots and a maximum speed of 27-plus knots.

The media will experience the Amatola's capabilities first-hand on Wednesday when she is put through her paces doing manoeuvres as well as damage control exercises.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and The Natal Witness.