Some have claimed that the use of the word corvette was a political decision made by the South African government to ease criticism of the procurement of the vessels.

The South African Navy conducted its first combined tactical Exocet missile firing exercise when the frigates, SAS Spioenkop and SAS Mendi, fired two missiles (one from each frigate)[5] at MFV Azalea, an old fishing trawler donated to the SA Navy by I&J fishing company for use a target ship.

The following ships were involved in the exercise, SAS Spioenkop and the Ghanaian Naval vessels Anzone, Bonsu, Yogaga, Sero and Achimota.

A combined exercise with SANDF and SAPS personnel took place over the period 13 to 19 March 2008 in Cape Town to formalise the air defence concept for the tournament.

[8] SAS Spioenkop patrolled the coast during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and provided its radar for anti-aircraft surveillance to boost security for the event.

Held annually, Exercise Red Lion is run by Fleet Command and concentrates its efforts on preparing all available vessels for future Force Employment as a Task Group.

[13] After the ship returned from her deployment on Operation Vikela as part of the SADC Mission in Mozambique, Spioenkop was scheduled to enter an extensive maintenance period.