SA SOLDIERSA SOLDIER - Minister of Defence and … SOLDIERSA SOLDIER The official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence From the Editor's desk The sinking of SS Mendi commemorated

SA SOLDIERSA SOLDIERThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence

From the Editor's desk

The sinking of SS Mendi commemorated

Lettersto the Editor

News fromabroad

A new Commandant for theSA National War College

Disciplined soldiers refine the Opening of Parliament

Exercise YOUNG EAGLE

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19 Military Academy lecturer teaches at West Point

What is the generation gap?

Force health protection

Occupational learning in the DOD

Student unravels reportingon environmental issues

CISM Dayrun or walk

Honouring athletes of Potchefstroom

How to bounce back from adversity despite failure

Promoting indigenous languages

Honouring the heroic deeds of fallen infanteers

SA Air Force busy closing the skills shortages gap

Know your ranks

Excellence through learning

SAMHS appoints its first male Matron

Placing a high premium on national security

The Amakosi of ThabaTshwane help to realise a dreamSA Air Force Prestige Awards ceremony

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: [email protected]: www.dod.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Mr Kgabo Mashamaite S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaCpl Ally Rakoma Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela

CONTRIBUTIONS: Although all possible care is takenwith articles, the editorial staff cannot take any responsibility forlost articles and photographs.

REPRODUCTION, PRINTING &DISTRIBUTION:Coordinating Concepts cc630 Jamestown Street Elardus Park, Pretoria, 0181Tel: 012 345 6408Fax: 086 515 2185/6/7email:[email protected]

Text Editor: Mr Eugene Muller

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Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. Visser Cpln M.P.K. MasemolaCol S.A. Motswadira

Col M.E. PhekoCol S.P. ZeemanCdr C.E. KhumaloLt Col R. LeburuMs N. Pienaar

Lt S.E. Segone Mr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)

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www.dod.mil.za

www.dod.mil.za

2005 - Winner of the Government Communicator of the Year Award (GCIS).2005 - Winner of the National Ubungcweti Award (GCIS).

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SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not neces-sarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance andpublication of advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not con-stitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services thereindescribed. The DOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims madein advertisements.

COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced withoutthe written consent of the Editor.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 S A S O L D I E R

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa, visit our website at: www.dod.mil.za

FRONT COVER: A soldier from 1 Parachute Battalion conducting all-rounddefence after disembarking from an Oryx helicopter during Exercise YOUNGEAGLE. Read all about the force preparation exercise on pages 16 to 18.(Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

ABOVE: Honorary Colonel Yvonne Mhinga, better known as Yvonne ChakaChaka (2nd from left) flanked by senior officers of the SA Air Force at the SAAir Force Prestige Awards ceremony. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)

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From the Editor's desk

e are celebrating Human Rights' Day on 21 March andit would not be fitting to celebrate it without using ourindigenous languages, seeing that a culture is nothingwithout its language. The Constitution of South Africaguarantees the equal status of our eleven official lan-guages in catering for our country's diverse peoplesand their cultures. Read all about the importance of

promoting our indigenous languages on page 47.

As is the custom the commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi washeld on the third Sunday of February. This legend in South African mil-itary history is a pertinent reminder of supreme courage in the face ofdeath and the valour shown by the men, also towards each other in dis-astrous conditions. One of the legends of the troops' bravery as the SSMendi sank is that Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyoba was said to havecalmed the panicked men by praying with them. Read all about thecourage displayed by these men on page 5.

In honouring the heroic deeds of fallen infanteers a memorial service anda wreath-laying ceremony were recently held to remember all formerinfanteers who died on active duty and during training. Read about theceremony on page 19.

Training remains high on the priority list of the Department, whoseobjective is to ensure that members are better equipped to operate theirnewly acquired capabilities. Therefore Exercise YOUNG EAGLE wasconducted to train and exercise the SA Army's airborne and air assaultforces in order to enhance airborne capability and combat readiness.Read all about Exercise YOUNG EAGLE on pages 16 to 18.

The SA Soldier team would like to convey our heartfelt condolences tothe family and friends of the deceased Gunner Jabulani David Masangowho was involved in a fatal parachuting accident during ExerciseYOUNG EAGLE.

God bless!

Nelda PienaarEditor

We keteka letšatši la ditokelo tša batho ka la 21 March 2011gomme e ka se be toka go keteka letšatši le ntle le go hlom-pha maleme a rena. Molaotheo wa naga ye ya rena o filemaleme a lesome-tee tekatekano go akaretša batho ba mer-afe ka moka le ditšo tša bona ka go fapafapana ga tšona.Bala tše ka moka ka ga bohlokwa bja kgodišo ya maleme arena letlakaleng la 47.

Bjalo ka tlwaelo ngwageng wo mongwe le o mongwe ka Sontaga saboraro kgweding ya February, go ketekwa segopotšo sa go nwelela gasekepe sa ntwa sa SS Mendi e le go sešupo sa taetšo ya bogale historingya Sešole sa naga gape ele sešupo sa boikgafo bja bana ba mpa go thušanage ba le mathateng. Yo mongwe wa bagale bao, Moruti Isaac WauchopeDyoba, o ile a šupa bogale bjoo ka go thuša banna bao ba be ba le sekepengseo se be go se nwelela ka go ba thoba matswalo le go ba rapelela. Balatšeo ka moka go letlakala 5.

Go hlompha ditiro tša bagale ntweng, segopotšo sa pego ya dikgare seswerwe go gopola bagale bao ba hlokofaletšeng ntweng gammogo le baoba hlokofaletšego hlahlong ya sešole. Bala ka ga segopotšo seo letlakalengla 19.

Hlahlo ke se sengwe sa tšeo di lego bohlokwa lefapheng la tša sešole gohlahloba ge eba maloko a sešole a maemong a mabotse go diriša mahlaleao ba a hweditšego hlahlong ya bona ya sešole. Ke ka fao ngwaga kangwaga go swarwago Exercise YOUNG EAGLE go hlahloba ge e le goremaloko a sekgao sa sešole sa ntwa (SA Army) a dutše komana-madula-a-bapile e bile a ikemišeditše go šireletša naga.

Ka bohloko bjo bo golo bja pelo, bongwadi bja SA Soldier bo rata go fetišamatshedišo go baga lapa le meloko ya Gnr Jabulani David Masango yooa hlokofetšego morago ga kotsi ya parachute ka Exercise YOUNGEAGLE.

Modimo a lehlogonolofatše!

Nelda PienaarMorulaganyi

* Translation (Sepedi) by Ms Jocolia Maaka.

Gotswa go morulaganyi

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The sinking of SS Mendicommemorated

Article and photo by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

ne of South Africa's worstmilitary disasters, the sink-ing of SS Mendi, was com-memorated at Ga MothagaRecreation Resort atAtteridgeville near Pretoriaduring the annual Memorial

Service on 20 February 2011 presented

Oby the SA Legion, AtteridgevilleBranch. The commemoration of the SSMendi is held on the third Sunday ofFebruary every year.

On 16 January 1917 the SS Menditroopship sailed from Cape Town enroute to La Havre, carrying the FifthBattalion of the South African NativeLabour Contingent. On board were805 black privates, 22 white officersand 33 crewmen. On the morning of

Sentries from the SA Navy paying tribute during the annual SS MendiMemorial Service held in Ga Mothaga Recreation Resort at Atteridgeville tohonour the men who died during the sinking of SS Mendi when thesteamship was rammed by the SS Darro.

21 February 1917 the steamship wasrammed by SS Darro. The SS Mendisank within 20 minutes, and 607 blacktroops, nine white officers and all 33crewmen died in the icy waters of theEnglish Channel.

One of the legends of the troops'bravery as the ship sank is thatReverend Isaac Wauchope Dyoba wassaid to have calmed the panicked menby praying with them. The sinking ofSS Mendi is remembered at theHollybrook Memorial inSouthhampton, England, to those whohave no grave but the sea.

There is a plaque at the DelvilleWood Museum in France in honour ofthose who lost their lives when the SSMendi sank. Furthermore, the SSMendi Memorial in Avalon Graveyardin Soweto was unveiled by QueenElisabeth II of England to commemo-rate this tragic event. The SS Mendi isalso honoured by the modern SouthAfrican Navy, which has among itsfleet the SAS ISAAC DYOBA, a war-rior class fast attack craft and the SASMENDI, a valour class frigate.

The SS Mendi has also given itsname to South Africa's highest awardfor courage, the Order of the MendiDecoration for Bravery, bestowed bythe President on South African citizenswho have performed extraordinaryacts of bravery.

Like so many other military disas-ters, the story of the SS Mendi is astory of supreme courage in the face ofdeath and the valour shown betweenbrothers towards each other in dire cir-cumstances. The courage displayed bythese men has remained a legend inSouth African military history. Thestory of the SS Mendi is a pertinentreminder of the sacrifices made by ourpeople to make the world safe fordemocracy.

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Winning letter

R200-00 prize for the best letterSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to be pub-lished, and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or space limita-tions. Letters should preferably be typewritten and double-spaced. All letters mustinclude the writer's full name, address and home telephone number. The volume ofletters we receive makes individual acknowledgement impossible. Please sendyour letters to: The Editor, SA SOLDIER Letters, Private Bag X158, Pretoria, 0001.Letters may also be faxed to (012) 355-6399 or sent via email to [email protected] would like to hear your comments or ideas, particularly about matters affectingmembers of the Department of Defence. Regrettably, anonymous letters cannot beanswered officially or published - Editor.

CONDITION OF OUR MILITARY BASES AND ITS ROADSIt is with extreme disappointment that Ihave to address the issue of militarybases and roads through this letter, butmy frustration is that we as comman-ders, officers and others have failed inour task as custodians of Governmentproperty we have to maintain the roadswithin units properly.

The civilian responsibility for upkeepand maintenance of roads stops at theentrances to the military base. It thenbecomes the responsibility of the mili-tary commander. When one travels inthe Pretoria area and visits a number ofbases, it is obvious that the roads withinmost of our military bases are in anextremely poor condition and full of pot-holes and they are deteriorating on adaily basis due to poor or no mainte-nance. As an example travelling in Tek

Base and Thaba Tshwane is extremelypainful due to many potholes in theroads.

In my opinion this is a direct reflectionon all base commanders, officers andmembers of those units. Poor road main-tenance is an indication of poor discipline,poor admin and poor maintenance of ourequipment in general. All members havea duty and responsibility to ensure thatwe maintain our equipment, unitgrounds and roads.

Any member of a unit can make useof the many forums that exist within theunit to bring the issue of potholes to theattention of the base commander forfollow-up and action. It is everyone's res-ponsibility to ensure that Governmentproperty is neatly maintained at all times.You as members of the unit must address

the problem. This will help to createpride in our units.

I do not accept that we cannot main-tain our roads in our units. It is not goingto cost a leg or an arm, as purchasing acouple of bags of cement from petty cashand filling holes will go a long way tokeeping roads in good condition.

I therefore would like to appeal to allmembers to take an active part in theupkeep and maintenance of our units,and their roads in particular. I hope thatunits will put in an extra effort to fill inthe potholes and maintain the roads on aregular basis. No one will come and do itfor you other than the people serving inthat unit.

The unit and its appearance shouldbe our pride and joy at all times. Lt ColW.S. Marshall, Thaba Tshwane

FROM OPPRESSION TO CHAOS AND POVERTYDescending from oppression to mafiastyle is no better than the other for it islike moving two steps forward andleaping four steps backwards, which isstagnation and deterioration in thedevelopment of mankind. Very often,however, we are presented with a dis-torted picture of reality and its acuteproblems, which have reached crisispoint, and are either hushed up or lostfrom sight since no serious economic,sociological or demographic studieswere conducted in a serious manner inthe last sixteen years.

It sometimes becomes difficult tocapture words in relation to certain sit-uations, especially the past as it relatesto the present and the future. In spite of

all the years there has been no progressfrom stagnation due to man-made greed.

Our rivals occupy our minds today.They only want quick enrichment and tobe unpatriotic to our motherland. All ofsociety seems to be following this trend.Most departments within the SANDF,including sickbays and 1 MilitaryHospital do not answer calls duringlunchtime. They say it is their time. Thisshows how much society has deteriorat-ed in terms of human life.

Government property, such as vehi-cles, IT equipment, and valuable electri-cal generators even motor parts aretaken by SANDF members almost every-day to enrich themselves.

The immediate task is to improve the

situation radically and that means theGovernment has to have teeth toimprove the situation. Mawele YeleleRazaq Mashigo, Dequar MP

When someone tells you that you can't dosomethingJust pause and look aroundConsider all options Anyway, each step to be taken should becarefully calculatedThen go for it, you've got to stick your neckout Use all your skills and positive attitude Be creative In the end, you will succeed and prove themwrongAlways remember nothing is impossible, ifyour heart is willing and your attitude ispositiveNever change your good attitude for some-one who did you wrong, true love neverchanges and fails anyway.Do well to everyone; smile at everyone, butwithout compromising your personalprinciples. Cpl Nyameko Mlahlwa,Lohatlha

WORDS OFENCOURAGEMENT


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SANDF FORGOT THE COLOUR CHANGE ON VEHICLESThe SANDF has made good progress inphasing out the old brown uniform aspart of transformation.

However, somebody there at thetop may have forgotten about changingthe colour of other items, apart from theuniform. One may ask if it was only tomake history or to transform itselfwhen the colour change was decided in

the SANDF.I say this because the vehicles are still

brown (more specially the A and B vehi-cles, which are operational vehicles) andI do not see the promise of colourchange, as even new D-vehicles (sedans)are painted brown. In some countries theuniform and the vehicles are in camou-flage colour. I do not say we must do the

same as other countries; I am just usingan example.

It is not a good thing to drive abrown vehicle wearing camouflageuniform (two very different coloureditems going on the same mission). Themilitary needs to show discipline in allmatters, from items to personnel. WO1Marubini David Mei, Phalaborwa

Fltr: Donavan Kalamdien, Nondumiso Machimana, Charnelle Janse vanRensberg, Tanzia João, Tasneem Mohamed, Sonia da Silva, Lise Gerber,Tania Myburgh, Didi du Toit, Danille Arendse, Antoinette Burman, Anita duPlessis, Zingcwengile Nkewu and Madelein Cloete. (Yolandi Janse vanRensberg-absent)

MPI PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMEThe intern year of 2010 began withsmiles, nervousness and mixed feelings,but nevertheless ended with lessonslearnt, wisdom and confidence. What ayear it was for the interns of 2010! TheMilitary Psychological Institute (MPI)based in Rietondale, Pretoria, was thehome and learning hub for 15 interns inthe fields of industrial and research psy-chology. The group consisted of tworesearch and 13 industrial intern psy-chologists from various universitiesthroughout South Africa. Lt Col AlbertMeyer, Lt Col Jannie Hartzenberg andMaj Natasha Bruwer provided supervi-sion for the internship.

Orientation began on 4 January 2010:For some it was exciting to be surround-ed by military uniforms and for othersalmost intimidating. Either way the factthat these 15 interns had made it from alarge pool of candidates was an achieve-ment on its own. Nobody could haveprepared the interns for the knowledgethat they received on day one regardingthe military environment; as for somethis was the first time they had ever beenin a military environment. However, theinformation received came in handyonce they were let loose to participate inthe various projects planned for the year.

One of the largest projects that theInterns embarked on was the NavyOfficer Selection in Gordon's Bay, whichencompassed the testing of over 100 can-didates. For many of the interns it wasthe first project that they had encoun-tered and what an exciting project itproved to be. The project ran for a weekand consisted of psychometrics, inter-views and behaviour observations. Thedays began early and ended late in theevening. The Navy unit was exceptional-ly helpful and respectful towards all theMPI members involved in the projectand we thank them for this. Between

working all day and most nights theinterns still managed to get a glimpse ofCape Town on the last day before board-ing the flights back home, which wasappreciated by those who had never beento Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Other selection projects ranged fromArmy Officers in Heidelberg to Air TrafficControllers in Pretoria. Team Buildingsessions, as well as Career Counselling tochildren from the Elizabeth Children'sHome were only some of the many pro-jects, other than selections, that broughtmuch satisfaction and gratitude to all theinterns involved. Each project posed itsown challenges. For example candidates

not arriving for testing, venues being toosmall, candidates falling asleep duringassessments … and the list goes on.Either way each scenario was seen as alearning curve for all interns involvedand brought the interns one step closerto becoming competent registered indus-trial and research Psychologists.

We thank MPI for their support,knowledge shared, time and patience.We hope that the Interns of 2011 enjoytheir experience and memories they willget during the year and know that theywill treasure the memories gained dur-ing their time at MPI. The Interns of2010 (Sonia da Silva, MPI)

In the article Acknowledging the efforts ofour peacekeepers published in theJanuary 2011 edition on page 13 it waswrongly reported that the WarrantOfficer Council Spouses Forum hadpresented Bibles donated by theChaplain Services to deceased soldiers'

families. These Bibles were in factbought with money donated to thisforum. (Donors were Credit Solutions,Denel, SA Army Signal Formation,Equity Trading and Ladies from theWarrant Officer Council SpousesForum.) We regret the confusion. - Ed

BIBLES BOUGHT WITH DONATED MONEY

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STUDY AT STATE EXPENSEThe DOD has begun promoting educa-tion, training and development (ETD),which is greatly appreciated by us, themembers of the National DefenceForce. It is actually a rare privilege tohave been offered a chance by theDOD to progress in our militarycareers and therefore in civilian lifetoo. However, the subjects that are

would nevertheless like to appeal to theauthorities to make available andaccommodate even those that are oper-ators. We have "comcen" offices, reg-istry offices, etc, but study fields arelacking for them. I personally believethat changes should be made. Sgt D.M.Maphalala, Mpumalanga Signal Unit,Nelspruit

offered do not always suit everyone,more specifically those in the SignalFormation. The Signal Formation offerstraining in technical fields, such as theNational Diploma in ElectricalEngineering, the National Diploma inMechanical Engineering, etc. However,for those who are "tell-operators", we dofind it much more difficult to apply. I

SA AIR FORCE MUSEUM COLLECTION GROWSThree different and unique displayitems were added to the SA Air ForceMuseum's collection at Swartkop at theend of last year, namely a Pilatus Astraaircraft, a World War II guard tower andan experimental APA gas turbineengine.

The Pilatus Astra PC-7 II wasutilised at 68 Air School for groundinstruction. It is marked ATTD1 and isone of two mock-up airframes suppliedby Pilatus with the delivery of the sixtyPC-7 Mk II trainers in 1995. ATTD1became surplus to requirements follow-ing the allocation of a "real" Astra fromLangebaanweg Central Flying School to68 Air School for the training of appren-tices. On closer inspection, the myriad ofsee-through panels reveal the variouscomponents and systems inside thePilatus Astra aircraft. The numerousquestions of the many young visitors tothe museum, trying to figure out theinner workings of an aircraft, will nowbe answered more easily. The aircraftwas transported from 68 Air School tothe Museum at Swartkop by road, buthad to be lifted over the fence and secu-rity wall by crane on its journey to themuseum.

The historic guard tower was situat-ed north of the Bays Hill memorial formany years. The Camp Commandant atSwartkop Airfield, Colonel Zurich, sug-gested its relocation to the museum

because of recent damage and vandalismto its structure. Its steel construction issignificant when compared to the con-crete guard towers found in the vicinity ofSwartkop. Relatively little is known aboutthe tower, but readers are welcome tocontact the Research Officer at the muse-um with more information. An Oryx heli-copter from 17 Squadron assisted with thehoist, and amidst the overcast weatherconditions successfully lifted the towerfrom Bays Hill and flew it to its new loca-tion at the museum.

The APA Gas Turbine Engine was aSouth African designed and built gas tur-bine engine that was manufactured byArmscor under the project nameApartment. The project originated inabout 1977 with the purpose of designingand building a small, light, expendablegas turbine engine which could ultimate-ly power long-range target drones and

RPV's. By the time the project was ter-minated in the late 1980's a number ofprototypes had been built, but the sub-sequent whereabouts of the engineswere not known for many years.Regrettably Armscor/Denel nevermaintained a dedicated museum wherethese items could be preserved or dis-played. The Air Force Museum's engine,known as APA-5, was donated throughthe valiant efforts of a Johannesburgauctioneer acting on behalf of thedeceased estate of the Strickler family.The engine will be added to the collec-tion of locally produced Armscor, Deneland CSIR items of technology on displayin 2 Hangar at Swartkop. Capt LeonSteyn, SA Air Force Museum

* Readers are welcome to contact theResearch Officer at the Museum, CaptLeon Steyn, on 012 351 2282/2290 - Ed.

The APA Gas Turbine Engine. (Photo: WO2 Deon Rowles)

A BIG DREAMI dedicate this to all the boys and girlswho had a dream, a big dream that wasdriven by passion, courage and disci-pline. They thought they were ready tobecome problem-solvers. They had abig dream, a dream of dedicatingthemselves to their country; a dream of

were closed to people who turned theirbacks on them. But through hope theykept on pushing and knocking andhoping that one day the doors wouldopen because they had a dream ofbecoming soldiers. Zweli Mbatha, email

wearing uniform; a dream of beinggiven a mission; a dream of being givenorders. They wanted to salute withpride and make a change to their com-munity and country, but mostly to theAfrican continent. But the dream wasshattered like unwatered plants; doors

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THE TRUTHI'm with you, but inside I'm all aloneYou can see my body, but you can't see my soulI'm leaving, but anytime I can die and go "back home"I don't know when, where or how, only God knowsI could have asked him, but only if I had his phone number I'm here, fresh and alive I just want to growSometimes I'm rude because I'm not always in a good moodBut anyway I appreciate the sight of the sun and the moonAs I know that I may not see them again anytime soonJust like the cockroach I killed yesterday with the doomEvery river flows to the seaBut still the sea is not yet fullBut hey, that's life man, everything is coolNo matter what happens, don't stop movingTake it easy, don't get bored - open your bookBe positive, don't do crime - you are not a foolBe clean, love yourself, always avoid being messyKeep yourself safe, avoid the battles that you will loseYou have the choice, you can be whatever you chooseApartheid is over, you don't have to kill the bullThe best thing you can do, is to go to school And for sure, one day you will be wonderful You follow the rules, you stay out of troubleIf you believe in Him, then heaven has your roomThink about it, this is the truth. Seaman Lawrence Rambau, email


UPS AND DOWNS OF ASINGLE WOMANI told my friends at school I would wed at the age of 30Unfortunately my long-time sweetheart died when I was 29. All my friends got married when they reached 25.I am the only person still unmarried at home.Many people must be patient and take it easy.Can it be easy if I wash my pillowcase Every morning with my tears?

At the social gatherings they introduce themselves as "Happily married" I often say, "I am happily single", yet my heart is in deep sorrow.I even bought a beautiful sapphire wedding ring for myself.Sometimes I wear it when I travel with married friends.In church I put it away in case I meet someone interested. I have gone up and down, and said the loudest tearful prayers,But no-one has never come to my rescue.

Now is the time for single ladies to be bold and proud: Never trust a future husband, but only yourself. Learn to be absolutely independent by all possible means so that you won't experience the most horrible nightmare of being a "Housewife" in South Africa.Being a beggar, slave and punching bag in your own housemust stop now and must never happen in any household.

Those who need breakfast must sleep in the kitchen.No more tears sister, there is life before and after marriage.Walk tall with self-confidence and be respected at all times.

Fear no evil for evil does not fear you.Face all challenges with courage and positive thinking.Opportunities dance with thosewho are ready on the dance floor.Happy heart-happy soul-happy mind-happy body-happy womanEnjoy life to the fullest now and forever more and more-e-e-e! Capt N.A.Nontume, SA Army Engineer Formation

Lt Col Willie Lancelot Madikoto, the incoming OfficerCommanding of 4 SAI Bn (left) and Lt Col Thamsanqa PatrickGosani, the outgoing Officer Commanding of 4 SAI Bn.(Photo: Lt M.G. Lamula)

NEW OC FOR 4 SAI BN

Lt Col Thamsanqa Patrick Gosani handed over the command of 4SA Infantry Battalion (4 SAI Bn) to Lt Col Willie Lancelot Madikotoat a change of command parade that took place on 10 December2010.

Born in Kuvuki-land, as he likes to call his birthplace, Lt ColGosani was appointed as the Officer Commanding of 4 SAI Bn in2008 after which he prepared the battalion and deployed withthem to the Sudan. During their deployment 4 SAI Bn wasinvolved with the preparations for the elections in North Darfur,Sudan. In 2010 he completed the OC/RSM Course, the SupplyChain Management Course and the Security Sectors ReformProgramme. He was later appointed as the CR Officer, this time atthe SA Army Infantry Formation.

In Limpopo Province, Lt Col Madikoto worked as an AfricanNational Congress (ANC) cadre. From 1982 to 1990 he had been invarious countries, including Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. In1990 the ANC ordered him to establish branches and an MK officein the Northern Province, now Limpopo.

In 1994 he was integrated into the SANDF as Captain and wasappointed Company Commander at 116 Bn in Messina, nowMusina. In 1999, after the closing down of 116 Bn, Lt Col Madikotowas transferred to 15 SAI Bn where he worked in various posts, hislast being that of Second-in-Command of the Battalion. He willnow be accountable for the combat-readiness of 4 SAI Bn, which isto be deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) nextyear.

Col Piet Sereko, Senior Staff Officer of the Motorised SouthRegiment at the SA Army Infantry Formation, was the main func-tionary at the parade. He complimented the members of 4 SAI Bnon the excellent parade they presented, assisted by the local SAPolice Service Band. Col Sereko wished both officers all of the bestand requested the members of 4 SAI Bn to support Lt ColModikoto to lead 4 SAI Bn to new heights. Lt M.E. Semono, 4 SAI Bn


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news from abroad

You can't teach himYou can't train himHe doesn't run but doubles the timeHe doesn't walk but drillsHe doesn't go for picnic but goes for campingHe doesn't die but reinforces other battalions in heavenHe doesn't sleep but he is in a short prayerHe doesn't tell lies but misleads youHe doesn't marry but fulfils the BibleHe doesn't hide but deploys tacticallyHe doesn't run away but withdraws for plan BHe doesn't have kids but has the next generationHe doesn't kill but kills whilst defending himselfHe doesn't cook but experimentsHe doesn't steal but organises for himselfHis friends are jungles, deserts and bushesHe doesn't have enemies but opponentsNothing can stop him: he is a soldierWe are all soldiers. Cpl M. Guduza, B-COY 5 SAI Bn (Sudan)

THE SOLDIERLet me show the nation my appreciationIf I die before I wake up please God take my soul and keep it holyHelp my children, family and protect them in my absence till we meet againLet my mission be fulfilled even at the risk of my own lifeLet me give sacrifice where and when neededLet my opponents understand my aim, mission and ideasLet my friends give support at all timesLet my colleagues understand my mistakesLet me make my leaders happy and proud about my contribution to the hostnation Let my parents be happy and proud of their child and rejoice for good newsLet young ones choose me as their role model in futureLet me follow God's instruction at all timesI am praying as a peacekeeper, the child of God. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn (Sudan)

PRAYER OF A PEACEKEEPER

S Sgt Ben Terblanche with a MambaMk 3 that he built out of carton dur-ing his deployment in the Sudan.

Last year the UNAMID forces inDarfur, Sudan, had a commitment tocommemorate World AIDS Day andthe RSA Battalion in the Sudan did thesame.

The RSA Battalion CommanderOperation Cordite XII, Lt Col SehakaThomas Hloka, as a responsibleCommander, knew exactly what theday meant both to his Battalion mem-bers and to the United Nations. TheRSA Battalion held this ceremony in avery special way to accommodate boththe RSA and the Sudanese, thusstrengthening the ties.

The Medical Task Group took the

WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMO-RATION AT KUTUM BASE

lead in planning and exe-cuting this task and wasfully supported by theBattalion members. This day had mean-ing for all who were part of it. MajorKgasane and Captain Nel organised thisevent.

PRAYER Prior to the event Major Kgasane led

the people in lighting candles. By the lighting of these candles the Lord

reminds us of the responsibilities we havetowards all those affected, be they our fami-ly or friends.

During times of rejection by society as

well as family, help us to make time irre-spective of our busy schedules. To walk thisroad with them, just as we would wantthem to walk this road with us if we were tobe faced with the same scenario.

If ever we had any sense of prejudice orany form of judgemental attitude, forgiveus today.

The commemoration of this day hasbrought to mind how often we tend toexclude ourselves from the very disease thatis tarnishing our society. Maj Kgasane,Kutum base in the Sudan

Ek is al hier in die Soedan vanafOktober 2010 en sal eers April 2011terug wees. Ek wil net sê jul diens watjul lewer is van hoogstaande waarde.Ek geniet elke oomblik daarvan. Hier isnie juis veel om te doen oor naweke nietoe het ek besluit om voertuie uit kartonte bou. Ek stuur 'n foto van 'n MambaMk 3 wat ek gebou het. Ek sal ditwaardeer as dit in die tydskrif geplaaskan word. Ek het ook al 'n Land Rover,Samil 100 PC gebou. Groete aan almalin die RSA. S Sers Ben Terblanche,Soedan: Mellit Basis

* Translated into English by EugeneMuller - Ed.

STOKPERDJIE INDIE SOEDAN

I have been in the Sudan since October2010 and will only be back in April2011. I just want to say the service yourender is of value. I enjoy everymoment of it. There is not really muchto do here over weekends so I decidedto make vehicles out of carton. I amsending a photo of a Mamba Mk 3 thatI made. I would appreciate it if it couldbe placed in the magazine. I have alsobuilt a Land Rover, Samil 100 PC.Greetings to everybody in the RSA. S Sgt Ben Terblanche, Sudan: Mellit Base

MY HOBBY INTHE SUDAN


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SOLDIERS IN THEIR BATTLE DRESSSoldiers dressed in their battle dress ready for death. Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready toprotect those who can't protect themselves.Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready to leave their loved ones at home.Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready to welcome peace in a war-torn country.Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready to sacrifice their lives. Soldiers dressed in their battle dress ready to bring laughter to crying people.Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready to bring hope where there is no hope.Soldiers dressed in battle dress ready to bring joy to rejoice. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn(Sudan: Malha Base)

The earth and sand in this desert aredry. Sandy areas wait for rain to cometo wet this area. It's always winter inthis area as there is no hope of rain. Aharsh storm called the "haboob" is com-ing as a sign of summer. Dams andrivers are empty, and animals are gath-ering at water points for water. Prayersare there, but summer doesn't hear us.It also seems that the rain can't hear us.But the people say let the rain come; letus unite again. Make our hearts happyagain by hearing our call. Cpl M.Guduza 5 SAI Bn, currently in theSudan (Malha Base)

WAITING FORRAIN IN THESUDAN

A SOLDIERThere is discipline in a Soldieryou can see it when he walks, There is honour in a Soldieryou hear it when he talks.There is courage in a Soldieryou can see it in his eyes, There is loyalty in a Soldierthat he will not compromise.There is something in a Soldierthat makes him stand apart, There is strength in a Soldier that beats from his heart.A Soldier isn't a title any man can be hired to do, A Soldier is the soul of that manburied deep inside of you.A Soldier's job isn't finished afteran 8-hour day or a 40-hour week,

A Soldier is always a Soldiereven while he sleeps.A Soldier serves his country firstand his life is left behind, A Soldier has to sacrifice what comes first in a civilian's mind.If you are civilian -I am saying this to you …next time you see a Soldierremember what they do.A Soldier is the reason our landis "Home of the free", A Soldier is the one that is brave protecting you and me.If you are a Soldier -I am saying this to you …Thank God for EVERY SOLDIERThank God for what YOU do! There is dis-cipline in A Soldieryou can see it when he walks, There is honour in a Soldieryou hear it when he talks.There is courage in a Soldieryou can see it in his eyes, There is loyalty in a Soldierthat he will not compromise.There is something in a Soldierthat makes him stand apart, There is strength in a Soldier that beats from his heart.A Soldier isn't a title any man can be hired to do, A Soldier is the soul of that manburied deep inside of you.A Soldier's job isn't finished after an 8-hour day or a 40-hour week, A Soldier is always Aa Soldiereven while he sleeps.A Soldier serves his country firstand his life is left behind, A Soldier has to sacrifice what comes first in a civilian's mind.If you are civilian -I am saying this to you …next time you see a Soldierremember what they do.A Soldier is the reason our landis "Home of the free", A Soldier is the one that is brave protecting you and me.If you are a Soldier -I am saying this to you …Thank God for EVERY SOLDIERThank God for what YOU do! Lt A. Cengani, Mellit Base, Sudan

EVERY MORNING IN THE DESERTEvery morning in this war-torn areamy thoughts are not here I am justthinking of my beloved country. I tryto concentrate on the warmth of myfamily that I left and that I miss mostback at home.

Soldiers in uniform ready for battlebring my memory back to my missionin this area. I know that I came as a vol-unteer to help as a peacekeeper with amission to fulfil.

Every day I prepare for my day-to-day task. I pray to God above to be with

me at all times. On my patrols I passkids going to school and I know mymission is fulfilled.

I wish to see this area one day with-out UN vehicles and being happy asparadise. I wish to come next time as atourist, not a peacekeeper.

Every morning in this desert I wishit could be as normal as my belovedone.So let it be a land of peace and harmo-ny. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn, MalhaBase: Sudan

BEFORE I LEAVE THE SUDANI can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Imean I can see the end of my tour of duty.For me to leave is not what I like, but I haveto go as my scheduled time is ending.I have tried my level best and I can see a lotof improvement within a short time.I have confidence in you that when I comenext time I won't come as a peacekeeper,but rather as a tourist.

I must congratulate you before I leave theSudan on your mutual understanding dur-ing your referendum. I am happy aboutplaying the part of a dedicated peacekeeperthat helped kick-start your freedom.Before I leave the Sudan I must say keep upthe good work, there is plenty of room forimprovement. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAIBn, Malha Base: Sudan

focus on people

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By Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SA National War Collegehosted a Change of Commandparade to bid farewell to theoutgoing Commandant, BrigGen Sipho Mashobane, and towelcome the incomingCommandant, R Adm (JG)Patrick Duze, at the Peace

Mission Training Centre in ThabaTshwane on 4 February 2011.

The incoming CommandantR Adm (JG) Patrick Tamsanqa Duze

was born in Cape Town on 19 October1957. He attended his schooling inGugulethu and Langa High. He has thefollowing qualifications: Diploma inElectronic Communication from Bakuin the USSR in 1991, the NationalDiploma in Electrical Engineering withthe Peninsula Technikon in 1997, andthe Advanced Diploma in PublicManagement (equivalent to an HonoursDegree) with the University ofStellenbosch in December 2002.

R Adm (JG) Duze completed the fol-lowing military courses: Models forManagement with SAMDI in 1997, theJunior Command and Staff Course,under the auspices of the SA Air Force,in 1998. In 1999 he completed the NavalCommand Staff Course and in 2000 theDOD Project Management Course.Later the same year he did ComputerLiteracy with the University ofStellenbosch. In 2004 he completed theExecutive National Security Program-me. He has been employed in the fol-lowing capacities: Officer Command-ing of SAS Wingfield Naval TechnicalTraining Unit (January to November2000), Assistant Project Officer ProjectSitron Hamburg in Germany(November 2000 to June 2004), theOfficer Commanding Fleet Main- ten-ance Unit (January to December 2005)and the Chief of Fleet Staff in Simon'sTown (January 2006 to April 2007).Then he was appointed the DirectorNaval Policy and Doctrine, after which

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New Commandant of theSA National War College

The outgoing Commandant of the SA National War College, Brig Gen SiphoMashobane (left), congratulates his successor, R Adm (JG) Patrick Duze, atthe Change of Command parade at the Peace Mission Training Centre.

Command and Staff Course he waspromoted to the rank of Major andappointed as the Officer Commandingof 502 Squadron. In 2000 he was pro-moted to the rank of Lieutenant Coloneland Training Co-ordinator and later asthe Efficiency Co-ordinator at Air ForceGymnasium.

In 2002 he completed the JointSenior Command and Staff Pro-gramme. In 2003 he was promoted tothe rank of Colonel and as the OfficerCommanding of Air Force Gymna-sium. In 2004 he completed theExecutive National Security Program-me. In 2005 he was promoted to therank of Brigadier General and appoint-ed as the Director Education, Train-ing and Development in the SA AirForce. In January 2008 he was appoint-ed as the Commandant of the SANational War College. Brig GenMashobane is looking forward to hisnew appointment as the InspectorGeneral of the SA Air Force.

he was appointed to his current posi-tion as Commandant of the SANational War College.

The outgoing CommandantBrig Gen Sipho Mashobane was

born in Alexandra Township inJohannesburg. He started his schoolingin Soweto - proceeded MeadowlandsHigh School where he completed hisSenior Certificate in 1976. The sameyear, during the Soweto uprisings, heleft the country and joined theUmkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the militarywing of the ANC. While in exile heunderwent military training and wasstationed in various countries and occu-pied various positions. He returned toSouth Africa in 1992 following theunbanning of the liberation movement.

He was integrated into the newlyestablished SANDF in 1994 as aCaptain and completed the OfficerOrientation Course in 1995. In 1997after completion of the Junior


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SA Army members on their way to the Castle for the debriefing session having lined the streets during the Opening of Parliament.

Disciplined soldiers refinethe Opening of Parliament

By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SANDF proved itself to bea disciplined and dedicateddefence force that the nationshould be proud of duringthe well-presented MilitaryCeremonial Opening ofParliament in Cape Town on

10 February 2011.This followed months of prepara-

tion and rehearsals by almost 1 050SANDF members from all Services,including Regular Force and DefenceReserves members from units acrossthe country.

The role of the SANDF on the dayincluded, among others, providingmilitary ceremonial motor escorts, lin-ing the streets along the President's

route, a National Salute by theNational Ceremonial Guard, SAMilitary Health Service Band to theright of the Parliament Building per-forming the National Anthem, the 88mm Gun Troop of the Cape FieldArtillery providing a 21-gun salute, afly-past by the SA Air Force's fourPilatus aircraft and the deployment ofthe Flame Guard for the duration ofParliament in session on the day.

For the first time since 2006, whenCol Peter Kobbie, the OfficerCommanding of Army Support BaseWestern Cape, was appointed as themain co-ordinator for the execution ofthe Opening of Parliament, everythingwent smoothly.

Col Kobbie said: "Every ceremoni-al aspect has been executed accordingto plan for the first time without any

problem. Previously we encounteredsome minimal logistical challenges,but this was not the case this year,since we saw where we shouldimprove and we did just that. We alsomanaged to improve on communica-tion with members involved, from theBand playing the National Anthem,the firing of a 21-gun salute and thefly-past happening at the same time asthe President was taking the NationalSalute. This is all thanks to the hardwork, dedication and discipline of theplanning team and our soldiers."

During his address before a jointsitting of the National Assembly andthe National Council of Provinces,President Jacob Zuma acknowledgedand expressed his appreciation for thesterling job being done by thedeployed SANDF members on inter-national peace missions. This wasanother highlight of the great trust ofthe Head of State in his soldiers whoare doing duty abroad.

The SANDF Commander-in-Chiefsaid: "We applaud the work of theSANDF, which has on averagedeployed over 2 000 military person-nel on peacekeeping operations in theDemocratic Republic of Congo, theSudan and the Central AfricanRepublic."

The Opening of Parliament is a keyevent in the Parliamentary Calendarand happens once a year. Spectatorswho could not secure accreditationwere treated to musical items and afine drill display along the Plein,Adderley, Spin, Strand, Buitekant andCastle Streets where a sea of camou-flaged, blue, white and marooncolours were lining up, creating abeautiful sight of mixed colours forthe crowds to enjoy.

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President Jacob Zuma (second row, left) walks towards the podium led by members of the SANDF. Next to him is Mr Max Sisulu, Speaker of the National Assembly, and behind them are Ms Sizakele Zuma (also known as MaKhumalo),and Mr Mninawa Mahlangu, Speaker of the National Council of Provinces.

The National Ceremonial Guard members march throughAdderley Street all the way to the Castle for debriefing.

The spectators were furtherenthralled after the taking of theNational Salute by President Zuma infront of the parliamentary podium bythe march past of columns from all theServices with their respective bandsrendering musical items all the way tothe Castle for the debriefing session.Tunes included the popular trackNdihamba Nawe by Mafikizolo, one ofthe acclaimed Afropop outfits toprovide a marching rhythm.

SA Air Force members withdraw for the debriefingsession at the Castle after providing the guard ofhonour during the Opening of Parliament.

SA Navy members retreat to the Castle for thedebriefing after they had lined Adderley Street inCape Town during the Opening of Parliament.

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SA Army enhancingits airborne capability

Article and photos by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

SA Brigade conducted ExerciseYOUNG EAGLE at the General DeWet Training Area at De Brug nearBloemfontein and SA Army CombatTraining Centre in Lohatlha over theperiod 12 to 24 February 2011.

Exercise YOUNG EAGLE is primarily a force preparation exercise aimed attraining and exercising the SA Army's airborneand air assault forces to enhance airborne capabili-ty and combat readiness and to integrate the com-bined three Services, namely the SA Army, SA AirForce and the SA Military Health Service.

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A member from 1 Parachute Battalion hooks equipment onto an Oryx helicopter for deploymentduring Exercise YOUNG EAGLE at De Brug near Bloemfontein.

events

Soldiers fast-roping froman Oryx heli-copter. Thismethod isused when-ever a heli-copter can-not landowing to tallvegetation orwhen there isno clearancefor it to land.

During the OpenDay various air-borne capabilitiesof the SA Armywere demonstrat-ed to senior mem-bers of the SAArmy, guests andmembers of themedia.

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The exercise was conducted aspart of the Chief of the SA Army'scombat-readiness strategy to ensurethe availability of combat-ready rapidintervention forces for the Chief of theSANDF. The SA Army values thistraining as a foundation on which itcan build a solid SANDF that is fullycapable of defending the country's ter-

ritorial integrity and the people ofSouth Africa.

The goal of Exercise YOUNGEAGLE was to conduct continuationtraining with the airborne capability toachieve a high level of combat-readi-ness and to enhance the SA Army air-borne capability, to master airbornedoctrine, tactics, techniques and staff

Members from the 7 Medical Battalion Group upsailing from an Oryx helicopter to evacuate a casualty from theground where the helicopter cannot land.

Casualty evacuation conducted by members from 7 Medical Battalion Group.

procedures at all levels during anindependent airborne operation.

The exercise was in the form of apeace intervention with airborneassault troops moving into the hostilezone, and taking over and securingthe area to allow access to the peace-keeping and peace support deployment.

SA Soldier and other independentmedia representatives attended theOpen Day on 18 February 2011. A fic-titious scenario was created for theOpen Day to plan an airborne opera-tion. The demonstration included astatic display, freefall, an attack on theobjective by the artillery, 1 ParachuteBattalion and 6 SA Infantry Battalion,Pathfinders, air supply capabilities,air delivered reinforcements by 1Parachute Battalion and 6 SA InfantryBattalion, fast-roping and casualtyevacuation by means of an Oryx heli-copter and onboard command postlink-up with tactical headquarters.

Training remains high on the pri-ority list of the DOD to ensure thatmembers are better equipped toutilise the newly acquired capabili-ties. This training is the key element inthe SANDF's success in its quest to

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support the Government's diplomaticinitiatives to help eradicate conflict inthe region and on the continent.

Forces that participated in theexercise under the command of 43 SA Brigade were elements of

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1 Parachute Battalion members await the landing of the Oryx helicopter before embarking during Exercise YOUNG EAGLE.

44 Parachute Regiment, 1 ParachuteBattalion, 6 SA Infantry Battalion, 4Artillery Regiment, 2 Field EngineerRegiment, 1 Tactical IntelligenceRegiment, 101 Air Supply Unit, 17Maintenance Unit, 102 FieldWorkshop and 13 Provost Company,fixed-wing transport from severalsquadrons, including helicoptersfrom the SA Air Force, as well as ele-ments from 7 Medical BattalionGroup.

The Acting Chief of the SANDF,Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, regrettedto announce the death of GunnerJabulani David Masango (25), a mem-ber of 10 Air Defence Artillery, whowas involved in a tragic parachuteaccident during Exercise YOUNGEAGLE. The incident happened onMonday, 21 February 2011. A Boardof Inquiry has been convened toinvestigate the incident. The SAPolice Service is also investigating the incident.

The Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, the Secretary for Defence, MsMpumi Mpofu, and the Acting Chiefof the SANDF, Lt Gen TembaMatanzima, have extended their sin-cerest condolences to the family of thedeceased.

101 Air Supply Unit droppingcargo by means of parachutes tosupply the troops on the ground.

Pathfinders were dropped before the mainforce. The pathfinders are highly trainedparatroopers that are dropped to clear thearea and obtain information so that themain force can be parachuted.

Honouring the heroicdeeds of fallen infanteersBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SA Army InfantryFormation and the InfantryAssociation held a memorialservice and a wreath-layingceremony at Fort Klapperkopin Pretoria on 23 January 2011to pay tribute to the fallen

infanteers who lost their lives andexceeded themselves on active duty inthe service of the nation.

The SA Army Infantry Formationalso extended its invitation to the mili-tary veterans associations, MilitaryAttachés representing Angola,Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands,the United Kingdom, the RussianFederation, the Republic of Korea andIndia, families and friends of the fallensoldiers who have been called to higherduty.

The ceremony commenced with theposting of sentries from RegimentNoord-Transvaal, followed byScripture reading, the Last Post, thereveille, wreath-laying and the plantingof crosses and was concluded by theNational Anthem.

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tinue and emphasised the impor-tance of the northern and easternborders. Brig Gen Nel said: "Infantrysoldiers had been deployed in sup-port of the SA Police Service in boththe 2010 Soccer World Cup and as aback-up for the police in internal dis-turbances within the country."

He called on all present toremember all former infanteers whodied on active duty and duringtraining. Looking ahead, he men-tioned the upcoming airborneinfantry exercise, Exercise YOUNGEAGLE, in February, and added that1 Para-chute Battalion would bereaching a milestone on 1 April 2011,when it celebrates its 50th anni-versary. Brig Gen Nel concluded:"Elements of the SA Army InfantryBattalions from 4 SAI Bn, 5 SAI Bn, 7SAI Bn, 15 SAI Bn and 8 SAI Bn areto be deployed on peacekeepingduties in 2011."

Veteran's associations and the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) paidrespect to their fallen comrades and unfurled their banners.

Speaking at the annual InfantryMemorial Service, Brig Gen KrubertNel, the Chief of Staff of the SA ArmyInfantry Formation, said that by com-


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Brig Gen Krubert Nel, the Chief of Staff of theSA Army Infantry Formation, laying a wreath inremembrance of the fallen soldiers.

memorating deceasedmembers we are honour-ing their heroic deeds,and therefore their lovedones will also recognisethe contribution of thesemembers in theirunselfish self-giving forthe sake of their country.

He said that Infantrysoldiers had come underfire during their peace-keeping deploymentsand had responded in away that showed theywere not to be trifledwith. He mentioned thatinfanteers were alsodeployed on the borders,adding this would con-

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By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he expansion of the flyingincentive programme andthe best recruitment prac-tices to ensure the wellnessof skilled personnel helpedthe SA Air Force in curbingthe technical skills short-

age within the SA Air Force in 2010.That was the view of Lt Gen CarloGagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force,during the 91st anniversary paradeof the SA Air Force held at AFBSwartkop on 28 January 2011.

Lt Gen Gagiano was addressingthe media at a press conference onvarious matters within the SA AirForce shortly before the start of theannual SA Air Force anniversaryparade.

The migration of skilled techni-cal personnel to both local andinternational civilian aviationindustries has been a thorn in theflesh of the SA Air Force for years,but it has since decreased dramati-cally thanks to the improvement ofworking conditions and incentiveplans.

Lt Gen Gagiano said: "Industrialaviation poaching of technicalexpertise is an ongoing worldwideproblem and it has an adverseimpact on the state of the readinessof the Air Force. Just in 2008 the SAAir Force lost a total of 48 person-nel, but only 20 in 2009, while webade farewell to just 16 specialistslast year. A number of personnelhave been trained to replace the 83we lost, but their invaluable exper-tise is lost forever. In a positive

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SA Air Force busy closingthe skills shortages gap

CAPABILITY DEMONSTRATION An Oryx heli-copter dropping a cargo container with equip-ment onto a truck to be used to rescue peoplein distress.

light, we can attribute thesignificant decline in the lossof technical skills to themethods we put in place,such as an attractive workingenvironment and excellentcareer planning. These initia-tives to attract and keepscarce skills within the SAAir Force worked wonders,but were bound to be affect-ed by a shoestring budget."

The Chief of the SA AirForce also highlighted therestructuring of the com-mand and control structure,which increased from 1 to 9.This was done to cut the redtape in the reporting struc-ture to ensure a smooth lineof communication betweenAir Command and the unitsat base level, which is in linewith international defenceforce structures.

Immediately after thepress conference, spectatorsand the media contingentwere treated to spectaculardrill movements by a sea ofblue uniforms of SA AirForce members from variousunits across the country tocommemorate the 91st birth-day of the SA Air Force. Theannual SA Air Force DayParade is held, among others,to highlight the achieve-ments of the past year andthe challenges facing the SAAir Force in the current year.

The event also serves togive public recognition andto acknowledge air force

bases, units and squadrons for their excellence inaccomplishing their tasks and missions.

Addressing the parade, Lt Gen Gagiano saidthat the SA Air Force's involvement in the air secu-rity, mobility, intelligence, surveillance and recon-naissance air support had also taught new lessonsand provided a morale booster for Air Force personnel.

He continued: "Many important lessons in the

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Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, applauds the recipients for a jobwell done. Standing behind her is Lt Gen CarloGagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force.

amazing manoeuvres byHawks and Gripens using theirfirepower to neutralise anddestroy the enemy force beforeit could distract the rescue mis-sion. Members of the SA ArmyParachute Regiments, ArtilleryRegiments, and tank andEngineer Formations also pro-vided support for the event.

context of air security werelearned, including progresswith regard to the developmentand integration of air-to-air mis-siles for both the Hawk and theGripen. The IRIS-T short-rangemissile was successfully test-fired from a Gripen in June 2010while the A-Darter missile,which will be integrated intoboth the Gripen and the Hawkwere also successfully test-fired.The present capabilities of theGripen will be further enhancedby an all digital reconnaissancepod and a laser-guided bomb inthe near future. The avionicretrofit of the PC7 MK II is alsoprogressing as planned and theenvisaged reduction of that fleetto 35 aircraft continues accord-ing to schedule and the CessnaCaravan and King Aircraft sim-ulator flying training was intro-duced in August 2010 to pro-vide more flying time for someof the young pilots. Anotherhighlight in 2010 was the soloflight by the first female Gripenpilot in the world, MajCatherine Labuschangne. Lt ColMusa Mbhokota was appointedas the Officer Commanding ofthe Gripen Squadron in Januarythis year, the first Africanappointment, and the 11 PC 7MK II graduates have alreadystarted ground school in prepa-ration for the commencement oftheir Hawk conversion flying in

2011." He also awardedthe SA Air Force PrestigeFloating Trophy of thebest overall unit to Lt ColEarl Swanepoel, OfficerCommanding of 2 AirServicing Unit at Lange-baanweg.

After the parade thespectators were treated toentertainment of the high-est order when almost allthe SA Air Force fleets ofhelicopters, transport andfighter aircraft performeda high powered air dis-play. Among the aircraftperforming manoeuvresand a fly-past were the BK117's, Citations, CessnaCaravans, Oryx helicop-ters, Agusta WestlandAW109 helicopters, Her-cules C-130's, CASAS212's, Silver Falcons, thedecommissioned AlouetteI and II, and the Astra PC 7Mk II fleets.

Members of the publicalso had the opportunityof witnessing the variouscapability demonstrationsof techniques employedby the SA Air Force in dif-ferent situations, for exam-ple the Oryx helicopterpathfinders were droppedfrom an airborne C-130 toland, using their para-chutes, and there were

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force, and members of the Air ForceBoard address the press conference during the 91st anniversary parade of the SAAir Force. Lt Gen Gagiano is flanked by Maj Gen Gerald Malinga, GOC AirCommand (left) and Maj Gen Zakes Msimang, Chief Director Air Policy and Plans.


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R Adm (JG) Patrick Duze, the Commandant of the SANational War College, delivering his speech at theopening of the Programme.

Excellence through learning

By Bibi SibanyoniPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he Joint Senior Commandand Staff Programme of theSouth African National WarCollege is a challenging cur-riculum, which benchmarkswith some of the best in theworld. The College presents

the Programme over a period of 44weeks.

During the official opening of theprogramme that took place on 26January 2011, Maj Gen ManfredMabuza, the General OfficerCommanding of the TrainingCommand, welcomed all the interna-tional students, saying: "We look for-

Tregard to joint, combined and multi-national training at the operationallevel. Maj Gen Mabuza added: "Theultimate success of this programme is,however, only measured on comple-tion of the programme in Novemberand your subsequent employmentand performance within the national,regional and international arenas. Wemust therefore not disappoint the con-tinent and the world. The quality ofthis programme attests to this confidence."

Before declaring the Joint SeniorCommand and Staff Programme openMaj Gen Mabuza said: "The outsideworld benchmarks the standard ofdiscipline in the SANDF through you.Make us proud".

ward to benefiting from your knowl-edge and expertise that you bring onboard". The course will broaden one'shorizon with its successful prescribedmodules of corporate management,security studies, joint warfare and mil-itary operations. It is important tounderstand the foundation and reasonfor existence of this course. Since thebirth of our country's democracy in1994 South Africa has become a fully-fledged member of the United Nationsand the African Union. This has result-ed in our efforts to establish and main-tain peace and stability in the region.

By implementing the Joint SeniorCommand and Staff Programme theSANDF has ensured its alignment withinternationally accepted norms with

Maj Gen Manfred Mabuza, the General Officer Command-ing of the Training Command, addressing the students atthe opening of the Joint Senior Command and StaffProgramme.


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focus on people

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SAMHS appoints its first male MatronBy Pte Tshegofatso RakomaPhoto: Lt Sello Segone

e can be anything wewant to be, if only we putour minds and hearts intorealising our dreams. MajMedumo Boshiane moti-vated us never to give upand always to fight for

what we believe in. He gave us thisexample as he fought his way up tobecome the first male AssistantDirector Nursing Matron in the SAMilitary Health Service.

Maj Boshiane started as an assis-tant nurse at 1 Military Hospital, hav-ing previously been a nurse atWeskoppies Hospital. With immensepassion for his work, Maj Boshianeintended to pursue his carrier in nurs-ing, but he never got the opportunityto study at State expense as he did nothave what was required then, a matricexemption.

In March 1990 Maj Boshiane

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Maj Medumo Boshiane putting a patient's arm in plaster.

resigned from the military after 20years of service and went to theNursing College in Mahikeng wherehe not only obtained a four yearDiploma in Nursing, but also a matricexemption with all his subjects in theHigher Grade. He then worked atJubilee Hospital at Hammanskraal.

On 11 March 1997 he received atelegram of reacceptance in the DODafter he was recommended by aMatron at 1 Military Hospital. He thenretuned to 1 Military Hospital wherehe was given a post as a professionalnurse in Orthopaedics.

Through his ability, potential andinitiative, Maj Boshiane completed hisOfficer Formative Course and contin-ued his nursing studies at Stateexpense. He was then given a rehabil-itation ward to run after which he waspromoted to the rank of Lieutenantand then to Captain.

Having to balance gender equityand representivity within the work-place, the General Officer

Commanding, Brig Gen Zola Dabula,took the initiative when male nursesbrought their dissatisfaction to hisattention about the male versus femalestructure in the hospital.

Aiming high, Maj Boshiane waspromoted to a Major on 29 December2010, making him the first maleAssistant Director Nursing Matron inthe DOD on the basis of his ability,courage and correct attitude for theposition.

He was happy and honoured toserve as an inspiration for other malenurses within the nursing fraternity.Maj Boshiane has had to endure hard-ship, but has striven to do his best overtime and in his chosen career.

In his interview with Milmed, MajBoshiane said: "There has never been amale Matron in this hospital." Hepromised: "I will make sure that everypatient leaving the hospital has beenattended."

Having to face the fact that his workis mainly in a "women's world", heacknowledges that we cannot stop eachother from reaching our dreams andthat everyone should remember that asense of humour goes a long waytowards making anything and every-thing bearable.

It was clear from the interview thatMaj Boshiane was an interesting manand someone worth listening to. He ishighly motivated, thrilled about hiscareer and his breakthroughs and ishappy to pass on his experience to any-one willing to listen.

With only a year to go in the DOD,Maj Boshiane intends to write a bookbased on his life, the suffering, bloodsweat and tears he went through to getto where he is today. Maj Boshiane alsofinds the time in his busy schedule toeducate and mentor students (interns)from various nursing institutionsaround the city.

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Placing a high premiumon national securityBy Bibi SibanyoniPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

n a continuously shrinking world,interaction and collaborationbetween countries and armedforces to address mutual chal-lenges is increasingly becomingthe norm, therefore the need existsto prepare officers and officials at

the national strategic level to plan,manage and ensure national securityin a world which places a high premi-um on human security and increasing-ly addresses national security issueson a multinational basis.

The South African NationalDefence College hosts a twenty-one-

Iweek programme, which focuses onthree important aspects of security,namely National Security, SouthAfrican Studies and Africa andInternational Studies. The Chief HumanResources, Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, offi-cially opened the Executive NationalSecurity Programme 23/11 on 18 Jan-uary 2011. He welcomed all selectedcandidates from the SANDF, interna-tional students from other armed forcesand parastatals of the SA Governmentto the course.

Urging candidates to make use of allthe opportunities the SANDF has tooffer, Lt Gen Mgwebi said: "You canprepare yourselves for making greatercontribution and playing a more mean-

Fltr: Brig Gen J.D. Msonthi (Malawian Defence Force), Brig Gen M.S.M. Fayek (Egyptian Defence Force), Lt Gen D.M.Mgwebi (Chief of Human Resource: SANDF), Col A. Kasiita-Gowa (Ugandan People's Defence Force) and Col M.Lubinda (Zambian Defence Force) foreign students on the Executive National Security Programme.

ingful role in national security matters.Be capable of making sound decisionsin your own fields and also appreciatethe wider implications of the decisionsthat you make and of the actions thatresult. You must be able to relatejudgements and opinions to currentstrategy and policy".

This course will enable the candi-dates to debate issues affecting themdirectly and indirectly. However, allwill find a common ground, namelythat national security is the top priori-ty. Candidates will bring to this deci-sion-making process clarity of thoughtand an all-embracing knowledge ofnational, regional and internationalaffairs.

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The Amakhosi of Thaba Tshwane help to realise a dream

Article and photos by Daleen vanSittert, Asst Dir Training Support

Colonel from the NigerianArmed Forces attended theExecutive National Secu-rity Programme (ENSP)14/06 at the SA NationalDefence College in ThabaTshwane, Pretoria, during

the latter part of 2006. He was calledCol Mike Ale Nasamu, and he cameto South Africa for nearly six monthswith a dream in his heart - to be aMajor General in the Nigerian Armyone day.

During this time ColonelNasamu saw his family only once,for a weekend. Despite this, heexcelled academically and complet-ed the ENSP successfully on 24November 2006.

Being generous to a fault, heorganised tokens of appreciation forthe staff members to be broughtfrom Nigeria by his wife, Yinka,when she travelled from Nigeria toattend the Certificate and AwardsCeremony.

It came as no surprise to hisfriends and acquaintances in SouthAfrica that he was promoted toMajor General in the Nigerian Armyat the beginning of 2011, as we allremember him as a true gentlemanand a worthy ambassador for hisdefence force, in particular, andNigeria in general. He thus realisedhis lifelong dream to achieve tophonours in his military career.

May this achievement serve as aninspiration for all who attend theENSP at the SA National DefenceCollege, especially to our yet to befriends in countries far away!

A

Col Mike Nasamu receives his certificate on completion of the ENSP 14/06from Lt Gen Temba Matanzima (the then Chief of Human Resources).Looking on are Brig Gen Erroll Mann (the then Commandant of the SANational Defence College), Col Zirk Lourens and Col Dirk Hanekom.

Newly promoted Maj Gen Mike Nasamu of the Nigerian Army.

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SA Air Force PrestigeAwards ceremony

By Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SA Air Force has nevershied away from any chal-lenges. Performance andexcellence are therefore ofimportance to its functioningin order to satisfy its opera-tional requirements.

On 27 January 2011 the Chief of theSA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano,hosted the SA Air Force PrestigeAwards ceremony to give recognitionto the previous year's achievementsand to celebrate excellence at the SA

TAir Force HQ in Pretoria.

Addressing the audience, Lt GenGagiano congratulated the achieversand said that they had done very well.He said: "Well done, all of you whohave improved during the past year;there is however still much to be done.Units, bases and directorates have toutilise the European Foundation forthe Quality Management Model toenhance measurement, innovationand growth."

He encouraged those who had notperformed to achieve rewards, andsaid that 2011 was now their opportu-nity to commit themselves and their

teams to excellence and build an SA AirForce that all can be proud of.

Over the years the prestigiousawards have facilitated continued excel-lence in various areas to add to the sus-tainable use of resources and therebyenhance the SA Air Force's ability toserve the nation. Best contenders fromDirectorates, Bases, Units, Squadronsand Sections in various categories wereannounced.

The Air Force Prestige Unit of theYear: 2 Air Supply Unit, AFBLangebaanwegThe Air Force Aviation SafetyAward: AFB YsterplaatThe Royal Air Force TrainingAward: 85 Combat Flying SchoolThe Air Force Protection Squadronof the Year: 502 Squadron, 68 AirSchoolThe Air Force Reserve Squadron ofthe Year: 110 Squadron, AFBYsterplaatThe Air Force Support Unit of theYear: SA Air Force Museum The Air Force Air Servicing Unit ofthe Year: 2 Air Supply Unit, AFBLangebaanwegThe Air Command Directorate ofthe Year: Directorate Aviation SafetyThe Air Force Operational SupportUnit of the Year: Bushveld AirspaceControl Sector (SA Air Force HQ)The Air Force Training Unit of theYear: SA Air Force CollegeThe Air Force Permanent FlyingUnit of the Year: 15 Squadron, AFBDurbanThe Air Force Base of the Year: AFBDurbanThe Air Force Sword of Peace: 22Squadron, AFB Ysterplaat

The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano (right) presenting thetrophy for the Best SA Air Force Training Unit to the Officer Commanding ofSA Air Force College, Col Jakobus Janse van Rensburg.

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Military Academy lecturerteaches at West PointBy Cdr Hennie Smit

dr Hennie Smit, a lecturer inMilitary Geography at theMilitary Academy inSaldanha, was invited tovisit the United StatesMilitary Academy at WestPoint. During the week-long

visit he presented classes to studentsand faculty members of theDepartment of Geography andEnvironmental Engineering. A sec-ondary aim was to pursue research

C

Cdr Hennie Smit, a lecturer in Military Geography at the Military Academy inSaldanha, and two West Point students.

standard and generated numerousopportunities to provided the interna-tional staff and students at West Pointwith an African perspective on manyissues pertaining to the SA MilitaryAcademy and the South African mili-tary in general.

Cdr Smit was also involved in unitand academic activities, for examplethe farewell parade for the outgoingDean and the annual Departmentalbriefing to the Dean. During theparade for the outgoing Dean, morethan 2000 West Point Cadets provided

linkages between the Department ofGeography and EnvironmentalEngineering at West Point and theDepartment of Military Geography atthe SA Military Academy.

Three lectures were presented tofive different student groups. He pre-sented topics dealing with environ-mental security in the South Africancontext, geography and warfare, andthe political changes in South Africasince 1994. In total 172 students attend-ed the presentations. The interactionwith the student body were of a high

an impressive spectacle onthe parade ground.

According to Cdr Smit itwas a privilege and honour tohave been invited to WestPoint. His interaction withMilitary Geography WestPoint will undoubtedly bearfruit in terms of research col-laboration, inputs into teach-ing, and possible future visitsfrom West Point academics tothe SA Military Academy andvice versa.

This visit was also a valu-able benchmarking exercisethat will do much to enhancethe reputation of the SAMilitary Academy among adistinguished internationalmilitary audience.

All of the above will be ofdirect benefit to the studentsat the Military Academy. Thevisit will enhance the MilitaryAcademy's status and imagewithin the United States pro-fessional military milieu,while experience gained andlinkages made will be reflect-ed in future teaching andresearch.

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that era will have a large impact ontheir current values. Such values arethen translated into distinct attitudes,behaviour, and expectations - whichare often a source of conflict in theworkplace.

In South Africa the generation gapis also being influenced by culturaltraditions and Western ideas. Two dis-tinct factors do seem to set theyounger generation apart, namely theability to cope with very rapidchanges in the use of technology andthe disappearance of the "job for life".

In May 1968 the influential TimeMagazine dedicated a front page tothe subject and featured an article onthe many differences between peopleof a younger generation and theirelders - and the term "GenerationGap" was born.

Four distinct generation typeshave been identified, namely Vet-erans, Baby Boomers, Generation Xand Generation Y.

VeteransBorn: Between 1922 and 1943Other names: Loyalists,Traditionalists and War GenerationValues: Dedication, hard work, lawand orderBehaviour: Detail-orientated, thor-ough and reliable

What is the generationgap?

Mindset: Focused on rewardPreference at work: Knowing poli-cies and regulations, knowing who'swho and dress very conservatively Best way to approach: Use formaltitles instead of first names, showrespect at all times and do not inter-act via sms

Baby BoomersBorn: Between 1943 and 1960Other names: Hippies and Yuppies Values: Optimistic, team orientatedand personal growthBehaviour: Service-orientated, wantto please and good team playersMindset: Idealistic, focused on visionand values and willing to sacrifice forsuccessPreference at work: Only casualfriendships with colleagues, preferuniforms as working gear and wantclear, set instructions Best way to approach: Use a top-down chain of command, alwaysgive recognition for tasks well done,do not email instructions - rather talkface-to-face

Generation XBorn: Between 1960 and 1980Other names: Twenty Somethingsand Baby BustersValues: Think globally, techno-liter-

By Ms Sanet Stoltz, SeniorPersonnel Practitioner, CD HRM(Directorate Career Management)

t's been said that human capital isthe most valuable asset in anorganisation. The intellect, cre-ativity, work ethics and ambitionthat people bring to their work arewhat drive the performance ofany organisation, including the

DOD. Many of the differences being

experienced among members/em-ployees are as a result of workplacediversity, eg gender, race and ethnici-ty. One area of diversity that has beenlargely ignored is that of generationaldiversity.

With several different generationscurrently being employed in the DOD,all managers, supervisors and subor-dinates should take cognisance of thedifferent views, values and expecta-tions of each generation to eliminatemajor confrontations and misunder-standings in order to maximise thepotential of their human capital.

Generational differences lead todifferences in core values, which inturn play an important role in howpeople approach work. Depending onwhat period persons grew up in, thesocial, political and economic force of

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ate, self-reliantBehaviour: Adaptable, independentand not intimidated by authorityMindset: Focused on survival andadventurePreference at work: Educationallyinclined, flexible in approach anddress very casuallyBest way to approach: Provideoptions regarding tasks, allow creativ-ity in their jobs, do not micro-managethem and give him or her flexibilityregarding working hours

Generation YBorn: Between 1980 and 2000Other names: Internet Generation andMillenniumsValues: Optimistic, sociable and streetsmartBehaviour: Multi-tasking capabilities,resilient and technologically savvyMindset: Civic-minded, focused onrewards and accustomed to instanteverythingPreference at work: Want attentionfrom seniors, like to become friendswith colleagues, prefer to wear den-ims and sports shoes to work and willthrive working with a mentorBest way to approach: Provide struc-tures and clear guidelines, reward fre-quently with positive feedback, useelectronic means to communicatewith them, challenge them regularly,reward him or her with more respon-sibility

How to bridge the generationgapAccommodate employee differences -

treat employees as customers.Create workplace choices - create

relaxed and informal office atmo-sphere.

Operate with a sophisticated manage-ment style - managers should bedirect and show bigger picture totheir subordinates and give specif-ic goals.

Respect competence and initiative -assume the best about people.

Nourish retention - make the work-place a magnet for excellence. On adaily basis focus and be concernedabout possible retentions.

Market internally - spend time learn-ing to become the employer ofchoice and continually sell the ben-efits of the workplace to retain thebest employees.

Best approaches in the officeenvironmentAccommodate employee differences:

Treat your employees as youwould treat a visitor or client.Accommodate personal schedul-ing needs, work-life balance issuesand non-traditional lifestyles.

Create workplace choices: Allow theworkplace to shape itself aroundthe work being done. Create arelaxed and informal atmosphere.Elements of humour and playful-ness (within limits) should not beforbidden.

Operate with a sophisticated manage-ment style: Ensure all managersand supervisors are well trained,are excellence driven and display supervisory styles that are notfixedleadership styles that vary accord-ing to the situationno dependency on ranks/positionsonlyan in-depth knowledge of relevantpolicies, acts and regulationsa concern for tasks and for subor-dinatesthoughtfulness when matchingindividuals to a team/office or anindividual to a task/assignmentunderstanding of the value of trustfairness at all timesa commitment to lifelong learningto ensure they remain subject mat-ter experts

Respect competence and initiative:Always assume the best of peopleand treat all persons as if theyhave great things to offer.

Nourish retention: Offer lots of train-ing and make the workplace amagnet for excellence.

Market internally: Continually "sellthe DOD's benefits" to retain thebest and brightest of the employ-ees.

ReferencesBridging the Generation Gap:

Presentation facilitated by Deborah

Laurel: 2005 (Laurel and Associated

Ltd) Wisconsin

Article: Bridging the Generation Gap in

the Workplace by Shamira Hudda

(www.workopolis.com)

Article: Technology and the Generation

Gap by Genevieve Zook published on

August 27, 2007.

Book: Retiring the Generation Gap

(How employees young & old can find

common ground) by Jennifer J. Deal

2007

Article: Today's generation face new

communication gaps by Denise Kersten

published on 11/15/2002 by USA

TODAY (www.USATODAY.com)

Article: Bridging generational gaps in

the workforce by business writer

Michael Silence and published in 2008

by the Knoxville News Sentinel

(www.knoxnews.com)

Article: Motivating Gen X, Gen Y

Workers by David Javitch published

May 10, 2010 (www.entrepreneur.com)

Article: Close the generation gap by

Paul McNally published during March

2010 in the Men's Health Magazine

under the heading The Wisdom of Age

(www.mh.co.za)

Article: Generational differences by

Penny Abbott published in January

2010 by the People Dynamics

Magazine)

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Force health protection

By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

n armed force has to be ableto detect potential dangers inorder to ensure its safety.The need for OccupationalHealth and Safety speaks foritself, and the DirectorateOccupational Health and

Safety is on a par with internationalstandards.

Gen Ansuyah Fakir, DirectorOccupational Health and Safety(OHS), hosted a three-day OHSProfessional Seminar at the PeaceMission Training Centre in ThabaTshwane from 15 to 17 February 2011.The aim of the seminar was to shareideas, discuss ways in which OHS sys-tems could be applied to contribute toworkplace safety. This included point-ing out trends and patterns within theDOD and mapping the way forward.The research completed should leadto recommendations for improvedhealth and safety measures.

In her opening address, Brig GenFakir said that the DOD had over 102000 officials working in more than 359units distributed in more than 400workplaces across the country, on theborders and outside the borders, inthe air, under water, in the desert andrain forests, in buildings and in tents.

Brig Gen Fakir said: "Beyond this,the work we do ranges from jumpingout of planes, swimming in icy waters,crawling in the dust, firing canon,moving in the confined spaces oftanks and bunkers, flying noisy air-craft and moving ordinance. TheSANDF's work is extensive and casu-alties must be minimised. Preven-tative OHS surely starts with classify-ing jobs as hazardous or a risk tohealth and then placing the right per-

A

Brig Gen Ansuyah Fakir, Director Occupational Health and Safety, voicingher opinion on strategically planning for OHS scenario.

son in a position to meet the rigours ofthese classified jobs."

She mentioned that South Africahad ratified the international conven-tion of the International LabourOrganisation on OHS number 155 of1981, adding that in 1993 South Africahad promulgated the OHS Act andregulated the workplace safetyrequirements in several industries,including that of mining, constructionand diving, and had introduced regu-lations to deal with plant, equipmentor substances deemed dangerous.

Speaking at the seminar Dr SiphoSinabe from the Department of PublicService and Administration (DPSA)commended the OHS Directorate for

its sterling work and its initiative inadvancing OHS. Dr Sinabe said: "AsDPSA we would like to assure you ofour full support as you continue toprovide leadership to address healthrisks, reduce injuries and ill healthassociated with jobs in the military,and make the working environmentsafe by means of employee wellnessprogrammes."

A thought-provoking presentationon "Pre and Post-occupational HealthAssessments for External Deployments- Unique to the DOD" was provided byMaj (Dr) Phumla Ngqakamba from theRegional OHS Centre in Gauteng(Thaba Tshwane), while "OHSChallenges in External Deployments -


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Dr Barry Kistnasamy, the Executive Director of theNational Institute for Occupational Health, engagingcritically to strengthen OHS capacity building.

Unique to the DOD" was presented byLt Col (Dr) Radineo Maboe from 1Military Hospital. They bothexplained that learning about an areaof deployment prior to missions great-ly assisted medical personnel andtroops in their preparations, enablingthem to do research on important fac-tors such as environmental health, dis-ease and climatic factors.

Lt Col (Dr) Maboe mentioned thatexternal deployments might involve

before, during and after deployment. He also mentioned that the military

might need to protect vulnerable assetsfrom aerial threats, secure bases, pro-tect ships in dock and landing zones,research topography, population,water supply, living and sanitary con-ditions, pollution, mining zones, haz-ardous animals and plants to minimiserisks to deployed personnel.

Maj (Dr) Ngqakamba said that dur-ing deployment OHS personnel could

ascertain which diseases were com-mon to a country and that it was cru-cial to know what medical facilitiesand research locations were availablein the region, and what the capabilitiesof these facilities were. This wouldalso increase the chances of missionsbeing successful.

Brig Gen Fakir also made the pointthat if an armed force had not strategi-cally planned for an OHS scenario, itcould have devastating consequences.She added that the more information atactical Commander had access togoing into any operational area, thebetter he or she could understand mis-sion complexities and prepare histroops. She said that once contingen-cies were known they could beplanned for, and appropriate mea-sures could be taken to reduce injuriesand the loss of life.

Dr Barry Kistnasamy, theExecutive Director of the NationalInstitute for Occupational Health,made strategic inputs to the DOD ini-tiatives. He stated that it would cer-tainly be beneficial to all medical pro-fessionals, OHS practitioners andphysicians to analyse the geography ofdiseases, and the classification of haz-ards, for example: physical, biological,mechanical, chemical, psycho-social toensure maximum personnel safety inperforming operational duties.

military operationsother than war, suchas humanitarianassistance. Militarypersonnel, whetherland, air, naval ormedical, includingcivilians doing field-work at the basesand in the area ofresponsibility areconfronted by thelink between envi-ronmental, demo-graphic and tempo-ral factors relating tohealth issues. Theybecome increasinglyaware of the causesof health hazardsand how to over-come problems of amedical nature

Delegates who made strategic inputs during the OHS Professional Seminar.

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skills development

an entire economic sector; orA more theoretical higher educa-tion qualification giving the learn-er access to advanced theory andresearch in preparation either foran academic career, or as a basisfor entry into several occupations.To accommodate all qualifications

the South African QualificationsAuthority (SAQA) has revised theNational Qualifications Framework(NQF). This framework, which is thenational framework for the registra-tion of national standards and qualifi-cations, has 10 levels and consists ofthree focused sub-frameworks:1. General and Further Education

and Training Qualification Frame-work at NQF Level 1-4, managedby Umalusi.

2. Higher Education Quality Frame-work at NQF Level 5-10, managedby the Council on HigherEducation.

3. Occupational Qualification Frame-work (OQF) at NQF Level 1-10,managed by the Quality Council ofTrades and Occupations (QCTO).The "new kid on the block" is the

OQF and QCTO, which focus on occu-pational (work related) learning.

This means that occupational qual-ifications are about to enter theEducation Training and Development(ETD) environment and universitiesno longer have the monopoly onHigher Education. The country isawaiting the regulations from theQCTO, which will guide developmentimplementation.

What are the implications forthe DOD?

The DOD ETD system operates

Occupational learning in the DOD

within the national ETD system andwe have committed ourselves to deliv-ering accredited ETD. It is also criticalthat we train people according toorganisational specifications to ensureindividuals are experts in their specificoccupation/job or mustering.

Let us first define an occupation.An occupation is a set of jobs requiringthe performance of similar or identicalsets of tasks. Occupations in SA aredefined by a classification code andtheir descriptions in the OccupationalFramework for Occupations (OFO).This framework defines occupations indifferent learning fields and economicsectors. In laymen's terms it capturesall jobs in the form of occupations. In2010 the DOD went through a map-ping process to ensure that its uniqueoccupations were included.

Occupational qualifications arelinked to occupations on the OFO andit is important to note that there willonly be one qualification and speciali-sation for each occupation/job and itwill be tightly focused on job performance.

Note: Job specific qualifications will berelated so that people can move from onejob to another without having to repeatlearning that is common and relevant toboth jobs.

Owing to the nature of the DOD,the characteristics and principles of theoccupational learning system fit theDOD like a glove.

One of the exciting aspects is thatoccupational qualifications are unitstandards based and can be as conciseas 25 credits. For the first time we havethe opportunity to have national quali-fications awarded to relatively small

By Lt Col Paula Cronje, SO1 Higher Education andTraining, CDHRD: Directorate ETD

t is here! … A "seamless" learn-ing system from cradle tograve, linked directly to careerpathways. A new occupationallearning system is to be imple-mented in SA aiming toaddress skills development and

meet the labour market needs. It isinput driven and the learning is jobrelated." - Mike Stuart

The Minister of Higher Educationand Training, Mr Blade Nzimande,introduced the National SkillsDevelopment Strategy (NSDS) III on13 January 2011. This strategy guidesand promotes skills development andone of the most significant goals is toincrease access to occupationally-directed programmes.

In 2010 a single Department forHigher Education and Training in SAwas created, which provides anopportunity to integrate further edu-cation, higher education and skillsdevelopment into a coherent post-schooling education and trainingsystem.

After Grade 12 learners can eitherenter the job market directly, orembark on any one of three types ofqualifications:

A job-specific occupational qualifi-cation designed by industry,including highly in demand "workexperience", which is valuable interms of job and professionaladvancement;A broader vocational qualificationintended to prepare the learner fora range of occupations spanning

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packages of learning and we are nolonger bound to the rigid minimum of120 credits for a qualification.

A further advantage is that occupa-tional qualifications demand compe-tence in three learning areas, namely:

Knowledge and Theory - typicallyprovided by formal ETD providersoutside of real working conditions.Practical Skills - typically providedby ETD providers under simulatedconditions, andWork Experience - provided by theemployer in real working condi-tions to generate real products andservices.With the workplace experience

component included in the learningarea, the individual learns and gainsexperience in his or her actual work-place.

Except for a few purely academiclearning programmes, as well as themost senior developmental courses inthe SANDF, most training is occupa-

tionally focused. It is foreseen that infuture most ETD in the DOD willreside within the Occupational Learn-ing sub-framework. Formal courses inthe functional and career developmentfields within the Services andDivisions will in future be alignedtowards occupational learning pro-grammes, for which a national qualifi-cation, either a National OccupationalQualification, or a National Occupa-tional Award, will be awarded.

For us in the DOD to keep the ballrolling and start developing occupa-tional qualifications crucial processesneed to be established, namely:

Identification of occupational qual-ifications to be developed.Registration of DevelopmentQuality Partners with the QCTO(the custodian of the qualification).Register Community of ExpertPractices (a group of practitionerscurrently active in a specific occu-pation and knowledgeable about

its current practice).Train the Qualification Develop-ment Facilitators (individualsfacilitating the development pro-cess of the qualification and cur-riculum).Accreditation of Skills Develop-ment Provider (applicable trainingunits).

Foundational LearningCompetence

A solid foundation promotes continuouslearning.

Foundational Learning Compe-tence is directly linked to Goal 4 of theNational Skills Development Strategy(NSDS III). This goal addresses thelow level of youth and adult languageand numeric skills to permit addition-al training.

As a result of the shortfalls inbasic education/secondary schooling,

>> on page 40

Picture concept courtesy Department of Labour


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which learners may bring with them,the compulsory inclusion of EnglishCommunication and MathematicalLiteracy in all further occupationallearning programmes at NQF level 2-4is enforced by legislation.

This implies that every person inthe country enrolling in an occupa-tional learning programme at NQFLevel 2-4 will be assessed on EnglishCommunication and MathematicalLiteracy. If found not competent, theindividual will be required to undergoFoundational Learning Competence(FLC) training.

What does this imply for the DOD?

Past experience and ETD results inthe DOD have indicated serious defi-ciencies in these foundational compe-tencies. This has a negative effect onindividuals' ability to perform on for-mal courses, as well as professionallyand safely to perform their duties inthe military workplace.

During July 2010 a statistical sam-ple of 300 Grade 12 Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) recruitswere subjected to the national FLCassessment and the results also indi-cated deficiencies in the foundationalcompetencies.

To ensure a solid base to cope withany occupational learning in future,FLC is crucial, and addressing FLC inthe DOD will not only benefit the indi-vidual, but greatly contribute to over-coming the current national basic edu-cation deficiencies.

Implementation of FLC in the DOD

FLC will be phased in into theDOD, starting with members in theMSDS, and it will progressivelyengage current Regular Force, ReserveForce members and Public Service ActPersonnel (PSAP).

The FLC assessment (EnglishCommunication and MathematicalLiteracy) is done by the IndependentExamination Board of SA. The DOD isalready involved through its adminis-tration of the assessment of the 2011MSDS members, starting in February,

while they are busy with BasicMilitary Training.

Owing to the fact that this FLCassessment is a national assessment, ithas financial implications, althoughthe DOD funds it. This in itself is alsoa benefit for all DOD individuals.Services and Divisions in future needto budget for this expenditure perindividual.

After the assessment, FLC trainingwill be done at identified DOD SkillsDevelopment Providers according to anational curriculum and by specifical-ly qualified FLC facilitators. Thesefacilitators are experts in the fields oftraining, English language and mathe-matical competence and are registeredwith the QCTO.

Successful learners will be issuedwith a statement of results. Theseresults will also be captured on theNational Learner Record Database ofSA. The benefit for any individualhaving a competent FLC certificate isthat it will enable him or her to gainaccess to any occupational learningprogramme in the DOD or the privatesector. After leaving the DOD an indi-vidual will be in a preferred positionrelative to other individuals in the pri-

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Military Skills Development System members busy writing FoundationalLearning Competence assessments at Air Force Base Hoedspruit on 10 February 2011.

vate sector who have not been certi-fied as competent.

The Chief Directorate HumanResources Development(CDHRD) is responsible for theimplementation of the occupa-tional learning system in theDOD.ETD information is availableon the HR website - CDHRD -ETD. The contact person formore information on FLC isCol C.C. Laubscher (SSO Ac-creditation and QualityAssurance) at DHQ. Tel: 012 355 5252.The Skills DevelopmentHandbook 2010/11, written byMr Mike Stuart, is highly rec-ommended. He can be contact-ed at Rainbow SA: Tel: 011 485 2036. (This book isalso available electronically.)

References: Final draft (2010) OccupationalQualification Framework Regu-lations 2010 Skills Development Handbook2010/11 - Mr Mike Stuart, Rainbow SA.


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Military Academy studentunravels environmentalreporting in the military

Article and photo by Lt T.J. Mokiri, Military Academy

he very nature of defenceforces in the present millenni-um and the vast areas of landutilised by them, necessitatethe re-evaluation of the impactof the military on the environ-ment. In South Africa, this pro-

cess started officially in 1977 and itgained new impetus with the publica-tion of the EnvironmentalImplementation Plan (EIP) in theGovernment Gazette in February 2001.

Since 1977 consistent attention tomilitary environmental management inthe DOD has led to numerous activitiesrelated to the sound and sustainableutilisation of the land entrusted to theDepartment. Among the most notableof these is the change in focus from con-servation to military integrated envi-ronmental management, the promulga-tion and updating of the EIP fordefence, and the drafting and pilotingof an environmental management sys-tem for Defence. An unanswered ques-tion is whether these activities haveincreased general environmentalawareness among the personnel of the DOD.

One of the ways of assessing thelevel of environmental awareness with-in a society or organisation is to analysethe media to assess the reporting ofthese issues. As part of an Honoursdegree in Military Geography at theMilitary Academy in Saldanha, Lt T.E.Mokiri did a content analysis of the offi-cial media of the DOD to analyse thereporting on environmental issueswithin the SA Soldier and its predeces-sor, Salut. The study was supervised by

T

Cdr H.A.P. Smit, a lecturer in MilitaryGeography at the Military Academy.

Content analysis was used in thisstudy in order to observe the trends andpatterns of environmental reporting inthe DOD media, and to gain an under-standing of news concerning environ-mental issues through the environmentalreporting process. This was done for theperiod 1994 to 2010, and provided aneasily accessible, rapid, and cost-effectiveway to analyse the level of reporting anddebate about environmental issues in theDOD. This period of time was chosen inorder to establish if debate on environ-mental issues exists in the DOD, and to

Lt T.J. Mokiri and his supervisor, Cdr H.A.P. Smit.

establish whether there has beenprogress within the DOD regardingenvironmental reporting since thedemocratic elections.

As a first step, key words wereselected and used to identify articles thathad relevance to environmental issues,such as environmental management,pollution and waste management.

During the second step, a contentanalysis of all the pages in all the edi-tions was done, and the identified pageswere photocopied for coding. The totalnumber of magazine editions coveringthe period January 1994 to June 2010was 186. Because this was seen as a man-


43

ageable number of editions, there was noneed for sampling, and all the copiescovering the period of study could beanalysed.

As a third step, all the articles and let-ters in Salut and SA Soldier that met thecriteria were then scanned, photocopied,and coded. This process identified a totalof 85 articles dealing with environmentalissues. Of these articles, 13 appeared inSalut between 1994 and 1999, while 72articles were published in SA Soldierbetween 2000 and 2010.

These articles were then collectedand analysed in terms of general charac-teristics (month/year of publication, vol-ume), topic, length, content, tone, num-ber of articles dealing with environmen-tal issues collated per time period, andtype and number of sources.

Research findingsAccording to Lt Mokiri, the most

popular group of topics identified in thestudy, deals with institutional environ-mental issues, while debate on the issuesdoes not form a prominent part of thereporting.

The tone of the articles was over-whelmingly positive towards environ-mental issues, with 84% of the articlesanalysed falling in the positive category,10% in the neutral category, and only 6%being negative about environmental

issues. This is an important indicator ofthe generally positive attitude towardsenvironmental issues that exist in theDOD, at least among contributorstowards the environmental debate in themedia.

The number of articles varied signif-icantly throughout the period of study.Periods of high activity alternated withperiods of lower activity. A generallydecreasing tendency in environmentalreporting in the DOD media is a worry-ing aspect of the findings, but can possi-bly be explained by personnel shortagesin Environmental Services since 2003until recently. With a new SSOEnvironmental Services appointed, thesituation should improve in the nearfuture.

The results of this study indicate thatenvironmental awareness in the DOD, atleast at institutional level, is good. This isborne out by the numerous militaryenvironmental activities reported on inthe DOD media and the fact that most ofthese activities and the reporting onthem, originated with the DOD, specifi-cally from the Environmental Servicespersonnel.

ConclusionThis research has established that

there is a slight decrease in environmen-tal information published by the DOD

media for internal and public consump-tion.

This study also reveals that there is alack of broad-based, environmentalstakeholders' contribution to the report-ing of environmental matters in theDOD media.

The number of articles dealing withenvironmental issues published fluctu-ated according to important nationaland military environmental events tak-ing place.

The institutional effort to increaseawareness and environmentally respon-sible conduct in the DOD is in place andis driven by committed and experiencedprofessional military environmentalofficers. This can be seen in the positivetone of most of the articles analysed. Thechallenge lies in widening the debate toensure the involvement of a more repre-sentative group of stakeholders, and todeepen the debate to include a widervariety of issues.

It is to be hoped that when added tothe body of knowledge about militaryenvironmental management in general,and South African military environmen-tal management in particular, thisresearch will be used to stimulate thevery debate it has investigated. If thishappens, it will help to ensure that thisimportant debate remains open andactive in the DOD.

By L Cpl Mapule Raphela

n 4 February 2011 the HumanResources Development Division

held their Communication Period atthe Pretoria Zoo, which included a 5kmfun walk. The day started with the funwalk around the zoo, which lasted forabout three hours. The Chief DirectorHuman Resources DevelopmentDivision, Maj Gen Molefi Mokoena,updated his members on different pro-jects that the SANDF has embarked on,such as the Interim National DefenceForce Service Commission and theNational Youth Service. Maj GenMokoena stated that not every memberof the Division will obtain a perfor-mance incentive. He said: "Everybodywas assessed, but not everybody will

receive it and that does not mean thatthere is something wrong with you."After the walk there was a presenta-

tion on conservation by the EducationManager of the Zoo, Mr UlrichOberpreiler.

Human Resources Development DivisionFun Day

O

Ms Ruth Tutu, Director Language Services, taking a break during the 5kmwalk around the zoo. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

sport

44


By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he International MilitarySports Council (CISM) is oneof the largest multi-disci-plinary organisations in theworld. The Director PhysicalTraining, Sport andRecreation (DPTSR) hosted a

CISM Day run or walk for peace at thePretoria Military Sports Club groundsin Thaba Tshwane on 18 February2011.

Members of different militaryunits in the Pretoria area participatedto mark the important historic dayand showed tenacity and sportsman-ship. Addressing the participants, ColGerrit Kotze, the Acting GeneralOfficer Commanding of Joint SupportBase Garrison, said that the soldiers

SA Handball National team members and some members of the SANDF poseproudly after being introduced to the handball game.

CISM Day run or walk

Tattending the event came from a vari-ety of backgrounds. The aim of theday was to promote the CISM motto:"Friendship Through Sport" with thesub-theme: "Soldiers for Peace".

The DPTSR has set the pace for allthe sporting bodies in the DOD andhas partnered other sports federationsto develop world-class sportingchampions. During the CISM Day, theSouth African Handball Federationpresented a handball "watch andplay" demonstration to members ofthe SANDF.

Members wishing to take part inthe new handball game are encour-aged to contact F Sgt C.L. Morake at(012) 392 2617.

CISM uses sport to unite membersof the armed forces that may havepreviously confronted each otherbecause of ideological and political

differences. The organisation was origi-nally founded on 18 February 1948; cur-rently it comprises 133 member coun-tries. The SANDF became a member ofCISM in 1994 with the aim of strength-ening friendly relations with otherarmed forces around the world.

Pte Mthuthuzeli Charles from 7Medical Battalion Group took thelead on his way to the finishing line.

45


Article and photo by Capt JeffreyMabidikane, SO3 Com ASBPotchefstroom

rmy Support Base Potchef-stroom and PotchefstroomMilitary Sports Club hostedthe annual Sports Awards tohonour sportsmen andwomen who excelled in differ-ent sporting codes in 2010/11.

The occasion was held at theShamrock Mess in Potchefstroom on 26January 2011 and was officially openedby the Officer Commanding of ArmySupport Base Potchefstroom, Col RiaanLouw. The certificates were presentedby Col Paul van der Merwe,

SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN AWARDED Front, fltr: WO2 Cindy Palm, Lt Col Lourette van Heerden, Lt Col Markus deBeer, and SWO Hannes Coetzee. Back, fltr: Mr Johan Mienie, Mr Pieter Hoffman, Col Paul van der Merwe, S SgtChristo Gous and Lt Col Ruan Harris.

Honouring athletes of Potchefstroom

Chairperson of the PotchefstroomMilitary Sports Club, who is also thePresident of Central North WestAthletics, and by Chaplain KaiserCornelius, President of the Potchef-stroom Country Club. During hisspeech Col Van der Merwe congratu-lated the recipients and urged others toparticipate in sport. He thanked all thewinners and administrators that hadput in a lot of extra effort during 2010.

The following members wereawarded certificates:Veteran Sportsperson of the Year:Lt Col Markus de Beer (FreshwaterAngling)Sports Club of the Year: SWO HannesCoetzee (Freshwater Angling)

Sports Administrator of the Year:Col Paul van der MerweSportsman of the Year: Mr JohanMienie (Freshwater Angling)Sportswoman of the Year:Sgt Segametsi Mokoto (Bowls)Official of the Year: Mr PieterHoffman (Freshwater Angling)Best Developed Member of the Year:S Sgt Christo Gous (Golf)Special Merit Award (in hisabsence): Cpln John McKaig (Golf)Merit Award: Lt Col Lourette vanHeerden (Endurance Walking)Merit Award: Lt Col Ruan Harris(Golf)Merit Award: WO2 Cindy Palm(Netball)

A

message


46

By Col (Dr) Tobias Masuku,Chaplain General Division

od has a wonderful plan for eachperson … He knew even beforeHe created this world whatbeauty He would bring forthfrom our lives. - Louis Wyly

I took the above state-ment from a box of 101 mes-

sages called A Box of Blessings - 51 Cardsto brighten your day. The box contains 51cards carrying 101 messages of comfortand encouragement. The quotationabove by Louis Wyly is from messagenumber 38. It is the theme of this mes-sage that I want to discuss. Despite thefact that I am a Christian, I am going toemploy a multi-religious approach tothis matter, and I wish to acknowledgethe contribution made by our ReligiousAdvisory Boards in regard to the mat-ter.

I would like to start by brieflydescribing some of the setbacks of ourtime from which, through God, it ispossible to bounce back. One of themajor challenges is finance caused byunemployment, insufficient incomeand financial mismanagement. Othersetbacks in life are caused by brokenrelationships, having been "dumped"by a partner, broken marriages,retrenchments, unsuccessful business,death of a breadwinner or a loved one,slow promotion or no promotion at all,being a victim of racism and sexism.

What encouragement do we getfrom God in this matter? Wyly is cor-rect that God has a wonderful plan foreach person. Even if we sometimes fallwhile on our life's journey, God's planfor each and everyone of us is fulfilled.

God's presence in us enables us toovercome our failures in this world. Itis our responsibility to invite andensure His presence among us. The

Col (Rev) Tobias Masuku.

How to bounce back fromadversity despite failure

Gjourney of the Israelites fromEgypt to the Promised Land wasmarked by successes and failures.Moses, their leader, realised thatGod's presence among themenable them to stand up time andagain after setbacks on their jour-ney. For instance, at some stageGod wanted to withdraw fromthem, but Moses begged him notto. This was because Moses onlysaw failure in God's absence. InExodus 33:14 Moses said to God:"If you do not go with us, don'tmake us leave this place", and atthe end of verse 16: "Your pres-

by exclaiming to him, "Oh! That's acolourful butterfly on the flower!"Thus, the child's attention is divert-ed and he gets engrossed in admir-ing the butterfly and forgets histrouble. In like manner, do not takeyour moments of adversity tooseriously and instead try to divertyour attention from it towardssomething more positive, with apositive philosophy of life. Prayeris a powerful tool in this regard.

Islam also strongly supports this view.For instance, Al-Quran 4:141 en-courages people not to lose heartand grieve because they are boundto prevail if they are truly believ-ers. This message is a strong teach-ing that inspires human beingstowards hope, optimism and pros-perity. This message is directed toall humanity at large and all othercreatures who are in turn inspiredto live a good moral life.In the light of the above, it becomes

apparent that God is supportive of ourplans. Despite some of the stumblingblocks here and there in life, God'splan for each of us is ultimately ful-filled. Wyly is therefore correct that"God has a plan for each person …"

ence with us will distinguish us fromany other people on earth". God isaware that He represents victory in peo-ple's lives. That is why we read in verse14: "I will go with you, and will giveyou victory". God's presence ensuresthat our plans succeed as groups orindividuals despite visible failures.

That God enables us to stand upagain after adversity is also supportedby the following religions as indicatedbelow in alphabetical order:African Traditional Religion supports

this view by teaching that success ispossible through an excellent rela-tionship with God. This is demon-strated through the maintenance ofa smooth relationship with one'selders and departed ancestors byperforming the prescribed ritualsfor the latter.

Hinduism teaches in the scripture of theBhagavad Gita "Fixing thy mind onME, thou shalt by MY grace overcomeall obstacles, but if from egoism thouwilt not hear ME, thou shalt perish"(XVIII.58). Shape your mental atti-tude to ignore the negative aspectsof your troubles. When a child fallswhile playing in the garden, themother tries to divert his attention

47


tees equal status to eleven official lan-guages to cater for the country'sdiverse peoples and their cultures.Section 6 (1) and (2) of the country'sConstitution states that the official lan-guages of the Republic are Sepedi,Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda,Xitsonga, English, isiNdebele,isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans and,recognising the historically diminisheduse and status of the indigenous lan-guages of our people, the Governmentmust take practical and positive mea-sures to elevate the status and advancethe use of these languages.

The Department of Defence Headof Language Services, Dr JohannMarais, said: "We do not do enough todevelop and promote our indigenouslanguages. The Constitution recognisesthe existence of all official languages,but we fail to implement."

According to Dr Marais everyonehas a responsibility to ensure that

Strive to promote ourindigenous languages

should ensure that indigenous lan-guages are promoted." He added thatwe should use a top-down approachin which Government officials utiliseinterpreters when they address peoplewho do not understand English.

PanSALB Senior Manager:Communication and Marketing, MrSibusiso Nkosi, argued that indige-nous languages do not face extinction.

Mr Nkosi said: "Within the nexttwo years the Department of Arts andCulture, in collaboration withPanSALB, will be expected to enactlanguage legislation to enhance ourmonitoring mechanism and the lan-guage implementation policy. There isthe notion that English is a global lan-guage and people have been condi-tioned to believe that it will open jobopportunities. This can be directlylinked to colonalisation."

In relation to the promotion ofindigenous languages, Mr Nkosi elab-orated: "PanSALB is facing challengesand among them is the inadequatebudget which most of the timerestricts us in so far as delivering onour strategy is concerned. To save theindigenous languages, PanSALB isadvocating a language law to comple-ment the current provisions."

Official Languages PrincipalLanguage Practitioner, Mr Deon Smit,said people grow up with the beliefthat you have to speak English to sur-vive. Mr Smit said: "We must start atan early age to instil a sense of pride inthe mother tongue. This must start atschool level because we compete withEnglish, which is a strong language."

According to Census 2001 isiZuluis the mother tongue of 23.8% of SouthAfrica's population, followed byisiXhosa at 17.6%, Afrikaans at 13.3%,Sepedi at 9.4%, English and Setswanaeach at 8.2%, Sesotho at 7.9%, Xitsongaat 4.4%, siSwati at 2.7%, Tshivenda at2.3% and IsiNdebele at 1.6%.

By Mandla Mahlangu, an intern at SA Soldier

ailure to promote and popu-larise the less spoken indige-nous languages of SouthAfrica will result in theirextinction and prevent thenext generation knowing ourculture and roots, since culture

is nothing without the language.After almost 17 years of democracy,

the use of our indigenous languagesstill remains a dream. Their promotion,protection and awareness have beendocumented but not yet put intopractice. Government departments useEnglish, which is ranked fifth out ofeleven as a home language. It is regard-ed as the working language. Politiciansand Ministers communicate with illiter-ate rural community members inEnglish.

The country's Constitution guaran-

F

indigenous languages arepromoted. He stressed:"During meetings and cultur-al days, everyone must useindigenous languages andnot just English. But it is fun-damental to have languageawareness programmes, im-plement what the Constitu-tion says and encourage peo-ple who are able to speakmore than one indigenouslanguage to continue to do so."

Setswana PrincipalLanguage Practitioner, MrMakena Makapan, shared thesame sentiment as Dr Maraisthat we are not doing enoughto develop and promote ourindigenous languages. MrMakapan said: "I am disap-pointed with the Pan SouthAfrican Language Board(PanSALB) because they


Documents

SA SOLDIERSA SOLDIER - Minister of Defence and … SOLDIERSA SOLDIER The official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence From the Editor's desk The sinking of SS Mendi commemorated