The Northern Cape Diamond Community was thrilled with joy as they gained exposure to limitless career opportunities available at the South African National Defence Force. The community especially school children, visited SANDF’s career exhibitions at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley from Thursday, 15 February until Tuesday, 20 February as part of the 2018 Armed Forces Day build up programmes. They were given opportunity to ask questions and learn about SANDF’s four arms of service which are SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and South African Military Health Service (SAMHS).
Thousands of people young and old were lining up at different exhibition tents erected inside the AR Abass Stadium to seek information about career opportunities available within the SANDF. Some sessions became interactive as learners were engaged by army members to gauge their knowledge of the Defence Force. Those who got answers right were awarded with stationery packs. Puleng Mahapa one of the learners said she was happy to see SANDF acknowledging the province, and giving them opportunity to know more about what is happening within the Department.
The official opening ceremony was led by SANDF’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Vusimuzi Masondo. “We can see now the spectacular displays from the armed forces, and most important reason is the opportunities we are bringing for our young people. Remember we are not just here to bring these displays, but we are also showcasing the opportunities that are available for young people, for school leavers, for children that otherwise do not have other ways to get educated, and to teach our young people life skills. The most important part of this Armed Forces Day celebrations and the buildup events is to foster closer interactions between the military and South African civilians." said Lieutenant-General
Masondo.
Masondo says activities are aimed at encouraging communities to understand the business of the defence force given the background which the country comes from.
He says Armed Forces Day has since been hosted in five provinces including Free State, Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
The Pretoria based Gugulethu Masimela says she joined the South African Navy back in 2015. Masimela who was only 22 years old when joining the force expresses her appreciation towards the service.”I feel blessed to be in this faculty because before joining I knew nothing about swimming due to lack of facilities in my area. I was very scared of water until I went on training where I could jump in the ocean in the middle of the night. I must say that by being a soldier I have learnt a lot of responsibility, independency, perseverance and to never give up”.
Meanwhile activities that were performed for the official opening are parachute landing by the South African Para troopers from SANDFs' special force. It was followed by the South African Specialized Infantry Capabilities which performed obstacle crossing with motor bikes and sniffer dogs. The day continued with integrated attacks towards the enemy with dogs, horses and bikes. The daily activities were concluded by the Navy Squad with a demonstration of how to strip and assemble firearms.