NAVAL GYMNASIUM RECRUITS SHOWS HOW IT'S DONE

Article: Able Seaman Jackie Pietbooi
Information: SAS Saldanha

Thursday 2 December 2004 was an unforgettable day for the Naval Gymnasium Recruits (NGRs) of SAS Saldanha. Their passing-out parade had finally arrived after a long year of training, drilling and marching their way to a whole new adventure. The NGRs have successfully completed the Military Skills Development Programme.

When President Thabo Mbeki urged the various government departments to initialise skills development programmes for the youth of the country, the South African National Defence Force instituted a youth programme known as the Military Skills Development Programme, which started in 2003. The aim of this new training programme is to teach the youth of the country basic life skills that are required in a work environment. The military environment is used as a platform to instil discipline, routine and work ethic. The programme provides a sound foundation of learning with practical application to several skills.



The guests were impressed with the pyramid in the gymnastics display. (Photograph: LS M.J. Mbisa)

The Naval Gymnasium Recruits displayed excellent teamwork as they assembled the field gun during the gun run display. (Photograph: AB M.J. Pietbooi)

The 2004 intake of Naval Gymnasium Recruits (NGRs), wore their uniform proudly during their parade as families and friends from all over the country came to witness how their life style changed from civilian to military. This was a very special day for the NGRs, as they appeared on the Morning Live television show (SABC 2) and our first lady, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, and various cabinet ministers attended the parade.

The parade officially began at 10:00, when family and guests could view static displays consisting of musketry and seamanship equipment. At 11:30 the NGRs entertained the guests with a gymnastics demonstration, a band performance, a choir, precision drill and a gun run. 

Enablement Centre Opened

At a separate event later in the day, Mrs Mbeki officially opened an enablement centre at SAS Saldanha. During the hand-over of the Enablement Centre, the Minister of Public Works, Ms Stella Sigcau, said: "The philosophy behind the Military Skills Development Programme (MSDP) is that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders of tomorrow are not necessarily born, but are products of an environment created today, to ensure they are able to rise to their challenges of the future. In this programme, together with the Navy, we have taken matriculants into voluntary national service for one year."



Recipients of the trophies and special merit certificates.
 (Photograph: AB M.J. Pietbooi)

Sea L. Lotter and K.J. Williams shared the Gymnasium Trophy for the best academic learner on course.
 (Photograph: AB M.J. Pietbooi)

 


The Parade Commander, Cdr C.A.F. Hendricks, leading the graduation parade of the Naval Gymnasium Recruits at SAS Saldanha.
 (Photograph: AB M.J. Pietbooi)

FLTR: Capt R. Shelley (Officer Commanding SAS Saldanha), Mr Ntopile Kganyago (Deputy Minister of Public Works), Ms Stella Sigcau (Minister of Public Works), Mrs Zanele Mbeki (President's wife) and V Adm Johan Retief (Chief of SA Navy) at the official handing over of the Enablement Centre.
 (Photograph: LS M.J. Mbisa)

For the first time, this year 57 built environment graduates were recruited to SAS Saldanha to participate in the Military Skills Development Programme with the Naval Gymnasium Recruits. The programme was chosen to instil discipline into the youth through basic military training, whilst equipping new graduates with functional skills to meet our country's needs.

A local contractor built the enablement centre. The project costs amounted to R11 million and includes classrooms, accommodation and sleeping quarters for the Department of Public Works (DPW) graduates.

Achievers Awarded

On returning from lunch with their families, Vice Admiral Johan Retief (Chief of the South African Navy), presented various trophies and special merit certificates to the NGRs at the graduation parade. Representatives accepted certificates of competency on behalf of the class of 2004:

  • Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (NBCD) - Seaman N.R. Meiring

  • Military First Aid - Seaman Z.V. Oostenwalt

  • Seamanship - Seaman K. Steyn

  • Deck Hand (SA Sailing) - Seaman S. Shabangu

  • Enablement - Seaman L. Kokela

  • Driver Training - Seaman M.A. Thlabaki

  • Financial Health - Seaman M.N. Niewoudt

  • Environmental Warden - Seaman L.N. Sebalane

  • MS Word - Seaman M.A. van Rooyen

 

  • Bartholomeus Diaz Shield for the division with the neatest mess decks - Dalgleish Division, accepted by Seaman A.L. Govender.

  • Gymnasium Trophy for the best academic learner - shared by Seamen L. Lotters and K.J. Williams.

  • John Baard Trophy for the best practical seaman. The recipient is Seaman L. Lotter of Tromp Division.

  • Captain's Award for the learner who excelled academically, in dress, bearing, attitude and promoted esprit de corps - Seaman D.C. Alarm.

The day was concluded with a retreat ceremony (the ceremonial lowering of the national flag at sunset). The NGRs and guests stood to attention as they sang our national anthem.

The NGRs were all packed and ready to go home as it had been quite some time since they last been home. Everybody was very happy and looked forward to enjoying their long awaited leave. The Naval Gymnasium Recruits will report to various naval units on 3 January 2005, where they will assume their duties.