Senator suggests compulsory youth military training
MBABANE – Senator Lizzie Nkosi has suggested that the youth of the country should undergo a compulsory military training.
Mandatory military service or military conscription is a strategy used by countries to build a large and powerful military, ready to be deployed in times of war or when the need to protect the sovereignty of the State arises.
Nkosi made the suggestion during the debate of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Portfolio Committee report for the financial year 2023/24 and budget estimates for the financial year 2024/25 in Parliament, over a week ago.
A similar suggestion was made by former South Africa President Jacob =uma to South Africans, while addressing uMkhonto weSizwe supporters recently.
Changes
=uma said one of the key changes was the mandatory conscription for young males, who had completed Grade 12.
According to the former President of the African National Congress (ANC), =uma, the move would inculcate a culture of patriotism and self-discipline among the youth.
“There will be no gap year. Instead, young males who have completed their Matric will undergo a compulsory military training. Going to a military camp will teach them to be responsible citizens. It will also teach them discipline and important life lessons,” said =uma.
He believes the plan would assist in addressing the rising youth unemployment.
It should be noted that some other African countries have legislation in place, which compels the youth to join the army when they reach a certain age.
For e[ample, in November last year, Mozambique’s Parliament passed a draft legislation to up the minimum period of compulsory military service from two to five years, a move the government said was aimed at increasing professionalism in the armed forces.
“The e[tension of the service time and professionalisation (of the armed forces) constitutes essential factors to forge and mould troops with standards that are up to the challenges of national security,” National Defence Minister Cristovao Chume told Parliament at the time.
All Mozambicans have to register with the armed forces upon turning 18, although not all are called up to serve in the military, depending on factors including health, studies, professional career and government needs.
In 2021, Burkina Faso instituted the µNational Service for Development’ system that requires civil servants aged between 18 and 30 to undergo mandatory military training for three months.
Morocco introduced the same service, through a law passed in 2019, while in DR Congo, where terrorist attacks are frequent, the option of compulsory military service was considered by the authorities in December 2022, to create a bulwark against terrorism.
Algeria, which gained independence from France after the 1954-1962 war, introduced compulsory military service in 1968.
Sive Dlamini, a resident of Mbabane who is currently unemployed, said the initiative was good in that life in the military could teach individuals more than how to throw a salute or shoot straight. He said the trainings they provide far beyond the technical skills needed to get the job done.
Unity
He also mentioned that mandatory military service could promote national unity in many ways. Firstly, it allows citizens to learn and train together, creating that shared e[perience of having served in the military.
However, he was cognisant of the fact that military service required every citizen to join and serve in the armed forces, but not everyone was cut out for it.
“Whether it is mental issue, physical issue, or psychologically issue, not everyone is fit to meet the physical, mental and emotional demands of the job. Factors like an[iety, depression and the like, should be carefully considered,” he said.