Navy chief lauds admirable batch of young seamen at parade
THE newest SA Navy recruits have graduated from the Military Skills Development System at SAS Saldanha, presenting to the fleet 175 fully-fledged seamen.
Navy chief Admiral Samuel Hlongwane hosted the graduates at a ceremony at the West Coast base.
The unit has trained thousands of young people under its military skills development programme, specifically aimed at developing the youth.
“These young men and women before us today are a testament to the remarkable tenacity and resilience of our youth who are the very lifeblood of our young democracy,” said Hlongwane.
“I believe that we, as a nation, should do all we can to provide an enabling environment in order to empower our young men and women to take their place in the renewal and growth of this, our fledgling democracy.
“We are a young, thriving democracy – ladies and gentlemen – but one with the fundamental belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it and that each of us has an important role to play,” Hlongwane said.
The graduation marked the end of the Basic Military Training phase that started in January.
The new sailors will now commence with the second phase of the programme, and be assigned a specific mustering and receive functional training for utilisation in various fields within the SA Navy.
“The chief of the South African Navy, will not tolerate indiscipline or delinquent behaviour such as being absent without leave, disobeying lawful commands, misuse of state resources or acts of criminality. “I expect you to be disciplined sailors and to uphold the code of conduct at all times.
“I further expect you to perform your duties in the most cost-effective and efficient manner, given the enormous financial challenges the South African National Defence Force
faces. This is an organisation I am proud of and I expect you to serve with the same patriotism, zeal and pride that I do,” Hlongwane said.
He praised the team involved in training the young Navy members.
“I would however be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the significant efforts of the SAS Saldanha staff on their achievements.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to the officer commanding, Captain Sikumbuzo Msikinya, and his team of instructors and support staff for the excellent job they’ve done in moulding these young men and women you see before you into young, combat-ready sailors.
“Sailors who will ensure that the South African Navy is ready to fight at sea, win at sea and remain unchallenged at sea, despite the significant
financial constraints under which we are required to do so,” Hlongwane said.