Durban - Chief of the South African Navy, Admiral Johannes Mudimu on Saturday called on young South Africans to consider joining the Navy as their career path.
Speaking on board the SAS Amatola, one of the frigates that were recently acquired though government's arms deal, Admiral Mudimu said the Navy was in dire need of young men and women who were prepared to serve the country and its people.
Also on board the SAS Amatola were high school learners, who were selected from various schools to witness the Navy's capabilities at sea.
Currently, the Navy is in a process of short listing young people who had applied to take part in the Military Skills Development (MSD).
The Navy's MSD is a two-year voluntary youth empowerment programme initiated by the Department of Defence to provide military and essential skills to the youth who aspire to follow a military career in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The MSD is also aimed at rejuvenating the SANDF, providing it with scarce skills as well as serving as a feeder system for the Defence Reserves.
Since its commencement in 2003, approximately more 10 000 youth from all over South Africa have been recruited by the SANDF through this system.
Rear Admiral Hanno Teuteberg also told learners on board the SAS Amatola that the Navy was committed to serving the country and its people.
"The strength of the Navy is determined by its partnership with the people," he said, adding that the Navy needed highly competent and professional people, who were willing to serve the country.
He boosted of the Navy's state-of-the-art acquisition, adding that they needed professionals to operate them.
"Highly competent and qualified people are needed to operate the sophisticated machines in the Navy," he said.
One of the youngsters, who were invited on board the ship, was Letsatsi Maroga, 17, a Grade 10 learner from Katlehong in the East Rand. He told BuaNews that he was considering joining the Navy.
"I now know what the Navy is all about and I'm interested in becoming part of it. I want to become the Chief of the Navy one day," he said jokingly.
Applicants, who want to join the Navy, must have a matric certificate and be between the age of 18 and 22 with no physical disability.
