The official launch of the South African Military Youth Cadets Programme for the Cape Winelands region was held in Wellington on Saturday (25 April), marking what is described as a “historical” moment for youth development in the area.
The programme is spearheaded by Henry Jacobs through Community Youth and Family Services (CYFS), a non-profit organisation focused on empowering communities. Through CYFS, the programme forms part of broader youth development efforts, including behaviour modification and skills-building interventions aimed at promoting positive behaviour, accountability and social responsibility among participants.
“The launch was a great success because it was the first of its kind. Secondly, it was received with open arms by the principals of the schools, the community leaders, church leaders and other organisations also bought in. The people are very excited about the new programme that has now taken hold in our communities and with the success of the weekend we can only build on that. The launch was a great success and had a great impact on the community,” says Jacobs.
Programme rooted in youth development and discipline
Jacobs, who serves as a Colonel in the cadet programme, said the launch signals a major step forward in providing structured opportunities for young people across the Cape Winelands. The launch was followed by a cadet parade on Sunday (26 April) in Wellington.
The cadet programme is open to learners from Grade 4 to 12, as well as youth aged 16 to 24, with older participants also welcome to join.
“We have 307 young people so far and that is just from the three primary schools – Wellington Primary, Van Wyksvlei Primary and Hillcrest Primary. Then there are also 64 young people from the community in Van Wyksvlei around the Safmarine Hall, because the Safmarine Hall is now also the head office of the military youth cadets. Our goal is to have a cadet team in every school. Wellington School of Skills is launching their cadet programme next week. We want this cadet programme in the schools because it is part of our Behaviour Modification Program.”
Addressing discipline challenges in schools
According to Jacobs, the initiative aims to equip young people with discipline, leadership and life skills, while steering them away from crime, substance abuse and negative social influences.
“This is a historic event. Let’s look at what is happening in our public schools – there is no discipline. Our children are beyond rude. Our children are assaulting our teachers, they are cursing at our teachers. The Department of Education’s hands are cut off. They only give procedures and if a child is suspended he may not be expelled from school. So you are stuck with the problem week after week and year after year and you can’t do anything as a teacher – your life is in danger.”
The programme includes weekly Saturday sessions featuring military drills, leadership training and outdoor activities such as hiking and camps. Over 90 modules are used to develop skills including communication, time management and survival techniques.
“During the Apartheid years, there were cadets in the schools. When the new dispensation came in in 1994, they took religion out of the school, discipline out of the school. That is the reason why the children are now threatening the teachers and children – “I will call the police if you touch me”. This launch is historic precisely because we are bringing that stuff back into the schools.
“Cadets bring discipline and order back, but we do it in a structured way in a military style set up. Our children are no longer just taught how to manage their anger, but they are also taught and prepared should that child come to matric and he is interested in joining the national army. Then he is prepared because he knows what discipline is, he can drill, he can do survival. He has done first aid training. We offer all that stuff in the cadet programme.”
Jacobs, who has a background in the military, policing and community services, leads the programme alongside experienced mentors. The initiative places strong emphasis on discipline and personal development as key tools to unlock the potential of young people.
Call for mentors and community support
“We are also calling on all retired police officers, teachers, principals and wardens to join in as mentors, even local businesses. Unfortunately, no one is getting paid for their contribution, but the youth will benefit far greater from the discipline that these people can offer.”
The cadet programme offers a structured and supportive environment for youth from diverse and often vulnerable backgrounds.
Jacobs believe the launch marks the beginning of a growing movement to build discipline, restore hope and create opportunities for young people in the Cape Winelands.
Young people and schools who would like to join the cadet programme can contact Henry Jacobs on 076 374 8119.
