After completing a course that presented its share of challenges the final-year students of the Military Academy, Saldanha celebrated its end and the start of a whole new life phase at their Graduation Day Parade, before being sent to their new home units.
The students’ passing-out parade was held at the academy, which is affiliated to Stellenbosch University, on Thursday 8 December.
Both the facility and its students were honoured for their outstanding work throughout the year the previous evening.
At the parade the top students of each branch of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were honoured for their academic achievements.
The Sword of Honour, the highest award given to a student, went to Ensign Muzikayise Mazubane.
He received the award for “best overall academic and military results during his career at the Military Academy”. Mazubane also walked away with the SA Navy floating trophy.
The top air force student was CO Kirsten Richards. Her proud father, also in the air force, showed those present just how proud he was of her.
The SA Army floating trophy went to Lt PV Mokgatla.
Lt Sipokuhle Nyembe received the Defence Intelligence floating trophy for best results over the 30-month-long course.
The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) floating trophy, given to the student in the military health services with the best results, went to CO Zenith Govender.
Lt Gen Furani Ramantswana, Chief of Staff of the SANDF, congratulated all graduates for their achievements, especially since they had completed their courses in an unprecedented time.
“Despite progressive waves of Covid-19 during their studies, the Faculty of Military Science recorded the highest number of graduates this year, with significant increases in the postgraduate qualifications,’’ he said.
He reminded the graduates to note the importance of the support they had received from family and close friends during their studies.
Ramantswana urged them to see the completion of their studies as the first of many to come during their careers.
“Embrace lifelong learning,” he said. “Today is the culmination of late nights, sacrifices and hard work. You are all the chiefs and generals of tomorrow. Anything worth doing must be done well, so be relentless in your pursuit of perfection.
“May you all strive to be part of a SANDF that is relevant, responsive and fulfils the mandate of the Constitution.”
The Bachelor of Military Science degree was also awarded as were 14 Telematic Education (distance learning) qualifications.
Two graduates completed their degrees cum laude.
