As June marks the 46th anniversary of Youth Month the Department of Defence is asserting a constructive role in the state of the nation by making senior learners at school aware of future employment opportunities in the armed services.
On the West Coast in particular, the Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Brigadier General Mac Matanda, invited local high schools, including Weston High School, Louwville High School, Diazville High School and Weskus School, to a careers expo at AFB Langebaanweg to showcase career opportunities in the SAAF. This move was in line with his vision for the force.
More than 200 West Coast Grade 12 learners visited the expo at the base on Wednesday 1 June.
Lieutenant Eleas Koopman said the idea was to introduce the learners to the aviation environment and the activities of the air force, especially those of AFB Langebaanweg.
Chaplain Mandla Mtila opened the proceedings with scripture and a prayer, followed by the welcome by Matanda.
Major Christiaan Esterhuyse in his introduction explained to the learners the aim of the expo, which included a static display and streaming backdrops showing the core business of the base, which is to train pilots, and the supporting elements that contribute to the success of the training.
Major Lindi Mwenze, an Air Traffic Controller, entrepreneur and businesswoman enjoyed vibrant motivational interaction with the learners.
Fikile Mfaname of the insurer and financial planner Liberty Life presented on financial planning for young adults, distributing hand-outs and stationery to learners, teachers and principals present. Emile Petrus, Louwville High principal, represented Circuit Manager Avril Daniels on the day.
Static displays on aviation were presented to learners followed by a tour of different stalls. Learners were introduced to various roles – pilot, navigator, air-traffic controller, engineer, technician, firefighter, protection service provider, logistical and general support service provider and human resource service provider.
During lunch break the Central Flying School (CFS) entertained learners with an aerobatic display before the Impala Hall.
Diazville principal Paul Haricombe declared his learners had had a positive experience at AFB Langebaanweg. “They learnt the air force had a variety of opportunities open to them, aside from piloting jets,” he said.
Petrus said his learners were humbled and grateful for the opportunity. “It made a great impact on their knowledge of career possibilities the service offered as well as their requirements,” he pointed out. “It was an inspiring day for the matrics, and we hope relationships strengthen in the days ahead.”
Koopman ascribed the success of the day to the hard work and dedication of personnel from the different musterings as well as crucial partnerships, particularly with the Western Cape Education Department, Liberty Life as well as sponsors of the event.
