the sandf Department: Defence REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA THE PASSING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE OFFICER FORMATIVE TRAINING COURSE OF THE UNIVERSITY RESERVE TRAINING PROGRAMME (URTP): POTCHEFSTROOM When several hundred curious university students attended a SANDF recruitment campaign launched on the campuses of five universities in Gauteng and North West during 2013, they probably did not anticipate that in 21 months time a number of them would become full-fledged soldiers and proud members of the SANDF Reserve Force. Following the recruitment campaign in April 2013, 123 applicants were selected and appointed in the SANDF (Reserves) with the view of bringing their professional academic qualifications and leadership skills to the SANDF. These young men and women from the Universities of Pretoria, Johannesburg, The Witwatersrand, North West,Tshwane University of Technology and UNISA - have sacrificed their university recess periods to undergo military training which was presented by Regiment Mooirivier (RMR) and the SA Army Gymnasium at 4 Artillery Regiment, Potchefstroom. The training culminated on 15 December 2014 when senior officers, several Regimental Sergeant Majors and family members and friends attended the final passing-out ceremony of the 97 remaining members of the course all now Candidate Officers in the SANDF. Relatives and friends admire the disciplined drill display of the the URTP male and female squads Junior officers of the 2008 URTP Pilot course observe the progress made with the programme since the completion of their training The event started at the parade ground where male and female squads individually gave a sterling drill performance. The precision, with which these young soldiers displayed their skills in a well-choreographed action-filled display, reflected disciplined teamwork which filled the
parents and family members with pride. The joyful ululations and applause of the audience was a clear indication of the appreciation and admiration that the spectators had for the disciplined transformation that took place in the general bearing of these young South Africans. Drill display by the male and female squads and URTP members join in a mass choir performance
The remainder of the ceremony presented by the Officer Commanding RMR, Maj Heinko Stark, was an in-house parade which took place in the mess hall. The functionary at the parade was Brigadier General (Dr) W. J. Wagner, Commandant of the SANDF COLET. (Photo 9 & 10) Brig Gen A. Retief (GOC SA Army Armour Fmn), Brig Gen A.N.C. Maminze (Dir SAMHS Reserves) and other Senior SANDF Officers during the reading of the Code of Conduct URTP members during the reading of the Code of Conduct for uniform members Brig Gen Wagner (Dr) presented awards for special achievements to the following members: Honourary Sable for Best Student: CO (Miss) J.M.M. Modisenyane Best Academic Student: CO B. None Best Practical Student: CO C. Smit Best Disciplined Student: CO M.N. Kuntwane Neatest Student: CO L. Mokoena CO (Miss) J.M.M. Modisenyane (3 rd year student Bsc Actuarial & Financial Mathematics, University of Pretoria) receives the honorary sable as the best student on the course
Thirty three Chief Defence Reserves Commendation Certificates were awarded to various GOCs, Unit Commanders and individuals for the role they have played in presenting and supporting the URTP course in Potchefstroom. Staff members of Regiment Mooi Rivier receive Chief Defence Reserves Commendation Certificates from Brig Gen (Dr) Wagner for the services they have rendered during the presentation of the URTP course Brig Gen (Dr) Wagner then addressed the audience. Firstly he expressed his sincere condolences to the family, comrades in arms and the regiment with the passing on of CO Mlindazwe of the URTP course on 6 December 2014. He inter alia said My message today to you, future officers, is never to stop training yourself and your soldiers. Train before a mission, train during the mission if you can and, when you return to base, start training afresh. Remember the words of a great soldier The best form of welfare for the troops, is first-class training. In conclusion he congratulated the members on parade for the successful conclusion of the third Officer Formative Training course of the University Reserve Training Programme and bid the men and women on parade a successful and fruitful career as the future officers in the SANDF.
Brig Gen (Dr) W.J. Wagner (Commandant of SANDF COLET) addresses the recipients of awards, URTP members and guests After the parade Brig Gen, Abel Maminze, Director SAMHS Reserves had time with his SAHMS group updating them on SAMHS Reserve matters, the way forward and encouraging them to persevere with their military careers. A proud Brig Gen A.N.C. Maminze (Dir SAMHS Reserves) with the SAMHS members after the passing-out ceremony. CO B. None (right front) was awarded the trophy for the best academic performance The successful parade drew to a close with a luncheon. The URTP is an element in the plan to transform, revitalize and rejuvenate the Reserves. The recruitment of the university students and their appointment in the Reserves will eventually enhance the professional capacity of the Reserve Force.