SANDF provides opportunities to the youth

Written by: Anele Zikali

When Sindisiwe Hlongwana (22) applied to be part of the South African National Defense Force’s (SANDF) Military Skills Development System (MSDS) she had no idea that she was also on a journey of making her dream of becoming a mid-wife come true.

Hlongwana who is from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal applied for the MSDS course in 2021 after she attended a career exhibition where she received the application forms from the SANDF.

“I had an interest to serve and we were also struggling at home financially. I realised that the MSDS programme would give me financial independence as well since the programme offered a stipend.”

The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) is administered by the SANDF is a voluntary service system that allows young South African citizens to serve in uniform. Young people who take part in this course also have an opportunity to further their studies within the military or develop their skills.

This year, the South African Army, South African Air Force, South Africa Navy and South African Military Health Services are calling on young people to serve.

Hlongwana says the MSDS programme has changed her life.

She is currently doing her first year towards a Diploma in Nursing at the South African Military Health Service Nursing College which is based at the Military Formation Training center in Centurion, Pretoria.

Her passion for caring for others and to serve communities inspired her to pursue her dream of owning a mid-wife clinic in the rural areas one day.

“People who live in rural areas need more help in delivering babies easier. That is where I want to serve,” says Hlongwana.

The MSDS is open for the 2024 intake

The MSDS has opened applications for  new recruits nationwide, the closing date is on 28 February 2023.

The MSDS programme needs the following requirements;

• You must be a South African citizen
• Have no criminal record
• Meet medical and physical fitness requirements that are specified on the application form.

Applicants who are 18 – 22 years must have completed Grade 12, with the Admission Point Score (APS) as stipulated:

South African Army.

APS 17 and above, excluding Life Orientation (LO) - Level 4 Mathematics and Physical Science will be advantageous.

South African Air Force

General Musterings.

• APS 17 and above, excluding LO with specific subjects and levels as stipulated per occupation.

South African Air Force

Technical Trade

• APS 20 and above, excluding LO with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least level 4.

South African Air Force

Engineer

• APS 35 and above, excluding LO with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least level 4.

South African Navy

Combat, Technical Engineering

• APS 24 and above, excluding LO and Mathematics and Physical Science with at least level 4 for both subjects (NO Mathematical Literacy).

South African Navy

Support

• APS 24 and above, excluding LO with specific subjects and levels as stipulated per occupation.

South African Navy

Divers

• APS 20 and above, excluding LO and Mathematics with least level 3 (NO Mathematical Literacy).

Submariners

• APS 24 and above, excluding LO and Mathematics and Physical Science with at least level 4 for both subjects (NO Mathematical Literacy).

 South African Military Health Service.

• APS of 24, excluding LO for all available occupations with specific subjects and levels as stipulated per medical/nursing occupation.

Applicants who are between 18- 24 years need to have the following for the MSDS 2024 intake

Completed Grade 12 with APS 20, excluding LO with specific subjects and levels as stipulated:

SA Air Force

Pilots/Navigators must possess Mathematics, Physical Science and English minimum (Level 4).

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Grade 12 with Mathematics, Physical Science and English minimum (Level 4).

Applicants who are between 18 - 26 years if in possession of a three (3) year Tertiary qualification (Degree, National Diploma or N6 with N4 and N5 prescripts);

SA Air Force (Engineers)

• Industrial Engineering
• Electronic Engineering,
• Civil Engineering,
• Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering.

SA Navy (Engineering)

• Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

SA Military Health Service.

• Public Relations and Journalism.
• Organisational Study.
• Medical/nursing occupations.

Application forms can be found in recruitment offices in each province across the country or on the South African National Defense website on www.dod.mil.za/document/form