POLITICS It remains a puzzle why many of our compatriots in uniform are not valued. To be in the armed forces is a commitment and it creates obligations which make one a true public servant, especially in a democratic dispensation like ours. This does not apply in a totalitarian regime or state. The underlying principles in our fledgling democracy, since 1994 are Duty! Honour! Service! Love for one’s democratic nation! An unknown soldier further stated, "Professionalism of the soldier must be reinforced in the triad of Duty! Honour! and Country! As Vil-Nkomo wrote in The Thinker "Most of us understand duty and (maybe) country but do not always understand honour or self-commitment" (December 2012, Volume 46). Some people view individuals in uniform as mere soldiers who must march in the streets and do not understand the human capital that is imbedded in these men and women of honour. It can be convincingly stated that in pre-colonial societies and in the world there are nations that have dealt with their veterans in a progressive way. The fundamental principle has been to provide them with usable knowledge, skills and a meaningful livelihood. In modern advanced societies, their offspring are beneficiaries of bursaries or scholarships. Since veterans tend to provide their services in unusual human conditions and situations, it is therefore not an anomaly to provide them with preferential medical care and extra services. This recognition is aimed at properly integrating veterans back into their societies. The positive spill-over benefit is to stabilise the society by ensuring that the skills and expertise of warfare are converted into ploughs and shears. Men and women who become veterans have previously been trained to carry out certain specified responsibilities necessary to fighting a war and liberating people from despotic rulers, like strategy and tactics, planning, observing and responding to changing situations, providing security, going into unexplored terrains, etc. In some cases 18 year olds or even younger people committed themselves to land and country with the hope of extricating themselves, their loved ones and others out of human made poverty
and other difficult conditions. Armed forces that are progressive provide discipline and commitment to these ambitious young individuals under the leadership of mature adults who also have wisdom and tested institutional memory. Some of these young individuals use the military to advance their education and for others it is an opportunity cost to prepare for a better future. Some have become medical doctors, lawyers, professors, engineers, teachers and excellent civil servants upon retirement from the armed forces. Empirical evidence in South Africa abounds that persons previously in uniform can accomplish academically and can develop skills that advance society. This information is found in forces that served in the old order and the liberation movements of that time. Some veterans are holding leading positions in civil society and are
The third decade of democracy in South Africa must visibly show commitment to excellence in human capital development and investment. properly exercising their operational citizenship. As South Africa strives to mature as a democracy its vehicles of human capital development need to advance in tandem. It is not possible to produce operational / responsible veteran citizens with antiquated institutions. The nation urgently needs a uniquely established South African "Westpoint" or "Sandhurst". It is all about dignity, proper investment, anticipating the future and a commitment to human and national development. In other words, there are visible returns on the investment in soldiers and this becomes apparent when they become civilians. We must always remember that the liberation of South Africa was not only political; it was also economic, educational, in search for new knowledge and social development strategies. It was also
about making South Africa a global player, demonstrating to the world that multi-party negotiations can work and reconciliation is possible, as is maintaining stability. The Army College in Thaba Tshwane attempts to develop the above potential and academic abilities of soldiers. The academics that are associated with this institution can testify to this achievement. The participation of other nations in the programmes offered at this College exemplify the potential of South Africa to establish an African military training institution at the level of Westpoint or Sandhurst. Though conscription is no longer a requirement in South Africa, those who have volunteered to serve have also the right to acquire an excellent education and this is all protected in the Constitution as was intended by the Founding Mothers and Fathers of South Africa’s democracy. We must encourage those who are in the leadership of our defence forces to establish a college of the calibre identified above because South Africa is currently positioning its forces in peace-keeping missions and the nation has also major development challenges that require knowledge and skills. The concept of peace-keeping must be expanded to be all-encompassing. The definition must also mean that the forces are committed to societal development, nation formation, the provision of essential services and the betterment of human kind. This implies the institutionalisation of development knowledge, discipline and the willingness to be servant leaders. The third decade of democracy in South Africa must visibly show commitment to excellence in human capital development and investment. There is no doubt that soldiers and veterans must be made part of this critical educational movement. As South African values continue to be challenged, being a person in uniform becomes more important, underpinned by excellent education and skills development initiatives at the highest level. The competitive edge for soldiers and veterans in this millennium is attained through relevant education and skills acquisition. ď Ž
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