STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE VISITS PORT ELIZABETH TO HIGHLIGHT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TO THE YOUTH

Date of Release: 07 November 2008
Embargo: None

More than 20 000 young people have been recruited to join the South African National Defence Force since the inception of the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) in 2003.

These young people has since been absorbed into the Regular Force, while some serve in the Reserve Force and others assisted to find employment in the private and public sectors, thus contributing to the fight against joblessness.

Some of the skills imparted to these young people include Air Space Control, Aircrew, Anti-Aircraft, Artillery, Combat Navy, Engineering, Nursing and Technical skills.

Following Government’s commitment to inject R700 Million into the skills development programme, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Honourable Fezile Bhengu will visit Port Elizabeth to highlight the career opportunities presented by the MSDS to the youth of Kwa-Zakhele in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

You are cordially invited to send a journalist and/or a photographer/cameraperson to attend Imbizo. Journalists wishing to conduct telephonic interviews with the Deputy Minister may contact Themba Gadebe on 083 62 808 62.

Venue: Lilian Ngoyi Indoor Sports Centre, Kwa-Zakhele
Date: Monday, 10th November 2008
Time: 12:30

Enquiries: Mr. Themba Gadebe
Ministerial Liaison Officer
083 62 808 62