Sindisiwe Hlongwana is currently part of the MSDS programme. Image: GCIS Vuk’uzenzele.
Hlongwana applied for the MSDS course in 2021 after she attended a career exhibition and now, she’s part of SANDF.
Sindisiwe Hlongwana is currently part of the MSDS programme. Image: GCIS Vuk’uzenzele.
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.
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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 has opened applications for new recruits nationwide, the closing date is on 28 February 2023.
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The MSDS programme needs the following requirements;
Applicants who are 18 – 22 years must have completed Grade 12, with the Admission Point Score (APS) as stipulated:
APS 17 and above, excluding Life Orientation (LO) – Level 4 Mathematics and Physical Science will be advantageous.
South African Air Force
General Musterings.
South African Air Force
Technical Trade
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South African Air Force
Engineer
South African Navy
Combat, Technical Engineering
South African Navy
Support
South African Navy
Divers
Submariners
South African Military Health Service.
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).
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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)
SA Navy (Engineering)
SA Military Health Service.
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
Article written by Anele Zikali for GCIS Vuk’uzenzele.