Basic Target comes to an Explosive End

By CO Maryke Lynn

Even though the evening of 23 November 2005 did not turn out exactly as planned and practised, an awe-inspiring fireworks and spit-polished drill display by the 126 Basic Military Students during their Passing Out Parade at the Air Force Gymnasium brought a splendid end to their three months of training.


During this training the students have been introduced to the Air Force culture, have learned to appreciate the need for discipline, diligence and integrity, have been provided with a foundation on which to build their future military careers and won the privilege of being enabled to formally pledge their service to their country and to defend it according to the Constitution and the Law.

An unexpected but much needed rainstorm required family, friends, guests, students and instructors to make a dash for indoors to partake in the proceedings. Plan-B transpired successfully as the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, who was also the Review Officer on this occasion, presented trophies to Candidate Officers (COs) and Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs) who excelled in their performance in different categories.

The following trophies were presented to Non-commissioned Officers:

• Best Male Shottist with 90.40%:   Amn Daniel Joubert
• Best Female Shottist with 77.31%:   Amn Liezl Bailey
• Fittest Male Student with 95.2%:   Amn Nkwane Maduane
• Fittest Female Student with 90.9%:   Amn Nicolize Theart
• Best Academic Achiever with 86.67%:   Amn Norberto Galant
• Best Overall Student with 83.38%:   Amn Nkwane Maduane

Trophies presented to Candidate Officers were:

• Best Academic Achiever with 89%:   Amn James Minty
• Best Shottist with 85%:   Amn Mynhardt Traut
• Fittest Student with 90.4%:   Amn Josiah Bahlekazi
• Best Overall Student with 81%:   Amn James Minty

Last, but not least, the floating trophy for the best instructor was awarded to Sgt Nicholas Makhobe, who distinguished himself in neatness, administration, discipline, high standard of parade work and his conduct and disposition towards the South African National Defence Force.

In his address, Lt Gen Gagiano emphasised the importance of this first milestone in these members’ Air Force careers. “For those on parade, this occasion means the closing of a brief chapter in their lives and a simultaneous step forward into another. Many years of happiness, fulfilment and excitement now lie ahead of them,” he said.