JOHANNESBURG TO BOSTON: WISH ME LUCK AS YOU WAVE ME GOODBYE

Article and photos by Ms Hanrie Greebe

January is the month of high summer in the African bush. Then the heat shimmers on everything under a bleak blue sky. Life here is for those who laugh at discomfort. People who come from here are a breed apart. On Monday 18 January 2010, a group of 275 bright and energetic new SAAF recruits arrived at Boston, AFB Hoedspruit - in the middle of the African bush.

The volunteers of our rainbow nation, representing our flag, our future 

They have set their hearts on the sky. They have ambitions of careers in the SAAF. This is where their vision starts with five months of basic military training. They are not the first to arrive at Boston, but they are the first to arrive by train.

  
Lt Col Jerry Magana introduces recruits to military basic discipline
101: When addressed, you will say “Yes sir” or “Yes mam”

They left on a humid Sunday morning from Johannesburg. New SAAF recruits, some accompanied by their families, convened at the central railway station. Some carried suitcases and ironing boards of sensibly manageable size. Those who looked as if they were emigrating would soon learn the value of travelling light. Lesson Number One: it is your bag, you packed it, you carry it (no luggage on wheels for these new soldiers, thank you).

Brig Gen Thandi Mohale explains the meaning of “you are here to serve your country”  

Descending from the bright foyer of the central railway station, covered by a vast glass dome, the lower levels were deprived of the luxury of light by an electricity failure. There, in a designated hall, natural light filtered through high windows. Recruits were separated from their families and invited to take a seat - on the floor – surrounded by their baggage. Their journey had just begun.

Families of the recruits were addressed by Brig Gen Thandi Mohale, Director Human Resource Acquisition of the SANDF. She consolingly explained the procedures for the rest of the day and made recommendations as to how certain situations should be handled should there be a crisis at home. Brig Gen Mohale assured the families that their children were in good hands. The SAAF would take care of them and prepare them to become distinguished citizens in service of their country.

SAAF personnel scrutinise luggage for undesirable items 

For the new soldiers, education in the SAAF proceeded with Lesson Number Two: when addressed by a member in uniform the recruits would say “yes sir” or “yes mam”. What all the stuff on the uniformed shoulders means would be explained later. Discipline was important and it started right there at the railway station. The man who set this informative session in motion was the epitome of a drill instructor.  

With broad shoulders and a glowering scowl above a determined jaw, Lt Col Jerry Magana, Training Co-ordinator at Air Force Gymnasium, assessed the recruits as his words sank in. Some apprehensive faces indicated that major mental shifts were already taking place. Some inquisitive faces reflected the right frame of mind, eager to learn more. And then of course, there were the mischievous faces, smiling in anticipation of the adventure of a lifetime. 

Starting their odyssey on dark tracks in the bowels of the earth,
these SAAF recruits have set their hearts on the high skies

Continuing with his introduction to basic military training, Lt Col Magana, scowling even deeper, invited recruits to reduce the weight of their baggage and hand over the excess (including undesirable substances) to their parents. “We will give you clothes to wear,” he said. Looking a lean young man in the eyes he asked: “Have you ever been in Hoedspruit? Nobody needs that sleeping bag in Hoedspruit. Give it to your parents.” 

Lt Col Magana explained visiting days, sleeping arrangements and other logistical implications that would affect the new soldiers during their training. The issue of cell phones created quite a stir amongst the young people. Lt Col Magana told them that their cell phones would be taken away after the first five days. “In the beginning you can still phone your parents and tell them what you need. But you are going to be issued with a gun. If you are on the shooting range and your phone rings… say a relative had passed away… you are going to drop the gun, shooting somebody… I cannot have that,” he said.

Inquisitive by nature, that is why we want them in the SAAF.
By the way, how does this basin work?

As an officer who is in control, Lt Col Magana had thoroughly captured the attention of the new soldiers. He encouraged them to be strong, to formulate a vision for themselves, saying: “A vision is the ability to close your eyes and see better. So you must see a future for yourself in the next five or six years in this organisation.” 

Brig Gen Mohale then addressed the young soldiers. She smiled and kindly greeted them in the colourful languages of our country, welcoming them on behalf of the Minister of Defence. “I must say that I am very grateful, for in you, I see a true reflection of our flag, of our rainbow nation. Regardless of your colour, you have all decided to answer the call to serve our country,” said Brig Gen Mohale. 

Focusing on discipline, Brig Gen Mohale gave advice on a sensitive issue: “We are the security institution that is driven by discipline. You report any form of abuse to the proper structures. Girls, you are not here to come and collect babies; you are here to be developed. You are here to be empowered. You are here to serve your country.” She stated that those who were found to be pregnant or who had recently terminated their pregnancies would be discharged. 

Encouraging the new soldiers to embrace their endeavour, Brig Gen Mohale said that there was no need for fear. “If you experience some problems, speak to the training staff; that is what they are here for,” she said while gesturing to the SAAF personnel behind her. Then, focusing on the responsibility of the training staff, Brig Gen Mohale told the personnel in blue uniform: “I entrust these learners to you, they are in your hands.” 

Telling how proud she was of their decision to join the SAAF, Brig Gen Mohale challenged the recruits: “Make me even more proud of you, that none would voluntarily step from the train, that all will remain within our ranks, that you will stay intact as a group until the day of your parade.” She made them promise. And they did. 

After the speeches there was still much to be done before the train’s scheduled departure at 14:00. Each individual piece of luggage was scrutinised by a member in uniform for items that could be considered dangerous. Thereafter, every new recruit had to be verified on the SANDF system. Uniformed personnel called out names and compared documentation. It took hours. Some recruits from remote destinations were still on their way. All military personnel remained during the entire process. 

Having been processed for departure, recruits descended downstairs to the departure platform, but not before they have each received the “once-over” by Brig Gen Mohale. “Put your documentation in your bag… there, yes… close it. You will do well…,” she said time after time. 

Assembled in the dark expanse of the departure platforms, the new soldiers started to bond, sharing interests, a packet of crisps… the need to visit the toilet. Finally, the train commissioned exclusively for this trip arrived, spreading the aroma of cooked meals and the promise of a sleeper bunk for the night. Four to a coach they made themselves comfortable, investigating wash basins, opening windows, stretching down on couches. Guys in front (it was a long walk), girls in the back, military staff in the middle. 

In the nick of time a few distant travellers came running, assisted by Military Police and administrative staff. Eyes wide with determination, they missed all the speeches, but they caught the train. The whistle blew. Hands were waving behind the barricade on the platform. Hands were waving back through the train windows. The next time their families would see those hands, they would be saluting. 

The train departed on time out of the darkness into the light of a new future. On the platform one figure remained to see her charges off. Then Brig Gen Mohale returned to the bright foyer to thank her personnel for a task well performed on a Sunday. 

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye. Next time I will be saluting