June - Department of Defence

SA Navy of today requires highlyeducated women". Her advice toyoung women wanting to join theSA Navy is to exercise self-discipline,particularly in view of HIV/AIDS.LS Annelize Heyster is a Gunner'sYeoman aboard SAS OUTENIQUA.S Lt Kerstin Pitterman joined theSA Navy in 1998."It is important because once you areinfected no institution can effectivelyemploy you, no matter how goodyour qualifications are." She pointedout that for her, a job in the SA Navyis important because it exposes her topeople with different skills. In addition,she has had the opportunity totravel to different places, which hasbroadened her horizons. Herphilosophy in life is - failure is notfailure, but a step towards greaterachievement."Let go the anchor…"Leading Seaman Annelize Heysteris a Gunner's Yeoman aboardSAS OUTENIQUA. Only the secondfemale to complete the gunnerycourse, her initial challenge was thephysical exertion required for thisoften harsh work. As a woman,Leading Seaman Heyster receivedno concessions or special treatment.With five years of naval experience,training and sea-time, LeadingSeaman Heyster has three sailorsunder her supervision. She also usesthe phrase: "Let go the anchor…",masterfully directing her crew of riggers.Her expert performance of thistricky, dangerous job has earned hermuch respect among the crew. She ishappy and fulfilled doing what shedoes best, being a sailor."Get what you give and givewhat you get!"S Lt Kerstin Pitterman joined theSA Navy in 1998, and completed a3-year B Mil (BSc) degree in NauticalScience and Military Technology atthe Military Academy. After threemonths' of Basic Training and ninemonths of Officer's Training atGordon's Bay, and becoming a combatofficer, she now serves on thestrike craft, SAS GALASHEWE, asOfficer of the Watch under training -standing the bridge, navigating andmaking sure the ship is safe.Her next goal is to get her BridgeWatchkeeping qualification, whichwill mean her type endorsement(Strike Craft Badge). When the patrolcorvettes arrive, her horizons willexpand even further.When asked her philosophy in amaledominated environmentS Lt Pitterman said that it is to have asense of humour. "If not, you willnot survive the ship. We rag eachother, but it is all in a good spirit.If you have the right attitude and arewilling to work, you earn the respectof others. Make sure you can getwhat you give and give what youget!"No room for mistakesYoung Namibian born CombatOfficer (Wet), S Lt Nicci le Roux, iscurrently serving on board the SANaval support vessel, SAS OUTENI-QUA. Looking for a challenge, shejoined the SA Navy after completingher matric (maths and science beingessential). She completed her B MilDegree at the Military Academy atSaldanha.S Lt Le Roux says that there isno room for mistakes. "It can costyou the ship and the lives of yourshipmates. You need to have a coolhead, relevant skills and the capacityto pay attention to detail underany circumstances."It is an awesome responsibility fora petite young woman, and one she iswell aware of. S Lt Le Roux hasserved on SAS OUTENIQUA foreighteen months and loves her lifeat sea.Taking a ship out to seaLeading Seaman Motsai fromTzekera Park in Johannesburg is awoman who dreams of taking anSA Naval ship out to sea. She joinedthe SA Navy three years ago. Thissailor says she feels that there are notenough women at sea and she wouldlike to encourage more women to joinand serve on board the ships.She will never forget her firstdays on board a strike craft when shewas terribly seasick, but as thetelecommunication operator (radio),she had to force herself to get welland communicate in order for theship to sail. She works easily with themen on board and appreciates thesupport they give her - not as awoman, but as a colleague.J U N E 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R31