November - Department of Defence

SANDF membersundergoing conversiontraining at SAPSBy L Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwanaOn 20 September 2008, SASoldier was afforded theopportunity to visit the SAPolice Service (SAPS)Training College in Pretoriato meet some of the SANDFmembers who are undergoingconversion training at the college.Members of the SANDF are seen to beexcellent candidates as they have theexperience, military discipline, expertise,security skills and knowledgeto fill the SAPS static environmentvacant posts.In 2003 a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) between theSANDF and the SAPS was signed. Inthe MOU the two organisations agreedon the interdepartmental transfer ofredeployable SANDF personnel to theSAPS Protection and Security Division.Before these members can be transferredto the SAPS they undergo conversiontraining for a period of threemonths at SAPS training institutions toorientate them to the police service andgeneral principles of the SAPS.SA Soldier caught up with CplVusumzi Gemfana from GeneralSupport Base Bloemfontein. "I joinedthe Defence Force in 1993. I am veryhappy with the new opportunity for acareer move. I must say I am lookingforward to being a member ofthe SAPS and my military experiencewill be a bonus in my new career,as we will be utilised in the staticenvironments," said Cpl Gemfana.Asked about the conversion trainingBdr Lebo Maribe from 4 ArtilleryRegiment said: "The SAPS is basicallya civilian orientated structure, but Ihave to say the standard of militarytraining we had is superior to that ofthe SAPS. Since our arrival here on20 July 2008 we have responded verywell and the training is interestingas we are taught about general policingprinciples, the law and criminaljustice," said Bdr Maribe.33Lt Col Gawie Nienaber, SO1 Preparation, Advice and Support: Directorate HR Separation, clarifying concerns raisedby the trainees during their orientation period.NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 • S A S O L D I E R