Pretoria - The Department of Defence is currently selecting school learners who had applied to take part in the department's Military Skills Development System (MSDS).
The MSDS is aimed at rejuvenating the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), providing it with scarce skills as well as serving as a feeder system for the Defence Reserves.
The MSDS gives youngsters, who achieved good marks in school but have been unable to further their studies at tertiary institutions or had to drop out due to financial constraints, a chance in life.
The week-long selection process, which started on Monday for invited candidates, is taking place in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Successful candidates in KwaZulu-Natal started with their selection process at the South African Infantry Battalion (SAI Bn), Mtubatuba on Monday.
In Mpumalanga applicants are being screened at the Nelspruit Military Base, and in the Eastern Cape, MSDS candidates are currently battling it out at 14 SAI Bn in Umthatha.
Applicants, who received letters inviting them to attend the selection processes, are requested to ensure that they report on the dates as indicated for their relevant Arm of Service e.g. SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and the SA Military Health Service.
Candidates are reminded to bring along the letter of invitation for the selection process, two certified copies of ID document and certified copy of Grade 12 certificate (those currently in Grade 12 should bring a certified copy of their Grade 11 results.
The number of recruits in the programme, which has been running since 2002, is influenced by budgetary restraints.
The recruits sign an initial two-year contract, after which they will be considered for further service in the permanent force
