The four arms of the SANDF namely army, airforce, navy and health services have put together an action-packed programme, which include encouraging youngsters to be part of the SANDF.
There’s a belief that SANDF is all about machines guns, huge tanks and stinky boots. That is not the case because apart from that, academically it also provide for accountants, doctors, etc…
Did you hear that?
According to Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga, spokesperson for the SANDF, we must use this opportunity to educate our youth’s on the kind of services we provide to the country and our neighbouring states, when the need arises.
“Information is key and this platform would help us to engage with the public on various kinds of services and academic opportunities we offer,” he said.
During the expo, however, the SANDF will be on top of things as they showcase what they’re made of.
“We promise Rand Show visitors a spectacular event this year,” says Brigadier General Mabanga.
“The SANDF is confident that our participation will live up to this world-class event.”
The Army will bring in the game reserve in the form of a Mamba, Ratel, Rooikat and Olifant, and the Meerkat, Zebra, Husky and Duisendpoot from the army maintenance division.
There will also be an MK2 tank and a tank transporter; great fun to clamber about in. You’ll also be able to test your skill in the Elac, the Defence Force’s shooting simulator. It won’t cost you a cent, but your ego might well take a dip,” jokes Major Meyer.
In the Airforce zone, there will be a Rooivalk helicopter on display, as well as a fire truck and displays of survival kits and exhibits on aircraft mechanics.
The Navy will exhibit a harbour patrol boat, as well as the SUT 264 and the E14 DAPHNE torpedoes, a 40/50 Bofor canon, a Browning machine gun and SS 77 machine gun, as well as a Skerpioen surface-to-surface missile.
The Navy’s hydrography display will feature a survey motor boat, side-scan sonar and a remote operating vehicle. Let the kids wave at the navy divers inside the tank at the diving display, while you check out the deep-diving and underwater damage control equipment.
The Military Health Service (SAMHS) has an interactive programme lined up for visitors. SAMHS personnel will be teaching basic first aid, and running a competition where children will learn how to clean shoes and make beds well enough to pass an army inspection (lets hear a hooray from all the moms!).
Dieticians will also be giving healthy-living briefings, and there’s a Basic Fitness competition to test whether you would be fit enough to join SAMHS.
And then of course, there’s an action-packed programme of displays in the Rand Show arena. Airshow demonstrations, air drops, simulated combat scenes, dog performances, SANDF bands…expect thrills, big bangs, and impressive displays of the Defence Forces capabilities.
Rand Show runs daily from 9am to 4pm. Tickets: Kids 12-16 R40; Kids 6-12 R20; Under 6’s free. Adults R80; Pensioners over 65-years R40.
