Our once beloved country is not safe for anyone anymore...

Our once beloved country is not safe for anyone anymore.…

In 1989 I was conscripted to the SADF to do compulsory National Service, I decided to get it “out of the way” as I intended studying, little did I know that conscription would end shortly thereafter. During my National Service I met people from all walks of life, I could write a book on the experiences I had in the 1 year that I served as a Government Employee. The one thing that remains with me to this day is the fact that the SADF did more than “defend” the apartheid regime against the perceived enemy, they built roads and bridges, laid water pipes, patrolled townships to keep the peace internally (due to faction fighting), Medics assisted in all government hospitals (I know I was 1 of them), manned roadblocks together with the SAP, did border patrols, educated its soldiers (apprenticeships) and provided many more services to people of all races in South Africa. I became an expert in amongst other things: how to make a bed properly, to iron, to scrub and polish floors, to queue patiently for the daily meals, to stand guard duty without falling asleep and without the assistance of private security companies and most importantly self-discipline. I was proud to wear my uniform and ensured that it was ironed and polished to perfection as required regardless of whether I was in the barracks or in public.

It was definitely not a better life for everyone, however it was definitely a safer one.

I look around me today and I am devastated to see people’s lives being destroyed by violent crimes, sexual crimes, corruption (through greed), lack of service delivery, lack of employment opportunities, broken promises, lack of leadership, lack of accountability and most importantly to me lack of self-discipline.

I plead with the National Government, bring back conscription for all men of 16yrs and older regardless of race, religion or class. No discrimination and no favouritism. It will offer the young men of this country a chance to earn an income (it is not much, but it’s a start), a chance to learn a trade and maybe build a career, a chance to learn self-discipline, a chance to be proud of themselves and above all a chance to protect the innocent people who are being murdered and raped on an hourly basis in South Africa. This is in no way a quick fix, the state of our current armed forces is a disgrace to say the least, it will require the Government to swallow its pride and maybe seek the expertise of a few well respected and well selected ex-Umkhonto We Sizwe and SADF soldiers who I am sure will be happy to contribute to returning South Africa to its former respected place in the International Community.

I am in no way saying that the former SADF was a wonderful, angelic organisation that should be admired, all I am trying to say is that South Africa is in desperate need of a safer environment and the sooner it gets it the better. There will be the naysayers that disagree with my suggestion, fine with me, all I am saying to them is at least then suggest/select the right people from anywhere in the world to assist in making South Africa a safer and therefore a better place for all.