The first week of December has been a busy one for South African Department of Defence (DoD) Legal Services Division ranging from demolition, fast roping and house clearing through to combat readiness and survival training.
The hands-on part saw work dress wearing officers of the law start on the outside of a multi-storey building in Thaba Tshwane on 2 December, fine-tuning their fast roping skills before heading north-east to the Wallmannsthal military area for more hands-on military skills training to augment their legal knowledge. Seven defence law practitioners enrolled in what is termed the Executive Leadership Course by Thando Ramasimong from Defence Corporate Communication (DCC) took on specialised, high risk military tasks. Among these were clearing buildings and demolishing structures.
The hands-on training helps develop informed and accountable leadership, promotes safe and responsible conduct during demanding operations as well as highlighting both the DoD and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) commitment to upholding professionalism across its operational environments, according to the DCC staffer.
Also on the menu for the broader DLS this week was presentation of certificates for those who started – and finished – Exercise Mafadi. KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg was the winter venue for the combat readiness/survival exercise, now in its 10th year. While the number of defence legal practitioners who made the grade is not given by the DCC staffer the exercise, in part, served as a qualifier for the Executive Leadership Course and the Joint Battle Handling Course.
Speaking at the Mafadi certificate presentation on 3 December, SANDF Adjutant General, Major General Eric Mnisi, said the exercise showed military legal practitioners are not only advisors – they are essential contributors to mission success.
“Your ability to interpret the law in demanding environments ensures that every operation upholds the values and standards we stand for as the SANDF. Today, you have proven your readiness, your resilience and your commitment to serve with honour.”
With the successful completion of the programme, the participants are now recognised as combat ready by the Defence Legal Services Division.
