​On the 3^rd of February 2016, the Military Academy E'Silva competition kicked off with its annual E'Silva Athletics event at the SAS SALDANHA athletics field.  This takes place each year at the beginning of the First Semester. During the E'Silva athletics, Military Academy Students compete amongst themselves and also against Staff members as part of the traditions of the Military Academy in an effort to enhance Esprit de Corps amongst fellow students.

Sports has played a vital role in addressing race, gender, inequalities and discrimination issues against people with disabilities and who are a minority in our country. These issues are still existing and affecting us daily. Nelson Mandela once said that "sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and it has the power to unite people in a way that little else can". The Military Academy is motivated and inspired by these words, that It has built a tradition of sports in the Unit. Yearly we host the E- Silva Sports league, which consists out of E-Silva Athletics, E-Silva Cross Country, E-Silva Military Games and E-Silva Team Sports. The E-Silva league is for both the students and staff members and the event is organised and supported by the students. This is to develop their leadership and to improve their skills in managing personnel and resources. The aim of the E-Silva Sports is to bring all the students together in order to promote social inclusion and also to promote a healthy lifestyle.

This year the E-Silva Athletics consisted of various sport codes such as 100, 200, 400 and 800 meter runs, javelin, high jump, long jump, shot-put and discus. All the students were encouraged to participate, and they never disappointed. The energy and the vibe was intensely high and everyone had a great time. The students were divided into classes, where the third years (MA16), second years (MA17) and the first years (MA18) compete against each other. The competition was high amongst the first years and their fitness level compared to the other classes was superb. Even though the first years were intimidating the third years and the second years, they never let their gut down and fought till the end. Through that the first years got to socialise with the other year groups and the goal of the day was achieved.

After all that competition the best team was selected and against all odds the third years were once again the winners of the E-Silva Athletics event.  They accredit the achievement to the morning PT and to their positive, motivated attitudes.  The second years were second and the first years came third.  At the end of the day everyone was a winner, whether they participated or only supported from the side line.

The following results were recorded for individuals in the different activities:

Article: By CO N.C. Seziba

Photos: By Esn P. Tembo