The Military Academy hosted the 8 th South African-Netherlands International Security Course over period 1 – 17 June 2016. Apart from becoming an annual event, the course attracts increasing attention from the African continent. Members from the Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS) at the South African Military and members from the Netherlands Defence Academy co-hosted and organised the event. 

 

The aim of this course is to provide young officers with a proper appreciation of international relations and to develop skills necessary for forming and developing opinions on the matter. Participants received a number of presentations during the course and also had ample opportunity to participate in discussions and make presentations on different subjects. The approach were therefore twofold: to provide relevant information on international relations and security, and to stimulate debate and independent thought on the subject.

 

The course content are intended to address the needs of junior officers serving on peacekeeping or other complex missions. The course also equips attendees with a broader understanding of a geo-political environment in which current missions are undertaken as well as provide knowledge transfer on human rights, the law of armed conflict, the role of gender in conflict and peace and lessons learnt from specific case studies.

 

This year the students were officers from the South African Defence Force, as well as officers from the defence forces of Mali, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Namibia and Zambia. The course was presented by lecturers from CEMIS (SA Military Academy), the Netherlands Defence Academy, Transparency International and from the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross).

 

The certificate ceremony on 16 June 2016, was attended by the GOC Training Command, Major General Gordon Yekelo, the Military Academy Commandant, Brigadier General Lawrence Mbatha, The General Officer of Air Force Base Langebaanweg, Brigadier General Matanda, the outgoing Netherlands attaché, Lt Col Eric Geerligs as well as the incoming Netherlands attaché, Lt Col van Rossum and Prof Samuel Tshehla(Dean Faculty Military Science). During his speech, Maj Gen Yekelo impressed on the students that they should apply the knowledge received on the course throughout their careers, but must also cherish the friendships that were made. Brig Gen Mbatha also mentioned during his speech that worlds are moving closer together and collaboration between countries are becoming increasingly important. That is why courses like this one lays a good foundation for the future and future leaders.

 

Article and photos by: Maj Engela Meintjes

Military Academy Communication Officer

 

1- Lt Col van Veenendaal presenting to course members 

 

2- Course Photo​