Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, reminded recent graduates of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) that the career path they have chosen is demanding, but they have proven themselves ready for the responsibilities ahead.
The minister made these remarks at the 16th Intake Graduation Ceremony, which recently took place at the Osona Military Base in Okahandja. The ceremony saw a total of 1,264 recruits graduate after undergoing nine months of rigorous training.
Kapofi revealed that the NDF recruited 1,256 trainees last year. However, seven of these recruits voluntarily withdrew, leaving only 1,249. These remaining recruits, along with an additional 15 recruits who were withdrawn from cadet training, graduated at the 16th Intake Graduation Ceremony.
The minister explained that the graduates’ training was divided into three phases designed to equip the trainees with military knowledge and skills. The first two phases focused primarily on basic military training, while the third phase concentrated on specialization in various fields. Kapofi emphasized that the training aimed to ensure the recruits met high ethical standards, with discipline being a key component.
The completion of this training, Kapofi added, demonstrates that the graduates are prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead. He, however, cautioned the graduates that these responsibilities wouldn’t be easy but urged them to execute their duties with professionalism, diligence, and discipline.
“I would like to caution you that there are many challenges that await you out there. This training was not only designed to equip you with skills to defend our territorial integrity, but also your own integrity as individuals,” the defence minister said.
Kapofi also encouraged the graduates to work towards the continual improvement of their skills, as training in the defence force is an ongoing process. He further called on them to not only ensure the effective performance of their duties but also to make sure that they do not tarnish the reputation of the NDF.
“Be reminded that past graduates of this Establishment continue to maintain high standards of professionalism wherever they have been posted in the various missions we have undertaken, whether in Namibia or United Nations, African Union and SADC,” Kapofi added.
The minister also appealed to parents to encourage their children to join the ranks of the NDF. While challenging, he explained, such a career is not solely about guns and warfare. He elaborated that recruits can also be trained in professions such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and pilots, among others.
“It is my wish that as the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, in particular the NDF, we will continue working towards ensuring that at the next graduation parades, the Namibian rainbow will be prominently pronounced,” he concluded.
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