South Africa: Physical Training, Sport and Recreational form an integral part of the physical and mental preparation and conditioning of members of a combat-ready force.
Adequate physical conditioning and physical skills are prerequisites for uniformed members of the South African National Defence Force, and a healthy lifestyle is one of the key cornerstones of our men and woman in uniform.
Physical fitness is achieved through mandatory physical training programmes, which include sports and active recreational activities. It is, however, not always possible for all uniformed members of the SA National Defence Force to attain the required state of physical fitness and mental preparedness only through physical training.
In order to supplement some of the physical training periods, uniformed members of the SA National Defence Force may also participate in sports and recreational activities. (Extract taken from SA Air Force Instruction MRI 015147 edition 2).
Being located along the coast. One extreme sport that has been encouraged and enjoyed is Rock and Surf Angling. Members battle against the elements of weather and water to produce astonishing catches of fish, sharks and stingrays, which are tagged and released. These battles are sometimes in excess of 2.5 hours.
The Chief of the SA National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has numerous times mentioned and encouraged Commanders to instil in their members a mindset of a healthy lifestyle and participating in sports.
In light of this, the Officer Commanding of Air Force Base Overberg, Colonel Donovan Chetty, sets an example by putting measures in place to realise the organisation’s goals. The performance of physical tasks and mental tasks requires a healthy mind and a healthy body for any leader.
The Base`s fitness drive includes running, walking and cycling and other different sporting codes that members enjoy and excel in twice a week. Amongst all other Bases, Air Force Base Overberg received an accolade as the Best South African Air Force Prestige Base 2023. Being the model Base to benchmark, Air Force Base Overberg has again taken the lead in setting the stage to be the No1 Base going forward.
Both military and defence civilians join in the fitness drive to work towards a healthier South Africa and an Air Force and work towards a better output and build camaraderie. In order to maintain a high standard of professionalism and workmanship, each member is required to give genuine commitment and work towards being happy in the workplace.
He said, the overall feeling was that after each session, they felt ready to face any challenge or task for the day.