South Africa: The second batch of 103 students busy with the Non-commissioned Officers Formative Course, which is aimed to improve productivity within the South African Air Force and enhance leadership, completed their 10-week-long course. The skills learnt there included but were not limited to communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
They finished successfully in high spirits, with aspirations to go home and reunite with their families after being away for a long time. The event was at the South African Air Force Gymnasium Lecture Room, Hoedspruit, on Thursday, 22 June 2023.
As he addressed them during a certificate ceremony, the Officer Commanding South African Air Force Gymnasium, Colonel Mokibelo Jerry Magana, thanked the recipients for their hard work and efforts to ensure they completed their mission together auspiciously.
Furthermore, Colonel Magana urged the students to implement what they were taught in class for their future benefit. “I am pleading with you to remain supportive to your commanders, subordinates, and peers alike, as this would help in changing the environment in your workplaces for good. Let there be a change at your workplace, and it’s upon you to make a difference.
As future leaders of our beautiful organisation, we pride ourselves on the vision, mission, slogan, and value system of our Air Force, which seeks to guide us to remain focused on achieving our core business under the leadership of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Simo Wiseman Mbambo.
As you are empowered, it is now your duty to go out there and inspire, influence, and encourage others to do better,” stated Colonel Magana.
The following recipients received their accolades as overall best candidates on the course, Corporal Clinton Chetty- leadership trophy and best overall student on the course; Corporal Lebogang Sithole was crowned the best fittest female student on the course and also received the leadership trophy; Corporal Tsakane Catherine Moeketsana was crowned the best academic student, and Corporal Siphesihle Buthelezi as the best male fittest student on course.
According to Corporal Tsakane Catherine Moeketsana, the Non-commissioned Officer Formative Course gave students a deeper understanding of their role as junior supervisors as well as imparting leadership and management skills. The importance of building trust in a team, effective communication, and different leadership skills became my areas of interest in class, stated Moeketsana.
“The Non-commissioned Officer Formative Course is quite interesting as it teaches one to become a better leader. As a leader, one has to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to do better. Communicate effectively and openly at all times,” Corporal Lebogang Sithole said.