South Africa: The Mobile Deployment Wing Supply Support Social Committee held a farewell for the retirees who have served the South African Air Force with assiduousness and pride on 14 July 2023.
The Master of Ceremonies, Sergeant Violet Molefe, spoke fondly of those that were retiring saying, “It may be hard to imagine what life may be like five years in advance of when you plan your retirement, but thinking at least that far in advance can make a huge difference. Take advantage of the fact that some of you can still move onto a second career, whether that will be for the added financial sector, you just want to apply the skills you gained while in the Air Force, make sure that you do something that you love and remember to exercise and rest.”
Five members from Directorate Supply Support were retiring: Warrant Officer Class 2 Pertunia Kamteni, Sergeant Keitumetse Lefoka, Sergant Fikile Tembane, Corporal Walter Menin and Thomas Podile.
The Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel Boitshoko Ntsime, mentioned that “All of us here are sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. If you want to sit comfortably in the shade of your retirement, avoid misusing your money, take good care of your health, and drink some water while spreading peace wherever you go. If you do that, you will be planting seeds that future generations will enjoy, and their future will be bright. Thank you for your service; you will forever be members of the culture by heart; may the world be kinder to you all.”
Sergeant Tembani reminisced about how important it is to have drafted policies that are supported by infrastructure and budget. ‘Having a policy means nothing if relevant resources do not back it up. I remain steadfast in the belief that if people are given the right tools for them to be able to innovate themselves out of poverty, then we would not have to suffer with such huge unemployment figures. The Air Force is an organisation that has taught me sought-after skills for 30 years; those will further equip me to fend for myself even after my service. I am grateful to those who have loomed large in my military career; we really never walk alone.”
Podile took the 3 am bus from (kwaNdebele) Mpumalanga to Mobile Deployment Wing for 40 years without fail. “My immediate goal is to spend time with my grandchildren; I am interested to know how far my support can go in providing them with knowledge tools and their self-improvement aspirations. They need to be more empowered than I ever was; aside from this challenging economy, they still need to change the lives of others in our disadvantaged community. We rely on them to grow the national economy by creating a pipeline of youths fueled by an innovative spirit and creating strong networks to set them on the path to true success. I am willing to be their go-to mentor to become problem-solvers of note.”