take careers in the Air Force
10 July 2006
The Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has urged Grade 12 learners with
Maths and Science to consider career options in the South African Air
Force.
Addressing over 30 learners from in and around Langebaan in Saldanha Bay,
the Deputy President said that it was not right that facilities such as the
Langebaan Air Force be under-utilised.
"A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of landing at the base as we could not
land in Cape Town. I was then given a tour of the facility. I was shocked to
hear that, while the facilities are there, there is a dearth of students. We
must get more of our young people into these opportunities," said Ms
Mlambo-Ngcuka.
The day has been organised for the learners to see the facility but also for
them to be inspired to take careers in the air force. The learners we taken
through course work and experienced flight simulation.
The Deputy President also called on various schools in the Western Cape,
particularly in the Saldanha area, to invite the management of the institution
to inspire learners towards career opportunities in the Air Force.
Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore said he was worried that out of
all the 40 students at the institution, there was not one from Saldanha. This
had to change, he said.
'I welcome the initiative. We will work out a concrete Programme Of Action
with targets for learners from the Saldanha area to enter the programme and
will provide the report to the Deputy President by the end of July,' said MEC
Dugmore.
MEC Dugmore said they would also strengthen the teaching of Maths and
Science in that area as part of the Dinaledi Schools' Project.
'It is time for our young people to realise that there is an exciting future
ahead in the Air Force. They must grasp these opportunities with both hands,'
said Mr Dugmore.
Media Contact: Thabang Chiloane
Cell: 082 8888 783
Issued by: The Presidency
10 July 2006
Source: SAPA
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