SA Navy needs more technical staff and divers

May 23, 2008
Author: Edwin Tshivhidzo

Simons Town, 22 May - More technical staff and divers are urgently needed in the South African Navy, says Director of Fleet Force Preparation, Rear Admiral Hanno Teuteberg.

Addressing journalists a day before (Wednesday) the arrival of the last acquired submarine christened SAS Queen Modjadji 1, Admiral Teuteberg said the Navy was currently working on incentives to retain navy employees in the service.

“As part of the incentives, members of the Navy will have an opportunity to travel around the world as part of their duties,” he said.

The Navy, he said was currently training some of its members to operate the newly acquired war ships in other countries.

He also encouraged members of the public to apply for positions within the Navy irrespective of whether they could swim or not.

“We are not going to turn away someone because he or she cannot swim, what we are going to do is to teach them how to swim,” he said.

Admiral Teuteberg said the Navy would continue to plan ahead for the benefit of the country and its people.

He said this was in line with the White Paper on Defence which prioritises the safety and protection of the country.

Regarding the recently acquired submarines, he said they are the best in the world, fitted with the latest technology.

The latest acquisition, Queen Modjadji is expected to be united with her two sister ships on Thursday, the SAS Manthatisi and SAS Charlotte Maxeke, that have already been taken into service by the South African Navy.

She left Germany on 22 April under the full control of the South African Navy.

Defence Minister Mosioua Lekota officially handed her over to the Navy on Thursday (yesterday).

The fleet of three submarines was bought as part of South Africa's multi-billion Rand strategic arms acquisition programme.

According to Rear Admiral Teuteberg, the Navy made a proposal for the acquisition of the submarines in 1998.

The Navy also received four new patrol frigates as part of the package, as well as four Super Linx helicopters to be operated by the South African Air Force from the ships.

According to the Navy, the state-of-the-art submarines will among others be used for peace support missions, protection of offshore assets and to conduct search and rescue missions. - BuaNews