31 Captains from the Intelligence Corps celebrated their graduation by hosting a Course End Function that is worthy of the history books. Surveillance Squadron Commanders is the second most senior course presented to Officers in the Intelligence Corps. The course took place over the period 03 July to 15 September 2023.
The course has its roots firmly in the development of a Surveillance Squadron Commander for 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment, Barney Molokoane Intelligence Regiment and the SA Army Specialist Tactical Intelligence Capability Unit. The course was conducted in two phases: the theoretical part at 4 Artillery Regiment and the practical/field phase at General De La Rey Training Area.
The course end function was held at the Shed Royal Tree in Potchefstroom on the 11th of September 2023, with the Master of Ceremony for the function being Captain T.L. Van Wyk who welcomed the members to the function. The Chaplain (Chaplain D.S. Kgonothi) opened with encouraging words and a prayer, the Scripture he read highlighted the achievement of a job well done by the course members and it touched on themes of responsibility, accountability and enjoying the fruits of a person’s labour.
Captain M.J. Makgakga, the chairman of the course, borrowed words from the Chief of the South African Army (Lieutenant General L.K. Mbatha) by citing the current theme of the SA Army- “Refining And Defining Maintenance of Momentum Despite Adversity as A Critical Success Factor in Restoring The Dignity The SA Army to Its Rightful Glory”- and how it aligns with their newly learnt knowledge as commanders in the SA Army Intelligence Corps.
One of the facilitators (Major E.A. Louw) spoke highly of the learners on the course. They achieved a 76.7% average for their Theoretical Summative assessments and a 74.4 % average for their Practical Summative Assessments as well as an overall course average of 79.6%.
The Second in Command School of Tactical Intelligence- Lieutenant Colonel P.E. Motloung addressed the captains on how they were days away from doing their final course in Intelligence. The course will require “Appreciation” (Intelligence thinking process) of the Enemy, his strengths, weapons, and Doctrine while taking into consideration the landscape of geopolitics and current affairs he operates.
The Colonel was also given the honour of presenting the certificates to the highest achievers of the course. In 3rd place was Captain Y.A. Green, 2nd place was Captain M.E. Seema and 1st place was Captain N.B Libazi. Captain N.B. Libazi shined the brightest on the course by becoming the best theoretical learner as well as the best overall learner. The best practical learner was Captain M.O. Kgaladi who also has a knack for always taking home the best practical learner certificate in courses.
As part of the vote of thanks: a special thank you was given to 4 Artillery Regiment as a unit for providing accommodation as well as their mess personnel for the hospitality shown throughout.
