Are you looking to join the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)? The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) is a two-year voluntary service programme that provides young people with the skills and experience needed to get great jobs in the future.
The MSDS is open to South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 22 who meet certain criteria. Applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification, be medically fit, and pass a security clearance.
The MSDS offers recruits an opportunity to gain valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, as well as practical experience in their chosen field. Recruits will also receive military training, including weapons handling and basic combat tactics.
At the end of the two-year programme, successful recruits will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from the SANDF. This certificate is recognized by employers across South Africa and can help graduates find employment in their chosen field.
If you’re interested in joining the SANDF through the MSDS, applications are open for 2023. For more information on how to apply, kindly follow the instructions stated below.
SOUTH AFRICAN MSDS ADMISSION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MILITARY COURSES
- A South African Citizen (No dual citizenship)
- Age between 18 and 22 at the time of joining (Completed Grade 12 or N3 with 6 subjects including two languages) or not more than 26 if in possession of a three-year tertiary qualification (Degree, National Diploma or N6 with N4 and N5 prescript)
- Preferably single
- Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF
- Currently in Grade 12 or completed Grade 12 or equivalent with subjects specific to a career selection
- Not be area-bound
- Must not have a criminal record
- Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SAND
- Comply with all other prescribed requirements for appointment in the SANDF
- Must be willing to relocate and to participate in deployments both in South Africa and abroad if required to do so
- Be recommended by a selection board.
SOUTH AFRICAN MSDS ADMISSION GUIDELINES AND FORMS
Applications for study at the South African Military Academy in 2023/2024 are fully by post. Kindly download the SANDF Application form and apply to the address there in.
You can also apply in person.
For ease of reference, application forms are issued at the following regional offices with the indicated addresses:
Regional Office Free State
- Army Support Base Bloemfontein Recruitment Office, Pappa Brits Street, Tempe, Bloemfontein, 9300
Regional Office Western Cape
- Castle of Good Hope Recruitment Office, Block C, c/o Buiten and Strand Street, Cape Town, 8000
Regional Office Limpopo
- Army Support Recruitment Office Building, Building T143, Gate Way Road, Polokwane, 0699
Regional Office Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Recruitment Office, Lords Ground Military Base, 186 Old Ford Road (K.E Masinga Road), Durban
Regional Office Eastern Cape
- Army Support Base Recruitment Office, Willow Drive, Forest Hill, Port Elizabeth, 6013
Regional Office Northern Cape
- Army Support Base Recruitment Office, Kimberley, General Khan van der Spuy Avenue, Diskobolos, Kimberley
Regional Office North West
- Army Support Base Recruitment Office, C/O Grobler Street (R53) and Eleazer Road, Potchefstroom, 2531
Regional Office Gauteng
- Recruitment Office, C/O Visagie and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central, 0001
Applicants residing in Mpumalanga will access forms at the following venues:
- Army Support Base, 8 Spruit Street, Mbombela, 1201
- 4 South African Infantry Battalion, C/O Dr Beyers Naude and Boncker Street, Middleburg, Mpumalanga, 1050
