The DBE participated in a community outreach programme and career expo organised by the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV) on 11 April 2025, in the Motheo Education District, Bloemfontien. The programme comprised of two key activities: the first session commenced with a visit to Tjhebelopele Primary School where military drills were conducted along with the promotion of national symbols and hoisting of the national flag. This was followed by a career expo at the Tempe Military Base with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to provide learners with valuable information about career opportunities, allowing learners to explore various career pathways and to learn about the roles and responsibilities within the SANDF.
The morning session at Tjhebelopele Primary School hosted approximately 1,380 primary school learners from surrounding primary schools with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mrs Angie Motshekga, addressing learners in the school hall. The session at Tempe included 1,500 learners from 22 high schools, including Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) schools. Minister Motshekga also addressed soldiers and engaged with learners during the expo.
Mr Likho Bottoman, Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that, “this is part of Freedom Month’s Schools Democracy Education Programme, promoting active citizenry, positive discipline and national pride. The programme with the DoDMV forms part of a five-year collaboration framework and partnership aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through leveraging military expertise in various areas such as the Oral History Programme; Nation Building and Promotion of National Symbols; Values Education and Discipline Maintenance in Schools; Jamborees for Future Choices Programme and career awareness activities, and assistance with Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Education Assistance Bursaries”.
The Social Cohesion Directorate and the Second Chance Matric Support Programme formed part of the exhibition. The practice of Marching Drills is prominent in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces, and the implementation in the Free State Province will serve as a platform for concept-proofing before expansion to other provinces to encourage wider participation and adoption.