Feedback on CHATSEC Training For SAMHS MSDS In Naboomspruit: November 2006

By: F.B.P.T. Meulenbeld
Chaplain: Military Health Trg Fmn: Cpln (Rev)

The Chaplain Service of the MHTF in conjunction with the SSO Pastoral Services of the SAMHS has conducted the CHATSEC (Combating HIV/AIDS through Spiritual and Ethical Conduct) course for the October MSDS intake. This course is presented to all SANDF MSDS, as the aim of the Chaplain General is to reach all new MSD members in the DoD through this course in order to create a strong awareness and prevention strategy to eliminate HIV and AIDS.

The CHATSEC course was presented to the 197 SAMHS MSDS and PF learners at 91 Ammunition Depot, Naboomspruit, over the period of the 15th-17th November 2006. There were six groups in all and six chaplains facilitating the course, Chaplains B.J. Moncho, E. Mkuba, M. M. Mashinini, N.W. Nkosi, J.J.F. Viljoen, and F.B.P.T. Meulenbeld.

On the evening of Wednesday 15 November 2006, the film “No more tears”, relating to the impact of HIV and AIDS within a family and a community, was shown to all members, with positive feedback received from all members present, and on Thursday evening the film “Lion King” was shown in order for the students to identify the various values taught during the course.

On Friday 17 November 2006, the certificate and pledging ceremony was held in the main hall at 91 Ammunition Depot, in the presence of the OC SMT, Col. Tshabalala.

Chaplain Meulenbeld remained at the unit to be available for any members until Sunday 19 November, also to conduct the Church parade and to show movies on both Friday and Saturday evenings as well as to conduct private consultations.

The feedback from the CHATSEC course was very positive; the majority of members committed themselves to abstain from sexual immorality and to implement the values and principles taught at the course.

A positive matter is the overwhelming response of the MSD members to stay away from immoral behaviour – where the members want to apply the values taught to them. The CHATSEC course brings back the value of abstinence amongst other values. When these members continue with their training within the SAMHS, those values must be maintained.