Battalion celebrates 40 years in existence

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the SA Indian Training Corps Battalion/SAS Jalsena, the head office of which is based in Primrose Hill.

In 1974, the first intake of Indians was drafted into the South African Navy.

Thirty-three young men in their early 20s joined the navy and were sent off to Saldanha Bay for a year’s worth of basic training, under Officer Commanding Matthew Heyns.

After 12 months, the Indian recruits were given the option to join the permanent force in various positions and this was the start of an illustrious unit.

Each year, the intake was 120 Indian men into the unit and these young men set out to make careers for themselves in the navy.

In 1978, Ronnie Moonsamy joined the battalion.

The young man proved to be a great asset to the navy and, after he enlisted in the permanent force, he was drafted into the marine corps where, along with 35 other men, he completed nine months of rigorous training.

Of the 36 who did the course, four (including Moonsamy) were interviewed and then enlisted to undergo SA infantry battalion training in the military corps.

After this year long course of intense training Moonsamy became a marine instructor and trained youngsters coming into the marine corps.

Moonsamy left the armed forces in 1986 and relocated to Gauteng, where he set up home in Primrose Hill.

He now runs a successful business doing transportation for a shipping line.

Many men, not only Indians, have passed through the SA Indian Training Corps Battalion/SAS Jalsena and, four years ago, Moonsamy founded the SA Indian Training Corps Battalion/SAS Jalsena Association, to honour and connect with every soul who has served in the unit.

“My vision is to reunite all shipmates, sailors and soldiers who served in the unit to form a camaraderie of friendship after many years,” Moonsamy said.

The head office of the association is in Primrose Hill and they have branches in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria.

A committee has been formed, of which Moonsamy is the president and founding member.

Currently there are about 1 500 members of the social network.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the unit, the association has planned a gala dinner to mark the occasion.

The event will take place on October 18, at the Westville Recreation Hall in Durban.

“We are trying to gather most of the 33 original recruits to come to the dinner, although I believe some have, unfortunately, passed away,” Moonsamy said.

The association has been registered as a NPC (non-profit company) and members pay a nominal subscription fee, which will be used for three community projects a year, in each of the areas where they have offices.

The projects will be aimed at the homeless, orphans and the elderly.

“I believe that people should live with an attitude of gratitude and I try to instill this in our members,” Moonsamy said.