Bvuma climbs the ranks at national defence force
A Loloka village woman was recently appointed as a senior chief warrant officer in the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) legal services division.
“I feel honoured to have been entrusted as a custodian of discipline in such an important division of the SANDF with regards to military justice,” Sibongile Remind Bvuma told the Herald. Bvuma started her career at the SA Army Women’s College in George in 1997. “I did all of the developmental and functional courses required to move up in the ranks, from lance corporal to the level I am at now. She served in various positions, from 44 Parachute Regiment in Bloemfontein, 1 Parachute Battalion, and the South African Army Infantry in Oudtshoorn.
“In Pretoria, I was at the South African Army Infantry Formation Headquarters, National Ceremonial Guard, Joint Operational Headquarters at the Directorate Peace Support Operations and currently at Defence Legal Service Division.” Sibongile said that in nature, the military is a tough environment as it is male-dominated. “The journey was not easy. However, it is an interesting career to consider especially if you have a passion for it.” She says an opportunity arose for soldiers to study at the University of Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Military Science.
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“I applied, studied part-time, and obtained a B Mil Honours in Industrial Psychology and a Bachelor of Military Science.” She also obtained a Master of Management degree from Stadio College. Other accolades include a general officer commanding certificate, an officer commanding commendation certificate, an officer commanding certificate of appreciation (gold), 10- and 20-year good service medals, and a general service medal.
“I would like to encourage every young person, especially boys or girls who have lost their parents, to have faith. “Work hard and as my motto goes, ‘try and fail but never fail to try’. “One’s destiny can be delayed but never denied. As long as you stay true and work hard in every aspect of your life. I am senior chief warrant officer Sibongile Remind Bvuma, a mother of two boys, Ativaku and Awande. “Today, I am not only a soldier, but a warrant officer. It is all thanks to SANDF,” concluded Bvuma.
