Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

From security to agriculture and almost everything in between: Almost endless possibilities with new study trust for drone training

Shooters pick up around R600 000 in prizes at whopper of a shooting event

The AfriForum Security Study Trust, launched today at the first Skerpskut shooting event outside Pretoria, will offer at least a dozen students access to a fast-growing world of drone technology and numerous career opportunities every year. This trust, with a starting value of R200 000, will enable students to obtain a drone licence (known as an RPC) and a grade E to C Psira qualification. With this licence and qualifications from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira), drone pilots will be able to apply their knowledge in diverse industries, from agriculture and security to mining, disaster management and rescue operations.

According to Wimpie Vogel, Managing Director of Business Development at AfriForum, the establishment of this trust is a highlight of Forum Sekuriteit, AfriForum’s private security company’s, first Skerpskut event, an event at which shooters also won almost R600 000 in prizes. “The aim of the Skerpskut shooting event is, among other things, to provide a space where the community and the industry can meet about safety. The harsh reality of crime leaves us with a huge responsibility to deal sensibly with safety, safety training and firearm use. Therefore, hosting a shooting event and introducing a trust that focuses on drone use in the security industry, but can also be applied in other industries, is a logical and valuable combination,” explains Vogel.

About the decision to set up a study trust for drone training, Hannes Noëth, Executive Director of Solidarity Helping Hand, is clear: “In a changing world, it is essential to stay ahead,” he explains. Solidarity Helping Hand’s Study Trust, with its proven track record of success in this industry, will administer this new study trust.

“Drone training not only offers an exciting new direction for students, but also a critical skill that will become increasingly important in the future,” says Noëth. “Through this trust, we are creating a platform for young people to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. Drone training is not just a new direction for our study trust, it is a leap into the future. This will enable our students to establish themselves in a field that is becoming more relevant by the day. Solidarity Helping Hand is proud to be part of this innovative enterprise.”

Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, explains that events such as today’s Skerpskut shooting event fulfils an important need in the current South African milieu. “Well-trained, organised communities play an effective role in fighting crime and that is why it is important for more people to become actively involved in safety initiatives. These events open the door for people who want to get involved or find out more. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the public to chat with experts, receive training and strengthen community ties,” says Broodryk.

Today’s Skerpskut shooting event was the first of its kind and plans are already being made for next year’s event. “The Skerpskut shooting event is going to become an annual fixture on the calendars of firearms fanatics and the wider community that takes safety seriously,” explains Vogel. Participants in the shooting event today showcased their ingenuity on at least ten shooting ranges, tested a wide variety of weapons from leading manufacturers and peppered targets properly with lead from the barrels of various handguns and birdshot from powerful shotguns. Big prizes, including firearms, telescopes, night vision devices and binoculars, worth a total of almost R600 000, were up for grabs and made the Skerpskut shooting event one of the biggest shooting events yet.

More about the drone training

Training is facilitated by the training institution FSAT.
The duration of training varies from two weeks to three months and can be undertaken full-time or part-time.
Students will receive training to obtain a drone licence. This certificate is a prerequisite for all commercial drone pilots.
Students will also receive training to obtain a grade E to C Psira qualification which will immediately provide access to diverse career opportunities specifically in the security industry.

Apply!

Applications for AfriForum Security Study Trust for drone training will open soon. Please visit www.hh-studietrust.co.za for more information on the application process and deadlines.

Those interested must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, pass the prescribed medical examination before starting the course and meet the minimum language proficiency requirements (at least a D symbol in English at matric level).

Drone pilots must also possess various personality traits and other skills, including technical aptitude and understanding of the technical aspects of drone systems; an eye for detail; problem-solving skills; adaptability; good communication skills; the ability to handle high levels of stress; and the ability to work in a team.