Tydens militêre diens word soldate blootgestel aan lewensgevaarlike situasies en die verlies van kamerade. Hierdie omstandighede verg buitengewone moed en dissipline. Soldate werk onder uitertste spanning en onsekerheid. Na afloop van die diens wat gedoen is en opofferinge wat gemaak is keer baie soldate terug huistoe sonder fisiese letsels maar bly die sielkundige impak vir baie lank deel van hulle lewens. Hierdie oorlogsverwante trauma, of soos die meeste dit ken, Post-Traumatiese Stresversteuring (PTSV) is ‘n natuurlike sielkundige reaksie wat erken en behandel behoort te word.
Die SA Weermagvereniging besef dat indien lede nie behandel word nie dit kan lei tot slegte gevolge vir die militêre veterane self, hulle gesinne en hulle gemeenskappe. Ons glo dat ons ‘n verskil kan maak en kan help om hierdie probleme tydig aan te spreek en daarom het ons Projek Gompou in plek gesit om holistiese ondersteuning aan ons lede, en hulle gesinne te bied.
Behalwe vir die hantering van oorlogseverwante trauma ondersteun ons ook ons lede en hulle families om die “Uitdagings van die lewe” (The Storms of Life) te trotseer en om weer beheer oor hulle lewens te verkry.
Ons nooi graag almal wat hierdie hulp nodig het om deel te neem en gebruik te maak van hierdie geleentheid. Ons projekleiers van Projek Gompou is Roelf Schoeman en Marius Engelbrecht. Hierdie span kan jou bystaan met professionele hulp en kan jou wêreld en toekoms vir jou verander. Kontak hulle gerus vir ondersteuning.
Johann du Preez
Nasionale Voorsitter.
SA Weermagvereniging.
Veterans around the world share common memories. Memories of hard training, working together as brothers but also experiences of deployments and combat. Many experiences built character, enhanced our skills and prepared us for civilian life which we can be extremely grateful for.
Some of those experiences however were ‘bad’ and had a ‘negative’ influence on us and ultimately affects also our family and other relationships. This might catch up with us later in life. This is true for all veterans through all ages. What is suspected, however, is the effect the type of weapons we utilise lately have on soldiers . Although these are hugely effective, those are also devastating for those on the receiving end and even those operating them.
Former SADF soldiers were involved in a global conflict in Angola as part of the Cold war. Simultaneously there was a regional conflict in South West Africa as just another fight for freedom from African groupings opposing colonisation.(South Africa was requested to expel German forces in 1914 and received a legal mandate to administer the country).
Lastly, but not least, did many soldiers deploy internally in South Africa to help the Police stabilise unrest fuelled by a local struggle for freedom from the apartheid government.
There are an abundance of arguments and viewpoints about the morality, legality, and justification on all sides of the conflicts. This is ultimately history and cannot be undone. What can be done is supporting all veterans and create a better future for everyone and especially our children.
Former non-statutory forces were initially helped by programs such as those initiated by father Lapsley from the Institute for Healing of Memories. There were not many, if any, programs to support former SADF, SAP and related groupings after the conflict. Many still suffer from PTSD or Moral Injury.
Roelf Schoeman and Marius Engelbrecht, themselves former soldiers, are trained professionals with a heart and zeal to support veterans and families. A scientific process led to a specific program which was developed. There is no better tool to help those that might need it. They understand the dynamics as they went through the mill themselves. And frankly, we have all been wounded, not only through military and security operations but also by experiences in life.
It is worthwhile to go through a process like this to be healed and become the person and purpose God created us for.
Pieter Bezuidenhout
(National Chaplain: SADFA)
In partnership with military veteran organisations such as 61 Mech Veteran Association and the South African Defence Force Association, Dr. Roelf Schoeman and Elèhos Ministry focuses on empowering support for military veterans and their families. We help military veteran organisations create safe and supportive environments that address the Storms of Life and war-related trauma.
Find relevant course detail and a safe environment to empower yourself.
Quick and easy online course registration available here.
As a proud member of 61 Mech Veteran Association and SADFA member, Marius Engelbrecht’s personal journey of recovery inspired him to help fellow veterans. Together with Elèhos Ministry we developed specific Military veteran holistic support models and methodologies. Our mission is simple: to help you unlock your full potential and live a life of fulfilment and purpose. The following online assessment and feedback tools are available in order to determine the level of trauma you experienced as well as help us establish your needs
This test helps you identify some of the most common signs of Post-Traumatic Stress.
As a SADFA member you are welcome to help us assess your immediate and long term needs.
Feedback from our support “Champions” are provided here.
Do you worry too much? Reflect on your personal worry habits and gain insight into it.