A YOUNG Verulam man has realised his dream of becoming a “soldier boy” after completing his first leg of military training as part of the South African Army.
Dwain Usher Behari, 20, of Redcliffe, who was among 1 734 recruits, recently received the accolade of “Best Practical Learner” at the Military Skills Development System Passing Out Parade at the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape.
He also received his rank of private.
For his parents, it was a proud and emotional moment watching their son achieve his childhood dream.
His father, Shaun Behari, said as a young boy Dwain was fascinated with soldiers.
“He loved playing with toy guns and pretended to be a soldier. While in primary school, he drew a picture of a soldier holding a gun. He said that would be him when he was older. He even called himself 'soldier boy'. We are so proud of him. He not only realised his dream, but also mine.
"As a young boy, I also wanted to join the army, but my father wasn’t around. I didn’t have that father figure to support and help me to achieve this. But I knew that when I had my own children, I would help them pursue their dreams,“ he said.
Behari said after his son completed matric at Verulam Secondary School in 2022, he started work at a parachute manufacturing company.
“However, he never let go of his dream. Together, we have been involved in fighting crime in our community through our neighbourhood watch group. He always said his goal was to be part of the fight against crime in our country and that he would be able to do that by joining the army."
Behari said they saw a post on social media about a recruitment drive for the SA Army last March.
"There were no second thoughts or doubts. We immediately made the necessary enquiries. We filled out an application and waited to see if my son would be selected. In October, he received an SMS to attend an overnight camp at the Infantry School in Durban.
“Soon after that, he was notified that he had been selected for training that started in January this year, and that he needed to undergo basic military training,” he said.
Behari said during Dwain’s training, he spoke to him "from time-to-time".
“They weren’t allowed to have their cellphones. However, when he called us, he was so excited to tell us about his training. He did not complain even though he mentioned the training was intense. We sensed that they were pushed to their limits. But all his hard work had paid-off. He achieved a 98.45% pass.”
Behari said the family had initially not planned to go to the passing out parade.
“My son said we would only see him for two hours and that it would be costly to travel. At the time, he did not know he would receive an accolade. However, a week before the passing out parade, he asked us to attend. He did not mention he would get an accolade. It was a surprise.
“When we arrived, we saw him standing with seven other recruits, while others were in the parade. His mother and I were concerned and asked him what was wrong. With a smile, he told us to relax and wait. They then started calling each of the recruits that were with him and handed them their accolades. When it was his turn, we could not stop screaming with joy.
“We later found out the accolade was in recognition of him being an all-round great performer. We were told that in one instance, the recruits had spent a night out on the field and it was cold. He couldn’t sleep and made a small fire, which kept them warm. While we were overjoyed, Dwain remained humble and calm."
Dwain's mom, Sunita, said: “It is not easy to raise boys these days, especially when there are so many societal ills such as alcohol and drug abuse. It is easy for young boys and girls to lose focus of their dreams and goals. I am proud that my son chose to follow the right path.
"I hope his journey can encourage other young people to follow their dreams. I also encourage parents to motivate, support and pray for their children’s well-being. I am so proud and I now have my own hero. His two brothers are also proud of him."
The couple thanked their church, Bible Life Ministries, family, friends and community.
“Everyone has been supportive from the start of his application process. We are truly appreciative"
The couple added that their son selected to do a tactical intelligence course at the School of Tactical Intelligence in Potchefstroom in the North West.
“His goal is to take whatever opportunity arises for him in the SA Army."
Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha, in his address to the new soldiers at the passing out parade, commended them for their resilience, adaptability and dedication throughout the rigorous training process.
He also emphasised the significance of their decision to pursue a career in the landward force, acknowledging the courage it took to stand as a defender of one's country.
“This choice is more than just a profession. It signifies a commitment to a higher calling. By joining the ranks of the brave, you have chosen to stand on the front lines, where others may falter, in defence of our beloved motherland.
“You have now become part of a proud legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and unwavering duty. The road ahead will not be easy, but it will be deeply rewarding as you are tested and pushed beyond your limits, discovering your true strength and resilience,” he said.