Kapofi urges discipline as 1 703 recruits join military

Defence Minister Frans Kapofi last week told 1 703 new Namibian Defence Force graduates that indiscipline, drug abuse and irresponsible social media use would not be tolerated in the military.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the NDF's 18th intake at the Osona Military Base, Kapofi said 64 of the 1 767 recruits who reported for training in May 2025 failed to complete the programme due to voluntary withdrawals and disciplinary disqualifications.

“Today, you stand here looking beautiful and ready. I wish to congratulate you for having completed your basic training,” Kapofi told the graduates.

The recruits underwent a year-long training programme divided into three phases covering basic military training, platoon weapons handling, soldiering skills and specialised military fields.

Kapofi said the graduates entered the military from diverse social and economic backgrounds but left as a unified force entrusted with defending Namibia’s territorial integrity and national interests.

“You came here running to the barracks with mattresses on your heads as individuals, but you are leaving as a unit with skills of soldiers, perfected to defend our country’s territorial integrity and interests,” he said.

The minister said the NDF was increasingly recruiting technologically capable young people as the nature of warfare evolves beyond conventional combat.

“In recent years, we have insisted on recruiting youths meeting certain requirements because warfare is no longer orthodox,” he said.

“If you have been following current affairs, you would realise that wars are now predominantly fought with drones.”

Social media and alcohol

Kapofi said the defence force was undergoing a modernisation process aimed at ensuring Namibia remained competitive regionally and internationally.

“We need young people adept with technology who will be trainable to ensure that our defence force is up there among the best in our region, the continent and the world,” he said.

He added that recruits who demonstrated discipline and commitment would have opportunities to pursue further studies and specialised careers within the military.

“Those of you who are going to behave and do as expected will be offered opportunities to go and study further, to be trained as pilots, engineers, sailors, doctors, lawyers, and in many other disciplines,” he said.

Kapofi also warned recruits against irresponsible use of social media and the sharing of sensitive military information online.

“The military profession and military life are secret,” he said.

“Everything you do, including the breakfast, lunch, and dinner that you eat, is a secret.”

He reminded recruits that photographing military installations and establishments is prohibited and urged them to exercise caution when using digital platforms.

“You will have to, at all times, make sure you use social media responsibly,” he said.

Kapofi stressed that discipline remains one of the foundations of military service and warned graduates that behaviour inconsistent with the defence force's values and standards would not be accepted.

His remarks come as the NDF continues efforts to modernise its capabilities and prepare personnel for emerging security challenges, including the growing role of technology and unmanned systems in modern warfare.