'SA men sought as mercenaries'
2004-03-17 23:04
Johannesburg - "Their good military training and unemployment in South Africa make South African men the ideal targets when individuals or organisations are searching for mercenaries."
Dr Pieter Moller, a military expert of NorthWest University was referring to groups of apparent mercenaries from South Africa who were arrested in Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea recently.
He said many white South Africans had lost their jobs in the defence or police forces because of affirmative action.
Others, who had received thorough training during military service, had lost their jobs in the private sector and battled to find work in South Africa.
Moller said many of these men seized the chance to earn money as mercenaries.
He said these men often felt frustrated and powerless. They saw the opportunity to become mercenaries not just as a financial solution, but also as a chance to make a difference again.
Chance to make a difference
Moller said many men, who were offered jobs as mercenaries, possibly did not even agree with the political circumstances in the particular country.
However, they saw it as an opportunity to work again and to make a difference.
Often, political orientation did not even play a part in their decision to become mercenaries.
Moller said South Africans were known for their staying power.
His research into South Africans' endurance during World War II showed they did better than soldiers from other countries with the same equipment and under the same conditions in many operations.
He said this was also clear from the popularity of young South Africans working abroad. They had made a name for themselves as hard workers.
Moller said this reputation made South Africans sought after when individuals or organisations searched for mercenaries.