A video of a ‘bulky’ soldier struggling to climb into a military truck has gone viral on social media, and while the clip has South Africans in stitches, others are questioning the criteria of the fitness test.
Thousands of soldiers were deployed to restore calm after the recent unrest in parts of South Africa. And even though the country felt somewhat safer knowing that SANDF was on the job, this video has forced many to swallow their words while raising concerns about the quality of the soldiers deployed.
In the video, the SANDF soldier was assisted by a fellow comrade who eventually throws in the towel after what seems to be a feeble attempt to get the woman on board.
Parts of this video contains strong language.
Watch it here:
More footage of the crack #SANDF troops , we are safe . pic.twitter.com/xgjGvVRCam
— Greg Davies (@the_gregdavies) July 27, 2021
The video had this Twitter user wondering…
No wonder the SANDF took a week to get to KZN they couldnt get the soldiers into their troop transports https://t.co/0XvIDDN2tO
— BSDetector (@teamkruger) July 28, 2021
Another tried to see reason, directing attention to the “comprehensive body armour.”
To be fair, cold weather gear is always bulky and constricting, and difficulty moving in it isn’t unique to the SANDF. Same way comprehensive body armour is constricting & prevents soldiers from being able to climb over obstacles.
— Darren Olivier (@darren_olivier) July 27, 2021
This Twitter user had a big question to ask: who trains the soldiers?
What rubbish is this do we have soldiers in SA. Who’s training soldiers here @SANDF_ZA @Julius_S_Malema @MbuyiseniNdlozi @PresidencyZA pic.twitter.com/1Yf1DSYfL7
— Fezela (@Fezela19) July 27,
“What has become of our once very proud and effective military?” this user asked.
I might have laughed if it was not so sad….what has become of our once very proud and effective military. Die Vader behoed ons dat ons onsself tog nooit midde in ‘n militêre offensief bevind nie, nie met hierdie parate weermag nie, sal hulle graag wil sien in vuur-in-beweging ?
— Nico Grobbelaar (@Nico_Grobbelaar) July 27, 2021
Here are some more responses:
I guess physical fitness is no longer a job requirement for the army!!
— Giles (@angrysaffa) (@Giles43235302) July 27, 2021
So embarrassing
— Lily (@lilyzz) July 27, 2021
Weren’t these soldiers supposed to maintain a specific weight for their heights? I have never seen such overweight soldiers like these ?
— Sanam (@Sanam41124129) July 28, 2021
No wonder it took them so long to deploy! ?? God help us if we have an actual war!
— Skyward2JC (@Skyward2J) July 28, 2021
Gonna sleep well tonight knowing they’re protecting us!!
— Frank (@DodkinsF) July 27, 2021
Yah neh we are safe indeed.
— Malesela Samuel (@MaleselaB2) July 28, 2021
— Dr MS Jacobs (@MTariqpossible) July 27, 2021
Picture: Screenshot from video / Twitter
