The South African Military Academy is based on similar principles as that of the Military Academy system of the United States (West Point and Annapolis), and was established on April 1, 1950 under the auspices of the University of Pretoria, as a branch of the South African Military College (now the South African Army College) in Voortrekkerhoogte (now Thaba Tswane). The Academy is a military unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) housing the Faculty of Military Science of the University of Stellenbosch. It prepares candidate officers and midshipmen of all the Arms of Service morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the SANDF. It is situated on the West Coast in the town of Saldanha, set against the scenic slopes of Malgaskop, overlooking Saldanha Bay. About 300 men and women represent the four Arms of Service. There are forty eight member of the Faculty of Military Science who are an integrated group of military and civilian lecturers. A Bachelor in Military Science (B. Mil) is awarded to students upon graduation in December. The B. Mil is the generic title for the degree which may be undertaken in three different fields, these being Natural Science (equivalent to B.Sc), Social Science (equivalent to BA) and Commercial Science (equivalent to B.Comm). Traditionally, Natural Science has been considered as the premiere degree due to its highly quantative nature of its course contents (i.e. Mathematics, Physics). After graduation, they rejoin their Arm of Service to serve as officers.

See also

• Military history of South Africa