Ground control, the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) East Rand branch, was cleared for landing to celebrate the end of another successful year.

Clear skies beckoned on November 22, as Saafa members embarked on their final descent of the year, making a gentle landing at the Café@The Range, Kempton Park, for its year-end luncheon.

Sixty airmen and women took their places and fastened their seatbelts as branch chairman Roelf Rossouw reflected on the year.

“The East Rand, Pretoria and Johannesburg branches had the pleasure of hosting the association’s 80th congress and gala in May,” he said.

“During this affair, the East Rand branch was not only recognised as the branch of the year, but comrades of aviation had the privilege to celebrate the legacy of our country’s aviation history.”

He bestowed honorary membership on long-time member Dave Taylor, while welcoming younger members who had joined its ranks.

“It is always delightful to visit the East Rand branch, a meeting place of aviation pioneers, who had the vision to soar above the clouds,” said national president Reverend Trevor Slade.

“We are entrusted with the duty of cultivating our organisation and the South African Air Force’s legacy and leaving it in the hands of those who follow in our footsteps, a task the East Rand branch is wholly committed to.

“Here, its members not only share colourful stories of lives lived at high altitude, they have built lasting friendships and endearing camaraderie.”

As the clock struck noon, Rossouw indicated that the refreshment trolley would be making its rounds, making a toast to all those who spent their lives in the clouds and those who will be gaining their wings, continuing the aeronautical legacy at full thrust.

SAAFA is open to all former aviators, South African Air Force members, anyone who worked within the aviation industry and aviation enthusiasts.

For more information, contact branch chairperson Roelf Rossouw on 073 186 7761 or rossouwrj1@gmail.com