Air Force veterans reunite to honour 80 years of brotherhood and flight

The organisation celebrated its 80th anniversary is style.

May 25, 2025

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

SAAFA East Rand’s Roelf Rossouw and Marj Malan.

Medals of honour glistened and chimed when members of the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) took their seats at the association’s 80th banquet and awards at The Centurion Hotel on May 17.

Trading their aviator lenses for bow ties and sequins, attendees from 18 branches countrywide gathered in the capital to celebrate 105 years of the South African Air Force (SAAF) and aviation’s rich history.

The SAAFA immediate past national president, Mike Louw, with the current national president, reverend Trevor Slade.

“Tonight, we remember those who have taken to the skies while inspiring those who dream of breaking through the clouds,” said SAAFA national president reverend Trevor Slade.

“Our organisation has proudly served men and women who have made great contributions in all spheres of the aviation industry, be it with both feet firmly set on the ground or in the skies above.

“Our branches offer these individuals a space to reconnect and relive those glory days, invite active industry members to learn from those who chased the sun and give support through benevolence to those who became champions of the skies.”

An Alouette III releases rose petals above the Bays Hill memorial.

Following a meal fit for a king, rambunctious laughter and fellowship, the SAAFA members sat on the edge of their seats when the awards came in for landing.

Devon Cardases and Liiza-Daniella Grobler (SAAFA East Rand branch).

Cheers and applause roared when the East Rand Branch, captained by Roelf Rossouw, won the prestigious title of branch of the year.

SAAFA bronze medal recipient André le Gange (right) of the Pretoria branch, with national president reverend Trevor Slade.

“I am at a loss for words. I am grateful to each branch member for their support and dedication in keeping the spirit of flight alive,” Rossouw said.

SAAFA East Rand chairperson Roelf Rossouw and his wife, Joey.

“I am excited to be part of an organisation built on an illustrious legacy and look forward to taking our branch to new heights. We look to an exciting new year of dedication, growth and much enjoyment.”

SAAFA Branch of the Year was awarded to the East Rand Branch. Seen here is branch chairman, Roelf Rossouw (right) with National President Rev Trevor Slade.

Mike Wingartz, one of the East Rand Branch’s highly decorated ‘fly boys,’ was awarded the presidential merit award and medal.

Head of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, pays his respects to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

On May 18, as the sun slipped over the horizon, the 80th SAAFA congress came to a close as members made their way to the SAAF Bays Hill memorial to attend the annual SAAF memorial hosted by Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo.

SAAFA gold medal recipient Jaap Rossouw (right) of the Pretoria branch, with reverend Trevor Slade.

Despite the sombre atmosphere, SAAFA and serving SAAF members stood with pride, paying their respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty and those who dedicated their lives to fostering the rich heritage of the military wing.