VIDEO: Malvern’s Queen Comet in spectacular presidential inauguration aerobatic display
Malvern's own Queen Comet, Major Mandisa Nomcebo Mfeka was honoured to be part of the spectacular display put on by South African aviators from the airforce at the presidential inauguration held last weekend.
QUEENSBURGH Girl’s High old-girl, and one of the continent’s select few black female fighter pilots, Major Mandisa Nomcebo Mfeka, better known in the air as “Comet”, hit another career highlight last weekend.
She said she felt immense honour to be part of the spectacular display put on by the South African Airforce at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s #PeoplesInauguration, on Africa Day, 25 May. She, along with some inspirational fellow pilots, flew over the crowded Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
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The Presidential Inauguration ceremony was held under the theme: “Together celebrating democracy: Renewal and growth for a better South Africa”, and was attended by over 30 000people, including many dignitaries, heads of state, and representatives of many countries wanting to wish the president well.
The programme included many musical and cultural performances, as well as speeches, the inauguration itself, and some impressive military displays.
However, it was the aviators that turned the most heads on the day.
The flyby included two planes from the national carrier, South African Airways, which has not had the best past few years, as well as a historical flyby from the SANDF Airforce showing the variety of planes which have served over the years in the skies to defend the country.
The two SAA Airbus A340 streaking past the stadium at the optimal height and speed for such a manoeuvre attracted more than a few comments on social media.
AMAZING VIDEO South African Airways Airbus A340 & Air Force fly over Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria to celebrate the inauguration of South Africa’s President. #SAInauguration19
🎥 @flysaa #LookUpSAA #FlySAA pic.twitter.com/kOOkqMfApv— Tom Podolec Aviation (@TomPodolec) May 25, 2019
#AirForce flyby at inauguration was very impressive. Great flying skills on show at #SAInauguration2019 I enjoyed the Airbus 340s and the seven Gripens. Well done guys
— Steven Lang (@Steven_Lang) May 25, 2019
May 25: Two South African Airways A340 in formation with the South African air force performed a flyby today during the SA presidential inauguration at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria #AvGeek
Credit: @BongaDlulane pic.twitter.com/qpQB5xooOz
— AeroSkippah (@AeroSkippah) May 25, 2019
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Recently in an interview with her own community newspaper, Queensburgh News, Major Mandisa Nomcebo Mfeka explained exactly what it is that a combat pilot does.
Mfeka, who grew up in Malvern and is the eldest all her siblings, said she is proud to be in the place that she is.
She acknowledged during her previous interview that she owes a lot to her parents.
“I don’t think I would have got as far as I have without the support of my parents,” she said. “It’s a tough world, I’m not going to lie. It’s mentally straining, emotionally draining and it’s physically straining.”
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