The South African Air Force (SAAF) has temporarily relocated its Pretoria headquarters due to health and safety concerns, as some employees have developed respiratory systems.

It is believed the ventilation system has a fault, mainly affecting one section of the building, which consists of three floors located underground, where temperatures could soar to 40ºC.

Director of corporate staff services Brigadier General Donavan Chetty says the temporary move is to address concerns relating to the Air Command (Loftus) building.

“Due to challenges regarding elevated temperatures and ventilation within the Loftus building, a prohibition notice was issued, prohibiting the use of areas lacking proper ventilation.

“Over the past months, SAAF actively tried to mitigate the temperature issue by installing mobile air conditioning. Additionally, contingent plans were communicated to various directorates advising the use of discretion when the temperatures reached extreme levels. However, the condition of the Loftus building deteriorated,” he adds.

Temporary measures to mitigate health risks

Chetty says in adherence to this notice and under the guidance of the Special Air Force Command Council, SAAF implemented temporary measures to mitigate health risks while maintaining operational effectiveness.

He explains that key personnel have been relocated to alternative offices around Pretoria to ensure the continuity of operations. In addition, members have been directed to work remotely or from other offices in the area.

“Directors are responsible for clear instructions and contingency plans for their respective domains. For those working within the Loftus building, strict guidelines are enforced, including the continuous wearing of masks, application of sanitising protocols, limited occupancy, and adherence to specified working hours.”

Chetty says the measures put in place are temporary and are part of a broader effort to address air quality and ventilation challenges in the building.

“SAAF appreciates the understanding and co-operation of its personnel during this period and remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of its members while fulfilling its core mandate.”

Temperatures soar

The temporary measures arose after the South African National Defence Union (Sandu) urgently pursued remediation of the conditions in the building.

Sandu national secretary Advocate JG Pikkie Greeff says the problem started over six weeks ago.

He explains that a letter was dispatched to the chief of the SANDF, detailing the compromised state of the ventilation and air conditioning systems.

“The personnel stationed there have been subjected to temperatures soaring up to 39ºC, accompanied by substandard air quality, negatively affecting their health and productivity.”

Greeff says after disappointing responses from the building’s management, Sandu escalated the issue by filing a complaint with the Department of Labour, after reaching a dead end with internal communication efforts with the SANDF.

“Following an investigation initiated by Sandu’s complaint, the Department of Labour visited the premises on February 23 and issued a seven-day notice for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

He said SAAF decided to close the building temporarily on Tuesday, in the interest of its members’ health and safety.

“This situation is further complicated by the revelation that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) holds responsibility for the maintenance and repair of such facilities,” Greeff says.

“Notably, the SAAF headquarters, in service for 30 years and designed to accommodate 1 200 employees across five levels, is functioning with only one of six roof-mounted temperature control systems operational.

“Additionally, of the three systems tasked with managing the temperatures of the subterranean floors, two are at half capacity, and one is entirely defunct due to obsolescence.

“The challenge is compounded by the obsolescence of the components for these systems, rendering them irreparable.”

He said in light of these findings, the closure highlighted severe implications of insufficient funding and maintenance within the SANDF.

“The DPWI’s role in this predicament points to a broader systemic issue and pattern of dereliction that requires urgent attention.

“Our SAAF members deserve a safe and healthy working environment and it is crucial that immediate measures are taken to address these deficiencies and safeguard their welfare.”

He said Sandu is steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members within the SANDF and will persist to hold all parties accountable to ensure the provision of safe and adequate working conditions.