Association continues to support former members, aged and needy

On the outskirts of Rosebank, nestled in the heart of the countryside and overlooking the freshly sodded polo field of the Inanda Club, Johannesburg, a group of South African Air Force (SAAF) veterans met in 1945 to establish a movement for former airmen.

With Colonel Rod Douglas at the helm, the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) met here for the first time on January 26 that year.

It was Douglas’ vision to promote the interests, image and heritage of the air force and establish an all-rank organisation that created a light-hearted atmosphere for aviation enthusiasts to gather.

As part of the SAAFA’s 17 active branches’ ethos, it provides support and care for needy members and former airmen and women while preserving the memory of those who gave their lives in service of their country.

With polished medals adorning their blazers and an air of dignity immediately associated with those with a military background, it was only apt for the SAAFA to celebrate its 80th anniversary at the same venue where this initiative first took flight.

Exchanging handshakes and salutes, members of SAAFA’s national office, serving SAAF officers and executive committee members of the East Rand, Johannesburg and Pretoria branches gathered to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

At the January 26 cocktail event, the organisation launched its national celebrations, which will be co-hosted by the three Gauteng branches later this year.

Sharing the theme of this year’s celebration, Our Legacy, national vice-president Bill de Pinho said the organisation had grown from strength to strength in ever-changing times.

“Ensuring that the heritage of the air force has endured is no small feat. Members’ wisdom and dedication has been integral in ensuring this,” he said.

Rich history
Delivering the congratulatory message on behalf of Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbombo, the chief of SAAF, Brigadier General Glen Gibson (SAAF director of air combat systems), said the air force is honoured to work with an organisation which shares their love for aviation.

“The SAAF continues to exist amid diverse circumstances, but we can proudly say that we have valuable assets on which we lean, that is the people, the members in blue, loyal soldiers who dedicate their lives to the service of this country.

“I extend my gratitude to the SAAFA members. You, too, are a pillar of strength as you were once SAAF members.”
He lauded the association’s rich and deep history, which was built on the second-oldest air force in the world’s 105 years of existence.

National president reverend Trevor Slade concluded the formalities, saying the SAAFA is a space where former service men and women can reminisce about their glory days, where they will always be representatives of the air force, and that their legacy will inspire others to walk in their footsteps.

About the SAAFA
The SAAFA is open to all former South African Air Force members, those who worked or are currently employed in the aeronautical sector, and enthusiasts.

For more information on upcoming luncheons or the organisation, contact SAAFA East Rand chairperson Roelf Rossouw on 073 186 7761 or rossouwrj1@gmail.com