Nestled in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape’s Port Alfred and with the drone of planes flying overhead, the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) recently gathered in celebration of the 81st national congress.

However, it was at Café at the Range in Kempton Park where SAAFA East Rand Branch members celebrated their achievements on a national level.

Welcoming members to the monthly chairman’s luncheon on June 19, Roelf Rossouw praised the club’s continued growth, highlighting its role in preserving the legacy of aviation and the South African Air Force.

He also commended the club for creating a space where aviation enthusiasts and former air force personnel, from the hangar and tarmac to the skies, can come together to enjoy fellowship and camaraderie.

“It is through your efforts that more chairs are continuously added to the table of our gatherings and that the memories of the triumphs and tribulations of the skies are preserved,” he said.

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“Thanks to everyone that forms part of this branch, I stood with pride at the congress, bearing witness as five local members received national recognition.”

Carrying boxes adorned with the SAAFA insignia, national vice-president Bill de Pinho took the time to bestow medals of honour.

Devon Cardases, one of the branch’s youngest members, DJ Goosen of the Mine and Military Museum, in Springs and Fred Brits, who were awarded the President’s Merit Medal, for their honourable service to the promotion of the association as well as SAAF.

“I am truly grateful for the honour of being part of the association,” said Cardases.

Goosen said that he had the privilege of being a serving member of the Air Force.

“I have so many memories of that time; it is therefore an honour to play a role in preserving its history, which in turn inspires a new generation of aviation enthusiasts,” he said.

As a respected member of the branch, Brits’ award salutes the former 24 Squadron engineer for his involvement in the Buccaneer 421 restoration project.

“I am deeply humbled,” said Brits.

“I am part of an amazing team currently working on this project to preserve the iconic crafts which once ruled the skies.”

At the age of 95, the club’s long-serving member and secretary, Marj Malan, was awarded the coveted Order of SAAFA bronze medal.

The former Atlas Corp librarian and air force widow said the accolade meant the world to her.

“Serving this movement brings me great joy. I have met some of the most interesting people,” she said as she accepted her award.

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“This one is for the East Rand.”

Lastly, the chairman of the SAAFA Branch of the Year 2025, Roelf Rossouw, received the silver SAAFA bar to the Order.

Rossouw joined the branch in 2017 and has been at its helm since 2020.

“I am overjoyed by our members’ achievements,” he said.

“Through our gatherings, benevolence and ongoing work, we are contributing to our country’s rich aviation history.”

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 on 073 186 7761 or rossouwrj1@gmail.com