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S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2008Multimillion rand facelift andupgrade of AFB WaterkloofBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:December 2008, page 14)Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole“The Air Force will not settle for second best, but perseveredespite our challenges,” Lt Gen Gagiano.On 13 November2008 the Chief ofthe SA Air Force,Lt Gen CarloGagiano, hosteda media briefingat AFB WaterkloofOfficers Mess for membersof the media on the stateof the SA Air Force(SAAF) and to give anupdate of the multimillionrand facelift and upgradeof AFB Waterkloof runways,taxiways and strategicairlift facilities. Thesewill result from the constructionof maintenancehangars for aircraft andspecialised facilities able toaccommodate the SAAF's soon to beacquired A400M heavy lift aircraft.Admitting that the SAAF was facingserious challenges, particularly theretention of skilled personnel, theChief of the SAAF said that internationalsources were scouting theSAAF's expertise. Lt Gen Gagianosaid: "The SAAF cannot competeagainst the large remuneration packagesluring our personnel off to newchallenges. The areas most affectedare flying crew, command and control,air traffic controllers and technicians,specifically in the avionicenvironment."Construction work taking place at AFB Waterkloof.He added that the SAAF and DODneeded to increase contact withGovernment and its stakeholders toexplain to them what the SAAF neededto operate and deliver its mandatein a more cost-effective manner.Regarding the SAAF's plan to consolidateits maintenance facilities with themaintenance staff from Denel Aviation,Lt Gen Gagiano said that a new supportvision had been created withDenel Aviation to achieve specific servicedelivery outcomes.He also mentioned that the SAAF hadmet various aviation authorities,including the South African Airways(SAA) with their pilots, air trafficcontrollers and widespread expertisein the avionic environment in theReserve Force, to see if these couldhelp alleviate the problem.Lt Gen Gagiano concluded: "We willnot settle for second best, but perseveredespite our challenges. Strivingfor air power is after all our goal:that is what airmanship is all about."It is expected that the upgrades willbe completed by the year 2011. Thebriefing was concluded with an aerialtour of AFB Waterkloof, whichwas an eye-opening experience formembers of the media.40• M A Y 2 0 1 1
stories from 2009S A S O L D I E RCommander-in-Chief honoursSouth African peacekeepersSouth Africa is a pioneer in peace missions for thesake of securing a better life for all.By Lufuno Netshirembe (an extractof what was published in SA Soldier:November 2009, page 13) Photo: SSgt Lebogang TlhaoleSouth Africa does not live inisolation. If it has to enjoy itshard earned democracy then ithas the responsibility to keepthe African continent stable,politically and economically.Considering that South Africaemphasises the principles of UBUNTU,which is about putting people first, it isnot surprising that South Africa is apioneer in peace missions for the sakeof securing a better life for all in linewith these UBUNTU principles.The SANDF Commander-in-Chief and President of SouthAfrica, Mr Jacob Zuma, wasinvited to attend and to honourour tireless and fearless peacewarriors. The Commander-in-Chief laid a wreath in memoryof those who lost their lives duringpeace missions.In his speech the Commanderin-Chiefcommended the soldiers:"Members on parade, youhave been excellent ambassadorsof our country in the quest forpeace. In difficult circumstancesyou have earned yourselves aplace in the hearts of many".The Commander-in-Chief, PresidentJacob Zuma, awarded WO2 DickShadrack Mkhonto with the Star forBravery Gold Medal for performinggreat deeds of exceptional braveryby putting his life in danger duringMK military operations.The involvement of South Africans inpeace missions has brought hope to disillusionedpeople in the various conflictstricken countries. Peace missionsinclude preventative diplomacy, peacemaking,peacekeeping, peace enforcement,peace building, humanitarianassistance and intervention. TheSANDF has spent a decade participatingin peace missions. To celebrate thisworthy activity by our soldiers on 16October, the SANDF brigade paradeunder the command of Brig Gen AshtonSibango and CWO Joachim Pretoriuswas held in Bloemfontein in honourof our peace "angels". This paradewas held in AFB Bloemspruit and theBloemfontein City Hall. On 15 and 16October the streets surrounding the cityhall were closed from approximately11:00 to 13:30.President Zuma urged the nation toinvest in our National Defence Force."Investing in the SANDF means we areinvesting in the creation of conditionsfor democracy, the strengthening ofdemocracy and defending democracy,"said the President. He indicated thatthe perception that intensifying democracyreduced the security threat wasincorrect; what reduced the threat wasinvesting in the defence of our democraticstate.The members on parade representedall the Services and Divisions of theSANDF that participated in peace missions,and the colour company consistedof Service and Regimental coloursof Services and Units that participatedin peace missions. The mass band comprisedfour service bands under thedirection of Lt Col Matthys Pienaar,Director of Music of the SAAF Band.Two Augusta 109 helicopters from 87Helicopter Flying School based inAFB Bloemspruit performed theflight salute. The SA Army ArtilleryMobilisation Regiment performedthe 21-gun salute under the commandof Maj Frans van Niekerk,while the SA Navy performed precisiondrill.In view of the fact that our countrydoes not live in isolation, its economicdevelopment and security arelinked to Africa's stability. In pursuitof a better life for all the SANDF willcontinue to be deployed on variouspeace missions and thus render political,economic and humanitarian aidto various African states.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s41
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