Chapter 2 - P rogramme 1 - Department of Defence

| Chapter 5 - Programme 3: Air Defence |
female representivity increased by 6,2% and 2,3%
respectively during FY 2007/08. These figures are
in line with the South African Air Force’s Human
Resource Medium-Term Strategy to bring about
a 10% change in representivity over the Medium-
Term Expenditure Framework period.
The deterioration of facilities remained a major
concern. Insufficient funding and dolomite
subsidence in the Pretoria area continued to
contribute to the deterioration of operational
infrastructure and facilities. Key units affected were
the Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof, 68 Air School,
the Air Force Gymnasium and the SA Air Force
College. The rehabilitation of the AFB Waterkloof
runway that was scheduled for commencement in
July 2007 was delayed, after the National Department
of Public Works (NDPW) announced a delay in the
tender process for the appointing of a contractor
to the project. Senior leadership is developing
solutions for the other dolomite problem areas, such
as relocating the Air Force Gymnasium to AFB
Hoedspruit to overcome these problems.
National Treasury has made additional funds available
for the AFB Waterkloof upgrading according to
the special Repair and Maintenance Programme.
Replacement of facilities at AFB Durban was put
on hold pending a strategic decision on the possible
relocation of the base to La Mercy, where the new
King Shaka International Airport is to be sited.
As in previous years, the challenge in air system
integrity, mainly due to underfunding, was
exacerbated by the loss of specialised expertise
during FY 2007/08. With regard to funding, it must
be noted that inflation reached high levels, with the
cost of aviation fuel rising by 96% in six years and
the total aviation inflation being in the region of 15%
per annum. Whilst modest escalation adjustments
are made to the annual budget allocation, more than
two thirds of the operating budget is affected by the
high aviation-related escalation. With regard to skills
and capacity, the rebuilding of the technical support
capability of the Air Force was partially successful,
but shortcomings in service delivery were mainly
due to critical shortages of qualified technicians as a
result of over 200 resignations in the financial year.
The loss of pilots and technical ground crew due
to resignations also hampers the implementation of
the new aircraft systems. While some progress was
made with retention through improving incentives
for aircrew and technicians, the challenge remains
due to the strong pull from the private sector,
especially the aviation industry. During this period,
Annual Report FY 2007 - 2008 118
| Department of Defence |
an increase in the attrition rate of SAAF members
was experienced and the recruitment did not
materialise as was planned.
As a measure of improving internal control in the
SA Air Force, 21 closing-down certificates have
been received and 38 codes are in the process of
being closed of the 68 unit and base accounting
codes. The clean-up of the Air Force’s inventory has
resulted in the reduction of 555 094 ledgers out of
1 360 000 over the past three years. The information
communications infrastructure requires serious
upgrades and replacements while priority is given
to information technology support to the flying
environment. An unresolved issue remains the
funding of incentives from the operating budget, at
the expense of operational output.
Despite the challenges and shortcomings, the DOD’s
strategic objectives were supported and elements
of air power contributed to national security and
Government initiatives. During FY 2007/08, the
Air Force flew a total of 36 716 hours, of which
12 271 were force employment hours in support of
Joint Operations. The dedication and determination
shown by Air Force members was exemplary and
contributed largely to successful outcomes.
Purpose
The Air Defence Programme provides prepared and
supported air defence capabilities for the defence
and protection of South Africa.
Measurable Objective
To defend and protect South Africa by maintaining
and providing prepared and supported air combat
forces, services and facilities that meet Government’s
requirements.
Outputs
The Air Defence Programme provides air defence
capabilities for South Africa in the areas covered by
its 11 subprogrammes, namely:
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Strategic direction;
Operational direction;
Helicopter capability;
Air transport and maritime capability;
Air combat capability;
Operational support and intelligence capability;
Command and control capability;
Command post;