Chapter 2 - P rogramme 1 - Department of Defence

Policy Developments
The amendment to the SANDF Promotion Policy
(DODI/PERS/2/2001), promulgated via letter
CHR/DHRSS/R/105/15/P dated 21 December
2007, is supported. The change in policy could
result in an increase in natural attrition (specifically
in the scarce skills musterings) and a slight decrease
in the HR budget in the short term, and could have
a negative impact on representivity in specific rank
levels, unless fast-tracking is utilised. Progress has
been made in benchmarking and investigating the
establishment of a Military Aviation Authority.
A proposal for the establishment of the Military
Aviation Authority within existing SA Air Force
organisational entities has been drafted for
approval.
| Department of Defence |
Services Scaled Down, Suspended or Abolished
During FY 2007/08
The Boeing B707 aircraft were phased out on
19 July 2007 as the SAAF could no longer fund the
system and it was becoming increasingly difficult to
source the required spares. The Cheetah aircraft
was phased out on 31 March 2008 because it was not
affordable to operate both the Gripen and Cheetah
systems simultaneously. The three Alouette III
helicopters that were utilised for the support of naval
operations on board the SAS Protea were withdrawn
for phasing out, as was planned. The Cessna C185
aircraft are to be withdrawn from service and the
fleet has been grounded since November 2006.
With the withdrawal of the Boeing 707 from service
in July 2007, 60 Squadron ceased operations. The
unit was not closed down but the personnel were
transferred to other flying units, except for a
small contingent that remained behind to manage
the phasing-out process. This has almost been
completed. The squadron will be re-equipped in the
future with the new A400M transport aircraft that
will be delivered to the South African Air Force.
133 Annual Report FY 2007 - 2008
| Chapter 5 - Programme 3: Air Defence |