Latest news with #SAAF
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Why South Africa can't defend itself anymore
From a mighty force to near irrelevance, SA's defence capabilities have decayed. The country is now vulnerable, with no real ability to respond to African conflicts. This is a war game scenario which could not exist in South Africa today but, in the mid-'90s, as the country transitioned to democracy, it would have been one of many discussed by officers of the SA Defence Force (SADF), soon to become the SANDF (SA National Defence Force). A force of rebels has taken over the eastern parts of mineral-rich Zaire – now know as the Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC – has killed civilians and is now laying siege to the town of Kisangani. The government in Kinshasa sends out an urgent appeal for help to Pretoria. Putting boots on the ground would take weeks and would be politically risky, especially if SA troops were to start coming home in body bags. There is an alternative: send in the South African Air Force (SAAF). So a flight of Cheetah D multirole fighters – a version of the French Mirage developed locally with help of the Israelis – is scrambled in the early hours of the morning from the SAAF main base in Waterkloof, Pretoria, loaded up with sophisticated air-toground missiles and cannons. As the sun peeps over the horizon in central Zambia, the Cheetahs link up with their airborne tanker, a converted Boeing 707 airliner also used by the SAAF as an airborne warning and control system. ALSO READ: What is taking so long? Why SANDF troops can't get a lift home Not long after refuelling, the SAAF jets move into their strike profile, hitting rebel units and decimating them, saving the government in Kinshasa. At that time, the SAAF, and the broader SADF, which knew it was about to get new political masters, realised the critical role in peacekeeping and peace enforcement which could be played by South African armed forces, at that time still the strongest and most experienced in Africa. It was a vision which would gel with that of our second president, Thabo Mbeki, who believed this country could be the engine of an 'African Renaissance' and the continent's unbiased referee for internal conflicts. At that time, it was a dream which could well have come true. The SADF and, later, SANDF were well able to deal with any threat on the continent – and even in our territorial waters…. as a SA Navy Daphne-class submarine proved by 'sinking' one of the US Navy's most sophisticated guided-missile destroyers in an exercise off Cape Point. It didn't take long for the incoming government to get cosy with the already corrupt European arms industry, so we sowed up an arms deal which cost us more than R100 billion and equipped us with state-of-the-art systems like Swedish-made Gripen supersonic fighters and German frigates and submarines. ALSO READ: Frustration as Motshekga in Russia while SANDF begins DRC withdrawal These systems, good as they were, required maintenance and updating and the ANC government progressively reduced defence spending to the point where it is today. The Gripen fighters – the handful still flying – are only used for shows, while the subs are often beached in dry dock. Even the most sympathetic analysts would agree that our military would be comparatively easy pickings for a number of African armies and air forces – from Nigeria to Rwanda and even Zambia and Zimbabwe – who actually have newer equipment than we do. And it is operational. Our recent poor showing in the DRC, when our troops were humbled by M23 rebels, shows the extent of the slide. Not only can we not dream about being Africa's peacemaker, we cannot realistically guarantee the sanctity of our soil, airspace or territorial waters. NOW READ: How topless car thieves met their match against SANDF officer in pyjamas and slippers
New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
India-Pakistan sporting ties sour post-Pahalgam
The terrorist act in Pahalgam has affected almost every sphere where India and Pakistan are involved—including sports. The latest move is India pulling out of the Central Asian Volleyball Championship at Islamabad in May, which the Pakistan volleyball federation has confirmed. The SAAF Senior Athletics meet, scheduled to be hosted by the Athletics Federation of India in Ranchi on May 5, in which Pakistan were supposed to compete, has been postponed. The event's future is uncertain, because the AFI has left the decision at the foreign and sports ministries' doorsteps. These are not normal times—when lives are at stake, sporting ties are bound to be affected. Olympic and world championship medallist Neeraj Chopra, who had invited Arshad Nadeem two days before the Pahalgam shooting, was trolled online. He took to social media to express sadness that his 'love for the country and the honour of my family are being questioned'. Not just volleyball and athletics, some other major sports are also going to be affected over the next 12 months. India is co-hosting the T20 World Cup next February; the women's ODI World Cup is scheduled in India later this year. Then there is the Asia Cup for men. Because of the fixture's massive fan following, the organisers and broadcasters would have wanted the two nations to play each other. Pakistan have already said they would not play in India. It needs to be seen if the international and Asian cricket councils want the two to play in different groups. Security would remain a big concern. Sports and politics seem inseparable. The 2022 football World Cup was laced with political undertones. Even last year's Paris Olympics, despite the International Olympic Committee's efforts, became a reflection of the geopolitical divides of our times. Both India and Pakistan have used sport as a diplomatic tool earlier—either for furthering relations or restricting cross-border contact. When India sent their tennis team to Pakistan last year after six decades, it was seen as an easing of tensions. Pakistani players have also visited India for hockey, squash and athletics in the last couple of years. But without peace, sports will take a backseat.
The Citizen
25-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
SAAF recruits celebrate Family Day milestone in Hoedspruit
LIMPOPO – More than 300 recruits from the South African Air Force (SAAF) marked the completion of their initial six weeks of basic military training with a Family Day celebration on April 12 at the Air Force Gymnasium in Hoedspruit. The group, comprising 196 men and 126 women, reached a significant early milestone in their rigorous 22-week training programme, which aims to transform them into disciplined, operational-ready soldiers. Family Day offered a rare glimpse into the recruits' progress and honoured the continued support of loved ones throughout their demanding journey. 'This is an intensive and well-rounded training programme. The recruits have already conquered a range of modules shaping them into capable military professionals,' said Corp Thabang Mashile, corporate communication officer at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. He said the recruits had completed dress regulations, military courtesy, and saluting protocols. 'They're being pushed to their limits and have already demonstrated physical readiness in their first fitness test,' he added. In addition to physical training, recruits have been introduced to the R5 assault rifle theory and the Firearm Control Act, underlining safety and legal responsibilities. Training has also included basic drill and parade terminology, occupational health and safety, and military security. Brig Gen Nthuthuzelo Kereeditse, director of Education, Training and Development, congratulated the recruits on reaching this phase. He noted the training officially began on March 3 in Hoedspruit, following a three-week administrative induction at Zwartkop West in Pretoria. Upon their arrival, Col Jerry Magana, officer commanding at the Air Force Gymnasium, welcomed the recruits and briefed them on adapting to life in a bush environment, including guidelines on coexisting with local wildlife. Kereeditse praised the recruits' transition from civilian to military life, their commitment to national service, and the support structures in place, including a multi-professional team to guide them. He urged them to uphold the Air Force's vision, mission, and values as they continue their transformation. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Green Building Forum becomes IAF member
The Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF), scheme owner of SAAF, a certification trademark of Arab Green Building, has announced its membership as an association member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), thus reflecting its commitment to implementing international standards in conformity assessment. It also shows its keenness to promote sustainability practices in the built environment locally and regionally, said the statement from SGBF. IAF association members include organizations or associations representing the interests within an economy, region, or internationally, of a like group of entities that engage in, are subject to, make use of, accept or rely on, conformity assessment results from bodies accredited by accreditation body members of IAF, and which support the purpose of IAF. In this context, SGBF secretary-general Faisal Alfadl said: "The mutual recognition with the International Accreditation Forum reinforces the international community's confidence, the sustainability assessment certification framework, supporting Saudi non-governmental organizations in their environmental leadership and integration with global assessment systems based on transparency and credibility." As an association member, the Saudi Green Building Forum is committed to mutual compliance with the IAF's policies regarding conformity assessment by accredited bodies, requirements for the use of accreditation body member symbols, and the issuance of accredited conformity assessment certificates. It also adheres to the standard documents approved by the parties and the relevant application documents as a basis for conformity assessment activities submitted by assessment bodies, said the statement.
News18
24-04-2025
- Sport
- News18
Delay In Granting Visas To Pakistani Athletes Leads To Postponement Of South Asian Senior Athletics Championships: Report
AFI has yet again postponed the meet, pushing it to be held in the second or third week of June, tentatively. The South Asian Senior Athletics Championships suffer yet another setback, being postponed for the second time, seemingly due to the delay in granting visas to Pakistani athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem. The 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship, set to be held at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Ranchi, will see countries like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives participating. The event is also supposed to serve as a qualifier for regional and international competitions. The fourth edition of the tournament held by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), which was originally slated to take place from October 4-6, 2024, in Ranchi, was initially postponed to May 3-5, 2025. But now, due to unforeseen circumstances, the AFI has yet again postponed the meet, pushing it to be held in the second or third week of June, tentatively. 'Reference to the Circular dated 4 April 2025 regarding South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships scheduled to be held from 3rd to 5th May 2025 at Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. In this regard, it is informed that the South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025 have been postponed, and the new dates will be announced soon," a letter signed by AFI secretary Sandeep Mehta read. While no reason for postponement has been officially given, reports from The Indian Express have stated that much of the delay concerns visas not being granted for athletes from Pakistan. The Indian Express. 'There is no clarity on the new dates of the tournament, but the event will likely be pushed to the second or third week of June, depending on the clarity on the visas of Pakistani athletes," the source added. A list of 43 athletes, including reigning Olympic Javelin Champion Arshad Nadeem, was sent by Pakistan. The report also stated that another reason behind the postponement was interference with the schedule of the Asian Athletics Championships (set to begin on May 27 in Gumi, South Korea). Multiple decorated athletes such as Nadeem, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yupun Abeykoon of Sri Lanka, and 2022 Asian Games 400m bronze medallist Aruna Darshana of Sri Lanka, have confirmed their participation for the event in Korea this May. No official word on the rescheduled dates for the South Asian Senior Athletics Championships has arrived yet.
