Latest news with #SouthAfricanAirForce
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
National security at threat as alarm bells rung over SANDF Air Force Engineer shortage
Flight Engineer shortage cripples South African Air Force's critical missions Image: SANDF/Dean Wingrin A brewing crisis within the South African Air Force (SAAF) is putting national security at risk, as a shortage of Flight Engineers (FEs) cripples the operational capacity of the SANDF's most vital aircraft. Despite recent government promises of increased military funding, insiders warn that the Air Force's ability to defend the country could be severely compromised without urgent action on personnel issues. At the heart of this issue is the iconic Oryx AS32 helicopter - a medium utility helicopter that has become the backbone of the SANDF's aerial capabilities. Notably, this aircraft is used for critical missions, including troop transport, logistical support, and even presidential flights. The helicopter that ferries South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa during his official duties is none other than the Oryx, a symbol of national sovereignty. However, one military insider revealed, 'This aircraft cannot operate without Flight Engineers. The unsung heroes keep these machines flying safely and efficiently.' Sources say the problem stems from recent industrial action by FEs nationwide. Fewer than five FEs are willing to fly, having downed tools over allowances they say are grossly insufficient and misclassified. 'They're considered technicians now, not flight crew, and their allowances have been cut,' explained a senior officer who requested anonymity. This industrial action has cascading effects: pilots cannot maintain currency without FEs, and aspiring helicopter pilots cannot complete their training due to the lack of experienced FEs. 'We have a backlog of student pilots waiting for years to start their flying hours,' the source added. 'This situation could leave us with a generation of not current or qualified pilots - a ticking time bomb for operational readiness.' Sources added that the fallout isn't just internal; it's costing the state millions. He stated that with only four FEs remaining in the country, the SANDF is forced to fly them across provinces - from Durban to Pretoria and Cape Town to assist with operations - often at great expense, including hotel costs and logistical arrangements. 'Many FEs are resigning, lured by higher salaries overseas, particularly in Middle Eastern countries, further depleting the fragile workforce.' 'Despite the billions invested in recruitment, we are losing personnel for free,' lamented an insider. 'The allowances are less than R5,000 - less than many civilian technicians earn elsewhere.' In response, SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala acknowledged the seriousness of the issue: "Flight Engineers are a critical part of our aircrew. Without them, critical missions cannot be executed fully, and our operational readiness is impacted," he said. "Currently, the SANDF operates at approximately 40% capacity, but once the budgeting process is complete, we will address these operational requirements." Tshabalala also mentioned ongoing efforts to review allowances and implement training initiatives through military academies to bolster FE numbers. He stated that the SANDF is committed to the nation's security and is working with the Portfolio Committee on Defence to increase the defense budget as a percentage of GDP. South African National Defence Union Secretary advocate Pikkie did not respond to IOL. The SANDF is currently grappling with critical issues of underfunding, aging equipment, personnel shortages, and low morale. Among other issues Highlighting the crisis, soldiers deployed in Goma as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), 18 SADC soldiers - including 14 South Africans - were killed in clashes with M23 rebels. The resulting summit in Harare led to the decision to terminate the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), citing worsening security and the need for a phased withdrawal. Earlier this year, IOL reported that soldiers scheduled to return home were reportedly stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), unable to leave due to the closure of Goma International Airport-a move the DRC government justified by citing security threats linked to ongoing conflict and rebel activity. This was followed by an outcry from the opposition, which demanded that the Defence Ministry provide clear accountability. A few days later, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced the official withdrawal plans, but subsequent reports revealed a stark contradiction: no transport was available to move the soldiers. [email protected] IOL Politics
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!
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Friend recalls final moments of South African pilot before air show crash
Spectators have shared their shock and horror as they watched a decorated South African Air Force pilot crash to his death at a local air show, while they recalled his final moments. James O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the weekend. According to organisers, Mr O'Connell was performing a "routine display" on a retired military aircraft when it "experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive". An investigation into the accident is currently underway as tributes pour in for the seasoned former Air Force pilot. Mr O'Connell's crash was captured by numerous videos and images which have since been shared widely on social media. In one, the 68-year-old aircraft, an Impala Mark 1, can be seen flying upside-down before returning to its original position and then nose-diving to the ground. A huge cloud of smoke and fire can then be seen as it crashes to the ground, while gasps of shock can be heard from the watching crowd. Air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who was present at the show and provided running commentary on Mr O'Connell's performance, can then be heard urging the stunned crowd to "stay calm and remain where you are". Speaking to the BBC two days after the horrific crash, Mr Emmenis shared his final exchange with the decorated pilot. Mr Emmenis said he had known Mr O'Connell from the latter's time as a test pilot at the South African Air Force. According to him, Mr O'Connell worked at the Air Force for nearly three decades before moving to the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), where he worked as chief flight instructor and was head of the test pilot school. The academy confirmed the Impala was one of its display aircraft. "James O'Connell was an incredible test pilot... a very popular guy [and] a thorough professional but also a great friend and good guy to work with," he told the BBC on Monday. Mr Emmenis said the pair spoke about Mr O'Connell's upcoming performance before he took off. Mr O'Connell at this point was "in a good frame of mind", he noted. "As he taxied past... my words [to him] were: 'Have a good [display] my friend' and he [replied]: 'Thanks'." Athol Fugard: Death of a great South African playwright Even in his final seconds of life, first gay imam pushed boundaries Mr Emmenis later explained in a statement released by West Coast Air Show organisers that Mr O'Connell had gone into a "dirty configuration" – described as a move where the undercarriage is extended - where he turned the aircraft over and "the undercarriage was down". "But when he turned, I could see that the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude and that concerned me. I stopped talking and I looked because I thought: 'Wow, he's low and diving down to the ground' and sadly, that's exactly what happened. And I waited and suddenly saw the flame, I never heard the impact, I was too far away but I saw this huge [flame]." The seasoned commentator described the shock and devastation felt across the aviation industry at the news of Mr O'Connell's death. "South Africa is devastated. In fact, not only South Africa - I've been getting calls from all over [the world]. Aviation is a small world and it's a band of brothers …especially [in] air show flying because usually it's the best of the best that get chosen to go do these displays." While it is too early to speculate on what exactly went wrong, he reasoned that as a "highly qualified test pilot", Mr O'Connell would not have attempted anything he didn't think he could manage. "I don't think anybody would do a manoeuvre like that if you didn't know what it's about," he said. Clive Coetzee, organiser of the West Coast Air Show, said that he was "deeply saddened by the event" and spoke of the shocking effect it had, not only on attendees, but other participants. Among them was a young pilot who was set to do his first show that same day but pulled out when he witnessed Mr O'Connell's crash. And while Mr Coetzee only met Mr O'Connell on the day of the fateful accident, he described him as a "funny guy" and "very nice" based on their final chat. Both men declined to comment on the Impala's track record, but Mr Emmenis said: "It was kept in immaculate condition and when the test flight school took it, they stripped it down and checked for any faults. So there was nothing wrong with it, it was absolutely perfect." The Impala is a retired Air Force aircraft that first took to the skies in 1957. Leading tributes for Mr O'Connell was the TFASA, which described him as a "true aviation legend" with 36 years flying experience. The expelled envoy at the heart of the latest US-South Africa row Ghosts of apartheid haunt South Africa as compensation anger brews US cuts send South Africa's HIV treatment 'off a cliff' Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
West Coast Air Show: Final moments of South African pilot James O'Connell before crash
Spectators have shared their shock and horror as they watched a decorated South African Air Force pilot crash to his death at a local air show, while they recalled his final O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the to organisers, Mr O'Connell was performing a "routine display" on a retired military aircraft when it "experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive".An investigation into the accident is currently underway as tributes pour in for the seasoned former Air Force pilot. Mr O'Connell's crash was captured by numerous videos and images which have since been shared widely on social one, the 68-year-old aircraft, an Impala Mark 1, can be seen flying upside-down before returning to its original position and then nose-diving to the ground.A huge cloud of smoke and fire can then be seen as it crashes to the ground, while gasps of shock can be heard from the watching show commentator Brian Emmenis, who was present at the show and provided running commentary on Mr O'Connell's performance, can then be heard urging the stunned crowd to "stay calm and remain where you are".Speaking to the BBC two days after the horrific crash, Mr Emmenis shared his final exchange with the decorated Emmenis said he had known Mr O'Connell from the latter's time as a test pilot at the South African Air Force. According to him, Mr O'Connell worked at the Air Force for nearly three decades before moving to the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), where he worked as chief flight instructor and was head of the test pilot school. The academy confirmed the Impala was one of its display aircraft."James O'Connell was an incredible test pilot... a very popular guy [and] a thorough professional but also a great friend and good guy to work with," he told the BBC on Emmenis said the pair spoke about Mr O'Connell's upcoming performance before he took off. Mr O'Connell at this point was "in a good frame of mind", he noted."As he taxied past... my words [to him] were: 'Have a good [display] my friend' and he [replied]: 'Thanks'." Mr Emmenis later explained in a statement released by West Coast Air Show organisers that Mr O'Connell had gone into a "dirty configuration" – described as a move where the undercarriage is extended - where he turned the aircraft over and "the undercarriage was down"."But when he turned, I could see that the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude and that concerned me. I stopped talking and I looked because I thought: 'Wow, he's low and diving down to the ground' and sadly, that's exactly what happened. And I waited and suddenly saw the flame, I never heard the impact, I was too far away but I saw this huge [flame]."The seasoned commentator described the shock and devastation felt across the aviation industry at the news of Mr O'Connell's death. "South Africa is devastated. In fact, not only South Africa - I've been getting calls from all over [the world]. Aviation is a small world and it's a band of brothers …especially [in] air show flying because usually it's the best of the best that get chosen to go do these displays." While it is too early to speculate on what exactly went wrong, he reasoned that as a "highly qualified test pilot", Mr O'Connell would not have attempted anything he didn't think he could manage."I don't think anybody would do a manoeuvre like that if you didn't know what it's about," he Coetzee, organiser of the West Coast Air Show, said that he was "deeply saddened by the event" and spoke of the shocking effect it had, not only on attendees, but other them was a young pilot who was set to do his first show that same day but pulled out when he witnessed Mr O'Connell's while Mr Coetzee only met Mr O'Connell on the day of the fateful accident, he described him as a "funny guy" and "very nice" based on their final men declined to comment on the Impala's track record, but Mr Emmenis said: "It was kept in immaculate condition and when the test flight school took it, they stripped it down and checked for any faults. So there was nothing wrong with it, it was absolutely perfect."The Impala is a retired Air Force aircraft that first took to the skies in 1957. Leading tributes for Mr O'Connell was the TFASA, which described him as a "true aviation legend" with 36 years flying experience. Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Russia Today
24-03-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Pilot dies in air show plane crash (VIDEO)
A test pilot has died after his aircraft crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, on Saturday. James O'Connell was piloting an Impala Mark 1 to demonstrate its capabilities to thousands of spectators. During one of the final maneuvers of O'Connell's performance, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive before crashing into a grassy area. 'He was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground. There was no sign of any attempt to eject,' air show commentator Brian Emmenis said. Emergency services arrived within minutes and found the wreckage engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, O'Connell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported among spectators or event staff. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force's accident unit have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. READ MORE: Deadly cyclone hits African nation (VIDEO) The West Coast Air Show referred to O'Connell as a highly decorated, retired South African Air Force officer with more than 36 years of aviation experience. According to the event organizers, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours in helicopters and an additional 1,600 hours in fixed-wing aircraft. .mediaplayer { min-height: 150px; } .jwplayer .jw-controls .jw-controlbar .jw-icon-cc { display: none; } .media__video_noscript { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 100%; width: 100%; } .full_transcript_text { display: block; }
