SAAF History - p2
An initial meeting was held in Johannesburg on 11 December 1944. Many distinguished airmen were present to be elected as committee members. A draft Constitution was discussed and approved. Principles, objectives and projects were tabled and discussed. The first SAAFA meeting was held at the Inanda Country Club on 26 January 1945. This date is recognised as the founding date of the Association. At an Executive meeting held on 24 April 1945 Branches were approved in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Benoni and Windhoek. The first annual National Congress was held in Johannesburg on 15 June 1946.
Over the years Branches were formed in cities and towns throughout South Africa but some have closed due to lack of support. At present Branches exist in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East Rand, Johannesburg, Lower South Coast, Kimberley, the Lowveld, Windhoek, Outeniqua, Pietermaritzburg, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Soutpansberg, Stilfontein, and the West Coast. Strong SAAFA groups exists in Dubai, UAE and Shenzen, China.
Close links are maintained with the SA Korean War Veterans Association, the RAF Association, the Council of Military Veterans Organisation and its affiliate military veteran organisations, the SA Legion, the Warsaw Flights Commemoration Committee, the Berlin Airlifters Committee and the Alpine 44 Club.
Soon after the war ended the young Association found itself deeply involved with numerous projects, some of which continue today.
