SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

SAAFA is an all-ranks Association formed to perpetuate a tradition of comradeship, knowing no distinction of rank,  race, language, gender or creed, which has developed over the years among members of the South African Air Force.
The Association is democratic, non-sectarian and non-partisan in relation to party politics.

 

SAAFA is fully POPIA compliant (Protection of Personal Information Act).

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ABOUT SAAFA

Appart from being a meeting place for its members SAAFA actively promotes the image of the SAAF and its members. Indeed, the two-fold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association's Care of the Aged programme.

All persons who serve in, or once served in the SAAF (PF or CF), or in any other Allied Air Force, are eligible to join this unique fraternity.

SAAFA branches are active all over Southern Africa: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East Rand (Benoni), Johannesburg, Kimberley, Lower South Coast (Margate), Laeveld (Hoedspruit), Namibia (Windhoek), Outeniqua (George/Knysna), Pietermaritzburg, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Stilfontein, Soutpansberg (Machado/Louis Trichardt) and WEST COAST (Langebaan/Vredenburg). The SA Korean War Veterans Association also has branch status with the SAAFA.

Membership brings participation in many activities, enjoying life wining and dining, raffles, sport events, special outings, regular luncheons at which distinguished persons from industry and commerce address the gathering and chat afterwards. How about golf, horse racing, bowls and "Fly-in-Braai" days and many more interesting events?!

Members are entitled to wear the distinctive SAAFA tie, blazer badge and other insignia, and to participate in all SAAFA activities at Branch level. They are also encouraged to participate in the on-going worthwhile projects of the Association. Less fortunate SAAFA members and their dependents are being assisted in their well being. An ever-increasing percentage of funds raised are being channeled towards the Care of the Aged programme.

A national newsletter is distributed via email regularly free-of-charge, while several branches send out their own newsletters.

SAAFA History

One finds very little documented information on the establishment of the SAAF Association. The original concept, formulated in late 1944 was threefold;
- To continue the spirit and camaraderie of the South African Air Force generated during World War II
- To perpetuate the memory of all brave Air Force men and women who made the supreme sacrifice for their country
- And in particular to assist with the welfare and support their widows and children

Colonel Rod Douglas, a veteran of the 1914-1918 Great War, started the Christmas Cheer Fund during, whilst serving as a senior staff officer at Air Force Headquarters. This fund ensured that all SAAF Squadrons and Units serving beyond the borders of South Africa would be treated to a sumptuous lunch or dinner on Christmas day. Generous donations to this cause were received from SAAF Units remaining in South Africa.
Colonel Douglas had experienced the aftermath of World War I with the plight of the widows, children and demobilised airmen. He wished to ensure that this did not happen again when World War II hostilities ceased. To this end, he gathered a group of like-minded airmen and set about creating the South African Air Force Association. Colonel Rod Douglas is considered as the founder of the South African Air Force Association and he served as the first SAAFA National President, guiding the Association through its formative years. 

SAAFA 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 Club on 26 January 1945, which 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, some of which have since closed due to employment, residential and retirement dynamics. At present, Branches exist in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East Rand, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Lower South Coast (Port Shepstone/Margate), Lowveld (Hoedspruit), Outeniqua (George), Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Soutpansberg (Makhado), Stilfontein, Whale Coast (Hermanus) and WEST COAST (Langebaan). In addition, there is a SAAFA satellite Branch in Dubai, UAE.

Close links are maintained with the South African Korean War Veterans Association, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Officers’ Club, the Warsaw Flights Commemoration Organising Committee, the Alpine 44 Club and the Council of Military Veterans Organisations (CMVO).
As had been anticipated, soon after the end of World War II the SAAF Association found itself involved in numerous support projects, many of which continue to this day, most notably that of Benevolence. 

SAAFA History - p3

Many children of Air Force members who had made the supreme sacrifice had their schooling made possible with financial and other support of SAAFA. In addition to this, tertiary education bursaries were provided to many dependents. With the passage of time, the emphasis has shifted from education to provision of assistance and support to past members of the SAAF who suffer from chronic and debilitating health issues as well those who suffer severe financial hardship. SAAFA has an ongoing care of the aged project nationwide.

Welfare grants, food parcels and Christmas cheer have over the years been made to members and members dependents. Together with the South African Legion improvements in war pensions were for ex-SAAF members and their dependents were negotiated. Successful applications for tax exemptions for special flying allowances were negotiated as were many other issues requiring the SAAF Association to lobby with Government, Provinces and various organisations.

The Air Force Fund was started during the War to provide funds to donate “Spitfire” aircraft to the Royal Air Force. At the cessation of hostilities remaining funds were distributed to SAAFA Branches and the RAF Benevolent Fund. The Association administered funds for 1939/45 SAAF Veterans in need on behalf of the Air Force Fund. Housing Memorials in the form of blocks of flats were built in Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Past members of the SAAF, and in instances their surviving spouses, occupy flats at sub-economic rentals. Two of these facilities, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, continue to offer this service, Cape Town having sold their facility to the University of Cape Town. 

SAAFA History - p4

Resulting from a proposal by the SAAF Association, the first Air Force Memorial was built at the entrance to the Waterkloof Air Force Station in 1957. The site subsequently proved unsuitable for a number of reasons and again the SAAF Association proposed that a national Air Force Memorial be built and agreed to cover half the overall costs. The magnificent Air Force Memorial as we know it today was completed in 1963 on Bays’ Hill, overlooking AFB Swartkop.

Jointly hosted with the South African Air Force, Memorial Services are held at the Air Force Memorial in May every year.

Also at the suggestion of the SAAF Association to the SAAF, Citizen Force Squadrons were established at Cape Town, Durban, Germiston, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
Ongoing and continuous support to the SAAF in peace and conflict as experienced during the Berlin Airlift, the 1947 Royal Visit and the Korean War was provided. The support of and relationship with the South African Air Force remains today a high priority objective of SAAFA.

Today the South African Air Force Association continues the legacy of supporting the ex-SAAF aged and needy; to perpetuate of SAAF men and women killed in the line of duty; to foster Air Force camaraderie; to preserve our Air Force heritage and continue dynamic SAAF/SAAFA interaction. 

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Office bearers:
National President                      Trevor Slade  
National Vice President             Bill De Pinho  
Country Vice Presidents            Marthie Visser (Whale Coast Branch)                                
                                                        Steve Bekker (Durban Branch)      
                                                        Derrick Page (Cape Town)       
 Honorary Treasurer                  Carol Havenga 
 National Secretary                    Marianne Mostert                                                

 

 

 

NEC Members

SAAF LIASON                                                                   Marthie Visser/Craig Stanton
Awards                                                                               Jaap Rossouw
Benevolence                                                                     Trevor Slade (NP)
Constitution/MoA/Records                                           Mike Louw (IPP)
Kindred Organisations                                                     Trevor Slade (NP)
Membership/Camaraderie/Newsletter                      Roelf Rossouw
Remembrance/Heritage                                                Renier Feldtmann/Bruce Harrison
National Medical Liaison                                                 Bill de Pinho (NVP)
Regalia                                                                                Marianne Mostert
Veteran Affairs                                                                   Colin Bowring
Webmaster/Social Media                                               Koos van Rensburg
Civil Aviation                                                                       Ray Ledlie

 

Bloemfontein

Chairman Gavin Lavis
Vice Chairman Vacant
Treasurer Ronell Opperman
Secretary Ansie Lavis
Tel:082 873 2284
Email: [email protected] 

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Cape Town

Chairman Nick Havenga
Vice Chairman Kevin Sampson
Treasurer Carol Havenga
Secretary Vacant
Tel:082 876 6150
Email: [email protected] 

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Durban

Chairman Rob Sinclair
Vice Chairman John Bayne
Treasurer John Boardman
Secretary Steve Bekker
Tel:083 655 6532
Email: [email protected] 

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East Rand

Chairman Roelf Rossouw
Vice Chairman Dave Tayler
Treasurer Devon Cardases
Secretary Marjorie Malan
Tel:073 186 7761
Email: [email protected] 

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Johannesburg

Chairman Carl Bollweg
Vice Chairman Bruce Harrison
Treasurer Martin Urry
Secretary Jeff Earle
Tel:011 616 7406
Email: [email protected] 

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Kimberley

Chairman Christo du Toit
Vice Chairman Dave Alexander
Treasurer Jacques de Lange
Secretary Linda du Toit
Tel:072 490 0710
Email: [email protected] 

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Lower South Coast

Chairman Johnny Ralph
Vice Chairman Carl Volker
Treasurer Victor Liebenberg
Secretary Phyllis Ralph
Tel:082 568 8644
Email: [email protected] 

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Lowveld

Chairman Andre Nortje
Vice Chairman Toffa Hattingh
Treasurer Lientjie Langenhoven
Secretary Catryn le Roux
Tel:015 799 2247
Email: [email protected] 

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Namibia (Dormant)

Chairman Vacant
Vice Chairman Vacant
Treasurer Vacant
Secretary Vacant
Tel:
Email:  

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Outeniqua

Chairman Marius van Wyk
Vice Chairman Brian Butler
Treasurer Brian Butler
Secretary Stephan Jansen Van Vuuren
Tel:+27 82 091 4707
Email: [email protected] 

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Pietermaritzburg

Chairman Morgan Holmes
Vice Chairman Winks Stening
Treasurer Vacant
Secretary Vacant
Tel:033 396 2118
Email: [email protected] 

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Port Alfred

Chairman Koos Janse van Rensburg
Vice Chairman Anton Knoetze
Treasurer Acting: John Wesley
Secretary Vacant
Tel:084 545 5502
Email: [email protected] 

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Port Elizabeth

Chairman Trevor Bernberg
Vice Chairman Woody Turner
Treasurer Paul Hoogendoorn
Secretary James Canepa
Tel:082 893 2255
Email: [email protected] 

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Pretoria

Chairman Bill de Pinho
Vice Chairman Phillip Gouws
Treasurer Carol Havenga
Secretary Jaap Rossouw
Tel:012 651 5922
Email: [email protected] 

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Soutpansberg (Dormant)

Chairman Vacant
Vice Chairman Vacant
Treasurer Vacant
Secretary Vacant
Tel:015 577 2215
Email: [email protected] 

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Stilfontein

Chairman Arthur Keefe
Vice Chairman Nico Nysschen
Treasurer Angie Bate
Secretary Angie Bate
Tel:(018) 478-9761
Email: [email protected] 

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West Coast

Chairman Dirk Blom
Vice Chairman Andy Ranger
Treasurer Andrè Steenkamp
Secretary Gerda Tallie
Tel:082 349 4822
Email: [email protected] 

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Whale Coast

Chairman Marthie Visser
Vice Chairman Johan Pentz
Treasurer André Pentz
Secretary Johan Pentz
Tel:079 528 6499
Email: [email protected] 

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Patrons of SAAFA

Lt Genl A.M. Muller, SSAS, SD, SM, SALM (Retired)
Lt Genl W.H. Hechter, SSAS, SD, SM, MMM, SALM (Retired)
Lt Genl R.J. Beukes, SD, SM, MMM, SALM (Retired)
Mr B. Hersov, DMS
Lt Genl C. Gagiano, SM, SAAF (Retired).
Lt Gen F Z Msimang psc (j), ensp (Retired)
Lt Gen W.S. Mbambo, psc (j), ensp

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE

Flying Spirit

Flying Spirit - 2023 June
Flying Spirit - 2023 March
Flying Spirit - 2022 December
Flying Spirit - 2021 December
Flying Spirit - 2021 August
Flying Spirit - 2021 July
Flying Spirit - 2021 May
Flying Spirit - 2021 April
Flying Spirit - 2021 March
Flying Spirit - 2021 February
Flying Spirit - 2021 January
Flying Spirit - 2020 December
Flying Spirit - 2020 November
Flying Spirit - 2020 October
Flying Spirit - 2020 September
Flying Spirit - 2020 July
Flying Spirit - 2020 June
Flying Spirit - 2020 April
Flying Spirit - 2019 December Flying Spirit - 2019 June
Flying Spirit - 2018 December
Flying Spirit - 2018 June
Flying Spirit - 2017 November
Flying Spirit - 2017 June





 

Bloemfontein News
Cape Town - Aquila Capensis
Durban - In-formation
East Rand - Max Thrust










 

Johannesburg - Skyline
Kimberley
South Coast - Chocks Away
Lowveld - Bastion






 

Namibia
Outeniqua
'Maritzburg - Touch & Go
Port Alfred - Tale Dragger






  

Port Elizabeth - Flypaper
Pretoria - Stick & Throttle
West Coast - Malgas News
Whale Coast - Flier
RAFA - Rafa Roundel
SA-Korea War Vets Association

Military Despatches a website for the military enthusiast
Buccaneers of 24 Squadron - Johan Conradie
The V-Boys of Margate by Roger Makings (2014)
The Silent Enemy: How PTSD Damages our Soldiers
2011 Zwartkop Air Show
A B-17 Flying Fortress called All American
Amazing Engineering - Madeira Airport Runway
CESSNA 152 for the SAAF Museum
First RAF Sunderland Flight to Greenland
For the Africa Star
My year on the wing
Oldest Boeing Airliner in flying condition
Phyllis Doreen Dunning
Piggyback Hero
The Coelacanth Flight - 1952
The Tale of Two Stories
Virginia Air Show 2012

MEMBER'S PUBLICATIONS

 Beyond the Edge of the Sky - Crow Stannard
Buccaneers of 24 Squadron - Johan Conradie
Coastal Strike - John Clements with Graeme Gibson
Commanding Heights - Roy Andersen
Facta Nostra Vivent - Andrew Embleton
In All Weather - Peter Chapman
My small segment of World War II - Alex Reith 
Nick's War - Nick Lithgow
Special Forces - Peet Coetzee
Spitfires Rampant - Bill Tatham
The Rhodesian Command Dakota - Laurence (Flo) Hill
Warriors of the Sky - Peter Bagshawe
We Conquer from Above - Paul J Els
Wings over Langebaanweg - Andrew Embleton
My Dad and the Condor - Danie van der Spuy
Paul Lee's Talk on Antarctica
Legends Air Show 2017
RIAT Air Show 2018 - Stefaan Bouwer

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Upcoming Events

 

APRIL - RAF Memorial Service, Bays Hill, April
APRIL - Gunner's Association Service, Potchefstroom
MAY - SAAF Museum Air Show, Swartkop
MAY - SA Air Force Memorial Service, Bays Hill, Pretoria. 10h00
MAY - Smuts Memorial Service, Irene, Pretoria. 15h00
MAY - Heritage Foundation Wreath Laying Ceremony, SADF Wall of Remembrance, Voortrekker Monument.
DECEMBER - The Victory Cup Golf Day, Royal Port Alfred Golf Club
JUNE - SAPPERS Memorial Service
SSA Korean War Veterans Memorial Service, Air Force Memorial, Bays Hill, Pretoria


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Medical Info

Regular Force Medical Continuation Fund Booklet
Travel Claim Form
Personal Information Update Form

Please contact your Branch Committee to resolve any queries/uncertainties

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CONTACT FORM

This form will be delivered to our webmaster whom will forward it to the relevant branch/person.

SAAFA 75 & Regalia/h3>

Please contact our secretary at Head Office to get the latest prices for SAAFA Regalia on offer to members (Tel: 012 651 5921 or 012 351 2116 Email: [email protected])