Uganda People's Defence Force Benchmarking visit to the SAAF Museum
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) delegation led by the Chief Political Commissar, Major General (Maj Gen) Henry Masiko visited the South African Air Force Museum on Tuesday, 02 August 2022. The benchmark visit was a strategic exploration, fact-finding exercise, and the analysis of internationally recognized or followed practices in the establishment, administration, and maintenance of military museums.
Lest We Forget: Selfless Sacrifices for the Good of Humankind
Maj N.D. Ntshangase, Acting OC SAAF Museum
July is internationally recognised as Mandela month in honour of the late Dr Nelson Mandela. Mandela was an international statesman, a renowned struggle stalwart, a human rights activist, and the first Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
In celebration and commemoration of his life and honouring his social convictions and contributions; the country, human rights institutions, government departments, and other social formations embarked on various activities with a focus on social development, social change, education, and positively contributing to the lives of those who are less fortunate.
Embracing Collective Heritage – Samora Machel Monument and Museum
Information and photos by Maj Ntokozo Ntshangase, SAAF Museum
"Through the day we shall mourn with you a mighty soldier, a courageous son, a noble statesman. We must believe that his death will strengthen your and our resolve to be finally free. Our struggle has always been linked and we shall be victorious together” - message by Nelson Mandela (still held in captivity on Robben Island at the time) to Graca Machel.
As part of continuous attempts to trace the footsteps, collect and present a collective heritage of the country’s liberation fighters, three members of the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum staff recently visited the Samora Machel Monument and Museum in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga Province.
Embracing Our Collective Heritage – Revisiting the History of South Africa’s Air Defence Systems in Contemporary Perspectives (Ellisras Control Reporting Post)
Information and photographs by Maj Ntokozo Ntshangase, SAAF Museum
It is usually the actions of the few, outside the normal spotlight and seeking no recognition though much is due, that ensure the colourful and joyous lives of many. It is the sacrifices of the few unsung heroes and heroines that voluntarily leave the comfort of their homes to ensure that others sleep peacefully in theirs. It is a watchful and trained eye of a radar technician that helps avert any possible territorial threat by unidentified military and civilian aircraft.
At the mountain top of Ga Mabula (approximately 1163m above sea level) in the heart of the bushveld, approximately 27km northeast of Ellisras lies a Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) and an AR-3D Umlindi long-range deployable radar system, which provide a real-time Air Picture display with a 3D multi-purpose function. These capabilities are which are all in the employ of and maintained by 140 Squadron. These systems are strategically situated at the Ellisras Control Reporting Post and information on any airspace activity along the northwestern borders of the country is relayed to both the Lowveld Airspace Sector (LASS) at AFB Hoedspruit and Bushveld Airspace Control Sector (BACS) at Air Command, in the provinces of Limpopo and Gauteng respectively.
Mariepskop
Compiled by the South African Air Force Museum and information lifted mostly from the Sweeping Circles.
In November 1965, 1 Satellite Radar Station was officially opened and declared operational by the Prime Minister, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd. The Prime Minister was flanked by Minsters of Defence, Jim Fouche; Post and Communications, Albert Hertzog; Secretary for Defence, Mr. Vladimyr Steyn; Head of the SABC, Mr. Piet Meyer; Commandant-General of the SADF, General Rudolph Hiemstra, as well as the Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Henry “Kalfie” Martin.
Although the official operational date is recorded as November 1965, the country's utilisation of airspace control radar system had already received greater attention in the aftermath of World War Two. Already in 1964, the Northern Air Defence Sector located in Devon started testing the Air Defence System using the mobile units like Mariepskop (before permanent structures were installed), Ellisras and Klippan. However, it should be noted that prior to this, the focus was mostly on the defence or security of the country’s coastal economy.
Always watchful – the Air Force's eyes on the mountain top
Author: Maj Ntokozo Ntshangase, Acting OC SAAF
“South Africa requires a responsive and agile air defence capability to deliver airpower to defend and protect the integrity of South Africa's airspace and…..”. Also, “the air defence capability must provide deterrence and powerful interdiction during joint operations, specifically through comprehensive air domain awareness…” (Defence Review 2015: 10-11).
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