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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

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. 

Previous Next
 

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

 


























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