The Man in Charge of MONUSCO
The new commander of the United Nations’ mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, has been announced. RICHARD STUPART talks to the new commander of the UN’s largest peacekeeping force, LT GEN. DERRICK MGWEBI, about his hopes for the mission.
SAAF Pilots, Engineers, Loadmasters Receive Wings
On 26 November 24 pilots, flight engineers, loadmasters and aerial photographers were awarded their brevets and half brevets at AFB Langebaan. The awarding of these individuals’ wings is the result of a training programme that began in early 2014. For many, particularly the pilots, this ceremony represents just the start of their training in the air force.
South Africa’s R4bn VIP jet tender
Last Thursday, an innocuous-looking entry appeared at the top of Armscor’s tender announcements list. In it, Armscor announced a Request for Information for an ‘Inter-Contintental VIP aircraft’, without providing any further information other than contact details for the Armscor staff handling the tender and a due date of 20 November 2015. DARREN OLIVIER looks at where the money is going to come from.
The Future of SANDF Peacekeeping
The SANDF appears to show no signs of slowing down its international peacekeeping responsibilities. As the state calls upon the military to contribute abroad, it appears as though the defence answer will answer. Despite crippling budget restraints, the SANDF will move onward to other theatres of peacekeeping and conflict intervention, whether through the United Nations or the African Union.
Update on Hawk aircraft moving to AFB Waterkloof
The South African Air Force has provided a response to our questions on the relocation on some of 85 Combat Flying School’s Hawks to AFB Waterkloof, stating that it’s to test and investigate the feasibility of establishing an operational Hawk squadron. Initially, the information we had wrongly pointed to the entire squadron moving, but once it was clear that was not the case our story was amended to indicate that only some of the squadron’s aircraft would move. Now we know why.
SANDF UNAMID troops in rebel ambush
SANDF forces were involved in a rebel ambush by Darfur rebels. One soldier is KIA and another WIA.
SANDF withdraws some FIB troops over indiscipline
Troops expected to face as-yet-unspecified charges
African Peace Operations: Time to Adjust the Design
Neither the ASF nor the ACIRC will be able to provide Africa with the peace support operations it needs.
Elements of 85 Combat Flying School to operate from AFB Waterkloof
Elements of the South African Air Force’s 85 Combat Flying School will relocate from Air Force Base Makhado to Air Force Base Waterkloof. ADR explores the potential reasoning.