Lt Gen Gagiano to remain as CAF for a while longer
Date: 26 March 2012
Kim Helfrich
THERE will be no change of command parade at Swartkop Airfield on Friday to welcome a new Chief of the SA Air Force - Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano is staying on for at least another six months.
Last October, in the wake of allegations regarding non-availability of government-owned aircraft for VIP transport and the use of so-called "shadow planes" to follow the Presidential BBJ to New York he handed his resignation to Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. She did not accept the former fighter pilot's letter but at the same time accepted the resignation of Defence Secretary Mpumi Mpofu, apparently also in connection with the lack of suitable aircraft for VIP transport and acquisition procedures for new ones.
Soon afterwards Sisulu announced the man who has headed up the airborne arm of the SA National Defence Force for seven years would remain in his position until the end of March. This makes him the longest serving SAAF Chief since democracy and the second longest serving since the SAAF's establishment in 1921. Insiders indicated in October Gagiano would not stay on after his March 31 contract expiry date. "Arrangements are already in place for his change of command parade on March 30," a senior serving officer told The New Age at the time.
While not entirely unexpected, because of a dearth of suitably experienced senior staff officers in the SAAF, Gagiano's decision to remain in what is probably the hottest seat in the South African military, has been welcomed by defence watchers, the military aviation fraternity and serving officers.
A number pointed out there had, as of yesterday, been no official internal SANDF or SAAF Bulletin to inform them they would not have a new Chief come April 1.
SAAF corporate communications director Brigadier General Marthie Visser confirmed the cancellation of Friday's parade and referred requests for further information to Ministerial spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya. He said "I know nothing about it" and passed the request on to SANDF head of corporate communications Siphiwe Dlamini. Dlamini said he had "just returned to office yesterday(SUBS:MON)" and would have to speak to SANDF Chief General Solly Shoke before he could comment. At the time of going to press no official comment had been received.
Inside the SAAF, however, it was different with a serving colonel telling The New Age, on condition of anonymity: "Even though we don't officially know and it's probably one of the best known secrets in the SANDF, at least we can go forward. Mechanisms are in place and we will continue working with what we have".
Another senior officer, recently transferred back to the Potgieter Street Air Force Office indicated he was "more than happy" to continue serving under Gagiano, a man known not to easily tolerate fools as well as being a strict disciplinarian.
Outside the SAAF the three star general's staying in the top slot was also welcomed.
Members of the SAAF Association said it would be better for the cash- and personnel-strapped arm of service for Gagiano to stay on.
"They way I understand it is he will be asked to do at least some mentoring of possible successors as well as keep current operations and projects going. He is a good man and service to South Africa means a lot to him. I am sure he will do whatever he can to assist a possible successor," a senior member of the Association's Pretoria branch said. This view was echoed by others members who saw it as "good for morale and also good for the air force".
Major General Jerry Malinga is currently Deputy Chief and is widely tipped to take over when Gagiano finally goes. Third is line, according to military analysts and observers, is another two star general, "Zakes" Msimang.
Source: The New Age
