SAAF technical corps numbers boosted
Date: 21 October 2025
The air support component of the SA Air Force (SAAF) can now call on 24 new additions to its technical artisan corps following what is termed “a reclassification parade” at 68 Air School in Centurion.
Successful completion of three years of apprentice training was rewarded by SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo. He was on hand at the Lyttelton training facility on 16 October to congratulate the newly qualified technical personnel and present certificates and trophies. The artisans are now qualified in various fields including aircraft instrumentation and mechanics as well as what Corporal Khanyisile Gina described as civil and civil construction, ground civil and turner artisan level skills.
Mbambo told those on parade the day was a milestone for them, marking conclusion of their apprentice technical training as well as being the beginning of “a promising journey”.
The parade, Gina wrote, marked more than the achievement of technical proficiency, it also stood as a testament to the resilience, discipline and professional excellence instilled by the SAAF. “These newly reclassified artisans are now equipped not only with technical skills but also with the discipline and values that define the SAAF. As they proceed to their respective units, they will play a critical role in being at the forefront of supporting the mandate of the SAAF.”
An indication of the importance technical skills rate in the airborne service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) comes in its artisans’ creed.
It reads, in part: “Knowing full well that the safety of others is dependent upon our skill and judgement, we shall never knowingly subject others to risks which we should not be willing to assume for ourselves, or for those dear to us”. It reinforces the vital role artisans have in aviation safety emphasising “we realise the grave responsibility which is ours as artisans to exercise our judgement on the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment”.
Just how serious the SAAF is about the technical expertise in its ranks came from Mbambo who told the parade the artisan creed will henceforth be a standing SAAF instruction.
Republished with permission of defenceWeb.
