Braving stormy seas and floods, SAAF helicopters rescue sailor, 759 Mozambicans in January
Date: 28 January 2026
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is preparing to celebrate its establishment on Friday, and it will have much to be proud of, having rescued nearly 800 people in January alone.
Heavy rain across Mozambique and the northern part of South Africa this month resulted in heavy flooding, and saw the SAAF spring into action. Under the command of Air Component Commander Colonel Khuliso Tshiololi, the South African Air Force Search and Rescue team was deployed from 18 to 28 January in support of flood relief operations in Mozambique.
“This mission formed a critical component of the broader disaster relief effort undertaken in response to the emergency situation that affected thousands of civilians,” Major Lebogang Phakathi reported for the SAAF.
Operating with an Oryx and two A109 helicopters, the SAAF Seach and Rescue team braved relentless weather and difficult conditions to reach those in need, successfully rescuing a total of 759 civilian men, women, and children to date in Mozambique.
Following the search and rescue operation, the Mozambican Government, the SA Air Force, and humanitarian organisations and partners commenced emergency response efforts, providing food, clean water and temporary shelters to affected communities. SA Air Force aircraft continue to play a vital role in ensuring that food parcels are delivered safely to areas of operation which includes Palmeira, Massingir, Chokwe, Mbacana, Chicossana, Bouchine and Messa, while also transporting additional relief supplies and meeting urgent needs, Phakathi reported.
“Although floodwaters are slowly receding, the scale of destruction remains immense. Support will be required not only to restore immediate stability but also to fully recover and rebuild what has been ruined by the flood disaster. Severe damage to crops and livestock has left many families without sources of income and the task of rebuilding livelihoods will demand time, significant resources and sustained cooperation across institutions and communities,” the SAAF said.
South African Air Force aircrew involved in the Mozambique operations include Oryx Commander Major Jaun-Pierre Hendrick du Preeze, Co-Pilot Major Jacobus Johannes Blom, and Flight Engineer Sergeant Johanna Magrieta Muller. A109 crew are Commander Lieutenant Colonel Zanele Vayeke, Co-Pilot Major Tumelo Motse, Flight Engineer Sergeant Kamogelo Raphiri, Commander Major Simphiwe Moloi, and Flight Engineer Sergeant Scelo Kwanele Mpontshane.
In South Africa, an Oryx and A109 were activated in the week of 12 to 16 January to assist with flood relief efforts in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Amongst others they rescued people from game lodges trapped by flood waters.
A BK117 helicopter from 15 Squadron Charlie Flight based at Air Force Station Port Elizabeth earlier this month carried out a rescue of a different kind when it medically evacuated an injured sailor from a merchant vessel off the Eastern Cape.
On 7 January, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre made an urgent request to 15 Squadron Charlie Flight for air support after a 40-year-old sailor sustained serious injuries to his arm and chest while aboard the Sea Harmony bulk carrier. At the time of the incident, the vessel was located approximately 16 nautical miles east of Cape Recipe, off the coast of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
The BK117 departed Air Force Station Port Elizabeth with pilot Major Corrie Oberholzer and Flight Engineer Flight Sergeant Letladi Mahlakwana on board, as well as two South African Police Services (SAPS) Search and Rescue divers and one paramedic. The rescuers were hoisted onto the deck, while the vessel was underway at approximately 10 knots, in challenging maritime conditions, Lieutenant Siphesihle Gqirana reported for the SAAF.
The paramedic stabilised the patient in the ship’s hospital before being safely hoisted off the vessel and transported by air to St George’s Hospital in Gqeberha. The helicopter subsequently returned to Air Force Station Port Elizabeth, landing at 20:05 after 1.8 hours of flying time.
Gqirana said the mission not only ensured the safe transfer of a critically injured patient but also reaffirmed the South African Air Force’s unwavering commitment to saving lives whenever and wherever called upon.
These and other achievements will most likely be under the spotlight at the annual SAAF Prestige Parade on 30 January at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing. The Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, will preside over the parade, as well as the Sports Awards Evening and Prestige Evening earlier in the week.
The SAAF said the core purpose of the Parade is to showcase the air capabilities and assets that the SA Air Force is operating and award those who performed excellently throughout the previous year. Members too, will be celebrated for their hard work and service by Mbambo.
SAAF aircraft have been spotted over Pretoria practicing for Friday’s Parade, which is expected to include flypasts by a C-130 Hercules transport, four PC-7 turboprop trainers, two Hawk Mk 120 jet trainers, two Caravan transports, a King Air, two Rooivalk attack helicopters, and a VIP jet.
This year the SAAF marks its 106th anniversary after it was officially established on 1 February 1920, making it the second oldest independent air force in the world after the Royal Air Force (RAF). The SAAF succeeded the South African Aviation Corps formed in February 1915.
Republished with permission of DefenceWeb.
