Airforce's first black head also distressed
Date: 21 January 2005
The following is a rough translation from an Afrikaans article that appeared in Beeld:
"It is my task to increase the efficiency of the base" said Col Zakes Msimang shortly after he became the first black commanding officer of Airforce Base Bloemspruit.
Msimang, son of the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, took over command of the base on Friday from Col Ronnie Jonsson.
87 Helicopter Flying School, 16 Squadron (Rooivalk), 506 Squadron and 6 Air Servicing Unit also all received new commanders.
It is for him heartsore that he is the first black commander of a base. "So many South Africans don't have the opportunity. It is regreatable that it took so long."
