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vEtERANS tAlES

The South African Air Force Over the years, Branches were formed in
Association – 75 Years Old cities and towns throughout South Afri-
ca, some of which have since closed due
SAAFA is an all-ranks Association to employment, residential and retire-
formed to perpetuate a tradition of com- ment dynamics. At present, Branches ex-
radeship, knowing no distinction of race, ist in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban,
language, gender or creed, which has de- East Rand, Johannesburg, Kimberley,
veloped over the years among members African Air Force Association and he Lower South Coast (Port Shepstone/Mar-
of the South African Air Force. served as the first SAAFA National Presi- gate), Lowveld (Hoedspruit), Outeniqua
dent, guiding the Association through its (George), Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth,
The Association shall be democratic and formative years. Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Soutpansberg
non-sectarian and shall be non-partisan (Makhado), Stilfontein, Whale Coast
in relation to party politics. (Hermanus) and Weskus (Langebaan).
In addition, there is a SAAFA satellite
SAAFA History Branch in Dubai, UAE.

One finds very little documented infor- Close links are maintained with the South
mation on the establishment of the SAAF African Korean War Veterans Associa-
Association. The original concept, formu- tion, the Royal Air Forces Association,
lated in late 1944 was threefold; the Royal Air Force Officers’ Club, the
Warsaw Flights Commemoration Organ-
- To continue the spirit and ca- Some of VIP guests attending the 75 Anniversary ► ising Committee, the Alpine 44 Club and
maraderie of the South African Air Force the Council of Military Veterans Organi-
generated during World War II An initial meeting was held in Johan- sations (CMVO).
- To perpetuate the memory of nesburg on 11 December 1944. Many
all brave Air Force men and women who distinguished airmen were present to As had been anticipated, soon after the
made the supreme sacrifice for their be elected as committee members. A end of World War II the SAAF Associ-
country draft Constitution was discussed and ation found itself involved in numerous
- And in particular to assist with approved. Principles, objectives and support projects, many of which continue
the welfare and support their widows and projects were tabled and discussed. The to this day, most notably that of Benevo-
children first SAAFA meeting was held at the lence.
Inanda Club on 26 January 1945, which
Colonel Rod Douglas, a veteran of the date is recognised as the founding date of
1914-1918 Great War, started the Christ- the Association. At an Executive Meeting
mas Cheer Fund during, whilst serving as held on 24 April 1945, Branches were
a senior staff officer at Air Force Head- approved in Johannesburg, Cape Town,
quarters. This fund ensured that all SAAF Durban, Pretoria, Benoni and Windhoek.
Squadrons and Units serving beyond The first annual National Congress was
the borders of South Africa would be held in Johannesburg on 15 June 1946.
treated to a sumptuous lunch or dinner
on Christmas day. Generous donations
to this cause were received from SAAF Lt Gen Mike Muller, past CAF ►
Units remaining in South Africa.
Many children of Air Force members
Colonel Douglas had experienced the who had made the supreme sacrifice
aftermath of World War I with the plight had their schooling made possible with
of the widows, children and demobilised financial and other support of SAAFA. In
airmen. He wished to ensure that this addition to this, tertiary education bursa-
did not happen again when World War II ries were provided to many dependents.
hostilities ceased. To this end, he gath- With the passage of time, the emphasis
ered a group of like-minded airmen and SAAFA Patrons with their Ladies: Front: Mrs Estelle has shifted from education to provision of
Hechter, Mrs Afrika Msimang, Mrs Antoinette Hers-
set about creating the South African Air ov. Back l to r: Lt Gen Hechter, Lt Gen Msimang, Lt assistance and support to past members
Force Association. Colonel Rod Douglas Gen Muller, Col Hersov ► of the SAAF who suffer from chronic and
is considered as the founder of the South debilitating health issues as well those
who suffer severe financial hardship.

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