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Veterans Tales

who had made the supreme sacrifice
had their schooling made possible with
financial and other support of SAAFA. In
addition to this, tertiary education bursa-
ries were provided to many dependents.
With the passage of time, the emphasis
has shifted from education to provision of
assistance and support to past members
of the SAAF who suffer from chronic and
debilitating health issues as well those
who suffer severe financial hardship.
SAAFA has an ongoing care of the aged
project nationwide.

Welfare grants, food parcels and Christ-
mas cheer have over the years been made
to members and members dependents. Resulting from a proposal by the SAAF today a high priority objective of SAAFA.
Together with the South African Legion Association, the first Air Force Memorial
improvements in war pensions were for was built at the entrance to the Waterk- Today the South African Air Force Asso-
ex-SAAF members and their dependents loof Air Force Station in 1957. The site ciation continues the legacy of supporting
were negotiated. Successful applications subsequently proved unsuitable for a the ex-SAAF aged and needy; to per-
for tax exemptions for special flying number of reasons and again the SAAF petuate of SAAF men and women killed
allowances were negotiated as were many Association proposed that a national Air in the line of duty; to foster Air Force
other issues requiring the SAAF Associa- Force Memorial be built and agreed to camaraderie; to preserve our Air Force
tion to lobby with Government, Provinc- cover half the overall costs. The magnif- heritage and continue dynamic SAAF/
es and various organisations. icent Air Force Memorial as we know it SAAFA interaction.
today was completed in 1963 on Bays’
The Air Force Fund was started during Hill, overlooking AFB Swartkop. Membership is open to any person who
the War to provide funds to donate “Spit- is, or was, a member of the South African
fire” aircraft to the Royal Air Force. At the Jointly hosted with the South African Air Air Force, or of a friendly foreign Air
cessation of hostilities remaining funds Force, Memorial Services are held at the Force. For further information please
were distributed to SAAFA Branches and Air Force Memorial in May every year. visit www.saafa.co.za
the RAF Benevolent Fund. The Associ-
ation administered funds for 1939/45 Also, at the suggestion of the SAAF Asso- Article by Philip Weyers – Past President
SAAF Veterans in need on behalf of the ciation to the SAAF, Citizen Force Squad- of the SAAFA
Air Force Fund. Housing Memorials rons were established at Cape Town,
in the form of blocks of flats were built Durban, Germiston, Johannesburg, Port Photos courtesy Dr Stefaan Bouwer –
in Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannes- Elizabeth and Pretoria. official photographer of the SAAFA. The
burg. Past members of the SAAF, and in photos selected show the SAAF Memorial
instances their surviving spouses, occupy Ongoing and continuous support to the in the distance.
flats at sub-economic rentals. Two of SAAF in peace and conflict as experi-
these facilities, in Pretoria and Johannes- enced during the Berlin Airlift, the 1947 Editor’s Note: We are fortunate to have
burg, continue to offer this service, Cape Royal Visit and the Korean War was contributions by Philip and Dr Stefaan, I
Town having sold their facility to the provided. The support of and relationship am grateful, that I am!
University of Cape Town. with the South African Air Force remains

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