Honouring 80 years of the South African Air Force Association: A tribute to octogenarian members
South African Air Force Association octogenarians celebrate the association's 80th anniversary.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
A group of octogenarians gathered at Air Force Base Ysterplaat on Tuesday, November 18, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA), honouring its lifelong commitment and service.
The association was founded just before the end of World War II to support veterans and their families, with its first official meeting on January 26, 1945.
The event, themed “Wings of Time”, paid tribute to their 80-year-old members whose lifelong service, loyalty, and commitment embody SAAFA’s core values - camaraderie, benevolence, heritage, and support.
South African Air Force Assocaition national president Reverend Trevor Slade hands Rynier Keet, who receives his SAAFA Merit award medal and certificate.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Guests included the association's national president, Reverend Trevor Slade, his wife Gwen Slade, from Johannesburg; SAAFA patron and former chief of the air force Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano, who is now retired, his wife Leoni Gagiano, officer commanding of the air force base Colonel Edrich Wilson, his wife Rosemarie Wilson; and 13 octogenarian members, whose legacy they celebrate.
The octogenarians received certificates of appreciation, honouring members' extraordinary leadership, unwavering service, and steadfast dedication, which have left an indelible mark on SAAFA's history.
The organisation was established to prevent the plight of widows, children, and demobilised airmen observed after World War I.