After an absence of two years thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Armed Forces day made a welcome return to Mbombela previously Nelspruit on the 21st February. The South African National Defence Force deployed some of its assets and people onto the door step of the Kruger National Park. One of the biggest tourist attractions in South Africa.

Each Armed Forces Day we remember the servicemen of the South African Native Labour Corps who perished during the sinking of the SS Mendi in the English Channel on 21st February 1917.

After the arrival of VIPs and President Cyril Ramaposa. As of any other parade opening a 21 gun salute econing into the hills around Mbombela and a flag flypast by helicopters including a Agusta A109LUH and a pair of 15 Charlie Flight Squadron BK117s.

President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned below during his speech on the poduim “

“The SANDF has more than lived up to this task, particularly over the past year, when our country endured great tribulations.”

“How apt, then, is the saying that the truest measure of courage is perseverance under pressure.” 

“As the Commander-in Chief of the SANDF, I could not be prouder of you. Our nation could not be prouder of you.”

“As a people, we are reassured that no matter the circumstances our nation faces, the SANDF will always be there.”

Onto the parade it was time for the mass flypasts. First up was the mass helicopter formation of seven helicopter assets. Two Rooivalk attack helicopters from 16 Squadron based at Airforce Base Bloemspruit. Two Agusta A109LUHs. Two BK117s from 15 Squadron “Charlie Flight” Airforce Base Port Elizabeth. And a lone Oryx Helicopter.

Pointer formation was next on the cards sigh four 41 Squadron Cessna 208A Caravans from Airforce Base Waterkloof. Behind them there was a Pilatus PC12, a 44 Squadron Casa 212-300 making up for the transport assets in the parade.

Central Flying School from AFB Langebaanweg in the Western Cape, with four Pilatus PC7MKIIs flew over in diamond formation led by Major Angus Maleka.

The final formation was from 85 Combat Flying Schoo, with four Hawk MK120s from Airforce Base Makhado led by Major Corne “Stilbo” Deventer, a former Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team member.

All marching columns, mechanised columns were next after the end of the flypasts. Thank you to major role players on hosting the parade and putting it together. We look forward to the SA Navy planning the next Armed forces day in 2023.