Tag Archives: Elvis Manene
Uncle Ben’s Den and the Elder’s Flight
About Uncle Ben’s Den
Uncle Ben’s Den was founded in 1990 by Ben and Sharon de Lange after they had both lost their jobs. They were residing in Daspoort in the western regions of Pretoria at the time. As believers in Jesus Christ, they were touched by the needs of the homeless and destitute senior citizens.
This led them to make their properties available to accommodate these needy people. The ministry grew exponentially and eventually had to be registered as an NPO in 2007 under B and S Care Centre.
The founder, Ben de Lange, died in 2016 and a year later his wife Sharon de Lange, retired and her daughter, Ronel van Dyk, took over as manager. In the 32 years that Uncle Ben’s Den has cared for the disadvantaged and homeless, the spectrum of caring has escalated in such a manner, that not only are the daily needs of the people seen, but attention is now given to various conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Bi-polar, Diabetes 1 and 2, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer patients, paraplegics, amputees, mental illness, HIV positives and the deaf and blind. The one Lady said it’s like Christmas in July
Read more on Uncle Ben’s Den and how you can help. https://www.unclebensden.com/
Since we got to hear about Uncle Ben’s Den we always had a soft spot for the place. Every time we get to Uncle Ben’s we leave with a tear in our eyes, people go there just once and have a friendly chat with these people. Many of them have no family or family that just doesn’t care about them. All they need is a plate of food, a bed, a visitor to talk to, and a Hug… That all.
Uncle Ben’s Den and the Elder’s Flight
When we received a notice from Felix, the man with the biggest heart in Southern Africa, about the upcoming 2024 Elders Flight in early May, we immediately contacted Yolanda Vermeulen, who manages the list of elders for this prestigious event. Yolanda was eager to assist and connected us with Uncle Ben’s Den, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Twenty-eight elders were selected, with the eldest being 96 years old. The countdown to D-day was long and filled with anticipation. Like excited children, many elders repeatedly asked, “Are we there yet?” On the big day, July 6, 2024, the elders rose early on a chilly winter morning. All 28 elders, accompanied by six caregivers, were ready and enthusiastic despite the cold. They boarded a bus to the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, commonly known as Swartkop Air Force Base. Upon arrival, they registered and received caps, T-shirts, and goodie bags. Special thanks to Niel Swart from Aviation Central for contributing towards the blankets. The elders were then escorted to a hall set up in Hangar 5, where they enjoyed warm coffee to heat their hands and bellies. They were entertained and kept informed by Capital Sounds’ Brian Emmenis and Elvis Manene, who provided everything needed for this prestigious event. The event was masterfully managed by wise men and women who kept the elders entertained, fed them well, and ensured their safety throughout the day. Special thanks to Col. Pat Cele, Air Boss; Col. Ruan Potgieter; Capt. Richard Dixon; Col. Tshiololi; Lt Col. Phalatse; Geoff Timms; Paul Sabatier; Rikus Erasmus; Cobus Toerien; Brian Emmenis; Lynch Jordaan; Keith Andrew; Santjie White; Michael Meiring; and Goitse Diale. From Aviation Central, our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who assisted in making this event happen. The elders were treated to a mini-airshow following the Lord’s Prayer. Please refer to the full Aviation Central article for more details on the airshow and the full event. The aircraft the elders flew in ranged from a de Havilland Dash 8 operated by CemAir to a single-engine biplane, an Antonov AN2, and helicopters. The elders from Uncle Ben’s Den were safely assisted and escorted to the aircraft by Aviation Central’s Lettie van Emmenis. The excitement as they eagerly awaited their turn to fly was palpable. Some were cheerful, while others were quiet and apprehensive. Yet, all were eager to experience flying for the first time and perhaps the only time in their lives. Some may have even enjoyed a second flight! The six caregivers also had opportunities to fly, many for the first time. Their joy and excitement were infectious, and one can only imagine the stories they shared with their families that evening about this remarkable day filled with love and generosity from all involved. The highlight of the day was seeing the elders’ faces as they disembarked the aircraft, their smiles, excitement, and tears of joy were incredibly moving. Looking ahead to the 2025 Elders Flight, we at Aviation Central are committed to ensuring another group of the 170-plus elders at Uncle Ben’s Den gets the chance to fly for the first time in their lives. One day, we will all be elders, and we will all desire a warm bed, good food, love, and appreciation. See more Photos on Facebook taken by Jarryd Sinovich
Click on the photos below to enlarge
10 Years – Aviation Central 2009 to 2019
Aviation Central celebrates 10 Years
Adrenaline Show – Wonderboom National Airport
Aviation Central was founded in September 2009, just days before the 2009 Swartkop Airshow.
The drive behind the team that makes up Aviation Central, the time and effort spent in taking photographs, traveling across multiple countries to report on events, is all about the love and passion that the team has for aviation.
We have managed to see and witness some incredible moments in aviation in Southern Africa, and even witnessed some incidents we wouldn’t want to see again.
From the ups and the downs of regional air shows, to the fantastic Africa Aerospace and Defence show we eagerly attend every second year,
Race for Rhinos at Sua Pan in Botswana, The Botswana International Airshow and other neighbouring countries airshows around Southern Africa.
Gaborone International Airshow 2017
To flying in some exotic aircraft with friends we have made in the industry, to all the people behind the airshow scenes and fans we have met along the way.
We can’t thank you, all our fans and supporters, enough for all the positive feedback we have received on all our social media sites and our webpage, which was introduced in 2017.
Our team has all visited shows in their youth, but it started at the Wings N’ Wheels Airshow that was held at Airforce Base Swartkop in 2009, where we got to see a number of fighter aircraft display including
The SAAF Museums Mirage IIICZ ‘Black Widow’ and Aerosud Mirage F1AZ. To see those aircraft in formation at the end of the day, will stay in our memories for years to come.
It was also an opportunity to see the New Gripen and Hawk Fighter jets display as they were put through their paces for the Pretoria crowds for the first time.
Aviation Central’s mission is to bring as much information to the public about upcoming airshows and aviation related events that take place in Southern Africa.
We get messages from all over the world when it comes to airshows and people want to know more about the event before attending.
As a non-profit organisation, our purpose is not to make money, but rather to bring the joy of aviation pictures and stories to the public to their mobile phones, PCs and now even on YouTube. We will now be
posting aviation videos from airshow MOs and events so you can also witness the sights and sounds of the magnificent aircraft.
We look forward to continue providing everyone with up to date news on all aviation events in Southern Africa, for many, many years to come.
Aviation Central Timeline
- Formed 13 September 2009 by Elan Hoffman
- June 2011, Flippie van Emmenis joined as a Follower to Aviation Central
- March 2012 Flippie van Emmenis was granted admin right to help run Aviation Central
- Sep 2012 John James joined Team Aviation Central, John is currently inactive.
- Dec 2013 Aviation Central had it 1st 1000 likes
- Dec 2013 Lettie van Emmenis Joined Aviation Central (Admin)
- March 2014 Trevor Viljoen Joined Aviation Central
- May 2015 Jarryd Sinovich joined Aviation Central, Jarryd has become one of the most active members of the team.
- Feb 2016 Aviation Central passed all other Aviation Media related pages with followers on Facebook
- September 2018 Alan Richert joined Aviation Central
- March 2019 Niel Swart Joined Aviation CentralJuly 2019 Aviation Central reached the 30 000 likes mark on Facebook
The Team
Team Aviation Central AAD2018
Elan Hoffman
I love flying. I love watching the aeries soar, the smell of jet fuel in the morning, the feel of the throttle in my hand.
I remember the internet boom and wanting to catch into that. Long ago, in a land down under, I built a website that could connect flyers, enthusiasts, aviation businesses. I left that land back home to South Africa and started that idea again.
And then Facebook happened and with it came a fast moving need that I could not manage on my own.
Fortune brought a good man to Aviation Central who had assembled a great team. They have taken Aviation Central to heights I only dreamed of. Their photographic prowess on display, their service given to this idea now showing in an Aviation Central Calendar on as many digital channels I know.
May an idea taken from humble beginnings keep on ascending!
Alan Richert
Since as a young lad watching Vampire’s, Hawker Hunter’s and Alouette III’s of the then Rhodesian Air Force flying over Lake Kyle returning from their missions, I have always been fascinated by aircraft.
However, it was only in the 1990’s that I got to experience air shows, and then trying to photograph them with my trusty old 35mm film point and shoot automatic camera! It was around 2012 I decided to do something about my interest in taking photographs, got myself a proper DSLR and dived head first into the world of photography. It was a natural progression to then bring the two passions together.
With a stressful day job in the Information Technology world, the relief of getting out and doing photography is very rewarding and helps keep me focused.
My passion is aviation photography, but I do enjoy shooting most types of action sports. To keep sane and when I want some me time, I indulge in a bit of landscape photography.
Having joined the Aviation Central team late 2018 I am still learning the ropes of all the behind-the-scenes activities, but I thoroughly enjoy the privilege of being able to share with you my photographs of these magnificent flying machines.
Niel Swart
Niel has been a member of Aviation Central since March 2019. He is based in the Cape but travels to events when and where possible and has actively been taking photos since 2007.
Niel has covered events like AAD and air shows at Swartkops, Stellenbosch and Rand. Some of his other work cover the Coca Cola World Cup B737 visiting South Africa as well as the first landings of the three British Airways reto B747’s.
He also has a fond love for trains, both big and small. His fondest memory is of chasing a train in a 1953 Chipmunk as a passenger by taking air to ground photos with the cockpit filling with the amazing smell of burning coal while banking and experiencing the sensation of flying.
Jarryd Sinovich
From the day my father brought home a toy 747 from his business trip to Cape Town,i have been devoted to aviation in South Africa. I attend my first ever airshow at the tender age of 3 that being DEXSA that was held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in 1998.To this day I remember sitting in the then Shurlock Sponsored Pitts Special Aerobatic aircraft and the R=roar of thundering jets from above as my ears took a beating. I was hooked!
As the years went on I attend airshows all over the country from Cape Town to Polokwane, but one of my favourite shows I attended was the only and lets hope not the last fighter meet at Airforce Base Makhado in the Limpopo province. It was where I got to see a number of fighter jets fly as well as hear the then cheetah fighter jet break the sound barrier. I also got to witness Ivan “Viking” Pentz display the new Hawk Mk120 for the first time.
Since then I got my PPL in 2013 and continue to travel and enjoy the South African Airshow circuit. I look forward to a big celebration in 2020 with the South African Airforce 100th anniversary and the Aero Clubs 100th too.
Flippie van Emmenis
Aviation Central’s Flippie Van Emmenis receiving an Honorary Membership Certificate from Eagle Air
I use to be the guy attending air shows sitting on my camping chair form the start of the show until the end of the show, without moving from myspot even if it caused dehydration as I did not want to miss a thing. At first I did not own a camera, nor did I ever consider getting one as it was about my love for air shows, the aircraft, the fuel and smell from the vendors all while listening to Brian doing commentary. Facebook started to gain popularity in 2009 and in order to find out more about upcoming air shows, I started following aviation pages to.
I joined Aviation Central as a normal follower which had about 140 likes at that stage. Soon afterward following, I started commenting and asking many questions. Elan Hoffman, the creator of Aviation Central, asked me if I would like to help him with the admin the page. This totally caught me off guard as I never expected myself to be doing something like this. I thought that my writing skills were not up to standard for this but this will not stop me! About one year later the page had grown to over 1300 likes. Elan phoned me and offered me to take over the ownership of the page, once again shocked, but I accepted. So yes, I never planned something like this let alone dreamt about it. Now, my love for air shows has also grown into a passion that my wife and I as well as the rest of my team can share with all air show lovers all over Southern Africa and abroad.
Trevor Viljoen
My passion for Aviation started as a young boy going to the Virginia Airshows and from there it was just aviation that was in my head and all I could think about and still up to today, Flippie ( Boss Man) and I got to meet each other for the first time in 2014 after being chatting to each other and sharing our passion and love for Aviation on Facebook for sometime. My first post for Aviation Central was the first Sky GO held at North Beach in Durban and from then it has been one Fantastic ride with this team!
To be apart of this team is something that I never ever thought would happen but when Flippie asked me to join the Team I was not sure if i was good enough to be apart of Aviation Central but just took it by the horns and said yes for the love of Aviation and I have never looked back, it’s hard work but it’s an Honour and I am truly greatful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to share my passion for Aviation!
Lettie van Emmenis (Admin)
Since I met Flippie he took me to the first Air show. I saw the Vampire flying and the Silver Falcons I could not wait for the next airshow just to see them flying again. My love for Aviation was triggered by Flippie and I enjoy it a lot.
Thank you!
We would also like to Thank all the Guys and Gals that helped us with phots and stories over the last ten years, below is a list of Some of them!
Dries Beetge, Pieter Cronje, Ryno Albrecht, Koos Smit, Andre Nel, Andre Venter, Michael Combrink, Mark Mansfield, Annette Visage Nel, Russell Dixon-Paver, Ben van der Walt, Bennie Henning, Justin de Reuck, Brent Best, Ruan Du Rand, Dian Townsend and Charmaine Oliver.
We Would also like to send out a BIG thank you to Mr Brian Emmenis form Capital Sounds that was always willing to guide us and advise were we can improve, Brian, Thank you and please continue with your valuable input.
Mark Mansfield, Your guidance and Support to the Team is also very much appreciated, You opened many doors to Team Aviation Central and always supported us!
Thank you to all our Fans and Followers out there. To Our Critics, Thank you for showing us where we can Improve
Some Birthday Messages
Air Show South Africa – ASSA
Many happy returns to all our friends at Aviation Central on their 10th anniversary – Congratulations on the huge success and we look forward to continuing relationship for another 10 years at least
Trevor Cohen
Congratulations Aviation Central on achieving your first 10 years. You guys have provided the greater flying community with awesome up to date info pertaining to flying and flying events. Flippie you have guided this ship expertly and you should be proud of your achievement. Keep up the good work and loads of respect.
DJA Aviation
DJA uses Aviation Central to ensure that it stays up to date with all industry events and happenings.
DJA applauds Aviation Central on the availability and accuracy of information on their platform.
Simone Helen Stoop Lekker FM
Happy 10th birthday Aviation Central. This community has given me a platform to get updates about airshows, aviation news and to be part of a community that share my love for avaition. Thank you for your hard work and sharing your passion with all of us. Here is to another 100years of Aviation Central
Puma Energy – Flying Lions
Congratulations to Aviation Central on a decade of authentic aerobatic news. Although I have not worked with Flippie van Emmenis and his flaring team for the longest time, I am truly impressed by their dedication to the flying scene. Self-funding excursions to capture the greatest airborne photographs and creating emotional stories about our beloved pilots http://bit.ly/ArniesLoveStory. Aviation Central is our loyal Airshow support, without them, fans wouldn’t know about Airshows happening across our African skies. We are sincerely grateful to the Aviation Central team for collaborating on events to ensure we all experience the love for flying with the Puma Energy Flying Lions! We continue to praise you for your amazing work and together we bring you the roaring action from above.
Brian Emmenis Capital Sounds
What started out as a dream has now become an essential part of our everyday life. Congratulations FLIPPIE, you and your team are doing sterling work to promote aviation in South Africa. We at Capital Sounds are proud to be associated with your on-line forum.
Omphile Mutloane, Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team Leader
In an ocean of negativity, AC is a glimpse of what we can be in the professional world of aviation in SA, their professional approach to all that involves the saaf ,GA and corporate is highly appreciated! Carefully over the years you guys chose to highlight and promote the saaf and the Silver Falcons aerobatic team to the general public Cheers 🥂 to the next 10 years . Thank you so much for y’all professionalism.
Elvis Manene Capital Sounds
Well am proud of Aviation Central as the online magazine, they keep us updated with what’s happening in the aviation circle and they always accurate with the news they give us, one can rest assured when reading the news you guys give to the people that those news a correct as you get your story straight you don’t just head the bush, as for me am over the moon the be associated with Aviation Central.
Justin du Reuck
Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.
Dian Townsend
Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.
Team Aviation Central and Silver Falcons – Wonderboom 2016
Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team 82
Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.
ICAD 2018 – Nelspruit Airfield
ICAD 2018 – Nelspruit Airfield
#ICADSA2018 International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) was held on Saturday, 08 December 2018 at the Nelspruit Airfield in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, under the theme: ‘Working together to ensure no country is left behind’.
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Blade Nzimande, addressed the people at ICAD. The ICAD official commemoration was preceded by a career expo attended by 1600 learners from neighbouring schools around Nelspruit, especially previously disadvantaged communities.
The ICAD and Career Expo was organised by the Department of Transport in partnership with the Mpumalanga provincial Government and key stakeholders in aviation, academia and the youth, organised under the banner of the Joint Aviation Awareness Programme (JAAP).
ICAD is an annual event initiated by the United Nations (UN) and is aimed at raising awareness regarding the importance of civil aviation and the role the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) plays in international air transport. ICAO is a United Nations specialised agency, responsible for administering and standardising the world’s civil aviation activities.
The Flying Lions and The Cows Aerobatic Team were sadly forced to turn around on route to ICAD due to bad weather. The Kishugu team put a lot of help and effort into ICAD 2018 and despite the huge impact the weather had on ICAD, the Kishugu team managed to pull off a spectacular show. The show was shortened and had no repeat performances. Short but Amazing.
The team managing the show was Rikus Erasmus, Johan Heine and Werner Terblanche and what a great job they did!
Commentary was done by Capital Sounds and the voice of Thamsanqa Elvis Manene was enjoyed by the crowd!
The CAA of South Africa and Partners put a lot of effort into ICAD 2018 and it was a huge success and one to be remembered. The CAA utilized a lot of facilities and made use of large marquee tents to brief the learners who were bussed in and were received in a very organized manner.
Every learner received a complimentary backpack and gift pack, thereafter they were taken to a large marquee hosting about 1000 learners where they were treated to good food and soft drinks. Two hangers with career expo info of high standard were available for the learners to explore different careers within the aviation industry.
Capital sounds covered the entire spectator area and about 300m of crowd line. Elvis Manene host broadcaster excelled in his task informing the learners in aircraft and manoeuvres and provided them with well researched information.
Friday also saw lots of busses bringing learners to the career expo and seeing the validation flights for Aircraft getting ready for Saturdays ICAD Airshow.
Saturday saw a large public crowd who came to see the ICAD 2018 Airshow. The Minister and deputy Minister of Transport and many more dignitaries also attended ICAD 2018.
At 11:30 bad weather and extreme lighting made the director of safety delay the show until it was safe to continue. The minister and his entourage then sat down to enjoy a meal in a marquee that was set out stunningly beautifully.
As lunch was completed the Airshow continued. The pilots and Elves had the crowd cheering!
The Aircraft participating included; a three ship Goodyear Eagles, RV7 flown by Pierre Gouws, The high energy Team Xtreme with Nigel Hopkins, Mark Hensman and Mark Sampson who kept the crowd thrilled. Ivan van der Schaar in the Boeing Stearman demonstrated some majestic and classic aerobatics, while the Jet action was provided by Glen warden in the L29 giving his best display ever!
“Little Annie”, an Antonov AN-2 was up with the 4 skydivers followed up closely with an SAPS
Pilatus PC-6 and 3 Task Force skydivers. One of the Skydivers was carrying a huge South African Flag and with Capital Sounds playing the national anthem, the scholars joined in singing along to the National anthem, which gave all a memorable goose bump and hair-raising moment.
Disaster management team with the professional guidance Jacques Benadie proved why they are one of the finest DM teams in Southern Africa.
CEO Johan Du Plessis was specially kitted out in a quad and the VOC was well equipped and ready for anything that can go wrong. Roanda and Sean England providing the ATC, which was brilliantly handled with exceptional aircraft handling. Just after 4pm a huge storm was expected and the organizers had everything cleared and removed before the storm arrived.
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Click to Enlarge Photos (By Ricky Fouche)
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