Aviation Showcase by Frans Dely

North West Province

Bringing

Aviation to the People

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CONTENTS North West Province Overview

Mafikeng Airport - A Socioeconomic Catalyst

Dept. of Transport, Roads and Community Safety

Mafikeng Airport Today

The Future

Flight Training

Skydiving

Flying Club

Aircraft Maintenance

Airshow

Published by Avpix Publications Pty (Ltd) +2711 883 5628 Design: Agency 9T9 Photography: Avpix Photography Frans Dely +2782 440 2707 Jason Beamish Copywriting: Kevin Barker / World Airnews Proof Reading: Jane Abbott Printed by: Intrepid Printers. Avpix uses Nikon cameras and lenses.

Jurgis Kairys flying his Sukoi SU26 during last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mafikeng Airshow.

The North West Province Bringing Aviation to the People The North West Province of South Africa is bounded on the north by Botswana, on the south by the provinces of the Northern Cape and the Free State, and on the north and east by the Limpopo Province and Gauteng. Covering 118,797 km , the North West Province was created in 1994 by the merging of Bophuthatswana, one of the former Bantustans, with the western part of the erstwhile Transvaal, one of the four former South African provinces. 2

Much of the province consists of large, flat areas of scattered trees and grassland. The Magaliesberg mountain range in the northeast of the province extends 130km, all the way from Pretoria to Rustenburg. The Vaal River flows along the southern border of the province. In the summer, temperatures range from 17°C to 31°C, with winter temperatures ranging from 3°C to 21°C. Annual rainfall totals about 360mm, with almost all of it falling in the form of spectacular thunderstorms during the summer months, between October and April. The population of the North West Province is estimated to make up approximately 8% of the South African population with 65% of the people living in the rural areas. The majority of the province’s residents are the Tswana people who speak Setswana. Smaller groups include Afrikaans-, Sotho-, and Xhosa speaking people. English is spoken primarily as a second language.

B E E Molewa Premier of the North West Provincial Government

The province has the lowest number of people aged 20 years and older (5,9%) who have received tertiary education and has a literacy rate of 57%. However, in 2003, as part of the Year of Further Education and Training project, three large institutions,Taletso, ORBIT and Vuselela, were established to provide technical and vocational training to the youth. These institutions have been incorporated into many of the former education and technical colleges and manpower centres. Mafikeng, serves as the provincial capital. Other significant towns include Brits, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom. The University of North West with campuses in Mafikeng and Potchefstroom offers excellent tuition and boasts experienced academic staff. Important historical sites in the province include Mafikeng, the traditional capital of the Barolong people, Lotlamoreng Cultural Village near Mafikeng, which recreates a traditional African village, and Boekenhoutfontein, the farm of Paul Kruger.

Premier B E E Molewa and MEC P F Vilakazi welcoming school children to the 2007 Mafikeng Airshow.

making up the remainder. The eastern and southern parts are crop-growing regions that produce maize (corn), sunflowers, tobacco, cotton and citrus fruits. The Sun City- and Lost City casino and entertainment complexes also play a large part in contributing to the GDP of the provincial economy. In addition, they play host to major international events such as The Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Tournament and The Women’s World Cup of Golf.

The province prides itself with the recent announcement that the Vredefort Dome has been inscripted as the seventh world heritage site during the 29th World Heritage Committee Meeting held in Durban, South Africa. The Taung Skull Fossil Site situated in the western side of the province is also inscripted as a heritage site.

The provincial government consists of a premier, an executive council of ten ministers and a legislature. The provincial assembly and premier are elected for five-year terms, or until the next national election. Political parties are awarded assembly seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives in the province during the national elections. The assembly elects a premier, who then appoints the members of the executive council. Mafikeng, formerly Mafeking, “The City of Goodwill” and capital of the North West Province, has not always lived up to its peaceful moniker. It has witnessed sieges, battles and bloodshed in the past. It is situated on the border with Botswana and offers a gateway route to Africa via sophisticated road and rail networks and a world-class airport. Mafikeng is a rapidly growing, modern residential, commercial and administrative town that contrasts with its fascinating history. From the turn of the century, Mafikeng’s importance as a strategic gateway to the entire SADEC region, being a portal of trade and industry, linking South Africa with Botswana and Maputo with Namibia, has been realised. As such, the North West Province’s Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety has been tasked with the realisation of a vision: to create an industrial development zone coupled to a transport hub for the entire Southern African region.

The Lost City, hotel complex. Parks and Tourism The province has several national parks. The two largest and internationally recognised are the Pilanesberg Game Reserve located in the crater of an extinct volcano and Madikwe Game Reserve located on the Limpopo River border with Botswana. The mainstay of the economy of North West Province is mining, which generates more than half of the province’s gross domestic product and provides jobs for over 25% of its workforce. The most important minerals are gold, mined at Orkney and Klerksdorp; uranium, mined at Klerksdorp; platinum, mined at Rustenburg and Brits; and diamonds, mined at Lichtenburg, Christiana and Bloemhof. The northern and western parts of the province feature large sheep farms, with cattle and game ranches

The North West Provincial Government 5

Mafikeng Airport A Socioeconomic Catalyst Considering Mafikeng Airport is situated some 20km from the CBD of the provincial capital, not many people are aware that such a jewel exists. Designed and built over two decades ago, the airport was considered well ahead of its time. It was built with technologically advanced infrastructure and expansion in mind as if it was foreseen that the North West Government today would see it as the hub or catalyst for socioeconomic develop-

Both the Platinum and the Western Frontier SDI have Mafikeng as one of their anchor locations, thus resulting in Mafikeng Airport having an important role to play as a socioeconomic catalyst in the region.

ment in the Greater Mafikeng Area as well as the North West Province generally.

the airport had to be done in consultation with national government so as to ensure it occurs in a coordinated manner and within the broader policy and strategies of South Africa.

Although the North West Government has seen the vital role the airport can play in socioeconomic development it recognized that any planning and development involving

The Provincial Government has adopted three major Spatial Development Corridors (SDIs), namely the Platinum SDI (broadly the area running from Tshwane to Madibeng, Rustenburg and up to Mafikeng), Western Frontier (runs along the N18 route with its northern node at Mafikeng and Taung in the south) and then the Treasure Route (along the N12 route from Gauteng via Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp down to Christiana).

All of this must be evaluated against the primary objective of any civil aviation system, namely the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. The airport itself does not create the social or economic interventions or spin-offs; it only provides the mobility for such activities. Therefore, the North West Government has taken a strategic decision to develop the Mafikeng Indus-

trial Development Zone (MIDZ) adjacent to the airport. The MIDZ will support the Mafikeng Airport to achieve its socioeconomic catalyst potential. Some of the key goals of the Mafikeng Airport are to meet its current and future customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs; enable access to aviation as a transport mode; and to increase the safety, security, reliability, quality and speed of transportation of people and goods. The airports main aim is to assist in the reduction of the transport costs for business so as to improve not only their own competitiveness, but that of the whole of South Africa, as well. As a department, with our sister department of Economic Development and Tourism overseeing the MIDZ, we have also agreed that the fundamental premise of any development on and around the Mafikeng Airport and the MIDZ should, as far as possible, complement the environment in which it is located. It should also deliver significant economic and socioeconomic benefits and be financially justified. We are confident that we are achieving this. We are ensuring that the developments fit into and are in harmony with the environment as the provincial government, the district and local municipalities and the tribal authority have included these developments as part of their holistic planning. Over the past six years the department has ensured that it positions the Mafikeng Airport in such a manner that it supports the broader socioeconomic policy directives of the North West Provincial Government. As we knew it would take some time to obtain a decision to get the status of International Port of Entry back to Mafikeng we have started various interventions to ensure readiness. This included but was not limited to substantial infrastructure investment by rehabilitating the runway and refurbishing the terminal buildings. In addition to creating awareness we introduced the Johannesburg â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mafikeng schedule approximately three years ago. Although the schedule was originally operated during weekdays, the demand increased to such an extent that a Sunday afternoon flight had to be introduced. The Mafikeng International Airshow was launched in 2005 to also add to the general awareness of the location of Mafikeng Airport. This has yielded various business enquiries, a flight school has been established at the airport and an aircraft maintenance organisation has relocated from Gauteng.

The departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is that the Mafikeng Airport, once it starts operating as a fully fledged international airport will establish itself as a non-scheduled cargo and special operations/purpose airport, coupled with strong aviation training and maintenance sectors. This in turn will lead to the socioeconomic development of the environment. The jewel of the North West will shine!

The North West Provincial Government

Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety

Being mandated with the growth and development of economic, industrial and business development in the province, the Department immediately identified the potential for the large, modern Mafikeng Airport to be at the heart of a larger industrial development zone. It is seen as being the catalyst to unrivalled growth in both trade and investment along with the associated tourism and resultant GDP increases. Situated in the middle of the Coast to Coast Development Initiative between Maputo in the east and Walvis Bay in the west, and more importantly as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the airport specifically can play a crucial role in the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD). The aim was to develop and produce a world-class, industrial development zone, centred on the Mafikeng Airport and its surrounds in conjunction with various other departments.These include the Department of Health, the local and district municipalities, the South African Police Services, South African Revenue Services/Customs, Home Affairs, Department of Transport,Air Traffic and Navigation Services, and the South African Weather Services (which operates a fully fledged weather office at the airport).

P F Vilakazi MEC of the Dept of Transport, Roads and Community Safety, North West Province.

The Department of Transport, Roads and Community and Safety is tasked with providing administrative oversight over and including the three major provincial airports at Mafikeng, Pilanesburg and Kgabalatsane (ODI), and specifically with the hosting of special aviation events and projects. Thanks to the prevailing good weather that is most conducive to aviation activities for most of the year, the North West Province has already established itself on the aviation calendar with its annual Mafikeng Airshow and gliding championships, as well as the free fall skydiving convention that takes place over the new year.

P J N van Staden Deputy Director General of the Dept of Transport, Roads and Community Safety North West Province.

The North West Provincial Government 9

An SAA Airbus 319 in the company of the South African Air Force Silver Falcons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mafikeng Airshow 2007

Mafikeng Airport

Mafikeng Airport Today Mafikeng Airport, originally designed for international air transport operations, has long been totally under-utilised. Being classified as Code E, meaning that it can handle the largest commercial aircraft presently in use, the 4, 500m runway that is 45m wide features asphalt surfaces on both the runway, as well as the 7,5m shoulder. Taxiways are 23m wide, with 10,5m asphalt shoulders, and all markings and specifications comply to ICAO standards.

tional level of aerodrome control services and maintains necessary navigation aids situated on the airfield, being both a VOR (VHF Omni-directional Range beacon) and Instrument Landing system.

The airport infrastructure consists of a modern, airy terminal building with separate sides for domestic and international departures.The building features office space for Customs and Excise, Immigration, Border Control, Port Health and other institutions. Also found in the confines of the airport are a water tower and pump house, and a standby electricity power supply centre. From an aviation perspective, the airport features maintenance workshops, a large general aviation apron with numerous hangars and an aviation fuel farm. The buildings are also used by the Aero Club and skydivers, where pool and entertainment facilities are available. Air Traffic and Navigation Services provides an interna-

national clearance area. The airport is fully equipped with an access control system for restricted areas, while all passengers are channelled through a central terminal building. All personnel working in security are AVSEC trained.

Adjacent to the terminal building is the large category 5 fire-rated fire station, which can be upgraded to category 9, should the need arise. The entire airport is surrounded by perimeter security fencing, and also around the inter-

Other benefits of the current Mafikeng Airport are that there is no immediate urban development adjacent to the airport, therefore translating into a low risk/noise factor for citizens.The large, uncluttered airspace, with its prevailing good weather, is conducive to test and maintenance flying. As the airport had been under-utilised for some time, there is a large amount of space available for expansion of hangars or maintenance facilities. 12

such the Premier recently welcomed Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of the international status of Pilanesberg Airport to Mafikeng Airport. “We are confident that this will facilitate regional market integration and position our province as a gateway to Southern African markets.” The expansion and refurbishment of the Mafikeng Airport is at an advanced stage. We are also registering significant progress with regard to top projects within the Mafikeng Industrial Development Zone (MIDZ). For example, the Bulk Sewer Pipeline Project has already been completed; the Bulk Electricity Project and the Bulk Water Project will be completed soon.The process of building a Mineral Park is also underway.

After inheriting the airport from the Bophuthatswana government in 1994, the North West government envisioned industrial exports and other non-scheduled cargo being transported from Mafikeng, thanks to its location. It also wanted to create a hub for large aircraft maintenance and flight training – considering the favourable weather in the region. Unfortunately, at the time, international status was granted to Pilanesburg Airport, 240km to the east. This was a short-sighted decision, as Pilanesburg catered mainly for executive and/or corporate passengers, most destined for the gambling and entertainment complexes at Sun City and The Lost City.

For us in the North West, Cabinet’s decision is an important development which has created space for our province to become a key economic player in the region, and will serve as an important catalyst for faster growth around developments that are taking place within the Mafikeng Industrial Development Zone. The international status of Mafikeng Airport will have spin-offs for other sectors of our economy such as manufacturing as it will promote our export capacity.We are working with the Department of Trade and Industry to finalise the process of awarding the area IDZ status.

In 2005 a request was made to have Mafikeng granted Port of Entry status again, possibly sharing it with Pilanesburg, by splitting passengers and cargo where they would go to Pilanesburg and Mafikeng respectively. Since then great inroads have been made with the process, and as

A view of the interior showing the cafeteria.

A view over the Avis desk of the interior of this modern airport.

The Future

Secondly, the agro-processing sector will be developed to handle facilities for fresh produce exports, horticultural and livestock exports, as well as for the production of biofuels and sustainable energy sources. Thirdly, great interest has been shown by both local and international fuel companies to produce an operating concept that comprises a blend plant, bulk storage, redistribution and retailing, and also an extension of the fuel pipeline network from Klerksdorp. Aerial view of the area next to the airport zoned for the planned industrial development.

The creation of an industrial development zone is governed by certain criteria being in place, namely a secured area with specific facilities and access to a Port of Entry. The Mafikeng IDZ is envisioned as a zone specialising in the manufacture of high-tech goods, agro-processing and mineral beneficiating, the product of which will then be moved to a custom secure area. There it will be forwarded and cleared, and either stored in bonded warehousing, cold storage, or exported, using the airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities. The custom secure area is to feature five, high-tech industrial sites, five agro-beneficiation (biodiesel plant) sectors and a large container storage area, which will drive sectoral projects such as a large scale container park, banking services, property development, commodities exchange and a fuel farm. All of this will be centred around the Mafikeng Airport in the form of three main clusters. Firstly the minerals cluster, which will encompass diamond cutting and jewellery manufacture, feature an electronic trading floor and local and regional exchange, with facilities to trade in diamonds, gold, platinum, granite, semi-precious stones, cement and other minerals generated in the province. Within the next few months, a private developer is erecting a minerals park building at a cost of R50-60 million, of which most of the 10 000m3 of floor space has already been taken up, with further space being availed to government agencies such as SARS, Customs and Excise.

Flight Training Afrika Union Aviation Academy Situated in Mafikeng at the ex-Air Force base, we boast the second largest civilian runway on the continent and excellent airport facilities including; instrument landing system (ILS), very high frequency omni-range (VOR), night flying facilities and two non-directional beacons (NDB). The Air Traffic Control Tower promotes our student’s development of radio procedures and the perfect weather conditions assist our dedicated instructors to conduct speedy and high quality training with student pilots. The General Flying area is a mere 5 minutes flying time away from base. This has the advantages that all available time is spent on training and also has a definite impact on total cost for flying time, at the end of the course. Our extensive on-campus facilities are the beginnings of the first Aviation University on the African continent. The academy campus consists of aircraft hangers, operations and simulator centre, briefing rooms, and on campus student accommodation and a recreational centre that is affectionately termed “The Mess.” All these amenities are contained on the same property, within walking distance. The comfortable on campus accommodation includes three meals a day, laundry and room service, access to recreational facilities and transport into town is available for students should they desire it. All aircraft are owned by AUAA. The fleet consists of Cessna 172’s, a Piper PA140, M20 Mooney’s, Cessna 210’s, a Cessna 310, an Aero Commander, a Beechcraft Baron B55, a Cessna Citation 2. The Academy also owns a simulator. The flight schools most valued asset is without a doubt the team of highly skilled and dedicated instructors achieving self fulfilment by helping other to realise their dreams. By providing tailored aviation solutions to fit the individual needs of our students we place their needs at our epicentre and celebrate their ambitions, achievements and triumphs. As a CAA accredited institution the safety and professionalism of all our students and staff members are a top priority as we strive to uphold the expertise of the aviation sector.

AUAA is accredited with South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as a flight training institution as well as the accreditation with the Transport Education and Training Association – TETA. The purpose of this accreditation is to protect students against poor quality training programmes as wee as to maintain the credibility of aviation qualifications.

The fleet parked on the apron at the Academy’s facility.

All AUAA training syllabi are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, which ensures training of the highest standard. AUAA’s dedicated flight instructors are highly trained and some are private airline pilots with thousands of hours logged. It is compulsory for all students to be check-flown by the Chief Flying Instructor or his assistant from time to time, to ensure that the training provided by the instructors remains on par with the high standard set by the academy. All photos © Afrika Union Aviation Academy. 17

Bringing Aviation to the People

Skydiving

Photo © Johan Mulder

Having arrived back to South Africa after many years of working world wide as a skydiving professional, it was only a matter of time that the North West Province was chosen as the ideal place to establish a parachute school. We now operate from Mafikeng and Rustenberg Airports and have become the home of the South African Champions in formation canopy work “Team Wake Up “. The parachute school achieves over 6 000 descents on a yearly basis and this is expected to double before 2010. Establishing the African Free-fall Convention in 2005 was a challenge and along with the support of the North West Province & SAAF we have grown into the largest Gathering of skydivers in Africa.. We are now in our 4th year and we look forward to gracing the skies of Mafikeng with 100s of parachutes yet again at this years convention from 27th December 2008 to 3rd January 2009. See www.africanfreefall.com. It is our intention to break at least three records this year including the largest South African formation jump with Dave Morris and set a new record for POPS (Parachutists Over Pourty) We will have Marco Tiezzi from Italy with the intention to establish a new record in Atomonauti. The North West Skydiving Team has become one of the top demonstration teams in South Africa and can be seen jumping into various schools and events South Africa wide. This include the Telkom Charity Shield ,Women’s day and the Mafikeng Airshow to name a few. We are proud to be associated with such a forward thinking province in their continuing efforts to “bring aviation to the people”.

The Beauchamp-Proctor Flying Club The Beauchamp Proctor Flying Club in Mafikeng takes its name from Captain Andrew Weatherby BeauchampProctor, a 5’2”-tall South African First World War flying ace. He was highly decorated and the recipient of the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the Military Cross and bar, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was South Africa’s highest scoring WWI ace. Andrew was the

ours. His gravestone is adorned by a brass, spread eagle, bearing the inscription “On eagle wings I do thee bear”, which is the insignia of our club.

son of the headmaster of one of the Mafikeng schools. When war broke out, he abandoned his studies in engineering at Cape Town University, enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps and joined the newly formed 84 Squadron. He survived WW1 and was killed after the war in a flying training accident in preparation for an airshow. Performing a loop, it is believed that the cushion he placed behind him (so that he could reach the rudder pedals) slipped out of position at the top of the loop, resulting in him losing rudder control and going into a vicious spin. He was buried first in England, but was later exhumed and was re-buried in the Mafikeng cemetery with full state hon-

The Club had a Cherokee 140 (ZS-EBJ) for hire and fly, which it recently sold and is now looking to get another aircraft.

The Beauchamp Proctor Flying Club was established in 1971 at the Mafikeng International Airport and presently has 12 members, six of whom own their own aircraft.

The club meets once a month and is using its available energy and resources to promote flying locally, attract aviators and aviation events to Mafikeng, and to establish Mafikeng firmly on the aviation map. The club is working closely with Allan Roebuck’s Afrika Union Flight Academy, which recently opened at the Mafikeng Airport.

The BPFC recently had success with arranging Mafikeng as the venue for gliding championships. So impressed were the glider pilots with the airport and the club facilities that they are keeping Mafikeng at the fore of their mind as a venue for further events.

night flying exercises, spot navigation and spot landing. Many pilots look out of the window and see that its a beautiful day for flying, but they simply never get out to the airport to fly because it is too far and it is too much trouble to go there alone.

Also on the list of plans is a regular breakfast fly-in, which it is hoped will be popular with pilots on the Rand and in the surrounding areas. Mafikeng is merely one hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flying time from Johannesburg. The club facilities feature a clubhouse and a swimming pool, which we share with the skydivers. Pilots and plane owners who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life can fly in, have a good breakfast and enjoy a Sunday lazing around the pool.

These exercises will also create public interest. Generally, most people have an interest in flying. Their total exposure and experience usually consists of having sat in the window seat (if they are lucky to get that seat) of an airliner and seeing the view from a side window. It is always interesting and fascinating to watch these people when they get the opportunity to sit in the co-pilot seat and put on headsets. Suddenly they are confronted with a panoramic view of the world outside through the glare shield, hear the communications between air traffic control and the pilot, and watch the pilot go through the routine of his checklists. It is a totally new perspective and experience for them, which they just love.

Too many clubs make the mistake of making their business only about meetings. Meetings are boring, tedious and of no interest to the general public. Club members themselves lose interest, attendance drops and members resign. The BPFC has recognised this and intends to be different. We plan to have regular flying events, including

Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Solutions

ing Club and are working with the club in the various projects that they are involved with. During the past 18 months the company has grown substantially and we now find that our facility has become too small. We have initiated discussions with provincial government with regard to building new facilities dedicated to heavy maintenance. This would mean an increased flow of foreign airlines into Mafikeng with the resultant spin-offs for the local business community and increased social benefits such as jobs for the local people. At present, we are working with several local schools to encourage children to consider aviation as a career once they have left school. We also frequently host large parties of school children and actively encourage interest in the aviation industry. We have put a learner training programme in place and are presently training two black learners in the Structures Trade, one of which is a woman. This learner programme will grow with the company and we hope to be able to help the local community with such programmes in the near future.

Aviation Solutions was established in May 2005 as a Heavy Maintenance Facility catering for “classic” airliners such as the Douglas DC8 and DC9 and the Boeing 727 and 737 series aircraft. The company was originally housed at the Denel facility at what was then known as Johannesburg International Airport. During 2006 it became apparent that the company needed to relocate to a more “cost effective” facility and the search for new premises started. It was eventually decided to move the company to Mafikeng. We now occupy the technical hangar at what used to be the air force base; the hangar was originally designed as a maintenance facility and is perfectly suited for the heavy maintenance operations that we presently carry out. Over the last 18 months, the company has grown substantially. We started with six engineers in April 2006 and now employ 18 qualified engineers. This pool of qualified staff is drawn from all over Southern Africa and their level of training is of the highest standard. Our customer base is predominantly drawn from Africa; at present we have no South African customers on our books but still maintain an SACAA licence for the aircraft types mentioned above. We are also approved by several African CAAs to carry out heavy maintenance on their aircraft. During the past 18 months, our level of involvement with Mafikeng Airport has grown considerably. We are often called upon to assist aircraft that have encountered technical problems whilst in Mafikeng.We were also very heavily involved at last year’s airshow; we assisted the airport with the ground handling of the bigger aircraft that were here for the show and assisted various aircraft owners and pilots with technical issues. We have also involved ourselves with the Beauchamp Proctor Fly-

Airshow

Flypast by three Cheetah Fighter jets from the South African Air Force during the 2006 Show.

Airshow In its fourth year running, the Mafikeng Airshow has grown in stature and has attracted aerobatics champions from European countries such as Lithuania and Hungary. The North West provincial government, led by MEC Phenye Vilakazi and his Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety as well as the visible support of the Office of the Premier, continue to be the foremost partners of the Mafikeng Airshow as encapsulated in the show’s theme of “Bringing aviation to the people”. The provincial government’s involvement is aimed not only at demystifying aviation to the previously disadvantaged communities, but also to lure our youngsters and women into joining aviation to become pilots, navigators, air traffic controllers and other positions made possible by the new democratic dispensation.

Vuyo Mbuli from SABC’s Morning Live TV programme in the company of Premier B E E Molewa and MEC P F Vilakazi.

Government acknowledges that critical in achieving a better life for all is to improve the capacity of government across all spheres to implement programmes of accelerated change. The airshow is seen as critical catalyst as to how we accelerate the momentum of expanding access to a better life and ensure that, collectively, we build a South Africa that truly belongs to all. The airshow is seen as critical catalyst as to how we accelerate the momentum of expanding access to a better life and ensure that, collectively, we build a South Africa that truly belongs to all. Aviation plays a crucial role in the development of the province and as government we have taken a strategic decision to encourage and ensure that the airport contributes towards the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy of the province.

Chief Director Transportation Titus Kotsoe enjoying a moment with the young fans at the 2007 airshow.

show.This will include Zoltan Veres who will be arriving in South Africa well ahead of the Mafikeng show in order to participate at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo to be held in Cape Town in September this year. The North West provincial government will be sponsoring Veres, as well as the North West Eagles, a team of two Extra 300s adorned in the colours of the North West coat of arms, will be seen displaying at AAD and later at Mafikeng.

The established aviation school in Mafikeng is already creating tremendous trends in providing our people with opportunities to be trained as pilots. Our team in the aviation unit of the Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety is creating the means to attract the world’s best aviators who will be participating in various aviation activities during the Air-

MEC P F Vilkazi welcomes members of the Botwsana Air Force to the 2007 airshow.

Sporting their new chutes, a member of the North West skydiving team comes in to land at a recent event. Practical student pilot workshop taking place during the show.

In addition, the South African Air Force, under the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has long been spearheading its Siyandiza programme as part of the airshow, wherein it raises levels of awareness about all the opportunities available in the aviation industry to our young people. In particular, the Siyandiza programme will enlighten young people about specific subjects and the route they must take at school in order to join the aviation industry. Deputy Director General P J N van Staden with Alan Roebuck â&#x20AC;&#x201C; owner of the newly established flying school.

27 2

Airshow September is to play host once more to the African Aerospace and Defence show, to be held at Cape Town’s Ysterplaat Airport. Besides a large number of international exhibitors, the event will showcase the best of what is on offer from local aviation and defence suppliers, and will feature the North West Province Eagles, a team of two Extra 300s adorned in North West Provincial colours. The North West Province is also bringing international

a Jurgis Kairys,Yoshi, and Zoltan Veres, this year will once more feature Zoltan, flying in one of the North West Province Extra 300s. Also planned for the display are a number of SAAF Hawk LIFT trainers, an Airbus A340-600 from SAA, and the crack SAAF formation aerobatic team, the Silver Falcons, who will appear in their new colour scheme to be unveiled at AAD.

Vuyo Mbuli from Morning Live interviews police pilot Refilwe Ledwaba and Zoltan Veres from Hungary at the 2007 Airshow. aerobatic legend, Zoltan Veres to AAD, as a prelude to his performance at the Mafikeng Airshow. Bringing aviation to the people, a motto long associated with the North West Province’s aviation showcase, the Mafikeng Airshow, will once more ring true in October when the crème of South Africa’s aerobatic and military display teams will once more showcase to a more rural crowd, the joys, and exhilaration of aviation. Known for its internationals that make an appearance each year, such

The North West Eagles flying Extra 300s caught in action during a training session

Zoltan Veres in a North West Eagles Extra 300 over the Mafikeng landscape in 2007

SAAF Denel Rooivalk demonstrating it is highly capable of coping with the African dust. It is a firm favourite at airshows and the Mafikeng Airshow is no exception.