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INTRODUCTION

Honourable Premier of Gauteng, Mr Motshekga,
Secretary of Defence, Mr Pierre Steyn
Chief of the National Defence Force, General Meiring
Your worships the Mayors of Centurion and Shoshanguve, and Deputy Mayor of Pretoria,
Chiefs of the Arms of the Service,
Members of the South African Air Force, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed a pleasure and a honour for me to officiate here today at the 78th anniversary of the South African Air Force - the second oldest air force in the world. At its establishment by General Smuts in 1920, the SAAF was preceded only by the RAF as a fully-fledged air force. It is therefore a fitting moment, seventy-eight years on, to recall the illustrious contribution South Africans have made to military aviation and history.

We are inspired by the vision of Sir Pierre van Ryneveld - architect of the SAAF. In the role of honour, we recall with pride the courage and gallantry of South African air aces in the greatest wars in history, such as: In the First World War, Captain Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor VC, who was decorated five times in six months - and unequalled achievement;
In the Second World War, Squadron Leader John Nettleton and Captain Edwin Swales, both of whom were awarded the Victoria Cross;
Pat Pattle - highest scoring Allied air ace of World War Two;
and the legendary Sailor Malan of Battle of Britain fame.
We can be justly proud that the South African Air Force distinguished itself in defence of world freedom when called to arms in 1939.Through North Africa and Europe, it won glory in the rout of Fascist Italy and the triumph over Nazi Germany.

Just as in war, so too in the peace of our new democracy, has the Air Force served with distinction. From the unforgettable fly-past at our President's inauguration, to the countless acts of humanitarian relief, the SAAF has won the admiration of our people. I particularly want to congratulate the SAAF for its magnificent effort over the past two weeks in flying relief aid to Tanzania after the serious floods there. Medicines and construction materials have been delivered across Tanzania to assist in the repair of its infrastructure. In addition to airlifting this relief aid, the SAAF has provided a helicopter to transport the President of Tanzania, and other cabinet members, in their aerial assessment of the flood damage. This is yet another example of the outstanding service rendered to a fellow African state by our Air Force in the spirit of the African Renaissance. For this you have the fulsome appreciation of our country and government. If courage, commitment to serve, and professionalism were the test of the times, then the SAAF has passed with flying colours.

2 COLOURS PRESENTATION

Our pride at this singular record is reflected in today's colours presentation. The colours form a very significant and special part of a unit's traditions. They reflect not only the unit's history, but serve also to bond the members serving in that unit, and develop loyalty, pride and esprit de corps. They promote unity of purpose and encourage members to excel in the line of duty. Today, Air Logistics Command and its units have received their respective colours. Together with the other SAAF colours being displayed on parade, they are a proud symbol of the South African Air Force's illustrious history. Our congratulations and best wishes are extended to Air Logistics Command and all its units who have received their colours on this prestigious 78th anniversary of the South African Force. This is certainly a day to remember in the Air Force's history. We are confident that your future performance will always be commensurate with everything your unit colours represent.

3. THE CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME

Reflecting on such a proud tradition and history, what challenges lie ahead? Under the apartheid system, a great deal money was squandered on the militarism required to support an undemocratic ideology. After decades of conflict, we are finally at peace with ourselves. And it is a fact that in peacetime Defence budgets are reduced. In this respect we are not alone. Many Defence Ministries across the world find resources being diverted to socio-economic priorities. This does not mean, however, that our government is not interested in Defence. On the contrary, our White Paper on Defence argues emphatically that, in an uncertain world, we need an effective and efficient Defence force supported by an appropriate Defence industry. To this end, the Defence Review gives Government and Treasury guidance on the appropriate size of the Defence force, the nature of its equipment and support, and the level of Defence spending. To this end, the Defence Review gives Government and Treasury guidance on the appropriate size of the Defence force, the nature of its equipment and support, and the level of Defence spending.

The challenge for Defence is how to live with a smaller budget than during the period of apartheid conflict. We are meeting this challenge through downsizing and rationalisation. With a strong will and a positive approach we can mange this. The Air Force particularly has proved that reduced quantity can be balanced by increased quality. More can indeed be done with less. Cabinet and Parliament's approval of the Review last year signals a significant milestone in our nation's new Defence programme, with Government now focusing on the acquisition of major items to replace ageing equipment in our Defence inventory.

President Mandela, in his opening address to Parliament this year, emphasised, and I quote:-We are proud that, after a year or so of healthy and informative debate, we can now start the protracted process of re-equipping our National Defence Force. We wish to congratulate the armed forces and economic ministries which have ensured that much of this will be done without a strain on the budget, and in a way that will benefit the economy.̣ Unquote. This relates directly to the Air Force's needs for, amongst other things: new-generation jet fighter-trainers and light utility helicopters; long-range maritime patrol aircraft; missiles and air-defence systems; secure communications systems; state-of-the-art computer technology; and hi-tech command and control systems.

Government is now deeply involved in the evaluation of long-term strategic packages that are being offered to us by major international powers. These will enable the acquisition of quality equipment at competitive prices and under favourable conditions, and expand co-operation in industrial production. New opportunities are being opened up for technology transfer and enhancing our technology base, thereby strengthening the foundations of high technology aerial capability in South Africa. Government believes this approach - involving offset and counter trade agreements - will support our GEAR strategy and contribute to job creation and economic development in South Africa. In this respect, we have strong support from Cabinet and the Minister of Trade and Industry who is particularly looking to the enhancement of industrial production and trade benefits. And the new challenges and opportunities for the Air Force in all of this are very real indeed.

A new spirit

Just as much as we need the right modern equipment with which to enter the new millennium, so too do we need the right modern practices and ideas. We must have a defence force that is in step with the people and principles of our new democracy. Our people clearly remain our greatest asset and, for this reason, we are transforming the SANDF to become representative of our population at all rank levels. I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of this. And I expect all officers to do everything possible to ensure this objective by which our government and our whole country will judge us. We must give expression to previously untapped talent, and to harvest it for the benefit of our Rainbow Nation. Our Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Programme must do just that. In this way we are also enhancing the legitimacy of the armed forces in the eyes of all our citizens. Furthermore, the Civic Education Programme in the defence force is assisting our members in becoming familiar, amongst other things, with the democratic values of our Constitution, and the international law governing armed conflict. We are going to need this knowledge for our future peacekeeping role in our region and beyond. But of added significance is that it is building a new spirit in our defence force. One which instils pride through loyalty and commitment to our country, our democracy and all our people. This is a singular challenge to each and every one of us. Let us together ensure a defence force that is a home to all - irrespective of race, religion, gender or background.

Conclusion

As I stand before you today, I am confident that, in the years ahead, like in the past, the South African Air Force will take up this challenge and make a resounding success of it. I firmly believe that we will add further chapters of achievement and excellence to an already illustrious history. May fortune smile on the South African Air Force in all its great endeavours. And may your motto stand the test of time. …PER ASPERA AD ASTRẠ - -THROUGH ADVERSITY TO THE STARṢ

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