Saafa
Events Organisers in Kimberley

This eminently worthy cause not only recreates in a light-hearted atmosphere of togetherness of its aviation-minded members, but also enjoins them to share responsibility for the needs of less fortunate ex-SAAF types and their spouses. The SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION is an all-ranks meeting place, founded in 1945.

SAAFA is an all-ranks meeting place, founded in Indeed, the two-fold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association's Care of the Aged programme. All persons who serve in, or once served in the SAAF (PF or CF), or in any other Allied Air Force, are eligible to join this unique fraternity. The SA Korean War Veterans Association also has branch status with the SAAFA. Membership brings participation in many activities, enjoying life wining and dining, raffles, sport events, special outings, regular luncheons at which distinguished persons from industry and commerce address the gathering and chat afterwards. Members are entitled to wear the distinctive SAAFA tie, blazer badge and other insignia, and to participate in all SAAFA activities at Branch level. They are also encouraged to participate in the on-going worthwhile projects of the Association. Less fortunate SAAFA members and their dependents are being assisted in their well being. An ever-increasing percentage of funds raised are being channeled towards the Care of the Aged programme. To this end, he gathered a group of like-minded airmen and set about creating the South African Air Force Association. Colonel Rod Douglas is acknowledged as the founder of the South African Air Force Association and he served as the first SAAFA National President guiding the Association during its formative years. Principles, objectives and projects were tabled and discussed. Over the years Branches were formed in cities and towns throughout South Africa but some have closed due to lack of support. Soon after the war ended the young Association found itself deeply involved with numerous projects, some of which continue today. Numerous children of airmen, who had paid the supreme sacrifice, were educated at schools. In some cases funds were provided for a University or Teachers Training College education. Successful applications for tax exemption for special flying allowances were negotiated as were many other issues requiring the Association to lobby with Government, Provinces and Organisations. At the cessation of hostilities remaining funds were distributed to Branches and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Housing memorials in the form of blocks of flats were built in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town. At the suggestion of the Association the first Air Force Memorial was built at the entrance to Waterkloof Air Force Station in At the suggestion of the Association to the SAAF, citizen force squadrons at Cape Town, Durban, Germiston, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria were formed. The interaction with the South African Air Force remains a high priority with the Association. Today the South African Air Force Association continues the legacy to support ex-Air Force aged and needy; to perpetuate the memory of SAAF men and women killed in the line of duty; to foster Air Force camaraderie; to preserve our Air Force Heritage and to continue dynamic Air Force/Association interaction.