Air Force chief cracks whip on ill discipline

The SA Air Force announced a stricter discipline enforcement regimen for all members on Thursday.

This would include a focus on fundamental elements of discipline “neglected” by members in recent times, SAAF Chief Lt-Gen Fabian Zimpande Msimang told journalists at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.

“We need to inculcate a new, all-encompassing culture that informs doctrine, organisation, training, equipment, leadership, education, and facilities framework,” he said.

“Warrant Officers are to be empowered to deal with discipline.”  Airmen and women and their units should be “in the news” for behaviour consistent with SAAF values, and standards of discipline should be consistent across all operational and institutional areas.

It was a case of “getting back to [the] basics” of serving in a professional military, he said.

Skills development and retention would also receive attention.

“We have embarked on an extensive own capacity plan, which includes measures to recruit, develop, and retain scarce skilled human resources.

“Our strategic partnership with the local aerospace industry is critical to ensure both own capacity and a sustainable aviation industry,” he said.