The South African Air Force’s 19 Squadron once again demonstrated its critical role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief when it conducted multiple rescue operations during severe flooding in Limpopo Province in mid-January 2026.
On Wednesday 14 January 2026 at approximately 22:00 19 Squadron responded to a rescue call-out from Kambakull Lodge near Phalaborwa after rising floodwaters cut off access to the facility. The flooding was caused by sustained heavy rainfall and inclement weather experienced between 10 and 14 January 2026 which resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure rendered roads impassable and displaced members of local communities.
Kambakull Lodge was inundated by floodwaters placing guests staff and management at immediate risk. With ground access no longer viable an air evacuation was deemed the only safe option.
An Agusta A109 helicopter from Air Force Base Hoedspruit was rapidly deployed with the 19 Squadron aircrew conducting a challenging night operation under adverse weather conditions. The aircraft successfully airlifted 18 civilians comprising guests staff and lodge management as well as two dogs to safety at Bush Villas a neighbouring lodge in Phalaborwa.
The operation highlighted the professionalism and skill of the aircrew consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Stefan King Major Peter Rabie and Sergeant Scelo Mpontshane who executed the mission in reduced visibility and deteriorating weather conditions while ensuring the safe extraction of all personnel.
In a separate rescue mission a search and rescue team from 19 Squadron responded to a tasking received from the Air Force Command Post to assist a family stranded in Mbaula Village outside Giyani in Limpopo Province. Upon arrival the crew was informed by members of the local community that several individuals had already been rescued from the roof of the family home.
One individual was subsequently rescued from a tree in the river by the search and rescue team and was transported for medical care to Maphutha Hospital near Phalaborwa.
Ms Deidre Carter of Agri-Limpopo commended the rescue teams for their decisive action and coordination stating:
“I am extremely proud of our province and our men and women in blue. A sincere thank you to the South African Air Force the SAPS and the Hoedspruit Farm Watch.”
She further praised the 19 Squadron aircrew for flying in extreme weather conditions at night to safely rescue those stranded.
The Hoedspruit Farm Watch played a crucial role in activating the air response and conducted several additional rescue operations in and around Hoedspruit including along the R40 road and the Mica area working in close cooperation with emergency services.
The South African Weather Service issued a Level 9 severe weather warning forecasting continued heavy rainfall. Rainfall far exceeding normal seasonal averages within a short period resulted in significant disruptions to daily life across Limpopo placing additional pressure on emergency response resources.
Authorities advised residents to remain indoors where possible limit unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution near rivers bridges and low-lying areas prone to flooding to prevent injury loss of life and damage to property.
Air Force Base Hoedspruit under the command of Brigadier General V.K. Tshunungwa reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national disaster relief efforts. The base and 19 Squadron remain on standby to conduct further rescue and humanitarian missions in service of the Republic of South Africa and its citizens.
