Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe has officially assumed command of the South African Air Force (SAAF), following a historic Change of Command parade at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Swartkop on 31 March 2026. The ceremony marked the transition from outgoing Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo to his successor, Lieutenant General Moatshe and drew a distinguished audience including the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the Military Command Council, the Air Force Command Council, former Chiefs of Divisions and captains of industry.
The parade celebrated Lieutenant General Mbambo’s distinguished tenure, with the Wing in Review giving three resounding cheers and the crowd responding with ululations and applause. Lieutenant General Moatshe, now at the helm, outlined a vision for the SAAF focused on people-centred leadership, innovation and operational readiness. “Without the airmen, there will be nobody to command, that is why people-centred leadership emphasizes empowering, supporting and developing people as the primary focus of leadership,” he said.
Spectacular Flypasts Showcase Air Power
The Change of Command ceremony featured a remarkable display of SAAF capabilities in the skies. Aircraft flypasts included a helicopter formation led by a Alouette III from the South African Air Force Museum accompanied by 4× SAAF Agusta A109LUHs, 2× 16 Squadron Rooivalk Combat Support Helicopters and a 17 Squadron Oryx Helicopter.
This was followed by a combat formation of 4× Hawk Mk120s and a JAS39C Gripen demonstrating the SAAF’s tactical versatility. The aerial proceedings concluded with a solo Rooivalk display flown by Major Corne Stadler thrilling the audience and underscoring the Air Force’s operational readiness.
Vision for the Future
During his speech, Lieutenant General Moatshe reflected on the strategic direction of the SAAF, emphasizing effective air and space power, capability development and collaboration with the defence industry. He highlighted initiatives such as the “Free the Eagle” programme designed to empower members to take initiative and solve operational challenges at all levels.
Lieutenant General Moatshe also stressed the critical role of technology and modern warfare capabilities including space operations, UAVs, AI, cyber warfare and digital technologies. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with defence partners and regional air forces to ensure South Africa’s aviators are well-prepared for evolving operational threats.
Concluding his address, Lieutenant General Moatshe expressed gratitude to those who supported his appointment and the growth of the SAAF, acknowledging the defence industry, colleagues and his family. His leadership signals a continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence and the professional development of all air force personnel.
With Lieutenant General Moatshe now leading the SAAF, the organisation enters a new chapter, combining tradition with forward-thinking strategies to maintain a capable, agile and technologically advanced air force.
