Air Force Base Makhado, the home of the South African Air Force’s premier fighter units, marked a significant leadership transition on 18 July 2025 with a ceremonial Change of Command Parade for 2 Squadron and 3 Air Servicing Unit (3 ASU).
2 Squadron, renowned for its rich heritage dating back to the Korean War, welcomed its new Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel Phumelele “Rogue” Ndzuta, while Colonel Daniel Ngobeni reaffirmed command of 3 Air Servicing Unit.
Outgoing 2 Squadron OC, Colonel Josias “Boerboel” Mashaba, reflected on his tenure, describing it as the pinnacle of his career. “Becoming Officer Commanding of 2 Squadron was the highlight of my career. It took resilience, knowledge, and capability—but most importantly, a deep understanding of oneself,” he said. Colonel Mashaba paid tribute to the collective effort of his team, acknowledging both aircrew and ground crew. “This position is not for the faint-hearted. The country expects air safety and high professionalism from us all,” he added in his farewell address.
In handing over the reins, Mashaba urged his successor to uphold the proud tradition of 2 Squadron: “This is a significant journey—treat it with the respect it deserves. Lead with pride, honour, and diligence.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ndzuta brings a wealth of operational experience. Qualifying as a pilot in 2008 at Central Flying School Langebaanweg, he joined 85 Combat Flying School the same year, progressing to flight leader in 2013. By 2019, he earned the elite qualification of Pilot Attack Instructor, the highest operational credential in the SAAF combat line. His career highlights include deployments on Operation Kgwele, air security during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Operation Copper in the Mozambique Channel, the state funeral of former President Nelson Mandela, and multinational Exercise Blue Okavango in Botswana.
Meanwhile, Colonel Daniel Ngobeni retained his post as OC of 3 Air Servicing Unit following the formal reaffirmation of command by Brigadier General Orapetse Nation Mokgwabone, Officer Commanding AFB Makhado. With decades of technical and leadership experience, Col Ngobeni’s career has spanned from Armament Fitter on legacy Cheetah and Oryx aircraft systems to crucial roles in establishing the Hawk aircraft programme and supporting the Gripen fighter fleet. His roles have encompassed contract management, quality assurance, aviation safety, and explosive ordnance disposal—making him one of the most technically versatile officers in the SAAF.
Both Lieutenant Colonel Ndzuta and Colonel Ngobeni take up their appointments at a pivotal moment, where operational readiness and technical precision are more critical than ever to the SAAF’s frontline capability. Their combined leadership ensures that AFB Makhado will continue to be a beacon of excellence within the South African Air Force
