Colonel a beacon for young women to follow
WHEN, during a parade of the SA Air Force on Friday, Colonel Mashadi Tswidi was named its first black female regimental instructor, she said she had not expected it as all she did was the job she enjoyed.
Tswidi, who will assume the command of the SA Air Force headquarters unit, was commended during the parade for continuing to distinguish herself in various capacities in the SANDF, with her last responsibility being directing staff members at the South African National War College.
She told Pretoria News how she was surprised to be promoted, and said: “I felt so happy and honoured to serve the Air Force and the headquarters unit.”
She sent a message to young women, saying: “Never lose hope. Never underestimate yourself. As the first African female regimental instructor, I can say the training was tough but I made it through. I hope I motivate young girls that life does not stop here. They must fight to achieve their dreams.”
This was as outgoing officers hosted a crowd-pulling combined change of command parade, where they handed the reins to incoming commanders at the Air Force base in Swartkop.
Aircraft pilots and the air force band joined the parade, adding colour to the demonstrations that had spectators cheering and celebrating the officers, who are set to command the SA Air Force headquarters unit, the Bushveld Air Control Sector, 68 Air School, and 516 Protection Squadron.
Colonel Nicolas Johannes Molomo took the reins as officer commanding of 68 Air School. The school is a feeder mechanism to the pool of skilled engineers and technicians in the SAAF.
Colonel John Matlou took command of the Bushveld Air Control Sector, which is responsible for providing a recognisable air picture for the SA Air Force command post, and other air space control-related tasks.
He is a qualified mission controller, with 24 years’ service in the SANDF.
They were joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Nalamotse Joseph Nkoana, who took command of 516 Protection Squadron, which is responsible and accountable for all security-related measures at the SA Air Force headquarters.
Air Force spokesperson Major Ntokozo Ntshangase said the air force was proud as it introduced its new leadership.
“These are new commanding officers charged with the task and responsibility to promote the vision of the SA Air Force. Our new vision is projecting effective air and space power though innovation in the theatre of our operations.
“The air force has entrusted these new commanders to ensure that they provide leadership, strategic direction and strategic leadership wherever they are posted. They are expected to create a platform for their members to come up with innovative ideas to ensure that the SA Air Force is self-reliant and able to produce results.
“We have just welcomed the new slogan ‘Free the Eagle’. These commanders are expected to ensure that that is made possible,“said Ntshangase.
He said the process to make the final appointment of these commanders had been rigorous.