Brigadier General Makhamnandi Sindisiwe Zama officially assumed full command of Air Force Base Waterkloof, marking a historic milestone as the first African woman to lead the prestigious South African Air Force installation.
Stepping into the role after more than a year as Officer Commanding, Zama, who hails from the verdant Kwa-Mashu area north of Durban, received her flying wings in December 2006 and piloted her first aircraft—a Cessna Caravan C208—at 41 Squadron in 2007, laying the foundation for a trailblazing career.
The outgoing commander, Brigadier General Emmanuel Thembinkosi Mokoena, now transitioning to Officer Commanding of the Air Force Command Post (AFCP), praised the base’s dedicated professionals, noting, “The Units of Air Force Base Waterkloof are swelled-up with professionals who are always willing to serve,” during the ceremonial handover.
Zama’s ascent to this leadership role is underscored by a series of groundbreaking achievements, including her qualification in March 2017 as the first black African female C130-BZ Operational Commander in the SA Air Force, followed by her completion of the Operational Test and Evaluation course and certification as a Maintenance Test Pilot.
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Her international impact was further cemented in 2023 when she served as Air Commander in the SADC Mission in Mozambique, earning widespread admiration in the aviation community for her passion and skill.
During the Change of Command Parade, Zama also facilitated key transitions, bestowing command to Colonel Martin Johan Smit of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Center (JARIC) and Colonel Mmatloco Magdeline Tumaeletse of 1 Air Servicing Unit (ASU), while Brigadier General Nicholas Johannes Molomo handed over to Colonel Dayalan Reddi, now Officer Commanding of 5 Air Servicing Unit, and Lieutenant Colonel Herman Papa Nkadinde exchanged roles with Lieutenant Colonel M.J. van der Westhuizen of 504 Protection Squadron. Reported by Sergeant Tshimolloyabotshelo Matsha of Ad Astra Magazine with photographs by Sergeant Ayanda Sedibe of 5 Air Servicing Unit, this event celebrates Zama’s inspirational leadership and the evolving face of South Africa’s air force.
