Official SAAF statement re: AFB Ysterplaat
Date: 7 March 2001
Sorry about the delay, but the pressures of (paying) work has kept me too busy, but herewith the official SAAF statement:
'SAAF BULLETIN
2 March 2001: No 05/2001
SAAF Short-Term Plan - AFB Ysterplaat
The South African Air Force is in the process of restructuring in an effort to become sustainable within the bounds of the allocated budget. Some of the activities that the SAAF is focusing on are the reduction of the number of Bases on its inventory and more cost-effective utilization of bases. These activities will ensure that overhead costs are reduced.
The Minister of Defence has granted the Air Force permission to scale down its operations at Air Force Base Ysterplaat with the view to close down the Base should it not be required in the future.
The plan is to establish an Air Force Station at Cape Town International Airport where the maritime assets of the Air Force will be housed. This unit will be developed into the Air Force's future centre of maritime excellence. The fixed-wing (35 Squadron) as well as the rotary wing (22 Squadron) maritime capability will be established at Air Force Station Cape Town. Although these squadrons will focus on the conventional maritime capability, they will also fulfil a supporting role in peacetime by providing humanitarian assistance.
The General Support Base Youngsfield as regards logistics and housing services will support Air Force Station Cape Town.
The Air Force respects the expectations and concerns of its personnel for the implementation of this plan. Those members who can not be included in the structures of Air Force Station Cape Town will be accommodated in other structures or facilities within the DOD. Non-staffed members will be offered the approved Employer Initiated Packages.
Detailed planning will now be implemented to transform Air Force Base Ysterplaat into Air Force Station Cape Town by March 2002. The expectations of its members will be aligned with the organizational needs of the SAAF to finalize the human resources plan. Organized labour will be included in the planning and finalization of the human resources plan.
Additional restructuring activities are also being considered to ensure sustainability. During this process the Air Force is striving to remain operationally effective in service of the country.'
