New plans for Ysterplaat

SAAF BULLETIN

19 April 2002: No 10/2002

BULLETIN: PROGRESS WITH REGARD TO CLOSURE OF AFB YSTERPLAAT

SAAF Bulletin 1/2002 dated 15 February 2002 contained the details concerning the migration of AFB Ysterplaat to Air Force Station Cape Town at Cape Town International (CTI) Airport.

Since the distribution of the above-mentioned bulletin, substantial developments have taken place in this regard.

A recent work session facilitated by D Log was held with various role players at the Air Force Office and Air Command. During this work session several options were formulated by the team and were presented to the Air Force Board (AF Board) on 9 April 2002.

During the same meeting it was confirmed once again the stratrgic intent to close down AFB Ysterplaat, as approved by the Minister of Defence, remains in force. In addition to this the original decision to reduce the SAAF footprint in the Cape area to become more affordable, was also confirmed, as well as the need and necessity of having an Air Force Station in the Cape Metropolitan area.

The proposal to retain an Air Force Station in the Cape was brought about by developments and changes in the environment over the past 18 months, i.e. the proposals put forward by other bodies and stakeholders. Added to this are the financial restrictions to migrate as stipulated in the original plan and the new opportunities that emerged from the approval to proceed with Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Public Funded Initiative (PFI).

The original decision to close down AFB Ysterplaat is reconfirmed. The facilities of the Base will be converted into a City Airport and all Air Force units in the Cape Town are will be accomodated under the command of the new AFS Ysterplaat, operating as a lodger unit on the City Airport.

The close-down will entail the relocation of 35 Squadron to the new AFS Yaterplaat. An investigation will be conducted to determine the most suitable location for 80 ANS.

Furthermore 2 ASU will be fully privatised. Only Air Force specific items will be retained as part of the proposed AFS Ysterplaat and only migrate Astra specific support to 8 ASU at AFB Langebaanweg. Any duplication with other ASUs has to be eliminated and the most cost-effective location of facilities will be investigated and implemented.

The SAAF Museum will remain at Ysterplaat. The location of the museum will however be investigated.

The D Log team will now investigate all aspects of this option such as the cost implecations of migration from CTI to AFB Ysterplaat, the privatisation of state housing and facilities and time scales applicable to the proposal.

The Employer Initiated Packages that were previously approved would not be revoked.

The target date ser for finalisation of migration is 1 January 2003.

The findings and recommendations resulting from the above-mentioned investigation are to be presented to the AF Board on 30 April 2002. Consultation will continue with all other stakeholders throughout the process.

The AF Board relaizes that this process if migration could create uncertainty. All, those members of the SAAF who are being affected by this situation can rest assured that the option to be chosen by the AF Board will be for the benefit of the SAAF, the public sector and the community in general.