Midnite to take to the sky
Date: 10 September 2003
Erika Gibson
Major Musa "Midnite" Mbhokota, assistant project officer, will carry a heavy burden when the new Gripen fighter planes are taken into use.
Mbhokota is the first black Cheetah pilot and represents the "face" of the fighter pilot in the new South Africa. He is expected to deliver the first Gripen to 2 Squadron and, if everything goes according to plan, will become the first black commander of the Gripen squadron.
"It could not have happened to a nicer guy," his colleagues said this week. "He deserves all accolades coming his way."
Mbhokota has been involved in the Gripen project in Sweden over the past year. He still flies Cheetahs as often as possible to ensure that he doesn't become "rusty".
"I am a big fan of the Gripen. The air force could not have hoped for a better replacement for the Cheetah.
"It is fighter plane technology never before seen in the air force before and I believe it is good value for money."
Commenting on his "icon status", Mbhokota said he has never seen himself as a "black pilot".
"I am just the same as my wonderful colleagues: we want to fly. I have always wanted to fly fighter planes and the air force has been good to me. I do't think I could be as happy as I am in the air force anywhere else."
Beeld
