Troubled Times for Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese
In a significant move for the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant Colonel Phumelele Ndzuta has been appointed as the new commander of 2 Squadron, the country's only jet fighter squadron, stationed at Air Force Base Makhado, also known as the "fighter town" of the SAAF.
Lt-Col Ndzuta's impressive career began when he earned his pilot wings at Central Flying School (CFS) Langebaanweg in the Western Cape in 2008. After this milestone, he qualified as a flight leader at 85 Combat Flying School, also based at Makhado. He further honed his skills by qualifying as a pilot attack instructor (PAI).
Throughout his career, Lt-Col Ndzuta has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the SAAF. He has participated in several notable operations and exercises, including Operation Kgwele, which secured the FIFA World Cup in 2010, deployment on the SAS Mendi during Operation Copper in 2011, involvement in former President Nelson Mandela's funeral in 2013, and participation in Exercise Blue Okavango in Botswana in 2015.
His predecessor, Colonel Josias Mashaba, described leading the Gripen squadron as a career highlight and praised the demands it requires, implying that Lt-Col Ndzuta is assuming a significant leadership role in South Africa’s Air Force.
2 Squadron operates Gripen fighter jets, and it is located at Air Force Base Makhado in Louis Trichardt. The base, often referred to as the "fighter town", is home to this elite unit, which plays a crucial role in the defence of the country.
With his extensive experience and qualifications, including being a flight leader, a pilot instructor, and a pilot attack instructor, Lt-Col Ndzuta is well-equipped to lead 2 Squadron and continue the tradition of excellence that the unit is known for. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the history of South Africa's Air Force.
In this new chapter of South Africa's Air Force, Lt-Col Ndzuta, with his extensive skills in flight leadership and pilot attack instruction, is set to leverage his experience in the finance-intensive aerospace industry to command 2 Squadron effectively. His long-standing dedication to the SAAF, demonstrated through his participation in several crucial operations, is expected to foster growth and advancement within the country's only jet fighter industry sector at Air Force Base Makhado.
