SACAA

SACAA AT THE 2025 BARSA AVIATION SUMMIT BARSA (Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa) hosted the 2025 Aviation Summit in Skukuza, Mpumalanga on 13 and 14 March, where the event focused on exploring innovative approaches to shape the future of aviation in Africa. The two-day Summit was graced by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Barbara Creecy, and the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patricia de Lille. The @officialSACAA Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza, participated in a panel discussion that deliberated the regulatory evolution and digitalisation within the sector. Ms Khoza emphasised the need to accelerate innovation, particularly with the Foreign Operator Permit processes, saying: “The world is moving fast. We must adapt or die.” Ms. Khoza further noted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in enhancing our systems. The SACAA is embarking on an ambitious journey toward automation, with the goal of becoming paperless by 2030. Key initiatives include the automation of back-end oversight systems, the launch of e-Services for online applications and payments, new personnel licence cards with real-time information access, and the establishment of a client service contact centre. Other applications that are planned for in the coming years include the automation of the Regulation Development processes, Exemption applications, and the Five-Phase certification process. #BARSA2025

Celebrating Women in Aviation: Inspiring the Skies, Shaping the Future This International Women’s Day, we honour the incredible women who propel aviation forward, breaking barriers, pioneering innovation, and ensuring safety in our skies. At the SACAA, we recognise the vital role women play in the aviation industry and remain committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and thriving sector. As we celebrate, we also align with Women of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW), a global movement encouraging more women and girls to explore careers in aviation and aerospace. Aviation is not just about flight; it’s about vision, resilience, and leadership. To all the women who make aviation soar, we salute you! #IWD2025 #WomenInAviation #WOAW2025 #SACAA

A High-Flying Finish: Wrapping Up Our Back-to-School Aviation Roadshow! From Mpumalanga to Kuruman, and now Eastern Cape, our Back-to-School Aviation Roadshow has been an inspiring journey of informing, educating, and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. In partnership with OR Tambo District Department of Education, we touched down in Mthatha and surrounding areas from 17–19 February, reaching 10 secondary schools and over 2,500 learners. Through meaningful interactions, we provided valuable insights into aviation careers, bursary opportunities, and the training needed to take flight in this dynamic industry. From rural schools to radio stations, we’ve worked to close the knowledge gap and bring aviation career awareness directly to learners, especially in communities with limited access to information. This roadshow was more than just career talks; it was about representation, visibility, and inspiring young minds to see themselves in aviation. As we conclude this incredible journey, our commitment remains the same taking aviation to the people and ensuring that every learner, no matter where they are, knows that the sky is just the beginning. #SACAA #SoaringFutures #AviationCareers

SACAA Media Statement Court rules against former SACAA Executive. - The High Court of Pretoria has ruled against a former SACAA Executive who made false and malicious allegations against senior SACAA officials - ⁠The Court has demanded for the former SACAA Executive to retract his defamatory statements - ⁠The former SACAA Executive has failed to comply in retracting his defamatory statements in line with the court order. You can also access the media statement on our SACAA website on this link: http://bit.ly/4hbgbVM

Court rules against a former SACAA Executive. Please read the SACAA media statement on this link: http://bit.ly/4hbgbVM

Advancing a strong aviation safety culture! Ms Bongi Mtlokwa, SACAA Safety Management Systems Technical Officer, stressed the importance of building a robust safety culture within the general aviation sector. As Chairperson of the International Civil Aviation Organization Safety Management Panel, she powerfully stated, "Safety starts with you.” Ms Motlokwa urged everyone in the sector to engage with available resources and integrate them into operations. She emphasised the importance of reporting and highlighted the protections that exist as it pertains to the reporter and the reported information. #GAARS #GASafety #SACAA #AviationSafety #SACAASafetyCulture

AIID sheds light on GA accidents The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) shared insights on accident trends and statistics at the GAARS seminar in Umhlanga, KZN. Mr Soomesh Maharaj, AIID Manager: Safety Information, provided safety recommendations based on analysed data. A sobering statistic revealed that 55% of GA accidents are fatal. 81% of these accidents are due to human error, highlighting the urgent need for continuous safety improvements in line with the General Aviation Safety Strategy. Crucial questions from attendees were raised on whether stricter conditions are needed to secure a pilot’s license. #GAARS #GASafety #SACAA #AviationSafety #SACAASafetyCulture

The SACAA hosted its fourth General Aviation Accident Reduction Seminar (GAARS) in Umhlanga, KZN today. The seminar aims to create a platform for collaboration between the Regulator and industry members while reinforcing the SACAA's mission to improve safety in General Aviation. Mr Neil de Lange (SACAA Senior Manager: General Aviation) opened the event, sharing the GAARS philosophy and key aviation safety trends. De Lange said: “We teach people how to fly, but we don’t teach them how to avoid accidents.” He highlighted how the seminar wasn’t just about flying but about empowering instructors and fostering a safety-first mindset. #GAARS #GASafety #SACAA #AviationSafety #SACAASafetyCulture

Join us at the Premier Splendid Inn in Umhlanga on 27 February, 09:30-16:00. Let's make tomorrow a success for aviation safety. #GAARS #GASafety