The City of Durban has welcomed a new chapter in its longstanding relationship with thSouth African Air Force following the official introduction of Colonel Mashaole Peter Ramoipone as the new Officer Commanding of Air Force Base Durban.
EThekwini Municipality mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba recently joined senior South African Air Force leadership at a welcoming ceremony held for Colonel Ramoiponeon 1 August, three months after he officially assumed command of the base on 1 May, succeeding Colonel Lennon Atchanna after his five-year tenure. Colonel Atchanna has since been appointed to a senior staff position within the South African Air Force.
Congratulating the new commander, Xaba reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with Air Force Base Durban, recognising the base’s important role in disaster response, humanitarian operations and national security.
“We look forward to working closely with Colonel Ramoipone and strengthening the partnership between the municipality and the South African Air Force for the benefit of the people of eThekwini,” said Xaba.
Colonel Ramoipone brings extensive operational and command experience to his new role. He qualified as a Rooivalk attack helicopter commander in April 2015 and has completed four operational deployments to the Democratic Republic of Congo as an Oryx helicopter co-pilot under United Nations peacekeeping missions.
He has also undertaken more than 16 operational tours as a Rooivalk pilot and Weapon Systems Operator, making him one of the Air Force’s most experienced operational aviators.
Before taking command of Air Force Base Durban, Colonel Ramoipone served as Officer Commanding of 16 Squadron at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein from January 2019 to June 2023. During his military career, he has been recognised for his leadership and operational excellence, particularly in the Rooivalk helicopter fleet.
His appointment comes at a time when the South African Air Force is undergoing a broader leadership renewal under Chief of the Air Force Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe, who has emphasised strengthening operational readiness and developing future leadership despite ongoing budget constraints.
Air Force Base Durban, situated in Prospecton south of Durban, remains one of the South African Air Force’s key installations in KwaZulu-Natal and plays an important support role in military operations, logistics, training and cooperation with other security agencies in the province. It also provides critical support during humanitarian and disaster relief operations when required.
