Pretoria - When, during a parade of the SA Air Force (SAAF) on Friday, Colonel Mashadi Tswidi was named its first black female regimental instructor, she said she had not expected it, as all she did was the job she enjoyed.
Tswidi, who will assume the command of the SAAF headquarters unit, was commended during the parade for continuing to distinguish herself in various capacities in the SA National Defence Force, with her last responsibility being directing staff members at the SA National War College.
She told told Pretoria News how she was surprised to be promoted, and said: “I felt so happy and honoured to serve the air force and the headquarters unit.“
She sent a message to young women, saying: “Never lose hope. Never underestimate yourself. As the first African female regimental instructor, I can say the training was tough but I made it through. I hope I motivate young girls that life does not stop here. They must fight to achieve their dreams.”
This as outgoing officers hosted a crowd-pulling combined change of command parade, where they handed the reins to incoming commanders at the SAAF base in Swartkop.
Aircraft pilots and the air force band joined the parade, adding colour to the parade that had spectators cheering and celebrating the officers, who are set to command the SAAF headquarters unit, the Bushveld Air Control Sector, 68 Air School, and 516 Protection Squadron.
SAAF spokesperson Major Ntokozo Ntshangase said the air force was proud to introduce its new leadership.
“These are new commanding officers charged with the task and responsibility to promote the vision of the SA Air Force.”
Pretoria News