South Africa: On 21 June 2023, the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, bestowed Second Lieutenant ranks to the newly appointed pilots of the SA Air Force at Air Force Base Langebaanweg.
Second Lieutenant Brian Vuma is one of the seven pilots that finally received his flying wings insignia as a token of officially being classified as one of many pilots in the SA Air Force. In his speech, Lieutenant General Mbambo expressed that, “Understanding the true nature of the ‘profession of arms’ is of the utmost importance for South Africa.”
Second Lieutenant Vuma was born in Giyani in the Limpopo province and raised in Soshanguve, in Gauteng by his mother alongside his siblings. He comes from a humble family where they did not have everything, but his mother made sure that they had most of the things they needed. “Growing up was neither hard nor easy, my grandmother and mother taught us about positive character strength at a very young age,” he said.
“I chose to become a pilot because it is the highest form of freedom for me. Ever since I was a teenager, I always wanted to be up in the skies but had no idea how I would get myself up there. I have been through hurdles that motivated me for over 10 years to continue my fight to become a pilot. I draw my inspiration from anywhere or anyone, so it is not limited to specific people,” Second Lieutenant Vuma mentioned.
He joined the SA Air Force in 2017, and after completing his Basic Military Training, he underwent Officers Formative Course, Ground School (the theory part of aviation) and the Pilots Wings Course (the practical flying).
“I have been blessed to have encountered good men, commanders and individuals who have lit the spark of aviation in me,” he uttered. Brigadier General Thembinkosi Mokoena, the Officer Commanding of Air Force Base Waterkloof and Colonel Samson Khumalo, the Officer Commanding of 21 Squadron, are a few that have played the part of mentoring Second Lieutenant Vuma.
One of his greatest highlights was during the Pilots Wings Course, where he was first taught how to fly aerobatics. “The adrenaline, speed and G forces I was exerting on my body when I was pushing the aircraft almost close to its limits made me feel alive,” Second Lieutenant Vuma stated passionately.
Flying outside the SA Air Force does not cross his mind because he believes the opportunities inside the organisation are not the same with the outside world. “I will not be able to fly aerobatics or deploy to provide air support in the service of my country if I fly outside of the SA Air Force.”
The Air Force Board floating trophy for the student who obtained the highest overall percentage during the Pilots Wings Course 129B flying phase at Air Force Base Langebaanweg was awarded to Second Lieutenant Vuma.
Second Lieutenant Vuma is currently at Air Force Base Langebaanweg, waiting to be transferred to Air Force Base Makhado to start his journey on training in the combat line with the Hawk MK 120 aircraft.