Sunday, 23 January 2022 marked the 2nd anniversary of the unfortunate and tragic accident of the Cessna ZS-CAR aircraft accident which claimed the lives of three South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) employees. Click here for Minister's speech.

According to reports, Captain Thabiso Tolo, First Officer Tebogo Lekalakala and Flight Inspector Gugu Mnguni were three of those employees who were impacted by the unfortunate occurrence.

In a media statement released by SACAA, the deceased were defined as an integral part of the SACA family as they had dedicated themselves to upholding aviation safety in South Africa and beyond.

“Since joining the SACAA, these aviators had grown steadily in their careers, with a bright future ahead of them. They selflessly executed their official duties with uttermost dedication and commitment,” read the statement.

“We will honour their memories by making sure that the investigation is through, fair and provides closure to all affected,” quoting the Director of the Civil Aviation (DCA), Poppy Khoza.

Minister Fikile Mbalula further held a media briefing with journalists from various media houses in releasing the final investigative report with an independent body: “Following engagements with the families, who expressed discomfort with the proximity of the AIID to SACAA and expressed preference for an independent investigation, I then issued an order to this effect. We then appointed the Ethiopian Accident Investigation Bureau, who undertook the independent investigation.”

In his closure Minister Mbalula expressed his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and extended his appreciation to the Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dagmawit Moges for graciously accepting requests to the Ethiopian Accident Investigation Bureau to conduct an independent investigation under the current Covid-19 conditions.