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The Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula today joined the memorial services of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) three officials who tragically passed away last month. 

The tragic accident of the Civil Aviation Authority's Flight Inspections Unit aircraft took place on 23 January 2020, when it crashed shortly after take-off from the George Airport in the Western Cape.

Speaking at the memorial service, Minister Mbalula described their passing as a setback for transformation in an aviation industry that lacks and urgently needs it.

“Their loss represents a major setback in our efforts to transform the sector and open up opportunities for the previously disadvantaged and the youth. To lose a pioneering and all-African crew who we were the first in their respective areas of expertise is a loss to the nation. While we mourn their passing, we must equally celebrate their lives. As we celebrate their great achievements as trailblazers, we must find inspiration in the knowledge that they were head and shoulders above their peers,” Minister Mbalula said.

Captain Thabiso Tolo qualified in 2013 as captain of this crew and had 4 959 hours of flying to his credit. Among others, he was the first black Captain of our
Flight Inspection Unit. He cut his teeth as a pilot at the South African Air Force between 1989 and 2003.

First Officer Tebogo Lekalakala, had 1 050 hours of flying to her credit. She performed her last training as Flight Safety Simulator in San Antonio in the United States. Ms. Lekalakala was a co-pilot and the first black woman to fly for the Flight Inspection Unit in 2019. Before joining the CAA, she was an Air Force pilot between 2006 and 2018.

Gugu Comfort Mnguni, a Flight Inspector, had over 1 300 flying hours to his credit. He conducted his last training at the Global Navigation Satellite System for Aviation, Eurocontrol in Luxembourg. He was trained in the Flight Inspection System at the CARNAC 30 in France. He became the first black Flight Inspector for the Flight Inspection Unit in 2013.

“On behalf of our Government, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and loved ones. We are with you during these trying time. Thabiso, Tebogo and Gugu have run their race, and we must find comfort in the legacy they have left for future generations,” Minister Mbalula ended.

Issued by Department of Transport