AFB Makhado came under new command with the appointment of Brig-Gen Schalk van Heerden as the new officer commanding.

Gen Van Heerden officially took over the reigns at South Africa’s "Fortress of the North” during a change-of-command parade held at the base last Friday. He took over command from outgoing commander Brig-Gen Chris Delport, who was appointed Director of Communication Systems in Pretoria.

The new commander will take control of a base that houses state-of-the-art military training and fighter planes and all the sophisticated equipment that makes them South Africa’s first line of defence. 

During Friday’s parade, the base’s 3 Air Servicing Unit also appointed a new commander in the form of Col Moses Njomo. He was appointed by Brig Gen M A Phala, the director of the SAAF's servicing units.