The officer commanding of Air Force Base (AFB) Makhado, Brig Gen André Barends, pleaded with members of the base, and particularly those working in the administrative headquarters, to do their utmost in support of the activities happening on the base.
These activities include the spouse's forum, charitable activities, official tasks, social tasks and religious tasks. Barends was speaking during an indoors ceremony on 15 April aimed at welcoming new staff members while also introducing himself to all members (uniform and defence civilians) working at the base headquarters. Among the delegates present were the officer commanding of 3 Aircraft Servicing Unit, Col Moses Njomo, and members of the Base Command Council.
Barends said that every member working in the administrative headquarters was equally important and that he or he had a role to play. He urged all members to remain loyal, devote themselves to working hard, and to promote esprit de core among each other. Barends said that this would help in achieving the core business of the base in support of the South African Air Force. In addition, he said that an award for the best worker of the month would be given to dedicated members who performed over and above their tasks as a way to boost their morale and confidence.
Barends welcomed the base's air wing coordinator Col Pine Pienaar who, according to him, will also be serving as his second in command of the base. He also welcomed the newest member on the base, Ms Chrestinah Mandule, who was appointed as the base's secretary with effect from 1 April. Barends also commended Ms Ogiena Francis on a job well done by acting voluntarily as the base's secretary since 2012 in the absence of the unit secretary until the post was re-advertised.