Exercise Vukluhlome 2023
Lohatla Military base, located in the Northern Cape Province is home of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Combat Training Centre (CTC). This vast facility, larger than the state of Israel is one of only ten such permanent ranges in the world. The vast area allows the SANDF to conduct realistic training and practising of their military doctrine. Multiple units of the SANDF spend up to three months in training at this base to develop an integrated cohesive military force. Exercise Vukluhlome is the culmination of this training and numerous distinguished guests from regional and international armies as well as military attaches are invited for the open day.
Most of the guests were flown to the Sishen airfield with transportation via a bus to the base. A portion of the media team were afforded the opportunity to be airlifted directly to the base’s airstrip with a South African Air Force (SAAF) Casa 212-200. Little did we know that this was to cause some angst later in the day.
The demonstration consisted of various activities that the SANDF would perform ranging from crowd/riot control as well has hostage release through to the end of the day battle where all branches of the mobile brigades integrate on the battlefield,
The South African Air Force (SAAF) performs an integral, essential role in supporting the ground forces. A pair of SAAF Gripens initiated the battle when they dropped bombs on the target area, this was followed up by two Hawks also dropping bombs. Pathfinders were inserted via a parachute drop from the CASA 212 and the battle was in full swing. The big heavy guns from the 155mm equipped G5 and G6 gun systems, supported by the awesome Valkyrie rocket system performed indirect fire on the target whilst various other weapons were also engaging the target. Anti-Aircraft guns were in evidence as they showcased their capability in denying enemy aircraft access to the area. A SAAF BK-117 helicopter performed rescue activities with hoisting whilst an Augusta A-109 performed overwatch with a sniper on board. The BK-117 also showcased its airlift capability when a cargo was attached to its sling for transport. The skill that this pilot has is impressive, he flies under guidance of his flight engineer to a perfect position so that the troops on the ground can attach the cargo to the sling whilst he hovers mere feet above them. Both pilots must have utter trust in his engineer and ground troops, in the pilots flying abilities, as they are directly under this hovering helicopter. One mistake and the potential for serious issues exists.
Disaster
Unknown to us at the time but our Casa suffered a landing incident and was damaged. Medical assistance was dispatched quickly to the scene but fortunately no injuries were suffered by the crew, but now the media team was in trouble. Our ride home was no longer available. The army then kicked into high gear to plan a return for us, to our home base. Unfortunately, there was only a single seat available on the aircraft in Sishen and after discussion by the group the most pressing was given the seat. The Army then kicked off multiple plans to provide us a means of return. Plans included placing us on commercial flights from Sishen (none were available,) commercial flights from Kimberley, road transport back to Gauteng (deemed high risk due to heavy vehicle traffic at night). this was all to be confirmed during the evening. Now to find accommodation. In the end the four of us were transported to accommodation in Kuruman. A late-night message from Brig Gen Mumanyi informed us that a SAAF aircraft was being dispatched from Waterkloof in the morning to collect us. The Chief of the Air Force (CAF), General Wiseman Mbambo had tasked a SAAF Falcon 50 to be our ride home. Upon arrival at Waterkloof we were met by the CAF for a brief chat and apology for the inconvenience caused. I thank Brig Gen Mumanyi (SA Army), Lt-Colonel Wiltshire (SAAF) and the two drivers for the support and personal attention provided in ensuring our comfort due to the incident.
