The South African Air Force (SAAF) has temporarily relocated due to health and safety concerns, after employees’ respiratory systems were affected at the headquarters in Pretoria.
It is believed the ventilation system had suffered a fault, affecting mainly a section consisting of three floors located underground, where temperatures could soar to 40ºC.
Director of corporate staff services, Brigadier General Donavan Chetty, said the temporary move was to address concerns related to the Air Command Building (Loftus Building) in Pretoria.
“Due to challenges regarding elevated temperatures and ventilation within the Loftus Building, a prohibition notice was issued, prohibiting the use of areas lacking proper ventilation,” said Chetty.
“Over the past months, SAAF actively tried to mitigate the temperature issue by installing mobile air conditioning. Additionally, contingent plans were communicated to the various directorates advising the use of discretion when the temperatures reached extreme levels.
“However, the condition of the Loftus building deteriorated,” he added.
Chetty said in adherence to this notice and under the guidance of the Special Air Force Command Council (AFCC), SAAF had implemented temporary measures to mitigate health risks while maintaining operational effectiveness.
He said key personnel had been relocated to alternative offices around the Pretoria region to ensure the continuity of operations.
Members had been directed to work remotely or from other offices in Pretoria.
“Directors are responsible for clear instructions and contingency plans for their respective domains. For those working within the Loftus Building, strict guidelines are enforced, including the continuous wearing of masks, application of sanitising protocols, limited occupancy, and adherence to specified working hours.”
Chetty said the measures put in place are temporary and are part of a broader effort to address air quality and ventilation challenges at the Loftus Building.
“SAAF appreciates the understanding and cooperation of its personnel during this period and remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of its members while fulfilling its core mandate.”
The temporary measures arose after the South African National Defence Union (Sandu) had urgently pursued remediation of the intolerable conditions at the airforce headquarters in Pretoria.
Sandu national secretary Advocate JG Pikkie Greeff said the issue started over six weeks ago.
Greeff said a letter was dispatched to the chief of the SANDF, detailing the compromised state of the ventilation and air conditioning systems at the headquarters.
“The personnel stationed there have been subjected to temperatures soaring up to 39ºC, accompanied by substandard air quality, negatively affecting their health and productivity.”
Greeff said after disappointing responses from the building management, Sandu remained undeterred and escalated the issue by filing a complaint with the Department of Labour, after reaching a dead end with the internal communication efforts of SANDF.
“Following an investigation initiated by Sandu’s complaint, the Department of Labour on February 23 visited the premises and issued a seven-day notice for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”
He said on February 27, the SA Air Force command decided to close the building temporarily in the interest of the health and safety of its members.
“This situation is further complicated by the revelation that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) holds responsibility for the maintenance and repair of such facilities,” Greeff said.
“Notably, the SAAF headquarters, in service for 30 years and designed to accommodate 1 200 employees across five levels, is now functioning with only one out of six roof-mounted temperature control systems operational.
“Additionally, of the three systems tasked with managing the temperatures of the subterranean floors, two are at half capacity, and one is entirely defunct due to obsolescence.
“The challenge is compounded by the obsolescence of the components for these systems, rendering them irreparable.”
He said in light of these findings, the closure highlighted severe implications of insufficient funding and maintenance within the SANDF.
“The DPWI’s role in this predicament points to a broader systemic issue and pattern of dereliction that requires urgent attention.
“Our SA Air Force members deserve a safe and healthy working environment and it is crucial that immediate measures are taken to address these deficiencies and safeguard their welfare.”
He said Sandu was steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members within the SANDF and would persist in holding all parties accountable to ensure the provision of safe and adequate working conditions.
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