The spirit of camaraderie, honour and benevolence remain rife at the South African Air Force Association’s (SAAFA) Durban branch. The unique fraternity celebrated 76 years in existence on Tuesday, 26 January. While times have changed, the essence of the organisation remains. All people who serve in, once served in the South African Air Force or in any other allied air forces are eligible to join the organisation. It was formed in 1945 at Inanda Country Club in Johannesburg by Col Rod Douglas to promote camaraderie among members after the war, and also assist those who had fallen on hard times due to World War II. The Durban branch was also formed at that same meeting and is one of the oldest branches in the organisation. There are currently 63 members in the SAAFA Durban branch and monthly lunches are held to promote and enjoy the camaraderie of members. However, since lockdown, this has been put on hold. Steve Bekker is chairman of the branch based at the old airport in Isipingo. He was born and raised in Johannesburg and joined the South African Airline in 1976 as a clerk. However, he was unhappy since he longed to fly.
“When I was five-years-old, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to fly airplanes. It was always a dream of mine.”
He was trained on Harvard aircraft at Central Flying School Dunnottar for the first half of his pilot’s course and then on Impala jets at the Flying Training School Langebaanweg on the West Coast. He received his wings in 1977. He was promoted to colonel in 2002 and after a long and illustrious career, he retired to Amanzimtoti in 2010. Some of the highlights of his career were flying in the formation of 50 Harvards in 1990 and being awarded best base in the SAAF for three years while under his command. 
“This is indeed a unique profession. Not everyone has the physical fitness, health and mental aptitude to fly. Flying is so much fun and they pay you to do it. It is an incredibly rewarding career.”
The organisation aims to maintain an aviation heritage, but this can only be possible if more members join. Bekker started a cyber committee concept which means that physical meetings are held only once or twice a year, and all other business is conducted by electronic means. The Durban branch’s order of business was not disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. The 66-year-old is married to Linda and they have five children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He plans to remain chairperson of the organisation for one more year to complete his 10 year in office. He enjoys reading and motorcycling and Linda tries to get him into gardening. Steve has a witty sense of humor and comes from a humbled background. 
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