South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is the leading regulatory body ensuring aviation safety and security in South Africa. Governed by the Department of Transport (DoT), SACAA is recognized as a world-class civil aviation regulator, dedicated to keeping South African skies safe.

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• What is the purpose of SACAA?
• What does the civil aviation authority do?
• How to get a SACAA certificate?
• Is SACAA a government company?
• How long is a PPL valid for SACAA?
• Is SACAA part of ICAO?

The South African Civil Aviation Authority was established on October 1, 1998, under the now-repealed South African Civil Aviation Authority Act, 1998. It operates under the Civil Aviation Act, 2009, and is classified as a Schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Headquartered in Midrand, Johannesburg, SACAA is responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and security, conducting accident investigations, and ensuring compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Vision, Mission, and Values

• Vision: To be a world-class civil aviation regulator.
• Mission: Regulating aviation safety and security while supporting sustainable industry development.
• Brand Promise: Keeping you safe in the sky.
• Core Values:
  • Service Excellence: Delivering the highest level of client satisfaction.
  • Teamwork: Collaboration with shared accountability.
  • Integrity: Upholding trust and transparency.
  • Collaboration: Building mutual success with stakeholders.

Mandate and Oversight Responsibilities

SACAA’s key mandates include:

1. Safety Oversight: Ensuring air operators, training organizations, and aircraft comply with strict safety standards.
2. Security Oversight: Overseeing airports, cargo transportation, and dangerous goods handling.
3. Accident Investigations: Managing the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID).
4. Aviation Infrastructure: Regulating airspace, airport safety, and flight procedure standards.

Global Alignment with ICAO

SACAA aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized UN agency. ICAO’s standards, referred to as Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), form the foundation for global aviation safety and security.

As a signatory to the ICAO Chicago Convention, South Africa collaborates internationally to maintain safe and secure skies.

Achievements and Accolades

SACAA’s dedication to excellence has earned it numerous accolades:

1. Clean Audits: Nine consecutive clean audits from the Auditor-General of South Africa.
2. National Aviation Gender Summit: Hosted events promoting gender equity in aviation.
3. Global Leadership: SACAA’s Director of Civil Aviation, Ms. Poppy Khoza, became the first woman to preside over the ICAO Assembly in 2022.
4. Smart Card Innovation: Introduced a digital licensing system for aviation professionals, one of the first in the world.

Executive Leadership

SACAA’s leadership includes experienced professionals driving its mission:

• Poppy Khoza: Director of Civil Aviation.
• Asruf Seedat: Executive: Finance.
• Gawie Bestbier: Executive: Aviation Safety Infrastructure.
• Jason Tshabalala: Executive: Aviation Security.

The Board of Directors, led by Mr. Ernest Khosa, ensures compliance with statutory requirements and governance.

Campaigns and Initiatives

1. National Aviation Conference: A platform to share knowledge and enhance safety post-COVID-19.
2. Security Awareness Campaigns: Promoted ICAO’s “Year of Security Culture” in 12 airports.
3. Aviation Gender Summit: Advanced transformation and equity in the aviation sector.