The African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and air show taking place from September 18 to 22 September at the Air Force Base in Waterkloof, in the City of Tshwane is set to empower the youth through technology used in the defence sector.
Through its Youth Development Programme - one of the unique and critical pillars – AAD, seeks to empower youths from disadvantaged and marginalised communities in the areas of Maths, Science and Technology.
According to the chairperson of the Youth Empowerment Programme (YDP), Kholisile Khumalo, the show offers South African youth various opportunities, including job creation and being in the inside of an aircraft for the for first time in their lives. He believes that based on the planning, this year’s shows would leave to the theme: Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions and Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities.
“This is one of the three air shows in the world, and the only one in the continent. It is actually the world cup of aerospace shows. We believe that in future, cities must start bidding to host this biannual event in order to rotate around different provinces instead of being seen exclusively as belonging to the City of Tshwane.
“The defence sector plays a critical role as a catalyst in reducing youth unemployment in the country. It is important, therefore, that the show has support from all countries in the world and the continent, including all provinces, government departments, cities a municipalities in the country,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo added that in 2022, AAD hosted over 9,000 learners through its Youth Development Programme Initiative and during this year’s show, about 12,000 learners from all nine provinces were expected to attend the show so that they benefit from this impactful and empowering programme.
He expressed appreciation to the defence industries and embassies operating in South Africa for contributing to job creation and providing opportunities for young people to study in their respective countries.
The 12th edition of the biannual show and trade exhibition, is hosted by AAD, in collaboration with the Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industry Association, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Commercial AviationAssociation of Southern Africa, and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans.
The show will be officially opened by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, on September 18.