Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has commended the SADC VSAT Network for its significant contribution to aviation safety and communication across the region, while urging member states to strengthen cooperation and deepen regional integration through enhanced communication platforms.
Speaking at the 21st SADC VSAT Supervisory Board Meeting in Victoria Falls on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Eng Joy Makumbe, said the network has been a transformative force in regional aviation since its establishment in 1998. Represented by Director Allowance Sango, Eng Makumbe said the network has consistently delivered reliable aeronautical voice and data communication services linking Air Traffic Service Units across SADC member states.
“The SADC VSAT Network has provided a reliable, efficient and sustainable platform for aeronautical voice and data communication, enabling smoother, safer and better-coordinated airspace management,” said Eng Makumbe.
She said the network supports critical aviation services, including Air Traffic Services Direct Speech (ATS/DS), the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN), and the transition to modern systems such as the Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) and Air Traffic Services Interfacility Data Communication (AIDC).
“It has improved coordination between Area Control Centres, resulting in safer and more efficient aircraft handovers across Flight Information Regions,” she added.
Eng Makumbe said the network has also strengthened regional interoperability through its integration with other African aviation communication systems, including NAFISAT and AFISNET, contributing to communication availability levels of more than 98 percent. “Most importantly, the network has demonstrated the power of regional cooperation, proving that when Member States work together, they can deliver sustainable solutions that benefit the entire aviation community,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary said Zimbabwe has also made notable progress in strengthening its Air Navigation Services, including addressing its Significant Safety Concern.
“Through our partnerships with Member States, ICAO, regional organizations, and industry stakeholders, we have successfully addressed our significant safety concern. Moreover, the recent gap analysis conducted alongside the ICAO ESAF Regional Office has charted a clear course for strengthening compliance and modernizing our services,” she said.
Eng Makumbe urged the supervisory board to maintain the collaborative spirit that has sustained the network for more than 25 years and to ensure its continued relevance beyond 2030.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Director General Mr George Mashababe said the choice of Victoria Falls as the host city highlighted the importance of regional unity and cooperation.
“Victoria Falls, a symbol of the beauty and unity of Southern Africa, serves as an ideal backdrop for our meeting, emphasising not only our shared heritage but also our commitment to connectivity and cooperation. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, we can build safer, more efficient, and integrated skies that support trade, tourism, and regional development,” said Mr Mashababe.
The two-day meeting, which began yesterday and ends today, has brought together aviation stakeholders from across the SADC region, including representatives from ICAO, IATA and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), which serves as the board secretariat.
Since its establishment, the SADC VSAT Network has recorded major achievements, including providing highly reliable aeronautical voice and data communications between Air Traffic Service
Units across member states. It has also supported critical services such as ATS/DS and AFTN, facilitated the transition to AMHS and AIDC, improved coordination between area control centres for safer aircraft handovers across flight information regions, enhanced interoperability through integration with NAFISAT and AFISNET, and maintained communication availability levels exceeding 98 percent, significantly improving operational efficiency and aviation safety across the region.
