Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S successful resolution of its Significant Safety Concern (SSC) has been described as one of the significant strides in its Air Navigation Services, enhancing aviation safety and the country’s compliance journey.
This was revealed during the 21st SADC VSAT Supervisory Board Meeting held in Victoria Falls on Tuesday, where regional aviation stakeholders gathered to review the progress of the SADC VSAT Network and chart the way forward for enhanced communication and integration in Southern African airspace.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Eng Joy Makumbe, Director Allowance Sango commended the SADC VSAT Network for its remarkable achievements since its inception in 1998, under Article 13.13 of the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology.
“The SADC VSAT Network was a bold and visionary step towards eliminating long-standing communication gaps between Air Traffic Control centres in Southern Africa. More than two decades later, its impact is felt in every flight coordinated, every aircraft handed over, and every safe landing achieved across our skies,” said Eng Makumbe.
She urged the region to continue fostering regional integration through strengthened communication networks, emphasising the need for interoperability across SADC, NAFISAT and ASECNA, as well as through AFISNET interconnectivity.
“We must continue to empower Member States to manage both centralised and on-site maintenance operations, ensuring the longevity and resilience of this vital infrastructure. The goal of fulfilling the region’s communication requirements in line with the ICAO AFI Plan remains extremely critical,” she added.
CAAZ Director-General Mr George Mashababe highlighted Zimbabwe’s achievements in aviation safety and modernisation.
“Through our partnerships with Member States, ICAO, regional organisations 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 modernising our services,” said Mr Mashababe.
He also emphasised the importance of the SADC VSAT Network in addressing communication deficiencies and strengthening coordination among regional Air Traffic Control Centres.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, we can build safer, more efficient, and integrated skies that support trade, tourism, and regional development,” he said.
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. It has also evolved to accommodate advanced services such as VHF remote relay, radar data transmission and Aeronautical Telecommunication Network communication, in line with the ICAO Regional CNS/ATM Plan.
The meeting, which ends on Wednesday, is expected to focus on the network’s continuity, efficiency and capability to facilitate interoperability, as well as cost-effective logistical support and maintenance.
