Brigadier-General Chetty's heroic actions earn prestigious Brazilian medals
Image: Supplied
IN RECOGNITION of his swift coordination efforts to rescue a Brazilian sailor, Brigadier-General Donavan Chetty of the South African Air Force (SAAF), was recently conferred with two prestigious military medals.
Chetty, who is the SAAF's Director of Corporate Staff Services, was recently awarded the Brazilian Navy's Order of Naval Merit and Santos-Dumont Merit Medal at a ceremony at the Embassy of Brazil in Pretoria.
The Order of Naval Merit is awarded to both Brazilian naval personnel and foreign individuals who have distinguished themselves in naval activities or have contributed to Brazil's maritime interests.
The Santos-Dumont Merit Medal is a Brazilian decoration created to honour civilians and military, Brazilian or foreign, for outstanding services rendered to the Brazilian Air Force.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Chetty with his wife Joelaine and daughter Jordan Shemariah at the ceremony.
Image: Supplied
Chetty, 49, of Pretoria, said he was 'surprised' as his goal was to help save the life of the sailor who had a heart attack while on board a Brazilian warship during Exercise Ibsamar VIII, a joint naval exercise involving Brazil, India, and South Africa in October last year.
The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and maritime security through a series of drills conducted both ashore and at sea.
'At the time I was coordinating the air force's airshow in Newcastle, when I received a call from the defence attaché of Brazil requesting assistance. He said they had a ship coming in from the Cape West Coast with the sailor who required immediate medical attention. However, they were only able to communicate via satellite phones, and could not reach the South African navy or air force.
'Having served as a maritime pilot, I knew what was to be done in such a situation. As maritime pilots, when we have to do search and rescue, we know that time is of the essence. I managed to coordinate the entire aero-medical rescue in about an hour.
"It involved ensuring I had pertinent information such as the coordinates of the ship and state of the sea, as well as to obtain overflight clearance which allowed for a foreign aircraft to land on our military base.
'Later that day I received a call to say that the sailor was rescued and transported to hospital in time. I was also thanked. However, while the coordination of the rescue was over and above my normal duty, it is what I have been operationally trained to do, as both a flying and maritime instructor,' he said.
Chetty, who is also the Acting Officer Commanding Air Force Command Post, added that he was informed of the recognition in June.
'I received an email that I had been nominated for the medals, and that a motivation was sent to the chief of the Brazilian Navy and chief of the Brazilian Air Force. It had thereafter been approved by the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
'It was a great honour, especially after it was said during the ceremony that it was the first time in history that both medals were awarded to a person on the same day, and I am the only South African to have both."
In October 2018, the POST published an article on Chetty, who hails from Isipingo Beach in Durban, after he was appointed as the Officer Commanding of the Central Flying School in Langebaanweg, Pretoria.
He said during the time he had three years of zero failures and had received the best training unit award for three consecutive years.
Chetty said he was thereafter appointed the Officer Commanding of the Air Force Base Overberg in the Western Cape in 2021. In December 2023, he was promoted from colonel to brigadier-general.
'I was appointed as the Director of Corporate Staff Services in January last year. My sphere of work has since changed from the operational side to more of a corporate delegation. In this position, I oversee the air force's foreign relations.
'In addition, as the Acting Officer Commanding Air Force Command Post, which is the 'heart "of the air force, my role involves the coordination and execution of all SAAF operations."
Speaking about his future goals, Chetty said it was to remain in the SAAF until his retirement.
'Over the years, I have had many offers from the defence industry and commercial sector, but I am a uniformed member and I love serving my country, so there is nowhere else I would want to be than with the air force.
'However, in terms of climbing the ladder, the next jump would be as a major-general. I would also like to serve our country as a defence attaché abroad."
He added that he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family.
He is married to Joelaine, a scientist at the Medical Research Council, and they have two children, Callum Cole, 21, a pilot and an aeronautical science student at the military Academy, and Jordan Shemariah, 18, a matric pupil.
In addition, Chetty said over the years he had pursued further studies.
He obtained a postgraduate degree in international security studies, a business administration degree in defence management, and a diploma in operational and international studies.
THE POST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
20 vulture chicks hatch at Shamwari Game Reserve, marking a significant conservation milestone
Excitement as 20 vulture chicks are born at Shamwari Game Reserve Image: Supplied In a remarkable boost for vulture conservation efforts in South Africa, 20 vulture chicks have hatched during the current breeding season at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This achievement signifies a pivotal milestone for Vulpro's relocated Captive Breeding Programme, confirming that the translocated vultures are thriving in their new environment. With the breeding season running from 1 July to mid-August, observers anticipate even more chick births before the season concludes. This promising breeding success arrives just over a year after Vulpro executed the largest vulture relocation in history, moving 160 birds over 1,042 kilometres from their original facility in Hartebeespoort to specially designed enclosures at Shamwari. The move underlines a broader commitment to combating the severe threats vultures face, which include human-induced dangers such as poisoning, collisions with powerlines, and wind magnificent birds breed slowly, highlighting a perfect storm for their potential extinction. A vulture chick born at Shamwari Game Reserve Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "Vultures only lay one egg per year during breeding season, that's it," explains Kerri Wolter, CEO of Vulpro. "Species like the Cape Vulture typically reach sexual maturity around seven years old, while the White-Backed Vulture matures slightly earlier at about five years. Lappet-faced Vultures tend to take even longer than seven years. With such low reproductive rates, we cannot sustain the current losses." The sobering statistics unveil a harrowing truth: even under ideal conditions in the wild, survival rates from egg to adulthood hover around a mere 5%. When compounded with rising human threats, the math starkly reinforces the urgency of vulture conservation. 'It's crucial to understand that when vulture populations reach dangerously low levels, they cease breeding altogether,' cautions Wolter. 'Our focus must be on preventing this while simultaneously tackling the various threats they face.' A Vulture chick being taken care of at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve Image: Supplied Launched in 2015, Vulpro's Captive Breeding Programme emerged at a time when there were no comparable initiatives in South Africa, with most conservation efforts focused primarily on threat mitigation. Today, Vulpro houses around 300 vultures, securing its position as the world's largest African vulture Captive Breeding Programme and setting new standards for recovery efforts globally. A noteworthy aspect of Vulpro's approach lies in their exclusive use of non-releasable birds for breeding. Many of these individuals have fallen victim to energy infrastructure collisions but still possess the potential to contribute to their species' survival through reproduction. "What makes our programme unique," states Wolter, "is that all our non-releasable birds still hold value. They contribute to the survival of their wild counterparts instead of merely occupying space in an enclosure.' This innovative approach avoids removing healthy wild birds from already endangered populations while providing meaningful roles for injured raptors, ensuring a sustainable future for these majestic creatures. Vulpro's commitment goes beyond mere breeding; their dedication to rigorous standards and record-keeping ensures a robust foundation for vulture recovery. Wolter notes, 'The significance of any Captive Breeding Programme lies in stringent record-keeping. You need to know which egg and chick belongs to which pair to maintain genetic diversity.' The breeding programme at Shamwari has become what Wolter calls "a national asset." The diverse genetic backgrounds of the birds contribute significantly to future generations, creating a stronghold for endangered species at risk of extinction. Vulpro's methodology draws invaluable lessons from previous conservation efforts, particularly the Asian vulture crisis, where reactive measures were taken too late to save populations. 'Experience has taught us that it's never too early to start a founding population; proactive measures are critical,' explains Wolter. Coupled with sophisticated breeding techniques such as double clutching, where the first egg is removed to encourage a second lay, the programme embodies a delicate yet effective approach to vulture reproduction. Breeding pairs engage in intricate behaviours, showcasing their monogamous nature, including sharing responsibilities for nest building and chick rearing during an arduous 54-day incubation period. 'Witnessing these massive birds tenderly incubating tiny eggs is a beautiful reminder of the gentler side of vultures,' shares Wolter. 'These seemingly terrifying raptors possess a remarkable gentleness, challenging the stereotypes often associated with them.' As pressures mount on vulture populations regionally and globally, Vulpro's Captive Breeding Programme stands as a crucial safeguard against extinction. With facilities at Shamwari expanding to meet rising conservation needs, their pioneering efforts underscore that innovation, dedication, and deep biological understanding can drive impactful change for even the most imposing conservation challenges. Young vultures released from the programme at around nine months old symbolize hope for their species, embodying proof that through thoughtful intervention, even the most vulnerable can emerge as crucial agents of survival. Through their continued efforts, Vulpro aims not just to preserve vultures but to fundamentally transform the narrative surrounding them. Vulpro remains dedicated to safeguarding Africa's vulture populations through rescue, rehabilitation, captive breeding, research, and education initiatives. To learn more, support their work, and help rewrite the story for vultures in Africa, visit
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Gauteng Education Department records over 600,000 online applications for Grade 1 and 8
MEC Matome Chiloane has revealed that his department has recorded over 600,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 online applications for 2026. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers The Gauteng Department of Education has revealed that it has recorded over 600,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 online applications for the 2026 academic year. On Tuesday, Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, indicated that this remarkable milestone was reached on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, just two weeks after the system opened for applications on July 24, 2025. This system, designed for parents and guardians of children entering Grade 1 and Grade 8, has, over the years, presented numerous challenges to parents, with the department revealing that it has upgraded it to cope with the demand. Chiloane, in a statement on Tuesday, revealed that by 2pm on Tuesday, the system had recorded a total of 600,936 applications, comprising 254,251 for Grade 1 and 346,685 for Grade 8. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Chiloane urged parents and guardians who have not yet applied to do so by visiting the department's website before applications close on August 29. "After registering, parents must complete the 5-Step Application Process, as incomplete applications will not be considered for placement. All applicants must upload certified copies of the required documents online or submit them in person to each selected school within seven days of applying. If uploaded online, documents only need to be submitted once, as all selected schools will be able to view them," he said. The GDE Online Admissions System supports document verification by schools. It will prompt schools to verify and update the status of documents, whether uploaded online or submitted physically. Parents will receive SMS notifications once schools acknowledge receipt and verification of documents. Schools will receive automated alerts whenever new documents are uploaded by applicants. Chiloane also urged parents and guardians to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to increase their chances of finding space for their children. "Parents are advised to apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to increase the likelihood of successful placement. It is also essential to provide a valid cellphone number, as all communication, including placement offers, will be sent via SMS. Parents are urged to keep all SMS communication regarding their application," he added. According to the department, parents will start receiving confirmation of placement no later than October 16. "Applicants with complete submissions will begin receiving placement offers from 16 October 2025. Parents should log in regularly to ensure all steps have been completed. To accommodate parents without access to digital resources, the Department has made support available at all Gauteng public schools and through 81 Decentralised Walk-In Centres across the province," he stated.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Cape Town's City Hall clock chimes again after 15 years
The City Hall clock chimed again Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters For the first time in 15 years, the unmistakable chimes of Cape Town's historic City Hall clock echoed through the heart of the city this week, marking a proud and poignant moment in the city's heritage story. From four chimes every quarter hour to the 16-note melody and hourly strikes, the restored clock once again forms part of the city's ambient soundtrack evoking memories for some of hurried trips to catch trains after a day at the Grand Parade, and for others, simply adding to the comforting rhythm of life in the Mother City. The restoration was unveiled by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, who described the moment as more than just a mechanical triumph; "it was a gesture of civic pride and a tribute to history". Originally installed in 1905 and crafted by the same clockmakers who built London's iconic Big Ben, the City Hall clock has long stood as a sentinel above Cape Town's historic centre. But for over a decade, its voice was lost its mechanisms worn, its bell silent. Now, following months of meticulous restoration by horologist Rudy Conradi and his team at Clock Affairs in Brackenfell, the clock is fully operational once again. 'So what we've done is strip the whole unit down completely in our workshop. Then we assessed the block using 3D technical drawings,' Conradi explained. 'We also managed to draw up plans for all future work, so we now have a full set of updated plans.' Conradi and his team didn't take long to identify the problems and began the delicate process of renewal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ An old picture of workers at the City Hall clock Image: Supplied 'We've redone quite a few of the bushes and other components. After that, we assembled everything again, lubricated it, and commissioned the mechanisms. Now, the clock chimes four notes every 15 minutes and at half past it chimes 8. On the top of the hour it chimes 16 notes and strikes accordingly for each hour.' Manual labour remains central to the clock's upkeep. 'The system is almost 120 years old. They haven't automated it yet, although there were early versions that had water-level systems to assist. Right now, we manually wind the clock twice a week. The weights take about four days to drop to the bottom, so the timing works out well,' said Conradi. For him, restoring the clock is as personal as it is professional. 'People around here know I do this kind of thing though it's not really the kind of work you put on your CV. Still, it's rewarding. It's nice to look up and see your handywork in action. Just to stop and admire it and know: 'Yeah, I did that.'' For Hill-Lewis, the restoration speaks to something deeper than engineering. 'This is not just about fixing a precious and historic clock; it's about what it symbolises for our city and our government. It's about building civic pride, a shared sense that we are proud of our city,' he said. 'We love Cape Town. We are proud of what we've inherited from previous generations, and we are determined to improve on that legacy, to leave it even better for future generations. Ultimately, that's the core reason we serve in government.' Hill-Lewis commended the many City officials who played a part in the project, calling it a reflection of the kind of government he believes in. Rudi Conradi working on the clock Image: Supplied 'This is exactly what we want our work in government to reflect. We've inherited these beautiful assets from those who came before us, and it is our duty to ensure they remain a source of pride for Cape Town and all her residents,' he said. 'I only wish more people in government shared that same view.' He added that the restoration offered something else - hope. 'It shows us we can fix what's broken. If we can successfully tackle a difficult engineering or historical restoration challenge like this clock, then we can apply the same dedication to the broader issues facing our communities.' Vos, who was also involved in the planning, described the project as a personal highlight. 'Built by the legendary J.B. Joyce & Co, the same clockmakers behind the Big Ben, this is no ordinary timepiece. With its gravity escapement, Westminster Chimes, and 100kg weights, it's a mechanical masterpiece, and today, the City Hall clock is officially back on tour.' He added with a smile, 'The restoration has been a delicate process, from worn drum bushings to heritage-preserving sound mechanisms. You can't exactly order parts off the internet, like Temu. Every step has required craftsmanship, care and deep respect for history and now it's time to let the City Hall clock do what it does best: keep time, tell stories and ring out across the City once again.' Weekend Argus
