Head Office | The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service

Management and Administration

The general manager reports to the executive committee and is responsible for day-today management. Medical and aviation decisions are taken in consultation with the chairperson of the medical committee and the pilots panel respectively. Day-today financial administration is handled by the management staff in accordance with the budget approved by the trustees.

All meetings are minuted and conform strictly to acceptable standards of corporate governance practice.

Philip Erasmus

Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for all services we render.

Philip Erasmus

Philip Erasmus

Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for all services we render.

Chief Executive Officer

Farhaad Haffejee

Corporate Development Manager

My role as Corporate Development Manager acts an an interface between government and other partners of the AMS with regards to the development of services of the AMS and all its activities. Aside from building new relationships, this department is also tasked with maintaining existing relationships. This happens both at national as well as an International Level with organisations such as ADAC, Rega, etc. As such, advocacy, PR and strategic management are conerstones of this department. The service development manager is also tasked with overseeing the Public Relations and Fundrasing Departments as well as looking aster the ever changing IT and communication needs of the developing organisation that is the AMS. In addition, this office also guides research involving the AMS.

Farhaad Haffejee

Farhaad Haffejee

Corporate Development Manager

My role as Corporate Development Manager acts an an interface between government and other partners of the AMS with regards to the development of services of the AMS and all its activities. Aside from building new relationships, this department is also tasked with maintaining existing relationships. This happens both at national as well as an International Level with organisations such as ADAC, Rega, etc. As such, advocacy, PR and strategic management are conerstones of this department. The service development manager is also tasked with overseeing the Public Relations and Fundrasing Departments as well as looking aster the ever changing IT and communication needs of the developing organisation that is the AMS. In addition, this office also guides research involving the AMS.

Corporate Development Manager

Catherine Brown

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resource Department develops initiaves and provides strategic support to AMS management with regard to human resource policy. It supports line management in the departments, performs centralised service tasks and ensures AMS wide application of operational human resource activities. Main areas of responsibility include manpower planning, orgaisation development, employment and association conditions, recruitment, job classification and salary adminsitration, performance appraisal, advancement, internal mobility, training and development, working conditions, settlement of disputes and relations with the personnel.

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resource Department develops initiaves and provides strategic support to AMS management with regard to human resource policy. It supports line management in the departments, performs centralised service tasks and ensures AMS wide application of operational human resource activities. Main areas of responsibility include manpower planning, orgaisation development, employment and association conditions, recruitment, job classification and salary adminsitration, performance appraisal, advancement, internal mobility, training and development, working conditions, settlement of disputes and relations with the personnel.

Human Resources Manager

Gary McCormick

Quality & Technical Manager

As the Quality Manager, I am responsible for the effective development, implementation and review of a quality management system, through the provision of technical support, protocols, procedures, training and regular audits.

Gary McCormick

Gary McCormick

Quality & Technical Manager

As the Quality Manager, I am responsible for the effective development, implementation and review of a quality management system, through the provision of technical support, protocols, procedures, training and regular audits.

Quality & Technical Manager

JR Redelinghuys

Flight Operations Manager

Responsible for the co-ordination and control of the flight training of the AMS, Responsible for maintaining flying standards in consultation with the Chief Pilot and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Responsible for ensuring standardization of instructional and flight techniques among flight training personnel, Conduct and control proficiency checking requirements on behalf of AMS with regard to all initial and periodic flight training including subsequent route competency and instrument rating checks, Ensure that training files & complete documentation records are maintained for each individual flight crew member, Ensure that all South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations requirements in respect of renewing or upgrading of pilot licenses have been timeously complied with, Liaise with other training organisations and to submit recommendations which may serve to enhance AMS training capability and or procedures.

JR Redelinghuys

JR Redelinghuys

Flight Operations Manager

Responsible for the co-ordination and control of the flight training of the AMS, Responsible for maintaining flying standards in consultation with the Chief Pilot and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Responsible for ensuring standardization of instructional and flight techniques among flight training personnel, Conduct and control proficiency checking requirements on behalf of AMS with regard to all initial and periodic flight training including subsequent route competency and instrument rating checks, Ensure that training files & complete documentation records are maintained for each individual flight crew member, Ensure that all South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations requirements in respect of renewing or upgrading of pilot licenses have been timeously complied with, Liaise with other training organisations and to submit recommendations which may serve to enhance AMS training capability and or procedures.

Flight Operations Manager

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Receptionist

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Receptionist

Receptionist

Venessa Horn

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Venessa Horn

Venessa Horn

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Letitia Lewis

HR Administrator

Letitia Lewis

Letitia Lewis

HR Administrator

HR Administrator

Eugene Mazimpaka Muramutsa

Aviation Maintenance Engineer

Eugene Mazimpaka Muramutsa

Eugene Mazimpaka Muramutsa

Aviation Maintenance Engineer

Aviation Maintenance Engineer

Ashwin Krishna

National Operations Manager

Ashwin Krishna

Ashwin Krishna

National Operations Manager

National Operations Manager

Marc Lawson

AMO Manager

Marc Lawson

Marc Lawson

AMO Manager

AMO Manager

Simthembile Gadezweni

IT Technician

Simthembile Gadezweni

Simthembile Gadezweni

IT Technician

IT Technician

Agosthino Goliath

Financial Manager

Agosthino Goliath

Agosthino Goliath

Financial Manager

Financial Manager

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Training & Development

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Training & Development

Training & Development

Rushana Slarmie

Head Office Administrative Coordinator

Rushana Slarmie

Rushana Slarmie

Head Office Administrative Coordinator

Head Office Administrative Coordinator

Francois Du Toit

Safety Manager

Francois Du Toit

Francois Du Toit

Safety Manager

Safety Manager

Lunga Sityebi

Storeman

Lunga Sityebi

Lunga Sityebi

Storeman

Storeman

Merwyn October

AMO Apprentice

Merwyn October

Merwyn October

AMO Apprentice

AMO Apprentice

Siyabonga Ngqumba

General Assistant - AMO

Siyabonga Ngqumba

Siyabonga Ngqumba

General Assistant - AMO

General Assistant - AMO

Martell Killian

Technical Controller

Martell Killian

Martell Killian

Technical Controller

Technical Controller

Ismail Kabley

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Ismail Kabley

Ismail Kabley

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Anathi Matutu

Junior Accountant

Anathi Matutu

Anathi Matutu

Junior Accountant

Junior Accountant

Ntombekhya Filo

Intern

Ntombekhya Filo

Ntombekhya Filo

Intern

Intern

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Let's stand together to fight COVID 19

Let’s all work together to fight the spread of COVID-19. The AMS is committed to do everything in its power to work with government and society to fight this pandemic. Stay informed and take the necessary precaution to curb the spread of the Coranavirus! We will continue to render services to all South Africans, taking the necessary protective measures to keep our staff, patients and health workers safe. #COVID19 #Coronavirus Poster credit: National Department of Health

Let's stand together to fight COVID 19

Let's stand together to fight COVID 19

Let’s all work together to fight the spread of COVID-19. The AMS is committed to do everything in its power to work with government and society to fight this pandemic. Stay informed and take the necessary precaution to curb the spread of the Coranavirus! We will continue to render services to all South Africans, taking the necessary protective measures to keep our staff, patients and health workers safe. #COVID19 #Coronavirus Poster credit: National Department of Health

Meet our team ...

Today we introduce Werner Norval, Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) based at our Cape Town base. Werner, another fitness and outdoor enthusiast, joined the AMS family in November, here’s a look into his world …

Tell us about yourself: “I grew up in Cape Town and attended DF Malan High School. I went on to study BCom Financial Accounting at Stellenbosch University. I soon realised that it was not for me. In 2007 I started working for Old Mutual as a financial adviser. During the first three years at Old Mutual, I studied financial planning at Milpark Business School. I worked for Old Mutual for another three years, six years in total. I then later resigned, re-did my matric Maths, Science and Biology and applied to study the BEMC course at the University of Johannesburg. After obtaining my degree in 2017 I started to work for Netcare911 in their ICU division. I was introduced to the aero-medical environment where I spent a year flying part time for them on their helicopter as an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP). I resigned in October 2019 and started with AMS in November 2019.”

Were you in any other trade before? “Yes, finance.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I believe it is a great company to work for. The experience I am gaining in the aero-medical environment with them is priceless.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To become a helicopter pilot.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I like to exercise, running and swimming specifically. Furthermore, my spare time goes towards planning my wedding and honeymoon later this year. I also like to braai and socialise with friends. I also have a motorbike that I enjoy doing some day trips on.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I look much older than I really am!”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Being able to serve the community and care for patients. Also, my office has the best view anyone can ask for.”

What is on your bedside table? “A lamp, fan and heater.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Hitler I suppose; however, I am not that much into famous people. I would rather have dinner with my friends.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They always make a comment regarding the things we see and that they have a lot of respect for what we do.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “That day is still coming…9 May 2020, my wedding day!”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be the helicopter pilot.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Anything sweet, but I don’t share my tinkies!”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My soon to be wife! Oh, and oxygen! Typical paramedic thing to say.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Loyal.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Laugh every day!”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Don’t overthink. I struggle with that.”

Meet our team ...

Meet our team ...

Today we introduce Werner Norval, Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) based at our Cape Town base. Werner, another fitness and outdoor enthusiast, joined the AMS family in November, here’s a look into his world …

Tell us about yourself: “I grew up in Cape Town and attended DF Malan High School. I went on to study BCom Financial Accounting at Stellenbosch University. I soon realised that it was not for me. In 2007 I started working for Old Mutual as a financial adviser. During the first three years at Old Mutual, I studied financial planning at Milpark Business School. I worked for Old Mutual for another three years, six years in total. I then later resigned, re-did my matric Maths, Science and Biology and applied to study the BEMC course at the University of Johannesburg. After obtaining my degree in 2017 I started to work for Netcare911 in their ICU division. I was introduced to the aero-medical environment where I spent a year flying part time for them on their helicopter as an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP). I resigned in October 2019 and started with AMS in November 2019.”

Were you in any other trade before? “Yes, finance.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I believe it is a great company to work for. The experience I am gaining in the aero-medical environment with them is priceless.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To become a helicopter pilot.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I like to exercise, running and swimming specifically. Furthermore, my spare time goes towards planning my wedding and honeymoon later this year. I also like to braai and socialise with friends. I also have a motorbike that I enjoy doing some day trips on.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I look much older than I really am!”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Being able to serve the community and care for patients. Also, my office has the best view anyone can ask for.”

What is on your bedside table? “A lamp, fan and heater.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Hitler I suppose; however, I am not that much into famous people. I would rather have dinner with my friends.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They always make a comment regarding the things we see and that they have a lot of respect for what we do.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “That day is still coming…9 May 2020, my wedding day!”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be the helicopter pilot.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Anything sweet, but I don’t share my tinkies!”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My soon to be wife! Oh, and oxygen! Typical paramedic thing to say.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Loyal.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Laugh every day!”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Don’t overthink. I struggle with that.”

Meet our team ...

Newly graduate and self-motivator Anathi Matutu joined the AMS family as Junior Accountant in our Finance Department in February this year. Here’s a look into Anathi’s world …

Who is Anathi Matutu? “I am from a windy city called Port Elizabeth. I am the last born amongst three girls. I have recently completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Financial Accounting at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). I am also a hardworking young female who is self- motivated, determined and have a desire to succeed.”

Were you in any other trade before? “Previously, I was a student assistant at my varsity where I assisted students in leasing out prescribed textbooks.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “The first thing that caught my eye when searching the organisation was the humanitarian aspect, providing maximum service to the community which is what I believe and am passionate about - offering my service to the community.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Initiative. I am a person who likes to suggest from activities to creating a norm.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I read books, listen to music and casually bake with my friends.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I am not reserved as I appear to be. Once I am used to the environment and someone I become more relaxed and engaging.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “My job does not only focus on a particular aspect. Every day you learn something new, which is what I enjoy most about my job.”

What is on your bedside table? “Journal, tissue, scented candles and vaseline.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?

“Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Coco Chanel and Nelson Mandela.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They literally asked me about journal entries, balance sheet (if it did balance) and VAT because I used to tell them a lot when I was still a student.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “Completing my degree and getting a job that is in line with what I studied.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “An engineer.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “I cannot decide on one. But anything with sugar – cake, doughnut, chocolate, etc.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “I cannot live without lipstick.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Punctual.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Obstacles are the cost of greatness”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Yes. To be still in the midst of chaos and to accept things as they are and enjoy life.”

Meet our team ...

Meet our team ...

Newly graduate and self-motivator Anathi Matutu joined the AMS family as Junior Accountant in our Finance Department in February this year. Here’s a look into Anathi’s world …

Who is Anathi Matutu? “I am from a windy city called Port Elizabeth. I am the last born amongst three girls. I have recently completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Financial Accounting at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). I am also a hardworking young female who is self- motivated, determined and have a desire to succeed.”

Were you in any other trade before? “Previously, I was a student assistant at my varsity where I assisted students in leasing out prescribed textbooks.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “The first thing that caught my eye when searching the organisation was the humanitarian aspect, providing maximum service to the community which is what I believe and am passionate about - offering my service to the community.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Initiative. I am a person who likes to suggest from activities to creating a norm.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I read books, listen to music and casually bake with my friends.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I am not reserved as I appear to be. Once I am used to the environment and someone I become more relaxed and engaging.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “My job does not only focus on a particular aspect. Every day you learn something new, which is what I enjoy most about my job.”

What is on your bedside table? “Journal, tissue, scented candles and vaseline.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?

“Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Coco Chanel and Nelson Mandela.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They literally asked me about journal entries, balance sheet (if it did balance) and VAT because I used to tell them a lot when I was still a student.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “Completing my degree and getting a job that is in line with what I studied.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “An engineer.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “I cannot decide on one. But anything with sugar – cake, doughnut, chocolate, etc.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “I cannot live without lipstick.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Punctual.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Obstacles are the cost of greatness”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Yes. To be still in the midst of chaos and to accept things as they are and enjoy life.”

Cyclists airlifted in a critical condition

03 March 2020: The Western Cape Department of Health EMS/AMS rescue helicopter airlifted a cyclist in a serious condition from Simon's Town to Vincent Palotti. Images courtesy Rob de Wet.

Cyclists airlifted in a critical condition

Cyclists airlifted in a critical condition

03 March 2020: The Western Cape Department of Health EMS/AMS rescue helicopter airlifted a cyclist in a serious condition from Simon's Town to Vincent Palotti. Images courtesy Rob de Wet.