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

Gadija Ryklief

PA to the CEO

Gadija Ryklief

Gadija Ryklief

PA to the CEO

PA to the CEO

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Receptionist

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile

Receptionist

Receptionist

Venessa Jafta (neé Horn)

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Venessa Jafta (neé Horn)

Venessa Jafta (neé Horn)

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Public Relations & Fundraising Officer

Letitia Lewis

HR Administrator

Letitia Lewis

Letitia Lewis

HR Administrator

HR Administrator

Dorothy Zimba

Accounts Clerk

Dorothy Zimba

Dorothy Zimba

Accounts Clerk

Accounts Clerk

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

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Training & Development

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Jocelyn Park-Ross

Training & Development

Training & Development

Thembakazi Qokolo

Intern

Thembakazi Qokolo

Thembakazi Qokolo

Intern

Intern

Rushana Slarmie

Support & Training

Rushana Slarmie

Rushana Slarmie

Support & Training

Support & Training

Carol Korner

Bookkeeper

Carol Korner

Carol Korner

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeper

Heinrich Williams

AMO Technical & Quality Controller

Heinrich Williams

Heinrich Williams

AMO Technical & Quality Controller

AMO Technical & Quality Controller

Francois Du Toit

Safety Manager

Francois Du Toit

Francois Du Toit

Safety Manager

Safety Manager

Riaan Combrink

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Riaan Combrink

Riaan Combrink

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

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

Shelli Ferreira

Technical Records

Shelli Ferreira

Shelli Ferreira

Technical Records

Technical Records

Jason Cahill

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Jason Cahill

Jason Cahill

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

Aviation Maintenance Engineeer

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Meet our team

Our staff member being profiled today, comes from a background and life experience that is as colourful, enduring and diverse as he is. Starting out as a Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) in the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) field, he recently achieved Command Pilot status on the PC12. Captain Jeffrey Persens, joined the AMS family in December 2012 where he first took up the position of NOC assistant while at the same time being part of the AMS Cadet Pilot Development Programme. Jeffrey’s career has grown in leaps and bounds, here’s a look at his journey …

Tell us about yourself: “I grew up on a farm called Driefontein, situated 30kms outside Ceres. At the age of 12 we moved to Ceres where I completed Matric. I started working as a casual worker at a factory now known as Ceres Fruit Juices, after 6 months I was employed full time in the Quality Control Department, during the last six years of my 10 years there I was in the Blending Department, where you blend and test different flavours in order to produce a quality product. I started my flying career in 2007 in Kimberley after finishing at Ceres Fruit Juices. During my time in Kimberley when AMS was still operational there I always saw the PC 12 flying. My Instructor at the time was a volunteer pilot at Kimberley base. One day he took me to the base and showed me the PC 12. I took a few steps back while looking at it and said …. One day I will fly you! Seems like there is truth in the saying be careful what you proclaim out in the universe, it may just come true. Because look where I am today!”

Were you in any other trade before? “I was in the juice making trade, I was in the lorry driving trade – I drove for Shoprite, Coke. I worked for Netcare while doing my flight training, I drove a tip truck to the mines in Kimberley. I also worked for METRO EMS Tygerberg Base before joining AMS.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To be fluent in English! This English language can be a problem sometimes.”

What do you do in your spare time? “These days it’s watching ENCA! A lekke braai at friends, not the bring and braai kind!”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “Shoo, I don’t know… I can play guitar to amuse myself while sitting on my stoep.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Flying was always something I wanted to do. I love it when the wheels lift from the ground. I attach a lot of sentimental value to AMS. In 2002, my father was involved in an accident in Richmond near Three Sisters. He sustained a lot of internal injuries. It was night time when AMS flew him with the PC 12 from Beaufort West to Cape Town where he underwent operations and unfortunately at a later stage passed away. AMS is very special to me, they fulfilled this emergency need in my personal life. It’s always good to help people and make a difference in their life.”

What is on your bedside table? “My Bible, something I reach for every morning to obtain some wisdom from the wise Solomon - before having my morning coffee.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “I’m not into famous people, but I would definitely want to have dinner with my father, my grandmother and grandfather from my mother’s side. And my father’s biological father.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “Most people don’t know about AMS, but when I tell them what we do they are surprisingly impressed. Some people still think I’m a medic.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “There was a few… The day I got the cadetship at AMS, the day I went to the CEO to get a permanent job in the NOC and when I left the NOC to fly permanently and now obtaining my Captaincy. Quite frankly I cannot think that I have had a bad day at AMS! I am very happy and privileged to be here.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “A cup of coffee and chocolate before bed!”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Someone once said you can’t live without oxygen.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Probably joker, but I can also be a deep thinker.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Just live, every day!”

Meet our team

Meet our team

Our staff member being profiled today, comes from a background and life experience that is as colourful, enduring and diverse as he is. Starting out as a Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA) in the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) field, he recently achieved Command Pilot status on the PC12. Captain Jeffrey Persens, joined the AMS family in December 2012 where he first took up the position of NOC assistant while at the same time being part of the AMS Cadet Pilot Development Programme. Jeffrey’s career has grown in leaps and bounds, here’s a look at his journey …

Tell us about yourself: “I grew up on a farm called Driefontein, situated 30kms outside Ceres. At the age of 12 we moved to Ceres where I completed Matric. I started working as a casual worker at a factory now known as Ceres Fruit Juices, after 6 months I was employed full time in the Quality Control Department, during the last six years of my 10 years there I was in the Blending Department, where you blend and test different flavours in order to produce a quality product. I started my flying career in 2007 in Kimberley after finishing at Ceres Fruit Juices. During my time in Kimberley when AMS was still operational there I always saw the PC 12 flying. My Instructor at the time was a volunteer pilot at Kimberley base. One day he took me to the base and showed me the PC 12. I took a few steps back while looking at it and said …. One day I will fly you! Seems like there is truth in the saying be careful what you proclaim out in the universe, it may just come true. Because look where I am today!”

Were you in any other trade before? “I was in the juice making trade, I was in the lorry driving trade – I drove for Shoprite, Coke. I worked for Netcare while doing my flight training, I drove a tip truck to the mines in Kimberley. I also worked for METRO EMS Tygerberg Base before joining AMS.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To be fluent in English! This English language can be a problem sometimes.”

What do you do in your spare time? “These days it’s watching ENCA! A lekke braai at friends, not the bring and braai kind!”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “Shoo, I don’t know… I can play guitar to amuse myself while sitting on my stoep.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Flying was always something I wanted to do. I love it when the wheels lift from the ground. I attach a lot of sentimental value to AMS. In 2002, my father was involved in an accident in Richmond near Three Sisters. He sustained a lot of internal injuries. It was night time when AMS flew him with the PC 12 from Beaufort West to Cape Town where he underwent operations and unfortunately at a later stage passed away. AMS is very special to me, they fulfilled this emergency need in my personal life. It’s always good to help people and make a difference in their life.”

What is on your bedside table? “My Bible, something I reach for every morning to obtain some wisdom from the wise Solomon - before having my morning coffee.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “I’m not into famous people, but I would definitely want to have dinner with my father, my grandmother and grandfather from my mother’s side. And my father’s biological father.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “Most people don’t know about AMS, but when I tell them what we do they are surprisingly impressed. Some people still think I’m a medic.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “There was a few… The day I got the cadetship at AMS, the day I went to the CEO to get a permanent job in the NOC and when I left the NOC to fly permanently and now obtaining my Captaincy. Quite frankly I cannot think that I have had a bad day at AMS! I am very happy and privileged to be here.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “A cup of coffee and chocolate before bed!”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Someone once said you can’t live without oxygen.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Probably joker, but I can also be a deep thinker.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Just live, every day!”

Meet our team...

During the month of August we pay homage to women of our nation, it is just fitting that this week we feature one of our phenomenal women in our organisation. Kogie Naidoo, Durban Base Manager has been with the AMS since 1998, here’s a look into her world …

Tell us about yourself? I was born in Addington Hospital, grew up in Chatsworth. I finished school at Westcliff Secondary and completed my Management Degree with UNISA.

Were you in any other trade before? I have always worked in the emergency field even though I don’t have any medical background.   I worked at AEMS (now known as EMS) from 1982 to 1994 and thereafter at Medical Rescue International from 1994 to 1998 and then started with AMS in June 1998 to date.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? A Paramedic.

What do you do in your spare time? Gardening, sewing, reading, and looking after my family.

What is the one thing about you few people know? I have a terribly sweet tooth despite being a diabetic.

What do you enjoy most about your job?   Interacting with people and no two days are alike, each day is different.

What is on your bedside table?   Hot bag (for the stress, aches and pains), book (which I barely get to read– five pages and I am fast asleep) and my cell phone (for the late night calls from the pilots).

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?   Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?   Shirley is leaving today, 28 August 2018 – what a sad day for all of us. Better get my tissues ready.

What has been the happiest day of your life?   There is a few happy days. My wedding, the day my children and grandchildren were born.   Starting work at AMS and flying around KZN in this small aeroplane, not so small after all.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? A matron in a hospital.

What is your greatest indulgence?   Chocolates and butter cream cake.

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? Tea and family.

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?   Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle!

What animal best represents you and why?   Tigress – strong character and fiercely protective.    Even though the ladies in the office think I am a “dragon”.

Any motto you live by?    “The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you!!!

Meet our team...

Meet our team...

During the month of August we pay homage to women of our nation, it is just fitting that this week we feature one of our phenomenal women in our organisation. Kogie Naidoo, Durban Base Manager has been with the AMS since 1998, here’s a look into her world …

Tell us about yourself? I was born in Addington Hospital, grew up in Chatsworth. I finished school at Westcliff Secondary and completed my Management Degree with UNISA.

Were you in any other trade before? I have always worked in the emergency field even though I don’t have any medical background.   I worked at AEMS (now known as EMS) from 1982 to 1994 and thereafter at Medical Rescue International from 1994 to 1998 and then started with AMS in June 1998 to date.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? A Paramedic.

What do you do in your spare time? Gardening, sewing, reading, and looking after my family.

What is the one thing about you few people know? I have a terribly sweet tooth despite being a diabetic.

What do you enjoy most about your job?   Interacting with people and no two days are alike, each day is different.

What is on your bedside table?   Hot bag (for the stress, aches and pains), book (which I barely get to read– five pages and I am fast asleep) and my cell phone (for the late night calls from the pilots).

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be?   Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?   Shirley is leaving today, 28 August 2018 – what a sad day for all of us. Better get my tissues ready.

What has been the happiest day of your life?   There is a few happy days. My wedding, the day my children and grandchildren were born.   Starting work at AMS and flying around KZN in this small aeroplane, not so small after all.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? A matron in a hospital.

What is your greatest indulgence?   Chocolates and butter cream cake.

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? Tea and family.

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?   Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle!

What animal best represents you and why?   Tigress – strong character and fiercely protective.    Even though the ladies in the office think I am a “dragon”.

Any motto you live by?    “The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you!!!

Meet our team...

Today we introduce Riaan Combrinck, Aviation Maintenance Engineer based in Durban. Riaan has been with the organisation for three years and seven months, here’s a look into his world …

Tell us about yourself? “I was born in Bloemfontein, grew up in Pretoria. After completing Matric, I started my career in the SA Air Force immediately as an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer, qualifying in February 2005.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Complete mindfulness and inner peace.”

What do you do in your spare time? “What is spare time??? I actually enjoy studying computer programming and building little automation projects for my home.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Solving the problems and challenges faced daily.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Nikola Tesla, Lao Tsu and Confucius.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The day my beautiful daughter Zanria was born.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be a teacher, because they have a great influence on who we become.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Drinking condensed milk out of the tin… and participating in motorsport.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Peanut butter…..oh and those special individuals that have given their time to help me become the person I am today.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Do not take anything in life too personal, most of us don’t even know why we are here let alone understand why we are self-conscious.”

Any motto you live by? “Do not listen with the intent to reply, listen with the intent to understand” Stephen Covey.

Meet our team...

Meet our team...

Today we introduce Riaan Combrinck, Aviation Maintenance Engineer based in Durban. Riaan has been with the organisation for three years and seven months, here’s a look into his world …

Tell us about yourself? “I was born in Bloemfontein, grew up in Pretoria. After completing Matric, I started my career in the SA Air Force immediately as an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer, qualifying in February 2005.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Complete mindfulness and inner peace.”

What do you do in your spare time? “What is spare time??? I actually enjoy studying computer programming and building little automation projects for my home.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Solving the problems and challenges faced daily.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Nikola Tesla, Lao Tsu and Confucius.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The day my beautiful daughter Zanria was born.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be a teacher, because they have a great influence on who we become.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Drinking condensed milk out of the tin… and participating in motorsport.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Peanut butter…..oh and those special individuals that have given their time to help me become the person I am today.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Do not take anything in life too personal, most of us don’t even know why we are here let alone understand why we are self-conscious.”

Any motto you live by? “Do not listen with the intent to reply, listen with the intent to understand” Stephen Covey.

KwaZulu-Natal 20th Anniversary Celebration

Guest of honour and keynote speaker, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo celebrated the 20 year partnership with the AMS and the recently launched National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funded mobile medical simulator at Durban Country Club. The AMS in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health celebrated 20 years of providing access to healthcare to the rural and urban communities of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Please see gallery for more information and images.

KwaZulu-Natal 20th Anniversary Celebration

KwaZulu-Natal 20th Anniversary Celebration

Guest of honour and keynote speaker, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo celebrated the 20 year partnership with the AMS and the recently launched National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funded mobile medical simulator at Durban Country Club. The AMS in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health celebrated 20 years of providing access to healthcare to the rural and urban communities of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Please see gallery for more information and images.