Ed Black retweeted
Article borrowed from Bruce Askham:
Now that the internet has had 24 hours to lose its mind over the Airlink flypast at DHL Stadium…
As a pilot, I thought it was magnificent.
Yes, it was LOW. That was rather the point.
But low does not automatically mean unsafe.
This was a planned, rehearsed and approved flypast, flown at around 150 knots and conducted within the altitude and speed parameters approved by the SACAA. Air Traffic Navigation Services was also involved in the planning and support.
And this wasn’t a couple of cowboys having a crack at it.
Each aircraft carried THREE senior Airlink captains, acting as commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer. That is a serious amount of experience sitting up front.
What we watched was precision flying.
Two Embraers. Formation. Low level. Precise timing. A stadium packed with Springbok and All Black supporters. And a spectacular piece of aviation to kick off one of the greatest rivalries in world sport.
Was it close?
Hell yes.
Was there an incident?
No.
Was it some unplanned near-disaster requiring an internet investigation by every newly qualified Facebook aviation expert?
Also no. 📷
Airlink’s own recorded flight data confirms that both aircraft remained within the SACAA-approved and rehearsed safety parameters.
So perhaps we can stop manufacturing an accident that never happened and simply appreciate what we were privileged to see.
And thankfully, despite what another highly reliable Facebook image may suggest, the crews were not dreadlocked, doobie-smoking, “trust the vibes” cockpit philosophers. 📷
So no, Cheech and Chong were not flying the formation.
Thank you Airlink. That was something special.
May there be many more.
Oh, and the Boks won 33–26.
Lekker. 📷 #Flypast #Flover #Airlink #SouthAfrica #Rugby #Springbokke #SANZ #Crybabies #TIA
Ed Black retweeted
I am honoured to be appointed as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and look forward to serving as a member of the cabinet in the Government of National Unity!
Ed Black retweeted
Special Agent uGogoZille has done it again!! 🤣🤣🤣
She went fishing at the public swimming pool in Windsor.
Pain loading! 🤣🤣
Ed Black retweeted
Recent polling data reveals one of the most striking political paradoxes in Johannesburg. 84% of voters say the DA would improve service delivery where they live. Yet only 39% say they would actually vote for the DA.
Among black voters, 80% believe the DA would deliver better services, but just 25% intend to back the party. The DA has won the argument on delivery. It is still losing the argument on trust.
Read the full analysis in The Common Sense.
#TheCommonSense #SouthAfrica #DA #Johannesburg #Politics #Polling #Elections #ServiceDelivery
f.mtr.cool/qxdfxmgzff
Ed Black retweeted
"Offensive" is cancelling the security on the Cape's central railway line, leading to total destruction, and then appointing a crony who outsourced the rebuilding to one of the province's most notorious gang bosses.
"Offensive" is getting an overseas holiday from a government supplier, claiming it was a loan and then "repaying" it with money from one of your old Kebble buddies.
"Offensive" is crying snot and tears on hearing you are a Gupta appointment - and accepting the position anyway. Sorry, that's not offensive, just pathetic.
"Offensive" is that no one has been prosecuted for 144 Life Esidimeni deaths after 10 years and four independent recommendations. Again, apologies. That was, in fact, a crime against humanity.
"Offensive" is twiddling your thumbs while taxi terrorists attack Intercape passengers and telling the bus company "to engage" with the criminals.
"Offensive" are your outfits and sermons on human rights and social justice while presiding over 42% unemployment.
"Offensive" is what the public see at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry: a top ANC Northwest leader getting R300 million from municipalities and being instrumental in organised crime.
"Offensive" is that we live in a country so bereft of sanity that you are regarded as a presidential candidate.
Weep, for your rot and disgrace.
The apparent rejection of renaming of Graaff-Reinet after Professor Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe must be condemned. It is unfortunate that 32 years after our democracy built on reconciliation and tolerance of our diverse cultures we still have some groups who are opposed to nation building and cultural reconstruction. Standardization of geographical names is central to cultural diversity , spiritual healing and decolonisation of African heritage . Places which have offensive names remind those who were oppressed the brutal oppression and cultural subjugation. Those who came to settle in our land did everything in their powers to wipe out the heritage and cultures of the indigenous people. It is now time for all peace loving South African to embrace total transformation of our society and accept that some geographical place names must be standardized.
Ed Black retweeted
[WATCH] DA Johannesburg's mayoral candidate, Helen Zille, slammed MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene for an alleged pothole ribbon cutting ceremony and referred to the Patriotic Alliance as the "the Pothole Alliance." #Newzroom405
Ed Black retweeted
Formula 1 spotted testing the new regulations for 2031. Goal: 100% EV
xitter.cf/Harriwxu3/status/20260…
Ed Black retweeted
ANC Birthday 114 update: the stadium was empty, no vibe, no KFC like last year, not even R20 airtime. Supporters told to “eat memories” while tenderpreneurs were busy last night demolishing a 5-course gala dinner. Priorities are prioritising
Ed Black retweeted
It’s incredible how many of our global issues have been caused by three white men in their 70s clinging to power to avoid prison.
Ed Black retweeted
NEW: Fast and unflappable, Oscar Piastri is staking his claim to be McLaren's leading driver while putting himself on course to win the world championship. racefans.net/2025/08/22/2025…
Ed Black retweeted
SA’s office vacancy rate improved to 13.3% during Q2 2025 – the lowest level since Q4 2020 according to @SAPOA_SA's Office Vacancy Survey.
Ed Black retweeted
Every murder is tragic. No life is more valuable because of the colour of one’s skin. This is a crime issue that has been racialised for nefarious outcomes. 36 murders took place on South African farms last year. Of the 36 people killed, 29 were farm workers. 7 were farmers.
Ed Black retweeted
Diplomacy/Foreign policy is rooted in the pursuit of national interest. You navigate, read the room & maintain focus on the deal....bringing the bacon home!! 1. Getting Africa's biggest🇿🇦 & the world's most powerful economies to sit, resolve issues & reset relations was a big win.✔️ 2. Confirmation of USA #G20 participation ✔️. 3. Mutually beneficial trade deal. ✔️ #SAinUSA
Ed Black retweeted
Ooh, did you guys notice something or is it just me? I’d say Slick move, President @EmmanuelMacron ..slick move! 🫱🏻🫲🏼😎🇺🇦
Ed Black retweeted
Naledi Pandoor is in the U.S. to repair diplomatic ties with the U.S.?
Either the South African government is smoking its socks or they are arrogant beyond imagination.
Naledi Pandoor IS a major reason WHY Pretoria is in hot water with Washington.
The ANC is delusional – at Pennsylvania, USA
Ed Black retweeted
Crime in Cape Town’s CBD between mid-Nov 2024 to mid-Jan 2025 dropped dramatically according to stats released by @CapeTownCCID with the number of reported crime-related incidents having dropped by 34% from 406 incidents to 267 - a decrease in shoplifting (-80%), common robbery (-58%), business break-ins and general theft (-50%) and theft out of cars (-27%).