White River - A South African Air Force aircraft transporting Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa developed technical faults shortly after takeoff from Kruger National Park Airport in White River, Mpumalanga, on Sunday, 3 April 2016, forcing the pilot to return the aircraft to the airport.

Deputy President Ramaphosa was returning from Mpumalanga where he was installed as first Chancellor of the new University of Mpumalanga on Saturday, 2 April 2016, and addressed the ANC-led Provincial Alliance Summit on Sunday, 3 April 2016.

Shortly after taking off from Kruger National Park Airport for Air Force Base Waterkloof this afternoon, Sunday 3 April 2016, the aircraft developed technical faults mid-air forcing the pilot to return the aircraft safely back to the airport.

As a consequence, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was driven back safely to his Johannesburg home by his South African Police Service security detail.  

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria