Celebrating six decades of life-saving service, the Air Mercy Service (AMS) has marked its 60th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy defined by innovation, compassion and an unwavering commitment to delivering critical aero-medical and rescue services across South Africa.

The milestone event brought together government leaders, international partners, donors and key stakeholders from both the aviation and healthcare sectors. It served not only as a celebration of AMS’s remarkable journey but also as a strategic platform to shape its future direction in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Delivering the Chairperson’s address, Gideon Sam emphasised that the anniversary represents far more than a historical milestone.

“This is not merely a commemoration. It is a moment of strategic intent,” he noted. “From the outset, our work was never designed to stand alone. It was built to be embedded within the broader national health agenda, extending specialist care into underserved communities and acting as a force multiplier for a public health sector stretched to its limits.”

Echoing this forward-looking vision, AMS CEO Farhaad Haffejee highlighted the organisation’s operational excellence and human impact.

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude and that attitude has defined the Air Mercy Service for six decades,” he said. “Every flight we undertake represents a critical moment: a patient in need, a community in distress, a healthcare system under pressure. Our role is to respond efficiently, safely and with clinical excellence.”

The evening programme featured contributions from key partners and industry leaders, including Platinum Sponsor Rotortrade. Represented by Aurelian Blanc, the address underscored the critical role of aviation partnerships in sustaining and advancing life-saving operations.

Delivering the keynote address, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, spoke on the urgent need to advance equitable healthcare systems across the continent. Her remarks highlighted the importance of strengthening national capabilities to ensure that even the most vulnerable populations can access essential medical services.

Adding a sector-wide perspective, Jodi Scholtz emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector in driving sustainable impact and long-term resilience in healthcare delivery.

The programme was expertly facilitated by renowned South African broadcaster Africa Melane, who guided the evening’s reflections and discussions with insight and professionalism.

As AMS looks to the future, the organisation remains firmly focused on expanding its reach, enhancing operational capabilities and strengthening partnerships. With six decades of proven impact behind it, the Air Mercy Service continues to stand at the forefront of aero-medical innovation ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all South Africans no matter how remote.