Kishugu is a South African company specializing in Integrated Fire Management (IFM) solutions, including wildfire prevention, suppression, and recovery. Through its subsidiary, Working on Fire (WOF), Kishugu plays a pivotal role in managing wildfires across South Africa and internationally.
Established in 2003, Working on Fire was initiated by the South African government to address the escalating threat of wildfires. WOF employs over 5,000 individuals, primarily youth from marginalized communities, offering them training in firefighting, fire prevention, and suppression technique.
Like in the past number of years the sky over Nelspruit Airport came alive again on Saturday, 10 May 2025, as the legendary Mpumalanga Airshow, that last year was judged the best airshow in South Africa, and this year proudly supported by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, took off with a spectacular display of aviation excellence the likes of which has never been seen before in South Africa.
This year's theme, “Music to Your Ears,” promised a breathtaking experience, where the roar of aircraft was harmonised with an electrifying atmosphere filled with excitement, action, and entertainment and certainly delivered ore that it had promised.
“We are thrilled to bring yet another remarkable airshow to the Lowveld,” said Johan Heine, Chairperson of the Lowveld Airshow. “This event is not just about aviation; it's about uniting the community, inspiring the next generation, and delivering an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Without our sponsors, we simply cannot host this event. We depend on the support of the community to make this airshow a success.”
The event schedule was from start to finish packed with excitement. The gates opened at 10:00, welcoming the eager spectators to a day full of aviation thrills.
The pre-programme kicked off at 12:00, setting the stage for an exhilarating day.
Throughout the morning, aircraft arrivals and display validations took place, offering visitors a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the action that lies ahead.
From early the skies began to stir with model aircraft demonstrations by members of SAMAA.
The official airshow took flight from 15:00 to 18:00, showcasing jaw-dropping aerial displays. This were followed by an exciting sequence featuring Harvard's and helicopter take-offs as well as the biggest parade of emergency vehicles I have ever see at any show!
As has by now became customary the main show officially began at 14:45 with a high-impact Vietnam War-themed opening which consisted of AT802 Air Tractors, Harvard's and as well as helicopters and skydivers, and the L29 jet with a fire wall.
This dramatic sequence included a performance by the Airlink Embraer 190E, a heart-racing aerial display by the Puma Flying Lions, a solo from the Extra 330 LX and a thrilling Helicopter vs Car Race.
The intensity continued from 16:00 with a helicopter formation display, followed by individual highlights from the agile RV7, and the powerful Kishugu firefighting demonstration featuring UH-1s and AT802s as well Grant Timms in the L29 Jet and the simply amazing solo gyrocopter display by Andre van Zyl and then with Juba Joubert in the Allo III.
At 17:00, skydivers descended with a massive South African flag, marking the beginning of the grand finale.
At 17:00, skydivers descended with a massive South African flag, marking the beginning of the grand finale, the evening's flat show by the Puma Energy Flying Lions Harvards.
In order to get this report to you, our readers as soon as is possible, I had to leave early and therefore missed, what I believe, was a spectacular pyrotechnics display.
Beyond the thrilling aerial performances, the airshow was packed to the rafters with an appreciative extremely well-behaved crowd who enthusiastically cheered all the acts.
There were hundreds of food and craft stalls, a dedicated kids play area, and multiple entertainment zones to keep families engaged throughout the day.
In my opinion this was the best airshow that I have ever been too and I have been to the major shows and the UK as well as ten times to Oshkosh in the USA. The show ran smoothly, each act seamlessly following the other without any long gaps between acts. Unlike most other shows there were no repeats.
Congrats to Johan Heine and everyone else involved as well as Brian Emmenis and the capital sounds team and the Mpumalanga Tourism Board and other sponsors.
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