KZN mountain Rescue teams spend two action-packed days in Central Drakensberg Training with the South African Air Force, perfecting and practising life-saving mountain rescue skills.
Drakensburg, South Africa (03 November 2025) – Mountain rescue is never easy, and preparation can make the difference between life and death. After a long break in airborne training, the KwaZulu-Natal Section of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) recently reunited with the South African Air Force’s 87 Helicopter Flying School for an intensive two-day training session in the Central Drakensberg.
The focus was on practical, hands-on experience. Rescuers spent hours perfecting these critical skills, building confidence and teamwork that could one day save lives in the rugged mountain terrain.
The collaboration highlights how military expertise can complement civilian rescue operations. The SAAF provided specialist guidance and helicopter support, creating a realistic training environment that allowed participants to simulate complex rescue scenarios safely.
Founded in 1891 in Cape Town, the MCSA is a respected authority in mountaineering and outdoor adventure. A member of the global mountaineering body UIAA, the club promotes climbing and hiking opportunities, supports conservation of mountain areas, and facilitates access for mountaineers across South Africa. Search and rescue is a key pillar of their work, and these training sessions are essential for maintaining operational readiness.
By equipping members with advanced skills in mountain rescue, the MCSA and SAAF partnership ensures that those venturing into South Africa’s high-altitude regions can rely on highly trained teams when emergencies occur.
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