Cyril Ramaphosa’s Denel Aerospace Visit Has South Africans Joking About His Helicopter Moment
- President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Denel Aerospace in Kempton Park on 2 September 2026, touring the facility's aircraft hangars
- A video of President Ramaphosa seated in the cockpit of a military helicopter, joking with aides, caused a stir on social media
- Ramaphosa's visit forms part of broader 2026 government efforts to revitalise South Africa's defence sector and boost capabilities
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - President Cyril Ramaphosa drew hilarious comments online after a candid video of him seated inside the cockpit of a military helicopter at Denel Aerospace went viral on 2 September 2026.
The clip, filmed at an aircraft hangar at Denel's Kempton Park facility, shows Ramaphosa in a suit exploring the cockpit while aides and onlookers gather around him. In a light-hearted exchange captured in the footage, those present warned him against pressing any buttons.
"Just hope that I don't press a button," Ramaphosa said, to laughter from those alongside him.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Ramaphosa backs rebuilding South Africa's defence manufacturing capacity
The visit forms part of Ramaphosa's ongoing efforts to signal government commitment to rebuilding South Africa's defence manufacturing capacity.
Denel Aerospace, a division of the state-owned Denel SOC, is responsible for the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and production of key military assets, including the Rooivalk attack helicopter and the Oryx transport helicopter.
The facility has faced significant financial difficulties in recent years, with Parliamentary oversight visits underscoring both its strategic national importance and its need for sustained government support.
Ramaphosa's engagement aligns with broader 2026 initiatives to secure additional funding for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and accelerate industrial revitalisation across the defence sector.
South Africans react to Ramaphosa's visit
The video quickly attracted commentary from South Africans on social media, with reactions ranging from sceptical to humorous.
Bev Austin wrote:
"Doubt if he actually knows what he is looking for."
Kobus Jacobs said:
"He is sitting there with a smile on his face as if those helicopters are an ANC achievement."
Marais Wessels joked:
"He is going to fly it at the rugby on Saturday."
Khumo William Monosi commented:
"Please don't allow him to fall asleep on that seat."
André Liebenberg added:
"He's gonna do the FNB flyover."
Adam Snyman quipped:
"It's probably broken now since he touched it."
Ramaphosa vows to better equip SANDF
Briefly News reported that President Ramaphosa weighed in on the state of the SANDF and what needed to change.
The president noted that the modern warfare landscape was evolving, and thus required the army to adapt as well.
Ramaphosa made the comments on Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the more than 600 soldiers lost in the SS Mendi tragedy.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
