The landscape of recreational aviation governance in South Africa is undergoing a comprehensive transition from a legacy administrative model to a sophisticated, modular, and legally defensible regulatory framework. This transition is characterized by the replacement … Read more
Following the earlier notice on the governance rewrite, SAHPA has now published the full Governance Documentation Pack for member review. This is not a cosmetic update. It is a structural overhaul of how SAHPA governs … Read more
SAHPA is undertaking a structured update of its core governance, operational, and compliance documents. This work is necessary to modernise SAHPA’s documentation, remove historical inconsistencies, and ensure alignment with current legal, regulatory, and aviation safety … Read more
The skies of Castelo, Espírito Santo, Brazil, were a vibrant canvas of color and competition from August 31 to September 13, 2025, as the world’s top paragliders gathered for the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championship. … Read more
For Immediate Release The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) confirms that earlier today a foreign national crashed while flying a Swing Mirage 2 speedwing on Lion’s Head. The pilot was not licensed … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFatal Paragliding Accident – Lion’s Head, Cape Town The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) confirms that a licensed pilot and member, was fatally injured in an aviation accident at Lion’s … Read more
The Barberton Paragliding Open 2025 took place from 15th to 21st June 2025 in the historic mining town of Barberton, Mpumalanga, home to Africa’s longest-running paragliding competition.
Dear members, In February 2025, SAHPA contacted the SACAA regarding the increasing number of near-miss incidents between recreational PG pilots and passing helicopters. Last week SAHPA met with SACAA to discuss the risk, and we … Read more
In early 2025, South African pilots Francois de Villiers, Ruard de Bruyn, and Roland de Vries embarked on a month-and-a-half paragliding journey through Colombia’s spectacular Cauca Valley. What began as a high-level competition quickly turned into a rich and rewarding mix of racing, guiding, and exploring some of the world’s finest XC terrain.
On Saturday 8th February 2025 at approximately 12:30, a 54-year old South African paragliding pilot was conducting a solo recreational flight when he was involved in an accident on the foothills of Stellenbosch Mountain. He was taken by ER24 ambulance to Stellenbosch Mediclinic, and then airlifted on Sunday 9th February to Chris Barnard Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.