How did Mandela describe the demonstration of the jets and helicopters???
Nelson Mandela describes the array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers, roaring in perfect formation over the Union Buildings as spectacular. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but also a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, symbolic of a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. He goes on to write about how the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted him and pledged their loyalty. Mandela was mindful of the fact that not so many years before they would have arrested him rather than salute him. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.