By Buchule Putini
As South Africa observes Women’s Month 2025, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has taken a moment to honour the exceptional courage and leadership of women serving in uniform. Among them, Captain Chavonn Carmen Malgas — known to her peers as the Sky Goddess — stands out as a shining example of dedication and resilience.
Captain Malgas is a trailblazing paratrooper whose commitment to excellence is evident in every stage of her airborne operations — from meticulous jump preparations to flawless landings. Her peers admire her not only for her skill but for the leadership and mentorship she provides within the ranks.
In a statement, the SANDF highlighted Captain Malgas’s role as a powerful symbol of women breaking barriers and soaring to new heights in a traditionally male-dominated field. “Her courage and leadership inspire not only women in uniform but all South Africans striving to overcome challenges,” the statement reads.
The SANDF emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to national defence and society at large, noting that “when women rise, we all rise.” This Women’s Month, the military calls on the nation to celebrate and support the many women who serve with strength, spirit, and determination.
Captain Malgas’s story is a reminder that bravery takes many forms — sometimes it’s the leap from the sky, sometimes it’s the quiet, steadfast leadership on the ground.
