The Rise of Cyrax - From Township Kid to Gripen Ace

The journey of Major Jabulani “Cyrax” Mabona is one that would make even the most stone-hearted person give a respectful nod. Just this past weekend, Cyrax was seen lighting up the sky at the Polokwane Airshow, showing off his sleek moves and dropping flares like a boss. But how did this guy from Mamelodi West, Pretoria East, end up in the cockpit of the South African Air Force's (SAAF) top fighter jet, the Gripen?

Welcome to “Fighter-Town”, South Africa, nestled in the shadows of the Soutpansberg mountain range at Air Force Base Makhado. Here, the SAAF’s elite fighter squadrons strut their stuff. We’re talking the 85 Combat Flying School with their Hawk MK120s and the mighty 2 Squadron flying the top-tier JAS39 Gripen.

It was early May 2020 when Major Mabona and Captain Klyde “Ronin” Ross Naidoo went solo in the Gripen, marking a major milestone in their careers. Let’s dive into Cyrax’s story and see what it takes to live the dream of flying fast jets.

The Early Days - From Mamelodi West to the Skies

Major Mabona’s tale starts in Mamelodi West. His passion for flying ignited at the tender age of nine. “There was no other career I considered pursuing apart from becoming a pilot, specifically a fighter pilot” he says. Persistence paid off when, in 2006, after applying since grade 11, he finally got the nod to start the selection process. This involved a series of psychometric tests, psychomotor tests, flight medicals, and grueling interviews.

His military journey kicked off with Basic Military Training in January 2007, followed by the Officers Forming Course. By 2008, he was at the SA Military Academy in Saldanha, diving into Technology and Defence Management. This wasn’t just a crash course, it included heavy hitters like Mathematics, Physics, and Aerodynamics.

In 2009, after surviving Land and Sea Survival Training and Ground School, Cyrax started his basic Ab Initio Training in a Cessna 172, followed by training in the Astra at AFB Langebaanweg. The USA then beckoned, and Jabulani flew the Texan T6, earning his military pilot wings and setting the stage for jet training.

Rising Through the Ranks

Back in South Africa in 2012, Cyrax returned to the Military Academy, finishing his degree in 2015. He then moved to 85 Combat Flying School in 2016, mastering the Hawk MK120. By 2019, he completed the Flight Leaders Course and transferred to 2 Squadron in 2020 for his Operational Conversion Course in the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen.

Family and High-Speed Jets

At 36, Major Mabona is married and has a daughter. His family has been his rock, supporting him through the highs and lows of his career. “Flying high-speed jets is an honor and comes with lots of responsibilities because you fly with live weapons onboard and also in close proximity with other jets,” he explains. His next goal? An Instructor’s Course to train the next generation of fighter pilots.

Words of Wisdom

Cyrax’s mentors have left an indelible mark on his journey. Preparation, he stresses, is key. Before every flight, he meticulously goes through procedures, envisions scenarios, and prepares for emergencies. His story is a testament to determination, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. And as we watched him blaze through the sky at Polokwane, it was clear that Major Jabulani “Cyrax” Mabona is just getting started!

We are looking forward to seeing you and fellow pilots in action at AAD 2024 this year Cyrax!