Busan, South Korea: The world of aviation and mobility is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and South Africa is positioning itself as a formidable player in the drone and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector. At the recently held Drone Show Korea (DSK) Conference in Busan South Korea (26 – 28 February 2025), Clinton Heimann, Deputy Director General at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), delivered a keynote address that reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to regulatory excellence and innovation in the drone market. DSK 2025 is Asia’s largest drone exhibition and conference.
His presentation, titled South Africa and South Korea: Advancing Drone Markets Through Innovation and Regulatory Excellence, underscored the strides South Africa has made in drone technology, particularly in land use management and agriculture. It was a moment of pride for the aviation community to witness a South African official articulating a compelling vision for the future of UAS, particularly in the context of bilateral cooperation with South Korea.
A strong advocate for aviation development
Mr. Heimann is no stranger to the aviation community, having actively engaged with stakeholders in both policy and industry forums. He was a key participant at the 2024 General Aviation Indaba hosted by Flying Jurist at Wonderboom National Airport, where he engaged industry players on regulatory challenges and opportunities in the South African aviation landscape. His continued advocacy for regulatory efficiency and market growth aligns well with Flying Jurist’s mission to foster collaboration within the aviation sector.
At the DSK Conference, Heimann highlighted the extensive work being done under DALRRD’s drone programme, which has successfully trained over 50 drone pilots nationwide and established South Africa’s largest government drone initiative. The programme operates within the legal frameworks of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act, and the Surveying Act, ensuring that drone applications in land administration are both innovative and compliant with national policies.
The future of South Africa’s drone market
One of the most compelling takeaways from Heimann’s address was the recognition of South Africa’s competitive advantage in the drone sector. With a robust regulatory framework aligned with global best practices, the country is well-positioned to serve as the gateway to Africa’s projected US$10 billion UAS market. His emphasis on public-private partnerships and investment incentives resonated strongly with stakeholders seeking to capitalize on Africa’s rapidly growing demand for UAS applications in agriculture, security, and infrastructure monitoring.
South Africa’s regulatory leadership, led by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), has ensured that drone operations remain compliant and forward-thinking. The country’s well-structured certification process for drone operators (UASOC), pilot licensing, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approvals reflect an aviation ecosystem that is ready for expansion.
Strengthening the global aviation network
Heimann’s engagement in South Korea serves as a stepping stone for deepening international partnerships in aviation. His call for strategic joint ventures between South African and Korean stakeholders paves the way for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment collaboration in the drone sector. South Africa’s regulatory clarity and market incentives make it an attractive destination for Korean companies looking to expand into Africa.
Flying Jurist continues to play a crucial role in bringing together aviation stakeholders to advance these conversations. The 2025 General Aviation Indaba, scheduled for 27 June at Lanseria Airport, will build on the momentum generated at the DSK Conference. With active participation from leading government departments in aviation policy discussions, we anticipate stronger engagement from regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and investors. The Indaba will provide a platform to further explore South Africa’s drone potential and foster the partnerships necessary to drive the industry forward.
A future-driven approach
As Flying Jurist, we remain committed to championing industry conversations that matter. Heimann’s keynote in South Korea was more than just a presentation—it was a reaffirmation of South Africa’s ambition to be a leader in drone innovation and regulatory excellence. His efforts, alongside those of other key aviation stakeholders, contribute to the growing network of professionals working to shape a forward-thinking, globally competitive aviation sector.
With platforms like the General Aviation Indaba, we will continue to facilitate discussions that translate policy into action and bring investment into the aviation space. We look forward to welcoming Heimann and a broader spectrum of industry players at Lanseria in June 2025, as we chart the future of aviation together.
Stay tuned for updates, and as always, keep your eyes up to the blue side—because the future of aviation is being written today.
Prof Angelo Dube
