Speaking the Universal Language of Africa in Goma

Contribution from Neville Desselss

In 2002, the Nyiragongo Volcano at Goma erupted. Lava streamed into the town, causing devastation in its wake, and eventually reached the main runway of the local airstrip.

Safair was part of an organisation at the time called SAFREN, donated tonnes of aid to assist in the relief efforts. One of our Hercules was utilised for the flight which, in addition to the Aid, had members of the Press on board. Capt Wessels was the pilot and I had to go along as co-ordinator and paymaster.

On arrival Goma, I was taken, along with my briefcase containing Contingency, to the terminal building. There I was escourted to a dingy room. The door was locked behind us, and a group of armed guards wanted to know what was in the briefcase. 

They only spoke French, so communication was rather difficult, as I tried to explain that I needed to pay for a few things like Landing Fees and so on. These guys were not going to let me go until I started to speak the universal language of showing some green backs.

Thankfully, I was ‘released’ soon thereafter and made my way, rather rapidly, back to the safety of the aircraft with my briefcase and what was left inside!