30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
Simphiwe Masilela's impressive work ethic and good grades in high school paid dividends for the Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, native.
As an approach radar controller at the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the 30-year’s journey began in 2014 when she was a Grade 12 learner at Pretoria West High School in Tshwane, Gauteng.
Despite losing her mother in 2006 when she was 13, she did not let this setback deter her from obtaining good grades.
Her aviation career began right after completing matric when she was offered an opportunity to join the ATNS's air traffic bursar programme. The ATNS is an entity of the Department of Transport.
Selected among 20 females nationwide, her journey with ATNS started with a high school visit, followed by successful psychometric testing and a bursary interview, leading to an ATC bursary award in recognition of his proficiency in English and mathematics.
“The ATNS visited my high school recruiting females to join the organisation to bridge the gender imbalances within the aviation sector,” she said.
Masilela finished her tower control training in 2017. In 2023, she qualified as a radar controller. She is currently based in East London where she is training towards her approach validation colours.
She said she was privileged to work for an organisation that is transformed and inclusive.
“I wish the same for the next generation of air traffic controllers who will join ATNS in the next 30 years and beyond,” she said.
Masilela said she was grateful to the ATNS for granting her the opportunities it has afforded her and the bursary.
“As a professional, my wish is that they continue doing the same for other young people,” she said.
ATNS provides air traffic, navigation, training, and associated services within South Africa. The entity is air traffic control in South Africa and a large part of the Southern Indian and Atlantic Ocean, comprising approximately 10% of the world’s airspace.
ATNS operates from nine Airports Company of South Africa and 12 other aerodromes.
ATNS runs three bursary programmes per year of which dates are communicated on its website: www.atns-ata.com
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