SACAA helps Nomathemba find her wings

30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

Nomathemba Khumalo is living proof of the ideals that democratic South Africa sought to achieve almost 30 years ago.

Born and raised in KwaDukuza, in KwaZulu-Natal, Khumalo today lives her childhood dream of working in the aviation industry.

Khumalo, 27, who holds an aeronautical engineering degree from Wits University, is as a certification engineer at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The aeronautical engineer also holds a remotely piloted aircraft system pilot license.

She was able to achieve her dream thanks to a SACAA bursary.

At SACAA, she is involved in the certification of aircraft systems for airworthiness and is actively involved in the evaluation and compliance of these systems to ensure that they adhere to the regulations and safety protocols.

Speaking to Vuk'uzenzele, she said she had planned an aviation career from an early age.

“My aspiration was always to become a pilot until an aviation career expo during my grade 11 and grade 12 years,” she said. After the expo, she decided to study aeronautical engineering after discovering there was more to aviation than becoming a pilot. “I have always been fascinated by aircrafts and the concept of flights. I was captivated by the idea of designing and working with cutting-edge aircraft technology.”

The Midrand-based engineer said the pursuit of the passion was aided by her strong interest in technical subjects, particularly in the fields of mathematics, physics, and engineering.

“Aviation offered me the opportunity to apply these interests in a dynamic and challenging industry,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the SACAA for reach for her dreams.

“They sponsored me to make this dream a reality,” she said.

The bursary programme, which was introduced in 2014, is aimed at addressing skills shortages and transformation challenges in the aviation industry.

The bursaries are awarded to aspiring aircraft maintenance technicians, aeronautical engineers, and pilots. Other bursary recipients pursue training in avionics as well as aircraft structural work.