Publications
Partners
After seeing her story going viral in November 2018 via Humans of New York’s Facebook page, pilot Boitumelo Katisi has made strides to give back her to her community in Soweto.
Her current project is hosting a career day for children who would like to pursue career in aviation, like she did. This, under the Aviation Development in Africa (ADA) non-profit organisation she founded with her colleague Joseph Lebitsa.
READ MORE: The person responsible for the first photo of the black hole is a woman and her name is Katie Bouman
In her profile with Humans of New York, Boitumelo says: “My plan is to fly for South African Airlines, but first I want to do some teaching. I want to visit schools in black neighbourhoods. I want all the kids to see what an African female pilot looks like.”
Coming full circle, Boitumelo is using social media to rally support for the cause. Rallying universities, companies, community leaders and even the president in efforts create awareness and help acquire sponsorship for children aspiring to work in aviation but can't afford.
READ MORE: Why graduation is a big deal for black women students
So on 27 April 2019, Boitumelo will host ADA’s very first aviation career expo in for learners from townships including Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa, East and West Rand called #EveryBarHasAStory – and the date of the event is particularly significant.
In a tweet she says: “As my birthday celebration I chose to give back to my community in Soweto and bring Aviation to Previously disadvantaged individuals in townships as I’m a commercial pilot from Pimville, Soweto.”
#HolaMatamela
— AviationDevelopmentInAfrica (@A380Capt_Tumi) April 15, 2019
I represent group of other young pilots with whom I started an aviation development foundation on the 27 April 2019, my colleagues and I will host a group of 18 schools around Gauteng in order to showcase the value chain of necessary aviation skills
READ MORE: Are black women getting discriminated against even when they're top influencers?
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Boitumelo says at the event they will have stalls for different company where the learners can collect the required information on bursaries and they will have a flight simulator “so they get the feel of how it feels to actually fly a plane or helicopter”.
Boitumelo’s organisation hopes to host 1 500 learners for the career day.
Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.
