On the wing: Botswana’s flying women
Soaring across the world at the controls of some of the most sophisticated airliners is, for many, a dream job. The road to an aviation career is undoubtedly not an easy one― more so for aspiring female pilots. Today, some Batswana women have come to the party, and are shattering the glass ceiling of aviation. DAVE BAAITSE peeps into the careers of five high-flying women from various backgrounds in Botswana.
Aviation is still regarded by many Batswana as a male industry while women are associated with some office jobs regarded as less demanding. However, some women have chosen to disregard the stereotypes and pursue their passion for flying. One such is Tshepiso Tsayang who is of the view that the journey, discouraging as it is, requires perseverance.
Tsayang knew she wanted to a career in aviation from an early age, but after completing her BGCSE she was told she was too short to be a pilot. To compound matters, she had missed the deadline for government sponsorship. With the support from her parents, trust and faith in God, she managed to pull trough. Her parents taught her that this industry demands one to have strong faith. After waiting another year, Tsayang applied for government sponsorship and the rest is history.
“I always say if you know someone who has done it so can you. You believe most what you think and say about yourself more than what anyone has to say about you, so never doubt yourself,” she said. For many a young women pilots, Sakhile Nyoni-Reiling remains a role model. Nyoni-Reiling started her career as a pilot in the 80’s and was the first female pilot at Air Botswana. Tsayang considers her, along with her father to be her role models.
“I believe my inspiration came from childhood. I would visit my dad’s workplace and see planes all the time, this somewhat had a huge influence in my career choice. I am also a very hyper active and energetic individual and when choosing subjects in high school I planned for careers that would see me becoming hands- on and not office based,” she said.
She late found herself drawn into aviation and she vividly remember as a child her dad telling a story about the first and only female pilot working for the national airline at the time (Nyoni-Reiling). “I thought I too wanted to be different and unique just like her,” she recalls.
She says during training she had to work twice as hard to prove that she could do it and that she could even fly better than the guys.
“Because of the general perception that males are better than females there's also passenger fret. Being a young female pilot I get passengers at the airport stopping me every now and then to ask if I'm the one flying the plane, and the question is usually followed by “as small as you are will you manage. The biggest challenge I’d say is family. We have to compromise a lot in terms of family because we don't always get weekends or public holidays off to spend time with our loved ones like everyone else,” she said.
Her hope and dream is to see more women in the industry bridging the gap between across gender. Another gladiator, Kaone Kamanakao is a young girl from Motopi in the Northern- Western part of Botswana. She is a certified commercial pilot and a Grade II flight and ground instructor. She holds both South African and Botswana pilot’s licences. Her desire and inspiration is to share her success aviation story with those around her.
“I have had the privilege of training local pilots like Gabedi Mo as well as mentoring young women and men that seek to have an established career in the aviation arena. I have work experience as a flight instructor, line pilot, flight operations manager and I currently serve as a flight operations inspector for the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana.” Kamanakao currently serves as President of Women in Aviation In Botswana as well as the Executive Director of the Girl Fly Program Africa in Botswana.
In line with the nation's 2036 goals (2nd pillar) Women in Aviation Botswana was set up for the promotion and advancement of women in the aviation sector. “We encourage skills development in a field that we seek to mentor and facilitate the growth of women and men through our various programs including scholarships for aviation training and community outreaches. This year as we launch the Girl Fly Program Africa in Botswana, we will send 50 girls to an annual space camp in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 5 day camp will be made up of different activities including robotics (drones), aviation technology, personal growth and possible career paths in aviation,” she said. They have also availed the opportunity to (10) out of school youth as volunteers. Another gemstone, Genevieve Micaela Chisale is a young lady from Maun that currently lives in Gaborone, Botswana.
She is currently getting her Instrument Rating and Multi Engine Rating at IAS Aviation Academy completing this year July. She holds a Commercial Pilot licence with C172 rating. Apart from being the VP of Dare to Dream, Chisale is also among the founders of Women in Aviation Botswana Chapter and a Member of Women in Aviation Botswana Chapter.
She loves aeronautical engineering and intends on being an engineer after soaring the skies for a few years. She aspires to start an air crash investigation centre in Botswana in the next 10 years. She also intends on establishing an Aircraft garage together with a spare part warehouse for fly machines.
You cannot talk woman in aviation in Botswana and leave out the name Kgomotso Phatsima. She is the epitome of beauty with brains and plays a celebrity role as far as woman aviators are concerned. Phatsima is the Ambassador of Youth in Aviation and Aerospace in Botswana, The Goodwill Ambassador of Aviation and Aerospace for the African Region.
“We are also dedicated to empowering youth to actively consider business opportunities in the aviation and space industry. I believe in the unlimited potential of the youth. The youth of our country represent hope, optimism, positive energy, innovation, and openness. This is why we do this,” says Phatsima.
Growing up she never had the chance to attend a space program, nor learn robotics let alone coding, nor see the inside of a flying machine until she had the opportunity to fly it but this is the chance she is giving young people through her Youth in Aviation and Aerospace ambassadorship.
Captain Phatsima has a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management from the University of Derby with a focus on Aviation Safety, a Bachelor of Education (Science ) majoring in mathematics from University of Botswana, A post graduate certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from Botswana Accountancy College and a certificate in Finance for Non Finance managers from Botswana Accountancy College. She is a qualified accredited trainer by Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
Due to her immense contribution in the transformation of youth, women and girls in aviation and aerospace Phatsima has been donated two BAe RJ85 Aircraft Airframes to turn them into an Aviation Restaurant and Aviation Clinic for young people. Phatsima envisions setting up the first Aviation Park in Botswana. The seasoned Maipelo Kelotlegile joined Air Botswana at only 21 years old and was among the only two female pilots at the time of her joining it. As a woman, she defied the odds at the time when she chose a career in aviation over a nursing job.
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.
Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.
Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.
However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.
Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.
Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.
“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.
So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!
“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.
But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.
According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.
So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.
Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.
In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.
In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,†she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,†she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.â€
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.â€
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.