University of South Africa: Honoring Women in Aviation with Inhlanyelo Hub’s Drone Divas
The first cohort, comprising 15 young women, was selected through the Unisa Alumni Office and established collaborators within the industry. The programme will catalyse more women to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) driven careers. It is worth noting that unmanned aviation vehicle (drones) applications are rapidly expanding due to their advanced use in the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and B5G. Subsequent cohorts will benefit from the programme nationwide.
Sharpening focus on women and economic development in aviation
As emphasised by Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Unisa, this programme not only opens opportunities for young women to enter the burgeoning drone economy and aviation industry but it is also aligned with the vision of the Unisa Catalytic Research Niche Areas. The project originated from the drive to innovate and adopt drones to establish African dominance in this field. LenkaBula expressed her appreciation for the commitment and hard work of the Inhlanyelo Hub team, noting that Unisa’s contribution to the growth of this evolving industry is exciting. She said: “The Inhlanyelo Drone Diva programme sharpens our focus on women and economic development in aviation, specifically the drone industry.”
Top left to right: Prof Annemarie Davis and Prof Puleng LenkaBula
Bottom left to right: Kefilwe Morobane and Sisipho Nofemele
The event featured inspirational addresses, including one from Kefilwe Morobane, Founder and Managing Director of Giving Wings, who encouraged the drone divas to consistently be aware of their barriers and work towards improving them. She added that being a woman is not a ticket to opportunities, but an unwavering commitment to excellence is vital to achieving one’s dreams. Sisipo Nofemele (25), who acquired her private pilot’s license in 2020 and now stands as one of the few women pilots in the country, shared her experiences. She advised young women never to easily accept rejection when pursuing their dreams, declaring: “In pursuit of excellence, giving up is not an option.”
Phumelele Mokoena, the Business Incubation and Enterprise Development Manager responsible for the initiative, provided a detailed overview of the Drone Divas programme. The programme will be undertaken with the support of the following service providers: Sam Twala from Ntsu Aviation Solutions and Kelebogile Molopyane from Africa Beyond 4IR.
Prof Raphael Mpofu, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Inhlanyeno Hub, outlined the organisation’s vision. He emphasised: “Our mission is no less ambitious. We exist to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and nurture sustainable businesses’ growth, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate reach.” He added: “In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, progress is no longer measured solely by technological advancements but also by inclusivity and gender equality. In this context, the Inhlanyelo Drone Divas Programme emerges as a beacon of empowerment for women, a project deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering opportunities in aviation.”
Mpofu concluded by expressing appreciation for the VC, acknowledging her pivotal role in establishing the hub in the first year of her leadership after attempts had been made to establish it since 2014. He stated: “We believe this is the beginning of greater things for the hub and Unisa, and we invite you, Prof LenkaBula, to continue to be our champion and guide us in our endeavours.”