Municipality ready to train young people about drones
“The drone industry is growing in leaps and bounds across the world and for the country to catch up we need young people to be exposed to it more.”
Tsakane – Fifteen young people from Ekurhuleni have been selected to receive training as Youth Drone Pilots.
They will be joining two newly trained drone pilots, Cynthia Buthelezi from Tsakane and Makazi Madi from Rocketmine RPAS Academy from Duduza.
The announcement was made during the municipalities’ first Drone Build-A-Thon and Demonstration hosted by the municipality in collaboration with Mzansi Aerospace Technologies at Tsakane Stadium on Wednesday.
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The event was hosted as part of the City’s Youth Month commemoration activities which are meant to enhance access to economic and educational opportunities by youth.
During the event mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina said: “Drone Build-A-Thon is aimed at promoting the drone industry opportunities to university and TVET college students and graduates.
“This was to expose young people who attended the event to drone industry players for possible job opportunities and start-up business opportunities in the sector.
“As we move towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution we need young people to be armed with skills which will not only help the economy of the municipality but also the country at large.
“We cannot afford to be left behind by a world that we are part of, a world that demands our participation in its own evolution.”
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution will require people to adapt and learn how to use advanced technology to enhance existing processes,” he says.
Cynthia says she underwent her aviation training in 2013 and received her private licence in 2014.
She urged government to channel funds towards the education of young people who are interested in following a career in the drone industry.
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“There is a lot employment in the industry for young people but because of the financial challenges and sponsorship they shy away from it.
“The drone industry is growing in leaps and bounds across the world and for the country to catch up we need young people to be exposed to it more,” she says.
