While some people sit back and complain about unemployment in South Africa, others go out looking for opportunities on the horizon.

After being faced with unemployment like many others, Semakaleng Mathebula from Ga-Rankuwa outside Pretoria, found herself in the skies after becoming South Africa’s first black female hot air balloon pilot.

This was after Mathebula was appointed as a marketing assistant for a tour operator. The appointment opened doors for more opportunities for her.

“During my time there I fell in love with flying and realised there’s more to the sport than helping people all around the world make memories but rather an opportunity to be part of those memories,” she said.

In 2019, Mathebula began her training to become a pilot after applying for a training grant by the Department of Sport & Recreation, administered by the Balloon and Airship Federation of South Africa.

“Unfortunately, the programme schedule was delayed by the pandemic for most of 2020; however, we were back on track in 2021 with training,” she said.

The pilot completed all her exams and flight hours through the Balloon Training School.

On November 3, 2021, she had her check-out flight and attained her private pilot licence, becoming a hot air balloon licenced pilot.

She said it wasn’t always a smooth journey but every step proved to be rewarding.

“The journey was filled with its ups and downs but I learned a lot about aviation, the sport of hot air ballooning and its 40-plus year history in South Africa as well as learned a lot about myself,” she said.

She said it was an honour to be representing South Africa as the first black hot air balloon pilot and that it was the beginning of something great.

“The journey and reality of everything coming to fruition have been inspiring to witness. It has been an educational journey for myself and my family,” she said.

Even though the hot air balloon industry is mostly dominated by men, Mathebula said she never felt out of place.

“The ballooning community is certainly a family. My instructors were always there to lend a hand whenever I needed it. Throughout my journey, I have never felt out of place. I think the boys have learned a thing or two from having me around,” she said.

She encouraged parents to allow their children to study what they want to study instead of studying traditional courses for the sake of job security to parents.

“Having my mother’s support when I began this journey certainly played a big part in my success and I wish the same for other young people,” she said.

“Traditional careers offer a sense of security to our parents, which is something we do not want to take away from our communities. All we hope to see is more parents supporting their children in unconventional career paths.”

She advised the youth to explore their dreams and passions to their fullest.

“While the end goal may not seem clear to everyone around you, the passion takes you a long way when considering a career.”