Boitumelo Katisi hosts first Aviation Expo in Soweto
More than 1000 learners showed up to the ADA Aviation Expo in Soweto
Learners, parents and teachers from around Gauteng filled the Tabernacle Freeway Church in Midway, Soweto for arguably the country’s biggest Aviation Expo career day on Saturday.
The event was organised by newly licenced commercial pilot Boitumelo Katisi and members of her organization, Aviation Development Africa (ADA).
ADA was founded by Boitumelo Katisi and her colleague Joseph Lebitsa. According to Katisi, the Non-Profit Organisation focuses on Aviation awareness and assisting students, those trying to get in the aviation field and those already pursuing their studies.
“Our primary goal was to spread information about the Aviation sector, but we realized it had to go further than that. So now we also identify students within the sector, mentor them and try to get the financial support for their studies,” she said.
The 27-year-old pilot was born and raised in Pimville, Soweto. She told Soweto Urban that the aim of the expo was to empower young people in townships, with the knowledge and resources to succeed in the aviation industry.
“Despite everything, I know for a fact that a lot of kids in places like Soweto and other townships have the passion and desire to achieve great things. What they lack is information and guidance. That’s what we are trying to bring with this expo,”Katisi said.
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While the initiative was supported by various sponsors and gained momentum through social media. The initial idea to host the expo on her birthday had come from her friend and student pilot, Lesego Buela.
Approximately 1500 learners from 18 schools across Gauteng showed up for the expo. They received a rare chance to engage in one on one sessions with Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers and other professionals in the aviation field. Guest speakers told motivational stories from their own personal struggles and how they overcame them.
Grade 11 pupil from Dobsinville, Nandi Mkwini said although she was already interested in aviation prior to the expo, she had been unsure of what steps to follow.
“We went on a school trip in primary school and I met some of the pilots. From there I was interested in Aviation but had not been sure of what to do next or who to talk to. I’m very grateful for today. I believe I can achieve it now more than I ever have,” she said.
Mongane Tsoaedi, who stays in Protea Glen and attends Thabo Senior Secondary in Naledi, said while he had no initial interest in aviation, the event convinced him to pursue it.
“I actually found out about this expo by pure chance. I had no interest in aviation before. But meeting the pilots and hearing them speak about their own struggles changed my mind, I will definitely be finding out more about it,” said Tsoaedi.
The expo closed off with a Q&A session where 6 flights, 4 simulation flights and 6 aviator gift packs were awarded learners who answered correctly.
Katisi concluded the day with a message to parents and extended her gratitude to everyone who made the expo possible.
“We did have challenges, people and sponsors pulling out at the last minute. But I’m eternally thankful to all the ones that came through for us and the support we received. We plan to this yearly. To parents; I’d like to say support your kids’ dreams, feed their passion and possibilities are endless” she said.
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