Inhlanyelo Hub expands Drone Divas Programme cohort two in Cape Town

Inhlanyelo Hub's Drone Divas Programme has officially launched its second cohort in Cape Town. The event marked another stride in breaking down barriers for women in the aviation and drone sectors. Inhlanyelo Hub, supported by partners like Ntsu Aviation Solutions and Africa Beyond 4IR, remains committed to nurturing the next generation of female drone pilots, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Back row: Thobile Mphili, Nomonde Malanda, Ayanda Soboyisi, Siphosihle Dyonase, Latricia Maja, Hanlie van Niekerk, Shaaista Hassan, Lazola Jack.
Front row: Ms Makhuka Mathatho, Acting Director: Project Management Office, Prof Zethu Nkosi, Inhlanyelo Hub Board member, Prof Thomas Mogale, Chairperson: Inhlanyelo Hub; Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Project Manager, Inhlanyelo Hub; Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader: Inhlanyelo Hub.

Professor Thomas Mogale, Chairperson of the Inhlanyelo Hub Board and Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, opened the event with a speech that celebrated the expansion of the Drone Divas Programme to Cape Town. "We are thrilled to witness this programme's growth and welcome our new cohort of Drone Divas in the Mother City. Today is a testament to our commitment to empower young women by offering them training and economic opportunities in the drone industry."

Guest speaker Nonhlanhla Mthembu took to the stage to share her inspiring journey. A 21-year-old trailblazer, Mthembu holds a Private Pilot License, a UAS Instructor Rating, and expertise in aviation curriculum development. Balancing her professional career at Ntsu Drone Academy while pursuing a BSc in Informatics at Unisa, Mthembu exemplifies the limitless potential of women in aviation and technology. "I am honoured to stand before you today, representing the possibilities that lie ahead for young women in this industry," she remarked. Her story resonated with attendees, particularly as she encouraged them to "stay curious, keep learning, and never stop challenging yourself."

Neliswa Songca, a drone pilot from the first cohort of Drone Divas, shared her experiences navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. "Your journey is about to take flight," she said, emphasising the importance of resilience and community. She advised the new cohort to "embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger" and urged them to surround themselves with mentors and believe in their potential. Her words were a powerful reminder that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning for these aspiring drone pilots.

Neliswa Songca

Sam Twala, CEO of Ntsu Aviation Solutions, a key partner of the Inhlanyelo Hub, encouraged the Drone Divas to seize the vast opportunities within the aviation industry. "Our goal is not just to train but to ensure that these skills open doors for more women in aviation," Twala explained. "True achievement comes when we uplift each other and create more opportunities." Both Twala and Ingrid Mhlophe, CEO of Africa Beyond 4IR, play an integral role in the programme by providing hands-on training to all participants, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in this burgeoning industry.

Back row: Prof Annemarie Davis, Thobile Mphili, Nomonde Malanda, Ayanda Soboyisi, Siphosihle Dyonase, Latricia Maja, Hanlie van Niekerk, Shaaista Hassan, Lazola Jack.
Front row: Jacques Du Toit, Programme Director and Regional Academic Coordinator; Ndimakazi Khumalo, Admin Assistant (Regional Services Cape Coastal); John Abrahams, Acting Deputy Director Academic and Technology Support, Unisa Regional Office Western Cape; Dr Zamangwane Khanyili, Head: Counselling Services, Unisa Regional Office Western Cape, Mr Nicholaas van Wyk, CEO: CIBA.

 Professor Annemarie Davis, the Project Leader for the Drone Divas Programme, introduced the second cohort and encouraged them: "Keep your eyes on the goal, as one day soon you will be able to fly a drone over Cape Town's Table Mountain." She further emphasised that drone technology allows individuals to operate drones remotely from a computer, allowing them to fly vast distances without leaving their seats.

Representing the CEO, Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Project Manager at Inhlanyelo Hub, acknowledged the success of the first cohort and emphasised the programme's broader goal. "The first cohort received their wings in February 2024, and we did not stop there. We moved forward with the Advanced Drone Diva Programme, offering specialised training for operating unmanned aerial vehicles beyond visual line of sight," Muzata shared. This continuous development reflects Inhlanyelo Hub's commitment to long-term support for its participants, ensuring they are equipped to navigate and excel in the aviation industry.

The launch of Drone Diva Cohort 2 is a landmark achievement for Inhlanyelo Hub and its partners. With the support of Ntsu Aviation Solutions, Africa Beyond 4IR, and many others, the programme is cultivating a new generation of women who are breaking barriers in the aviation industry. The participants of this cohort are poised to not only succeed in their careers but also shape the future of the drone economy and open doors for future generations.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub, visit www.inhlanyelo.com

*Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub