Inhlanyelo Hub celebrates new women drone pilots

Building on the success of the first cohort of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC’s Drone Divas programme, launched in 2024, a group of 16 women graduates from various colleges was selected to participate in the second cohort.

This cohort began their training in August 2024, and on 3 March 2025, their success was celebrated as Inhlanyelo Hub introduced 13 newly qualified women drone pilots.

The Drone Divas and the Advanced Drone Divas are joined by the Inhlanyelo Hub Team, the PMO office managers responsible for project oversight, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, who serves as the portfolio leader for Inhlanyelo Hub, industry partners (Ntsu Aviation and Africa Beyond 4IR), and Prof Angelo Dube from the College of Law, who is also a qualified pilot.

The celebrations also extended to the awarding of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) endorsements to the Advanced Drone Divas – the inaugural group of drone pilots (from 2023) who have progressed to the next level. The BVLOS training allows drone pilots to manage flights without direct visual contact, a critical skill for the industry.

The Drone Divas initiative is breaking gender barriers by equipping women with skills in drone technology, positioning them at the forefront of an evolving industry. Launched in September 2023, the programme offers training in drone piloting, technology development (coding), industry optimisation, and manufacturing.

Row 1: Angel Cele, Sarah Sebiloane, Sarah Mohale, Masana Mtileni, Lerato Ramoncha and Nomcebo Ndlovu
Row 2: Leratolajesu Sekano, Happiness Godora, Ntandokazi Motau, Nomsa Longwe and Rinae Molapong
Row 3: Dimakatso Mphela, Tsakani Sambo, Lebohang Sekgobela, Tebogo Seroka and Paulinah Mashiga

Professor Annemarie Davis, project leader of the initiative funded by the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and focused on entrepreneurial development, emphasised that the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) is just the beginning. “Qualifying as a drone pilot is only the first step in the Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Divas programme,” she said. “Graduates advance to BVLOS training, paving the way for drone business start-ups and industry participation.”

She continued: “The first group of Advanced Drone Divas participated in an intensive five-day bootcamp designed to equip them with the business tools needed to turn their drone licenses into successful entrepreneurial ventures. From there, they refined their business ideas and received specific training and mentoring to establish a new business.”

During the celebration on 3 March 2025, Masana Mtileni shared her experiences on the programme and announced her role as the founder and CEO of EcoVue Monitoring Solutions – a business venture that uses drones to measure air quality. “As a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management graduate, Masana is able to combine her theoretical knowledge with her drone pilot certification to venture into business with the support of dedicated incubation support initiatives,” commented Davis.

Masana Mtileni, Founder and CEO of EcoVue Monitoring Solutions

"The programme’s continued success highlights Inhlanyelo Hub’s role in bridging the gender gap in technology and equipping women with practical skills in the fast-growing drone sector," said Professor Raphael Mpofu, Interim CEO: Inhlanyelo Hub NPC. “One of the key areas Inhlanyelo Hub is focusing on is nurturing entrepreneurship and business startups, offering an alternative path to employment, particularly in the face of graduate unemployment. Through its programmes, it equips students with the skills and resources to launch successful businesses. The aim is not just to reduce unemployment but also to help diversify the industrial base and improve the quality of life for all.”

Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO: Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, Nomsa Longwe, drone pilot, and Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation

Participation in Inhlanyelo Hub’s Drone Divas Programme is free of charge for the women, and the second cohort of Drone Divas was funded by the Department of Higher Education’s University Development Grant.

Applications for the next intake will once again be facilitated through the Unisa Alumni Office and industry collaborators.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub, click here   

* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub