My name is Rinaye Mphanama, from Limpopo. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Hons) degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT)
I attended the Girl Fly Camp in October 2014 (I was in grade 12). I remember one of my high school teachers telling me about the camp, and I was unsure if I wanted to go. After thinking long and hard about it and discussing it with my parents, I decided to go. I decided to go because I wanted to explore other careers.
It was my first time hearing about a program encouraging females to enter aviation and aerospace. If I am honest, I had no interest in these fields simply because I had no idea what they were about (except being a pilot), and where I am from, we were never exposed to such careers.
When I arrived at the camping area with a few other people, I was mind-blown by the number of girls who had attended the camp. It was shocking because I did not think young girls would be interested in aviation and aerospace or even learning about it. When the info sessions started that week, I was amazed to see that there are females in this industry; I mean, I have only seen male pilots and heard that there are females (but I have never seen them). The sessions simulated a desire for aerospace and aviation.
I wanted to go to aviation school, but my father was not interested in hearing me; he just wanted me to be a doctor. So, I then decided that I would go varsity and do Astrophysics; well, it sounded fascinating. The first three months of doing Astrstud were terrible, I realized.d I had no passion for it, it’s no u, and it was no use continuing owing (2016), I year changed my degree to chemist.
If I had an opportunity to get into aviation, I would have done that. Overall, GFA is a great programme. It educates and empowers girls about the aviation and aerospace industry. I am sure most girls there chose careers in these fields.
Rinaye is currently a data anlalyst in Cape Town
