My name is Lehakwe Kawe, and I am 21 years old. I come from East London in the Eastern Cape. I am currently in my third year of a five-year Mechanical Engineering degree program. I first learned about the GFA program in 2018 while I was in Grade 9. My mother received a poster from a friend who thought of me after seeing an advertisement for an aerospace camp scheduled to take place in Magaliesberg in June.
I attended that camp in June 2018, during my high school years. The impact the camp had on my life is beyond what words can express. My love for aviation was ignited during this experience. Initially, I participated in the camp to avoid boredom during the holidays, but I had little interest in aviation at the time. However, my perspective changed dramatically during the camp. I fell in love with the industry within just five days, and from that moment on, I knew there was no turning back. After matric, I enrolled for an engineering degree.
In 2024, I attended the Young Professionals Program offered by GFA at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo. Participating in AAD at that point in my journey was exactly what I needed. I had been feeling lost and lacking direction, primarily because my exposure to aviation was limited, aside from being a member of the University of Pretoria Aerospace Society.
My coursework focused heavily on calculus and fundamental engineering modules, which, while essential, overshadowed my passion for aviation. Over time, I felt my enthusiasm fading because my studies did not directly relate to the field yet (The first few years are a general engineering degree, and you get to specialise in the final year). However, AAD rekindled my passion for aviation. One statement from General Nandi Zama particularly resonated with me.
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and making excuses, saying it is tough being a Black female in the aviation industry. You are not special—there are many other Black females trying. Put in the work you need to in order to make it in the industry; it will take time.”General Zama (The first black female C130 Pilot commander in the Airforce and the first officer commanding of Airforce base Waterkloof )
This statement has given me the strength I needed, and I have decided to stop dwelling on self-doubt and excuses. Currently, my primary involvement in aviation is as an Executive Committee Member of the University of Pretoria Aerospace Society, a position I held in 2024. Over the next two years, I plan to choose aeronautics as an elective for my final year.
My goal is to work in the aviation industry as an aspiring aeronautical engineer, a dream inspired by Linda Ngozwana and Bokang Kwadi. I would love the opportunity to volunteer for one of the GFA programs, time and circumstances permitting. Although I may not express it as often as I’d like, I am truly grateful for this program. The impact it has had on my life and many other young individuals is remarkable.
