My name is Nomathemba Khumalo, and I am a qualified Aeronautical engineer and a certified Drone pilot. I grew up in Stanger, located in KwaZulu-Natal. Ever since I was young, I dreamed of pursuing a career in aviation and becoming a pilot. However, during a career expo in my grade 11 and grade 12 years, I had the privilege of meeting the Girls Fly Africa (GFA)team (formerly known as SAWIA), who introduced me to various careers within the aviation industry. While I had a basic understanding of how aircraft operate, I was intrigued by its science and decided to pursue a career in Aeronautical engineering. During this expo, I had the opportunity to meet a black female Aeronautical engineer who became one of my role models and further fueled my interest in this field.
After graduating high school, I pursued an Aeronautical Engineering degree at Wits University. The GFA team provided invaluable assistance in helping me obtain a scholarship from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which covered my university fees. I am incredibly grateful for their support. Although my aviation journey has been exciting and challenging due to the fast-paced nature of learning at university, I appreciate every opportunity to learn and grow. I have drone piloting experience (Having briefly worked for a Drone Company), and I am currently working as an Aircraft Certification Engineer.
Rapid development and achievements in aircraft and aerospace technologies have interested me in adding drone piloting to my skillsets. I am passionate about the uncrewed field as I read literature on various drones, their design, and the new possibilities this new major technological revolution promises to provide in multiple applications. I want to be part of this constantly evolving field and hope to be involved in designing the next generation of uncrewed air vehicles. For my final year design project, I developed an agricultural UAV that analyses crop health and soil. I selected this project to explore how drones can help farmers enhance crop yield, farm productivity, and profitability in agricultural systems. This cost-effective and time-saving solution can promote agricultural management.
Nomathemba continues to participate in the GFA Alum enrichment programmes. Her inspirational story was featured in several publications, including The North Cost Courier, and can be accessed:HERE
