My name is Sindiswa Radebe, born and raised in Tsakane township, East Rand. I hold a Remote Pilot certificate (RPC) and a Remote Maintenance Technician (RMT) license, and I am currently working as an Air Traffic Service Officer (Tower & APPROACH MSP), proudly sponsored by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) through their Air Traffic Services (ATS) bursary programme.
My aviation journey began at the age of 12 when a “career dress-up day” at primary school planted the seed of my dream to become an Air Traffic Controller. However, after matric, I found it difficult to break into the industry due to limited exposure and resources. That led to detours through learnerships and business incubation programmes—valuable but far from the runway I longed for.
In 2021, my passion for aviation was reignited when I received a scholarship from TETA to pursue a Remote Pilot Certificate. That opportunity introduced me to the world of unmanned aviation, and shortly after, I joined Girls Fly Africa (GFA) in partnership with UNICEF, where I earned my RPAS maintenance technician (RMT) license.
GFA introduced me to 3D printing, design thinking, and innovative problem-solving through drone technology. The programme did not just empower me—it opened doors to mentorship, networking, and self-belief. I will always be grateful for the foundation it laid in my life. I got an opportunity to explore drone business entrepreneurship, and that was so interesting, I have parked that interest at the moment.
In a life-changing turn, I was awarded the ATNS ATS bursary, which opened a whole new world of aviation to me. Some of the most exciting highlights of my training included:
- Learning fascinating aviation modules that broadened my understanding of the field, Aerodrome Physical, Meteorology, to name a few.
- Getting exposed to the ATC 360-degree tower simulation and TopSky systems
- Applying theory to real-world assessments and practice sessions
- Being mentored and supported by On-the-Job Training Instructors (OJTIs) who helped me transition from theory to real-world air traffic scenarios with actual aircraft movements
After completing the academy phase, I was honoured to be placed at a station, where I was validated under the guidance of skilled professionals. Their support and real-time mentoring have been crucial in shaping my early career and giving life to everything I had learned in the classroom. Today, I serve as an Air Traffic Service Officer (Tower & APPROACH MSP), with the clear goal of climbing the ladder to become a licensed Air Traffic Controller (ATC).
I am deeply grateful to ATNS for offering me this opportunity of a lifetime and for their continued investment in my future. I also thank all RPAS training sponsors and the GFA for seeing potential in me and lighting the path. I am also actively volunteering my time during off days to visit schools, where we empower the next generation of aviators. I learned this from GFA that
We should lift as we rise
A big shout-out to my GFA community for always calling me to tour schools and help plant seeds to the next generation of leaders. #payingforwad. My aviation journey is still unfolding—but it’s one that proves that empowerment, awareness, self-belief, and opportunities can change lives.
