SAA’s captain Annabel Vundla with South African Olympic Champion Caster Semenya. Picture: Instagram
TODAY, more women are taking the captain’s seat and advancing representation in the aviation industry. Though the number of female pilots has grown over the past few years in South Africa, women now make up almost 10% of all pilots in the country.
One of those women, is Captain Annabel Vundla. A woman of many firsts, she is the national carrier’s first black African female captain and the first black female pilot and instructor in the history of the South African Defence Force.
We had a quick chat with the captain to get to know more about her this Women’s Month.
What inspired you to go into aviation?
I went into aviation when I saw an aircraft at the airport for the first time at 7 years old. I fell in love with the crew and the 747( big blue bird) then I knew immediately, this was my calling.
Growing up in Mafikeng, North West, I have a passion for aviation. I joined SAA in 2010, and went on to become the first black female pilot and instructor in the history of the South African Defence Force.
I then started trading military pilots, which evolved my career.
Where did you train?
I trained in the air force in 1999 and completed my course in 2000. I became the first black woman to train and qualify in the air force as a pilot.
I progressed to be the only woman of colour flying all democratically-elected heads of state from 2005 till 2010. I joined SAA in 2010 and flew the Boeing 737-800 and the Airbus 320, acquiring the rank of captain.
I was the first black female captain of SAA.
Being a woman of colour in a male dominated industry, what are some of the challenges you face?
The challenges I faced was engrained biases. It’s difficult to change people’s minds on race and sex, but I do my job to the best of my ability.
Being South African women’s month, what words of inspiration do you have for young women looking up to you and who want to become pilots?
You have to take this dream and mould it to your passion. Not everyone can fly an aeroplane as there are different careers in aviation, but you have to push and be resilient.
Training is very expensive but knocking on doors can get you somewhere. It’s a long road but it’s worth it.
What’s the first destination you flew to and how did it feel taking your first flight?
The first place I flew to as a trainee pilot was the FAR45, a general flying area in Langebaan. It was an exhilarating experience.
What are your favourite destinations, local and international?
I love travelling and enjoying new places and cultures. I have so many places I am yet to see. I love shopping and I also love to explore. My favourite local destination is Cape Town and, internationally, it is Japan.
What can be done to empower women, especially women of colour in the aviation industry?
Women empowerment can be achieved through visiting schools and exposing learners to the different aviation jobs and careers that exist. The same schools can also be invited to conferences so young girls can see the opportunities available to them.
Being a pilot, you're a certified traveller. What do you love about travelling as a woman?
I love that I can enjoy an environment at my own pace. No rush, just taking it all in.
Any pearls of wisdom that you’d like to share with readers?
What a beautiful journey. We have the imposter syndrome that kicks in at times, but we are more than able. Hard work really does pay off.
I ultimately want to encourage women to pursue their dreams and goals and never give up, despite economic and cultural circumstances.