Edwin Tshivhidzo
17 August 2007
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has welcomed its first black female helicopter pilot.
Lieutenant Phetogo Molawa, 21, displayed her flying prowess in an Oryx army helicopter to delegates attending the third Women's Conference in Defence in Centurion outside Pretoria on Wednesday.
Molawa, who hails from the Free State, recently completed her initial helicopter training at SANDF and is now one of only a few women helicopter pilots in the Air Force.
Speaking to BuaNews, Molawa said she developed a passion for flying in her school days. "I wanted to show other young women that I can do what men can do."
Asked why she chose to become a pilot through the Defence Force, she said the SANDF offered numerous opportunities. "[Y]ou can be part of the rescue team, medics and many other things by being a pilot."
Speaking at Wednesday's conference, Deputy Defence Minister Mluleki George sad the SANDF had set itself the target of 30% representation by women in all its decision-making structures by 2009.
George said South Africa was "head and shoulders" above most African countries when it comes to gender equity in the military. "We need to build on this achievement and ensure that the number of women generals increases on a yearly basis."
Earlier this year, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota announced the appointment of 11 new brigadier-generals and two new rear admirals. Eight of the new brigadier-generals were women, bringing the total number of women generals in the SANDF to 25.
Source: BuaNews
