By Jonk wa Mashamba
jonk@alexreporter.co.za
Gift Bvuma (26) was born and raised in the dusty streets of Xihoko Village outside Tzaneen, Limpopo province.
She was brought up with her five siblings by jobless parents.
Gift used to roam villages with her siblings selling fruits and vegetables at social grant points to survive.
Today, she is a third-year aircraft mechanic trainee at 43 Air School in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape.
She also studied Electrical Engineering N1 –N6 at Central Johannesburg College.
In January 2017, Gift was fortunate enough to get a placement at UJ where she was in a learnership program.
In 2018, after learning, she signed up for the apprenticeship.
She received a response to her request and was asked to attend an interview at the Lanseria airport.
But she thought it was a scam because her mom had always warned her about the scams in the city of Gold, Johannesburg.
Sadly, the energetic gift had no money, but began to fast while getting ready for the interview.
When the day came, she traveled to Lanseria airport and met her compatriot, Brilliant Nkuna, who was also present at the same interview.
(Please also read https://www.alexreporter.co.za/2021/04/07/joppie-villager-becomes-pilot-after-horrific-accident/)
Following their interview and assessment, both were qualified.
She received forms from the Transport, Education, Training Authority (TETA), which is responsible for the sponsorship, filled out, submitted; the rest is history.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS?
Like any other job that requires certain levels to be achieved before being hired, this is what potential students should consider while still in secondary school or high school.
The requirements for aircraft mechanics include Grade 12 with English level 4, mathematics and physics.
“You must be at least 18 years old and physically fit. I also recommend that you do research on this career and check with various flying schools to find one that suits you before making decisions, Gift advises.
“Black child, you should believe in yourself. I grew up with parents who sold fruits and vegetables to support us.
“If my parents did it for us, I am sure that other parents who are lucky to have a good job can do better.
“Having a clear vision of where you want to be in life will help us to overcome the struggles in the disadvantaged communities like mine.”
Gift said she didn’t look at what her mom was selling.
“It was tough. I can assure you that I am not the brightest girl in my community, but thanks to dedication and discipline, I have.
“The raining is incredibly enjoyable and challenging. But since I am trained for great responsibility, I would expect this to be difficult.
“If you’re passionate about aviation and seriously considering a career in aviation, take the plunge and go for it.
“Be sure to do a lot of research in advance because it requires a massive commitment,” she adds.
Gift mentions Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) as a Scripture by which she lives:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and no evil, to give a future and a hope.”
She says she would like to venture into agriculture and begin growing the vegetables that fed her to be where she is today.
The most challenging obstacle to completing the aviation mechanics course is financial, which in South Africa means that only a few people in the black community can afford it.
But, with sponsors like TETA, it is still possible for the black child to get through the system. During this 30 month course, you must also complete 11 months of theoretical training and 18 months of practical training at work.
Source: Nwamitwa Times
