Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube of KwaZulu-Natal has officially inaugurated the Fuze Aviation Academy Training Programme, marking a bold and historic first for the province.
The program’s objectives are employment generation, skill development, and youth support in the aviation industry.
Thursday, during the launch at the Oribi Airport in Pietermaritzburg, Dube-Ncube described the occasion as a ground-breaking project that marks the admission of black men and women into an industry that, 28 years into democracy, remains dominated by whites.
“Today, we are introducing training programs for Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. Dube-Ncube stated that the Fuze Aviation Academy, which opened in 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal, allows girls and boys from rural and urban areas to access the thrilling world of aviation.
The Prime Minister lauded the Transport Education Training Authority for leading and assisting the Fuze Aviation Academy during its crucial developmental stages.
She noted that the academy has also partnered with the province government via the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs.
“As the province government, we will continue to give the required assistance to enable the successful implementation of various aviation industry programs.”
Premier remarked that the academy has entered the market at an opportune time, when capacity has been drastically reduced due to Comair’s departure from South Africa, where it operated Kulula and British Airways.
While other airlines, such as Lift and FlySafair, have responded by adding additional flights to their schedules, this has resulted to excessive ticket prices, according to Dube-Ncube.
In addition, the global increase in the price of jet fuel due to geopolitical concerns in Eastern Europe has not helped. One of the complaints voiced by South African airlines is that it is difficult to find certified pilots and cabin staff members quickly enough.
“Therefore, even if Fuze Aviation Academy contemplates launching full commercial operations, you should be satisfied that there is a market for the crew you are training at the Oribi Airport,” the premier remarked.
In addition, she emphasized that as the holiday season approaches, there will be a demand for inbound and outgoing travel as well as human resources.
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The Fuze Aviation Academy, with its diverse components – charter business, cargo, repair and maintenance, pilot and cabin attendant training – is poised to take its place in this attractive, secure, and expanding area of our economy.
“I would want to warn cadets and graduates of the Fuze Academy that there is no room for error due to the tight, but necessary international and local regulation of almost every aspect of flying. She stated that there is no tolerance for error because a lack of attention to detail can cost lives.
Opportunities
Dube-Ncube reminded the cadets at the academy that they represent the hopes of millions of people who have been awed by the marvels of flight for years.
“You are the realization of the ambitions of the young women and men from rural and urban parts of our province who wish to enter this world of employment that gives so many opportunities. Pilot, flight attendant, air traffic controller, aeronautical engineer, aircraft mechanic, airport planner, airport security manager, airfield operations specialist, airline operations agent, and airport manager are just few of the lucrative occupations available in aviation.
“In terms of work options, the world is your oyster, as aviation and spacecraft makers are among the largest employers. There is no other industry with as many prospects and potential.”
She noted that, with air traffic expected to treble in the next two decades, the African aviation sector is one of the most attractive in the world, with high profit and passenger growth potential supported by a rapidly expanding middle class.
“As drone pilots, they will provide real-time recording of accident sites and take photographs before any interference can obscure vital evidence and information. The drones will also be used to monitor the coastline for distressed swimmers and to hasten the dispatch of rescue boats and medical aid.
“It is also anticipated that they will play an important role in pest and disease control in agriculture, where drones will be used to carry medication, particularly in rural regions,” the prime minister said.
30 drone operators, 20 aviation engineers, and 10 private and commercial pilots are among the students.
Upon graduation, according to Dube-Ncube, some of the students will be able to assist the Department of Transport and Health in identifying road accident monitoring and data collection, particularly during peak seasons and national events.