Semakaleng Mathebula is the first black hot air balloon pilot in South Africa. The 27-year-old is one of only a handful female athletes in the once-“exclusive” sport.
“It’s not the most conventional route when it comes to piloting. Most people just venture into flying aeroplanes, whether commercial or light, or getting your helicopter license. No one thinks, ‘Oh, I want to be a hot air balloon pilot!’ But I fell in love with these multi-coloured balloons.”
SA’s first black hot air balloon pilot shares with Gugulethu Mfuphi
Mathebula found work as a marketing assistant for a hot air balloon tour company after struggling to find work.
She received a scholarship from the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Balloon and Airship Federation of South Africa (BAFSA) to pursue pilot training, and she received her license last year.
Once a pilot license has been gained, Mathebula agrees with Gugulethu that the industry is competitive in terms of salary.
“I am up before the sun rises because most balloon tours take off at the crack of dawn. But I do aim to put in about 15-hours a day to get a certain threshold. It is a competitive sport as well.”
For the first time this month, the high-flyer will compete in the South African Hot Air Balloon Championship.
She believes that the sport is in desperate need of new blood, and that more women and black people in general should participate.
Listen to Semakaleng Mathebule’s full interview on Kaya Biz:
