NEVER ALLOW SOMEONE TO DISCOURAGE YOU: 22 YEAR OLD AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN OLETILWE SEKOKOTLA.

BY: NOBUHLE LAGAMA ZOZO

At the National Aviation Gender Summit in August 2024, South African Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to achieving 50% gender equality by 2030, which is one of their key Sustainable Development Goals.

He expressed pride in the progress already made, noting that half of the national cabinet ministers are women. He added that many sectors, including the judiciary, police, public service, and armed forces, are moving steadily toward gender parity. His vision, he said, is to see the same transformation within the aviation industry.

One young woman leading that change is Oletilwe Persevearance Sekokotla, a 22-year-old aircraft technician from Soshanguve. She recently won a gold medal at the prestigious WorldSkills competition and was featured at the National Science Week (2025) launch at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria West Campus on 1 August, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

As an aircraft technician, Sekokotla is responsible for diagnosing electrical and mechanical issues, inspecting aircraft parts, and conducting repairs and maintenance.

Speaking at the launch, she shared her journey to the global stage in France, where she competed under the aircraft maintenance category, a field still largely dominated by men. Addressing learners, she encouraged them to pursue careers they’re passionate about, regardless of gender norms.

“Never allow someone to discourage you,” she said. “They may say it’s for a specific gender, but if you love it, go for it. I stand before you as an example of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.