Central SA
Sacaa champions aviation careers with educational youth tours at Bram Fischer─── REFILWE BEKANE 15:00 Wed, 01 Oct 2025
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) is spearheading an initiative this Transport Month with a series of educational tours for high school learners across five provinces.
The programme is a cornerstone of Sacaa’s commitment to the national development plan that aims to introduce and expose previously disadvantaged youth, said manager of aviation development and stakeholder relations Pappie Maja. The tours are designed to promote transformation by encouraging learners to pursue careers in this specialised field.
The tours offer an unprecedented look behind the scenes of airport operations. Students visit areas where they can witness essential activities like fire management, aircraft maintenance and storage, and the crucial communication between air traffic controllers and pilots to ensure safe take-offs and landings.
“We go to the air side, that’s where they also see how fire is managed and how the aircraft are being fixed, and stored in order for them to be safe,” said Maja.
The tour activities are highly anticipated, with a significant event scheduled for Bram Fischer International Airport on Friday (3/10). It will host a hundred learners selected from local communities, specifically targeting those from townships and surrounding areas.
The selection process, conducted in partnership with the department of basic education, focuses on deserving learners who are interested in aviation and are studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem), which are crucial entry points into the industry.
Manager stakeholder relations and aviation development at Sacaa Pappie Maja. Photo: LinkedIn
“We introduced this program about twelve years ago, and we have already interacted with over 500,000 learners throughout South Africa.” Sacaa has already awarded over 200 bursaries to deserving students or learners, said Maja.
Recent success stories include five students sent to China and a group of qualified pilots who returned from France, all beneficiaries of the initiative.
Looking ahead, the tours are also preparing students for the future by incorporating discussions on rapid technological shifts, encouraging learners to pursue careers in these emerging, technology-focused areas, he added.
Have a news tip to share? Phone or WhatsApp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427. 
