Lending a helping hand to make dreams a reality
In an effort to make Mcuphi Nkombi’s dream a reality, Alberton Crossing McDonald’s has committed to assist in raising funds for the Eden Park pilot.
The 30-year-old pilot’s story of seeking funds touched many hearts after being published in the RECORD in August 2019. Among those who were moved by the touching story was Thabile Dube, marketing manager of the local franchise.
Upon reading the article, she decided to assist in raising funds for Nkombi to further his studies. As a method mostly used to assist the community, Dube decided to dedicate a day where 10 per cent of proceeds will go towards his expenses.
Alberton Crossing’s McDonald’s has, for years, been actively involved in helping Alberton residents reach their dreams through this fund-raising method.
Dube told the RECORD that they are more than a business and that they consider themselves part and parcel of the Alberton community.
“I was moved by his passion and what he hoped to achieve. We decided to lend a helping hand because we have been doing this through the help of the community for a while now. We believe this money will be of great help,” she said.
Nkombi thanked and commended the community and the business for their continuous support in their mission of empowering him.
“I feel a sense of relief and excitement simply because there are people who believe and see potential in me. I can only worry about studying and flying.
Pilot’s dream
In 2015, Nkombi’s dream became a success through the Transport Education and Training Authority. It gave him the privilege to start his career by funding his private pilot licence (PPL) training.
He now holds a private pilot license and is studying towards a commercial pilot license with U-Fly Training Academy in Germiston.
It took patience, passion, hard work and self-discipline to make his dream of being a licensed pilot come true. However, he needs assistance in order to cover his expenses. His dream of being a licensed pilot almost became completely impossible as he spent more than two years trying to find a way to fund his training. He attained his PPL in May 2018 at the Johannesburg School of Flying.
According to Mcuphi, aviation is expensive, and so was his training and equipment. Not only does he want to make a name for himself, but he has a vision to empower aspiring pilots. He plans on mentoring learners from his high school who are passionate about this profession.
Big day
McDonald’s at Alberton Crossing, on the corner of Ring Road West and Clinton Road, will host the fund-raiser on November 3 from 4pm to 7pm.
A list of things needed for his training such as a preloved laptop, ASA CX3 flight computer and charts can cost up to R20 000.
They call on the community to come and order their McDonald’s meals in support of Nkombi. Should you be able to assist Nkombi in any other way, you can contact him on 078 876 3925.
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