“Death is the only thing promised to me. Everything else in life I shall work hard for.”

According to The Witness, those were the prophetic words of Durban student pilot Leeché Manuel (24), written as a caption to a Facebook post showing him in his pilot uniform in the cockpit of an aircraft a few years ago.

Last week, the young aviator, who had worked tirelessly towards his dream, died in a plane crash during a training flight in Johannesburg.

Manuel was in the final stages of completing his instructor rating when the crash occurred last Thursday.

At the time, he was on a routine practice flight with his instructor. Both sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

Bursary

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli expressed shock following Manuel’s death.

Manuel was funded through the premier’s bursary programme.

“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss. Manuel was not merely a bursary recipient, he was a shining example of the talent, discipline and determination that our province seeks to nurture,” said Ntuli.

“Being on the verge of qualifying as an instructor is a testament to his commitment and hard work. On behalf of the provincial government and the people of KZN, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the broader aviation school community,” he added.

Manuel received a comprehensive bursary from the Office of the Premier in February to pursue his commercial pilot licence and instructor rating.

His training journey took him from Pietermaritzburg to Richards Bay, and ultimately to Johannesburg, where he was completing specialised aircraft training required for his final assessments.

Ntuli has directed the bursary unit to provide all necessary support to the Manuel family during this period.

Report on crash

An official from the Office of the Premier will engage directly with the family, convey condolences and assist with immediate arrangements.

“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the risks that young people undertake in pursuit of their dreams and in their efforts to contribute meaningfully to our country. We are awaiting a full report on the technical causes of the accident,” Ntuli said.

“However, I wish to assure the family and our communities that this devastating loss will not deter us from our mission. The struggle for the empowerment of our youth continues,” he added.

“We will honour Leeché’s memory by remaining steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for young people,” said Ntuli.

Tributes

Friends, family and members of the aviation community have taken to social media to pay tribute to the young pilot.

Dawn Dunn said their family is heartbroken.

“We’ve lost our beloved Aunty Maureen a few weeks ago, and just last night [now] our young Leeché Manuel passed away in a tragic plane crash. It’s a holy month for both Catholics and Muslims and I ask for lots of prayer during this incredibly difficult time for our family. #restinpeace my baby. Gone too soon,” said Dunn.

Aviation Spotter — South Africa also shared a message of condolence.

“This was an incredibly difficult post to make. It’s deeply personal. As aviators, when one of us is lost, it affects us all, we are a family. My sincerest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Leeché Manuel. May God grant the family ease and strength during this difficult time,” said the message.

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