POLOKWANE – Koketso Selolo dreams of becoming a pilot and she is determined to make it happen.
The 18-year-old Seshego resident is an aviation student at the Blue Chip Flight School and shared that she wanted to become a pilot since Gr 2 after a trip to the airport where she sat in the cockpit.
“I was fascinated by all the buttons and lights, and that sparked my interest to become a pilot. Although the passion faded throughout primary school and a part of high school, it resurfaced in Gr 10 and from that moment I knew that I wanted to live my dream,” she said.
Koketso’s choice to become a pilot was further cemented by her love for being in the sky and seeing things from a different point of view. She completed four of the eight required exams to obtain her Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
“I am working towards getting my solo bar at the moment. I like the challenge because it makes me work harder. Becoming a pilot in a male-dominated industry is a challenge that motivates me to work hard and break boundaries and stereotypes so I can inspire other young girls like me,” she said.
But Koketso’s dream to one day fly a King Air 200, or a Boeing 787 Dreamliner might be put on hold because she doesn’t have the finances to continue with her studies.
“My parents are unable to keep up with the large amounts of money needed for my education. I need an estimated R530 000, which covers all my exams, textbooks, briefings, PPL training, night rating, Commercial Pilot Licence training as well as accommodation and transport,” she explained.
Koketso is requesting assistance to complete her studies. She said that to get financial support will allow her to concentrate in school without worrying about where she will get the money for her next class or flight.
“I believe that education opens doors but success relies on initiative. I am also confident that my education will not be by chance but by choice. This is my dream and I ask that you help me to achieve it,” she said.
Koketso can be reached at ramaselas4@gmail.com.
