Asnath Mahapa
Senior First Officer, South African Airways and Founder of the African College of Aviation, South Africa
Asnath Mahapa, born in 1979, made history as Africa’s first female commercial pilot and the first to obtain an airline transport pilot’s license. Growing up in Limpopo, her fascination with aviation began at age 13. She pursued her pilot training in 1998, earning her private and commercial pilot licenses within a year.
Asnath’s career includes flying for the South African Airforce, the United Nations, and the Red Cross across Central and West Africa. She later joined South African Express and is currently a Senior First Officer for South African Airways, flying internationally on Airbus 330 and 340 aircraft.
In 2012, she established the African College of Aviation in Johannesburg, through which she trains and inspires a new generation of Pilots
In 2017, she founded the Asnath Matsobane Mahapa Foundation (AMF) to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by promoting STEM education and providing mentorship. She is also a member of Girls 4 Girls (G4G), supporting female leadership and education.
Asnath has been recognized for her contributions to aviation and women’s empowerment, receiving numerous accolades, including the ‘100 Greatest Women in Aviation’ award and the South African Women’s Alliance Legacy Award. Since 2018, she has become a motivational speaker, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
