Unisa set to celebrate newly certified women drone pilots

The university’s Inhlanyelo Hub NPC is hosting a certificate award ceremony celebrating the graduation of Drone Divas Cohort 3 (Gauteng) at the Unisa Sunnyside Campus, Pretoria, on Friday, 6 March 2026.

The ceremony will recognise the achievements of Cohort 3 women drone pilots and honour Advanced Drone Divas who have reached the next milestone in their aviation careers, highlighting Inhlanyelo Hub’s commitment to empowering women in technology. On the same day, women pilots who have completed the advanced training and earned the beyond-visual-line-of-sight certification will also be celebrated.

Since its launch in September 2023, the Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Industry Start-Up Business Programme has empowered 50 young women by equipping them with cutting-edge skills in drone piloting, radio communication, and drone technology development (coding). The third cohort has not only mastered these technical competencies but has also received entrepreneurship and business training, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead and innovate within the drone economy and aviation industry. Additionally, this cohort has successfully completed the RPL (Remote Pilot License) course approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, officially certifying them as drone pilots and authorising them to operate commercial drones within South Africa's regulated airspace.

This programme fosters meaningful innovation in emerging technologies and aligns with the university's Catalytic Research Niche Areas. The programme supports African-led innovation and increases the university's global competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through investment in women in drone technology.

Among the standout success stories is Happiness Godora, a Unisa graduate and qualified teacher who is transforming STEM education in South Africa. Through her company, Edu Drones and STEM Events, she integrates drone technology into classrooms to make learning interactive and inspiring — opening pathways to future careers in aviation and technology for young learners.

"The certification ceremony is a testament to the strides made by Inhlanyelo Hub in responding to South Africa’s urgent need for inclusive skills development and technology-driven economic participation, aligned with the university’s Catalytic Research Niche Areas,” says Professor Raphael Mpofu, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC. “As we advance our mission to empower women, the Drone Divas programme stands out as a practical solution for bridging the gender gap in aviation and emerging technology.”

Date: Friday, 6 March 2026

Time: 10:30 AM for 11:00 AM

Venue: Enoch Sontonga Hall, Unisa Sunnyside Campus, corner of Steve Biko Road and Justice Mahomed Street

* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub NPC