Mandisa Mfeka
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Category:
Location:
South Africa
Preferred Language:
English
Tags:
Adventurer,Endurance athlete,Inspiration,Leadership,motivation,Womens Interest
Profile:
Guest speaker Maj. Mandisa Mfeka is a distinguished aviation professional, renowned for breaking barriers and redefining the possibilities for women, particularly women of color, in the world of aviation.
As the first Black female combat-streamed pilot in the South African Air Force (SAAF), she has become a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless aspiring pilots around the world. Enlisting in the SAAF in 2008 with a clear vision of becoming a pilot, Mandisa has accumulated over 14 years of experience in military aviation. She began flying in 2010 and earned her military pilot qualification in 2011.
Her dedication and passion for excellence led her to a groundbreaking career in the Combat Line, where she was certified as a Hawk Mk120 Commander in 2018. Mandisa's journey has not only challenged the norms of a male- dominated field but has also become a powerful symbol of resilience and achievement for women in aviation. In addition to her qualifications, Mandisa has participated in numerous prestigious events, including flying in the Hawk Formation Flypast during the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Her training has been extensive, including flying in formation with the Gripen fighter jets, delivering bombs to target, conducting simulated air-to-air dogfights, and participating in high-level air combat exercises. These experiences have contributed to her exceptional skill set and her role as an accomplished combat pilot.
Beyond her accomplishments in the cockpit, Mandisa is also a passionate advocate for empowering others. She has earned significant recognition for her leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to challenging the status quo. She was honored with the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Award for Excellence in Aviation in 2020 and received the Feathers' Award for Role Model of the Year in the same year. As a brand ambassador for New Balance (2022) and a prominent participant in campaigns such as the VW T-Roc Campaign (2020), she continues to amplify her voice and inspire the next generation of leaders.
In 2019, she took on the additional responsibility of Flight Safety Officer at her Squadron, a role that led to her promotion as Aviation Safety Officer in 2021. She later served at the South African Air Force (SAAF) Headquarters as an Airshow Planner, where her strategic expertise was central to the successful planning and execution of national airshows and military demonstrations.
After an accomplished military career, Mandisa recently transitioned into civilian aviation. As of 2025, she is an SANDF Veteran and now a full-time private pilot with a leading charter company in South Africa — continuing to soar in new ways beyond her military service.
Her influence extends far beyond the cockpit. Mandisa is an active volunteer with the Girls Fly Programme in Africa (GFPA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young girls through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Through this platform, she mentors and inspires girls from underrepresented communities, opening doors to careers in aviation and STEM fields while fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and collaboration.
With a heart for service, a passion for excellence, and a proven ability to lead under pressure, Mandisa is more than a pilot — she is a role model and changemaker. Whether in the skies or on the ground, she continues to inspire audiences with her story, showing that no dream is too high to achieve.
As the first Black female combat-streamed pilot in the South African Air Force (SAAF), she has become a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless aspiring pilots around the world. Enlisting in the SAAF in 2008 with a clear vision of becoming a pilot, Mandisa has accumulated over 14 years of experience in military aviation. She began flying in 2010 and earned her military pilot qualification in 2011.
Her dedication and passion for excellence led her to a groundbreaking career in the Combat Line, where she was certified as a Hawk Mk120 Commander in 2018. Mandisa's journey has not only challenged the norms of a male- dominated field but has also become a powerful symbol of resilience and achievement for women in aviation. In addition to her qualifications, Mandisa has participated in numerous prestigious events, including flying in the Hawk Formation Flypast during the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Her training has been extensive, including flying in formation with the Gripen fighter jets, delivering bombs to target, conducting simulated air-to-air dogfights, and participating in high-level air combat exercises. These experiences have contributed to her exceptional skill set and her role as an accomplished combat pilot.
Beyond her accomplishments in the cockpit, Mandisa is also a passionate advocate for empowering others. She has earned significant recognition for her leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to challenging the status quo. She was honored with the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Award for Excellence in Aviation in 2020 and received the Feathers' Award for Role Model of the Year in the same year. As a brand ambassador for New Balance (2022) and a prominent participant in campaigns such as the VW T-Roc Campaign (2020), she continues to amplify her voice and inspire the next generation of leaders.
In 2019, she took on the additional responsibility of Flight Safety Officer at her Squadron, a role that led to her promotion as Aviation Safety Officer in 2021. She later served at the South African Air Force (SAAF) Headquarters as an Airshow Planner, where her strategic expertise was central to the successful planning and execution of national airshows and military demonstrations.
After an accomplished military career, Mandisa recently transitioned into civilian aviation. As of 2025, she is an SANDF Veteran and now a full-time private pilot with a leading charter company in South Africa — continuing to soar in new ways beyond her military service.
Her influence extends far beyond the cockpit. Mandisa is an active volunteer with the Girls Fly Programme in Africa (GFPA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young girls through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Through this platform, she mentors and inspires girls from underrepresented communities, opening doors to careers in aviation and STEM fields while fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and collaboration.
With a heart for service, a passion for excellence, and a proven ability to lead under pressure, Mandisa is more than a pilot — she is a role model and changemaker. Whether in the skies or on the ground, she continues to inspire audiences with her story, showing that no dream is too high to achieve.
Guest speaker Maj. Mandisa Mfeka is a distinguished aviation professional, renowned for breaking barriers and redefining the possibilities for women, particularly women of color, in the world of aviation.
As the first Black female combat-streamed pilot in the South African Air Force (SAAF), she has become a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless aspiring pilots around the world. Enlisting in the SAAF in 2008 with a clear vision of becoming a pilot, Mandisa has acc
As the first Black female combat-streamed pilot in the South African Air Force (SAAF), she has become a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless aspiring pilots around the world. Enlisting in the SAAF in 2008 with a clear vision of becoming a pilot, Mandisa has acc
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