Air force backs extra classes to lure matric high-flyers

The SA Air Force is subsiding extra classes for matriculants interested in careers as pilots, navigators and air traffic controllers.

The project took off at Strelitzia Secondary School in Isipingo this week when 30 pupils were given extra tuition in maths, science and English. The programme will continue on Saturdays until matric pupils write their final examinations. The director of human resources services in the SAAF, General Cedric Masters, said the programme was part of the transformation process.

"We've not been getting enough black people to reflect the demographics of the country," he said.

The aim was to get more Indians, coloureds and Africans involved in military aviation.

"We have a number of black pilots, but that's not enough in terms of what we need."

Selisha Moodley, 16, of Orient Hills, said the programme had helped influence her choice of career.

"I was not that passionate about military aviation. I was looking at the biology side of things, but after the air force people gave us a talk, I really thought it's the right direction," she said.

Luke Moodley, 17, of Lotus Park, said the programme could not have come at a better time.

"I have a passion to be part of the military. I just wanna be there," he said.

Strelitzia Secondary School principal Nanda Nair said the programme was excellent, as it facilitated access to institutions that were previously not accessible to disadvantaged groups. Flight Sergeant Charmaine Moodley, corporate communications officer at the air force base in Durban, said they wanted to assist pupils with an interest in becoming pilots, navigators and air traffic controllers to obtain better subject symbols.

Sunday Times