#BeyondWomenMonth (Women@SACAA #AviationGameChangers)

#BeyondWomenMonth: Women at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) at all levels play an important part in taking brand SACAA to a higher trajectory. This demonstrates how #SACAA has paved the way for a more gender-inclusive environment. As the #WomenMonth has drawn to a close, we would like to share some of the profiles of women at the SACAA with you. The spotlight is on Ms Jabulile Sibeko.

True to the SACAA’s brand promise – keeping you safe in the sky, Ms Jabulile Sibeko has kept the brand promise alive, while carrying out her crucial responsibilities as a Production/Manufacturing Inspector at the SACAA. With her characteristic attention to detail, Jabulile ensures that each manufacturing piece complies with specific quality standards for certification. Without a doubt, she executes her inspectorate tasks with diligence, exceeding her stakeholders’ expectations.?

?Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at the SACAA?

I studied Industrial Engineering and have been a Production /Manufacturing Inspector at the Airworthiness Engineering Department for more than a decade now.

My role is quite interesting and comes with lots of responsibilities, of which I will only mention a few. Key is that I am responsible for oversight of the SACAA approved Manufacturing Organisations that either mass produce aircraft parts or complete an aircraft. I also process initial Airworthiness Approvals for newly built aircraft such as the Certificate of Airworthiness (Type Certified Aircraft), ATF (Non-Type-Certified Aircraft), and RLA (RPAS). I also have a crucial role in the certification (approval) process of aircraft parts and aircraft.

?Why did you choose to work at the SACAA?

I would say, the SACAA chose me. When I joined the SACAA, I knew nothing about the organisation or the aviation industry. I first landed a temporary position as a Data Capturer through an employment agency. After a while, the SACAA afforded me an opportunity to do my in-service training, and later I was appointed as a Trainee Manufacturing Inspector, as I was passionate about manufacturing, and the exposure to the manufacturing activities that comes with the position.

What do you find most challenging about working for a Regulator?

Sometimes dealing with the pressure from our clients is challenging. Some clients will apply for their approvals and expect to receive feedback on the same or next day, which I find understandable, because they need these approvals to run their businesses. However, it is important to remember that there are necessary processes that need to take place, including due diligence and verification for compliance, which sometimes takes time.

?What do you find most challenging about your job?

Sometimes doing a lot of things, can mean achieving little. My job comes with many different tasks, and I am expected to always deliver the maximum results, which can be challenging.

When your family and friends find out that you work for the SACAA, what do they ask or say?

At first some family members thought I work for CNA or South African Airlines (SAA). Maybe that is because they are familiar with these organisations.

I have family members who have asked me to organise them free flight tickets, while others really wanted to know what my job entails, because I am the first in my family to work in this industry.

What keeps you going in the face of challenges?

A clear understanding of the SACAA mandate, and my role in ensuring continuous improvement in the levels of safety in our civil aviation industry.

?The interest in the aviation sector seems to be growing amongst women, why do you think that is? And where do you see yourself in the future?

Awareness of the aviation industry is clearly playing a big role in ensuring that more women are attracted to this industry. I must say, the SACAA has been doing a lot to bring that awareness to the ordinary people of this country. Just to mention a few, the SACAA and the Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza, has been on radio stations and giving very informative talks, which are inspirational, especially to a black female child.?

Any tips for aspiring aviators in your field?

?Have passion, obtain as much knowledge as you can about your field of interest,?and have a teachable spirit.