From Atteridgeville to the Skies: Kgaogelo Mahasha breaks barriers in Aeronautical Engineering
Kgaogelo Mahasha’s childhood in Atteridgeville was marked by the influence of strong male role models in her family, many of whom were in technology and engineering fields. “Growing up around strict male figures who pushed me to do my best was pivotal,” she recalls.
Initially drawn to cars and hoping to get into the automotive industry in the future, Mahasha’s passion for aviation was sparked when she accompanied her brother to a careers exhibition. The experience was love at first sight, steering her towards a career in aeronautics.
Entering the field of aeronautical engineering, a traditionally male-dominated industry, Mahasha faced numerous challenges. “Aircraft maintenance was something I never thought about,” she admits. However, her inquisitive nature deepened her interest in the field and helped her navigate the hurdles she came across.
She adds that mentorship played a crucial role in overcoming the most significant challenge she has faced yet, which is self-doubt and fear, by providing her with guidance and confidence.
“I compared myself a lot to my male colleagues, so I had to learn how to do my best without being hard on myself. Having good mentors keeps me grounded and reminds me of all the things I’m trying to achieve,” Mahasha said.
Mahasha’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. She was ranked twice among the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans in 2018 and 2019, a recognition that affirmed her hard work and dedication.
“It was a really big moment for me,” she reflects. “It confirmed that my hard work is being appreciated and someone can actually look up to me as an influential figure in the aviation space.”
Her most recent recognition as a finalist in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2023 Datathon further underscores her expertise and innovative spirit, “I loved everything about the Datathon, especially learning from global participants and their ideas, and found the challenge both stimulating and rewarding,” she shared.
As a Senior Aeronautical Technician, Mahasha’s role involves both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of aircraft, including repairs, troubleshooting, inspections, and preparation for flights.
Among her memorable experiences is completing the EASA A319/A320 Type course, a significant milestone in her career.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mahasha is deeply involved in the “1 Million Girls in STEM” organisation. Through this initiative, she and other women in STEM conduct presentations at schools, aiming to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
“We provide information about different careers, tertiary requirements, and educational opportunities,” she explains. “Our goal is to inspire young girls to excel in STEM and not shy away from these careers.”
IOL