PORT ALFRED- In a groundbreaking move, the Eastern Cape government has unveiled a state-of-the-art aviation school at the 43 Air School in Port Alfred on 17th January 2025, this innovative initiative aims to establish a high school for Aerospace Science, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) subjects.
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Eastern Cape Department of Education(EC DoE) MEC Fundile Gade officiated the launch hailing it as a transformative initiative that will revolutionize the province’s education sector. The Premier emphasized the international standard of 43 Air School, highlighting its potential to integrate pupils from underprivileged backgrounds. “This is a massive opportunity, not just for our province but for international schools,” Premier Mabuyane said.
“Out of 180 schools this is the best school, providing all necessary facilities. We’re in a global space, with kids from the African diaspora and pilots from other African countries trained here.”
“We are giving bursaries, we encourage kids to pass maths and physics,” MEC Gade emphasized, highlighting the province’s strategic approach to addressing gaps in the curriculum.
Gade explained that the province identified a significant gap in aviation-focused education and took proactive steps to address it.
“Three years ago, we initiated negotiations to either acquire shares in or purchase 43 Air School. When this was not feasible we developed a hybrid model,” Gade said.
Learners at the Port Alfred Aviation school are thrilled about the opportunities it presents, an aviation learner, Zenande Ngxabi said, “It’s a privilege to be at one of the best schools in our country. My experience has been amazing and I’m thankful to be here. I’d love to be an instructor and give back to others who look like me.”
In addition, enrolled at a newly launched Aviation school in Port Alfred Luthimna Gqemba echoed Ngxabi’s sentiments, saying, “I’m excited; this is a game-changer for us from disadvantaged backgrounds and I’m happy the government invested in us to pursue our careers.”
The Port Alfred Aviation School is poised to become a hub for aviation excellence providing students with world-class facilities and training with its focus on STEM subjects, the school is set to produce talented individuals who will take the aviation industry by storm.
photograph: supplied
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