22/09/2026
A3 SPOTLIGHT 🇿🇦
My name is Ziyanda Ngqunge, I’m 32 years old, and I’m proudly South African. I’m originally from Alice, from a rural area called Roxeni Location, and I grew up in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). I completed my high school education in Zwide at Ndzondelelo High School and later pursued my studies in Tourism.
My journey into aviation actually began in Grade 11 in 2011. At the time, I was told that Physical Science was not my strongest subject, and I was advised to take Tourism instead. What started as an alternative subject soon became a pathway that introduced me to my passion for travel and aviation.
I was also inspired by my cousin, Funeka Ngqunge, who worked for South African Airways (SAA) at Port Elizabeth Airport. Whenever I saw her and her friend in their SAA uniforms, I was fascinated by the aviation industry and could imagine myself being part of that world one day.
In 2018, Zoleka Ngcebetsha introduced me to EPT Aviation Academy and told me about their cabin crew training. Although I did not enrol immediately, that introduction stayed with me and eventually became part of my journey into aviation.
In 2022, while working as a Customer Service Agent for Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), I completed my cabin crew training and licensing at EPT Aviation Academy. Today, I’m proud to be the first Flight Attendant in my family, working as a Flight Attendant for FlySafair. ✈️
I completed my FlySafair training on the 1 November 2025 and officially started flying commercially on the 11 November 2025. So, I’ve now been flying commercially for almost 10 months. What makes this journey even more special is that I was often told that I was too short to be a Flight Attendant but God bought me here.
My journey has been one of faith, resilience and perseverance. Coming from a rural background and growing up in Port Elizabeth, I’ve learned that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. The dream that started with admiring those SAA uniforms has now become my reality.
I’m passionate about inspiring young Africans who aspire to build careers in aviation and showing them that their dreams are valid, regardless of where they come from.
