Q & A with Ayanda Mekgwe

IMAGE: Ayanda Mekgwe on duty.

Please share your full name and surname, where you were born and currently resides – together with their academic background. "Ayanda Mekgwe, born in Diepkloof Soweto and still live in Diepkloof. I have a BA degree from Wits University majoring in Psychology, Marketing and HR".

When did you start with your profession and what drove you to that field at first? "I am a flight attendant at a South African airline. I have been flying with the airline for over 2 years now. I remember the first time I saw a flight attendant, it was my first flight. My grade 6 class had won a competition to Disneyland in Paris in 1996. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked up the aircraft door and saw the FA, she said hi and welcomed me into aircraft, I knew there and then this was what I wanted to do".

In your experience as a Flight Attendant thus far – have you ever found yourself regretting why you started? "Not at all. This is literally my dream job. Every time I put on my uniform I get goose bumps as I sometimes cannot believe that I’m a FA. I doubt I could ever tire of this job. You know what they say “choose a career you love, and you will never work a day in your life" that’s me literally every time I go to work".

Since your industry was affected by lockdown – what did you do to cope during lockdown? "Aviation was one of the hardest hit industries during lockdown. I am so grateful that I started a home based business through a company in the network marketing industry, we retail world class aloe vera based health and wellness products, this side hustle has helped me and my family during the hard times of lockdown, ensuring we had a source of income while helping others look and feel good through health products".

Your take on GBV? – "Firstly we must look at the word GENDER based violence, we often forget that males too can be victims of GBV. We more often than not see cases of women reported as males are afraid to report these because of the stigma, and or embarrassment they feel if they report a case. The justice system has failed GBV victims tremendously both women and men. It tends to focus on issues that can be solved much quicker than they do this issue. It is very sad and worrisome that the one place people can run to for help is the one place that turns them away".

Your advice to a young girl who considers your profession? "Choose a career not because a friends but because it talks to you. There is a fire in your belly when you think about it, if your dreams scare you, that means they are big and you should definitely go for them. For those who want to follow in my profession I would advice them that we as FA are the face of the company, we represent the company so it is important for us to always look the part. The training is a grueling process, you must bring everything you’ve got. You need to be confident, have a passion for people, customer service is a must. Let the fire inside burn into an inferno, and fly high as the sky is not even the limit".

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