Chronicle Editor
Francis Mpazviriwo
Since time immemorial, humans have migrated to new lands, commonly in search of the proverbial greener pastures. While migrating to neighbouring countries has often been the natural choice owing to cultural similarities, shared histories and proximity to home, the advent of globalisation has opened new frontiers, as individuals have nestled in distant lands.
Regardless of the varying fortunes of Zimbabwe’s diaspora, the decision to plunge into new societies with their own cultures and value systems has characterised an enterprising spirit. In 1989, celebrated Zimbabwean pilot, Captain Obet Mazinyi (CM), joined Air Hong and later on, its parent company, Cathay Pacific in 1991. Since then, he has been at Cathay, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier and one of the world’s biggest airlines covering more than 200 destinations globally.
The decision to relocate to Hong Kong in 1989 was uncharacteristic, given the underlying communication deficiencies of the pre-digital age and the divergent cultures.
As the adage goes, the rest is history, as Captain Mazinyi, a veteran pilot, renowned Instructor and Senior Member of the Cathay Pacific Flight Operations Training Establishment, has spent an impressive 45 years commanding the skies in his decorated career.
During a recent working visit to Hong Kong, I (FM) sat down with Captain Mazinyi at the Regal Hotel, in Central Hong Kong in a wide-ranging interview in which he recounted his desire to become a pilot from a young age.
He also spoke about air connectivity, his yearning to return home on retirement, the role of the diaspora in propelling national economic development and also gave priceless advice to young people intending to join the aviation world. Read on.
FM: What is the total number of your flight hours?
CM: I have just under 23 000 hours of flying time on an aircraft. Flying time is counted from the time an aircraft moves under its power to the point when it stoops and parks at a destination.
FM: You are one of the notable Zimbabweans in Hong Kong. Do you have an association of Zimbabweans here?
CM: It is not so much an association but there is a group where we meet up sometimes. We have get-togethers and things like that. It is a small group. Most of the time, we get together through events organised by the Zimbabwean Consulate. Whenever anything comes up, they normally involve me. In 2017, I held a function at my home. All the Zimbabweans came for Independence Day Celebrations and we had a great time. So, things like that. I try and involve myself.
FM: I guess the group comprises professionals?
CM: Yes. We have a lot of Zimbabweans in the banking sector. Three more Zimbabwean pilots are also joining us (at Cathay Pacific). In total, we now have eight Zimbabweans at Cathay.
FM: (Interjects)… By next year it will be 40 of you here.
CM: (Chuckles)…Yes, why not? Yes, I keep encouraging them to come.
FM: Are there any programmes that you are conducting back home in aviation?
CM: When I go home, I often meet young Zimbabweans. I do some talks. Recently, during a visit to Zimbabwe, I gave career advice to young people at Charles Prince Airport, on what steps they should take to further their careers, whether they should stay put or explore other avenues. Things like that, I have mentored many young people aspiring to become pilots. And of course, I run my Instagram page where I just post.
FM: I must commend you for being active on social media. You have nearly 200 000 followers on Instagram @pilot_obet and are also active on many other platforms including YouTube. Any word of advice to young people who intend to join the aviation field?
CM: For young Zimbabwean girls and boys, remember everything starts with a dream, then you make it a reality. The aviation field is not just being a pilot. It includes Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Flight Operations Dispatch Officers, Meteorologists, Aviation Medical Doctors, Aircraft Catering and many other fields. Do not discount joining the Airforce of Zimbabwe too when they recruit. You will gain excellent training in whatever stream you choose and at the end of your contract period, you can join airlines, after having served your country.
FM: Having been here for the greater part of your life, do you have any plans of relocating to Zimbabwe upon retirement?
CM: I know it’s a cliche when people proclaim “home is home”— but it is true. I cannot wait to be home full-time. My wife and I have a lovely home in Harare.
I kept my home connections and in 1992, I came back home to Zimbabwe to marry my beautiful wife Persy also from Zimbabwe and was born in Chirumanzu. We wedded at the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe in Highfields. For those who are football fans, Persy is the sister to the late great Zimbabwean football commentator Evans Mambara. Anyway, we have raised a lovely family. My wife always returned to Zimbabwe to give birth back home. So there you have it!
We visit frequently and enjoy our time at home. Importantly, it is essential to maintain your home connections in your community. Zimbabwe is tops — we are out here for professional reasons but will be home soon.
FM: In 2022, Zimbabwe received US$2 billion worth of remittances channelled officially, indicating the massive Diaspora contribution to economic development. How can Zimbabwe realise more impactful investment from its nationals, beyond livelihood sustenance?
CM: As for the impact of diaspora contributions to the country, there needs to be a high degree of protection for them in their remittances and contributions. Diasporans (if such a term exists), need confidence so that they have protection of their investments back home. I have been in Hong Kong for 30 years and there are several nationalities of different Asian countries that remit money back to their countries. One thing is universal- they have ‘VIP’ status in their countries due to their contributions. They have easy methods of starting businesses even while abroad.
FM: Any parting shot?
CM: Yes, aviation and travel by air should not be seen as a preserve of the wealthy. It should be accessible to all. The world needs much air travel and Africa is catching up. It is also important to relax rules for entry into aviation and make the country thrive.
Francis Mpazviriwo is with the Public Diplomacy, Communication and Advocacy Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He can be contacted on his LinkedIn — francis-mpazviriwo-628875180/
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