Patrick Chitumba in Gweru
A 25-YEAR-OLD woman from Mufakose, Harare, has broken new ground by becoming the only female among 10 newly qualified Air Force of Zimbabwe pilots after successfully completing a gruelling five-year military pilot training programme.
For Officer Cadet Daphne Kunashe Kavu, earning her flying wings was about more than fulfilling a childhood dream of flying. It was an opportunity to prove that determination, hard work and courage can take a young woman from an ordinary township background to heights many only dream of reaching.
Her dream became reality yesterday when President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), conferred flying wings on 10 officers who successfully completed the Number 70 Pilot Training Course at Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru.
Standing alongside her nine male colleagues, Officer Cadet Kavu had every reason to celebrate. Not only had she completed one of the country’s most demanding military training programmes, but she had also distinguished herself academically and professionally, walking away with two awards carrying a combined US$2 000 in prize money.
She received US$1 000 for being the second-best student and another US$1 000 under the Pink Skies Award, which recognises outstanding performance by a female cadet during pilot training.
Her achievement is particularly significant as she was the only woman in a course that began on November 8, 2021, with 12 officer cadets, comprising 11 males and one female.
The journey was far from easy. One cadet was discharged, while another died in an air crash that also claimed the life of an instructor pilot.
However, through the demanding military, academic and practical flying phases, Officer Cadet Kavu persevered, eventually securing her place among the 10 graduates.
Speaking after the graduation ceremony, the softly spoken but confident officer said her achievement should inspire young women to pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds.
“To the young girls out there, I want to say anything is possible. I am just a girl from Mufakose and I am in the Air Force. So, anything is possible. You can become anything you want. You just have to work hard and continue pushing towards your goals and you will attain them,” she said.
Born and raised in Mufakose, Officer Cadet Kavu attended West Primary School in Warren Park before proceeding to Mufakose High 1 for her Ordinary Level studies and Glen View 1 High School for Advanced Level.
Her journey into military aviation began in 2021 after she came across an Air Force recruitment advertisement in the press.
She applied, went through the selection process and secured a place on the pilot training programme, unaware that she was embarking on a five-year journey that would test her physical endurance, mental strength and academic abilities.
“I came to the Air Force in 2021. I was the only girl on the course, but I managed to work with the boys. I managed to be among the top performers and among the 10 trainee pilots who finished the course,” she said.
Officer Cadet Kavu said her achievement was not hers alone, crediting her family, friends, instructors and faith in God for helping her overcome the challenges along the way.
“I worked hard and managed to get encouragement from family, friends and instructors. God led me to be where I am today,” she said.
She hopes to see more young women joining the Air Force and pursuing careers in aviation, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men.
“I wish to see many more girls taking such courses and pursuing their dreams. Anything is possible if one gives their all,” she said.
