Meet the trailblazer Asnath Mahapa who is the first black female pilot in South African Airways (photos) Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1190421-meet-trailblazer-asnath-mahapa-black-female-pilot-south-african-airways-photos.html#1190421

- Asnath Mahapa has set the pace in a particular African airline company - She is the first black woman pilot in South African Airways - She founded the African College of Aviation to help more African women get into aviation Setting a trend is not an easy thing to do. But some people have gone ahead to make it happen. An example is the trailblazing Asnath Mahapa who made history by becoming the first black female pilot in a particular airline company called the South African Airways. Asnath, 38, grew up in Limpopo, South Africa and fell in love with the idea of flying when she was just 13 years old. As gathered by NAIJ.com, she was just 20 years old when she became South Africa's first black woman commercial pilot in 1999. READ ALSO: Female pilot narrates her inspirational story However, it wasn't until 2003 that Asnath realised that her determination had led to a historic achievement. In an interview with CNN's African Voices, she said. "Before I knew it, I was on TV, the front page of newspapers, and that came as a shock because I was 22 at the time. I was still very young." Her biggest highlight was joining the South African Airways. It was at this point that she realised more women needed to join the aviation industry. PAY ATTENTION: Get more Nigerian New on NAIJ.com News App She then founded the African College of Aviation in 2012 to help open doors for more young women. She also established a foundation to help raise funds for those who may not be able to afford the expensive fees at flying schools. Asnath's message to the youth is to work hard: "Anything is possible. Just believe in yourself and be prepared to work hard. Always remember — easy come easy go." PAY ATTENTION: Daily relationship gist on Africa Love Aid Read more: