A young Zimbabwean pilot says poor upbringing should not stop less privileged girls from achieving their goals.
Tiffany Tashinga Swoswe, 22, who recently graduated as a pilot in South Africa, said she was not deterred by her upbringing in Rusape rural to become one of the youngest female pilots destined for stars.
H-metro reports that Tiffany, who is now pursuing commercial pilot licence, graduated as a Private Pilot last month under Flight Training Services in South Africa.
Inspired by her mother Gladys Swoswe, 49, and the late flight Lieutenant Anita Mapiye, Tiffany said the late female combat Helicopter Pilot story and achievements taught her that anything is possible as long as they remain focused.
“Cyclone Idai challenged me a lot since I lived in Manicaland, my rural province and I want to raise my province’s flag high by saving lives whenever a disaster occurs,” said Tiffany.
As a young Zimbabwean lady raised in a small town of Rusape by a single mother, I had to make a mark and leave behind a legacy that will motivate those from the same walk of life.
“I came to realise that it’s never about your historical background but it’s indeed about where you are going.
“I have come across many hurdles in life but the hardest one was when I was kicked out of school by my headmistress at Mabelreign Girls High in 2016 because my mother could not afford to pay school fees for that term as business was at its lowest.
“I thought that would be the end of me, that I would never become anything in life but my mother taught me resilience- failing is a mistake but staying down is a choice, a choice I would never make come hell or high water.
“My vision through my story is to inspire every Zimbabwean girl child to always aim for the moon so that in case they fall, they land on the stars.
“I’m not telling you my story so that you can pity me but I am telling my story to reach out to those that have hit an iceberg in their life that it’s not the end, it is just the beginning.
“Destiny can never be denied but can only be delayed,” said Tiffany.
She hailed her mother for supporting her dream even when she had no idea where she was going to get the money for such an expensive course.
Upon relocating to South Africa, Tiffany studied for a Business Management and Development degree and passed with distinctions.
“When the pandemic came it was uncertain, with impact on business which meant challenges income wise.
Covid-19 not only meant businesses were closed but it meant no more flying for a girl destined for the skies.
“Anxiety took over and keeping mental health in check was an intentional activity as my future was now uncertain.
“Would I ever go back to flying? Will there be funds? Will the world open up again? I did not have the answers to these questions so instead of sitting down and sulking, I had to think strategically and adapt to the new world so I attained my qualification in Business Management and Development from Gordon Institute of Business Science 2020.
“Since then I kept the ball rolling and acquired my Private Pilot License on the 9th of June 2021 at Flight Training Services.
“I aim to further expand my horizons and acquire my Commercial and Airline Transport license, the journey continues,” said Tiffany.
Tiffany attended Brainstorm Primary School in Rusape, Eaglesvale High School, Mabelreign Girls High, Wendywood High in South Africa, Gordon Institute of Business Science (University of Pretoria) and Flight Training Services where she graduated as a Private Pilot on 9 June 2021.
