© WesternCape.gov.za
The Western Cape Government’s Growth For Jobs Strategy (G4J) is an ambitious regional initiative designed to accelerate economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities across South Africa’s Western Cape province. Its central goal is to achieve a thriving, inclusive economy by unlocking new industries, improving infrastructure, and preparing young people for the jobs of the future. One of the strategy’s key priorities is to ensure that the province is well positioned to participate in the rapidly evolving global economy by equipping students with modern skills that align with high-growth sectors through the Western Cape drone education program.
As part of this effort, the Western Cape Education Department has partnered with Focus Air Western Cape, a licensed aviation training organization accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, to introduce a specialized drone education program for high school students. Led by Dr. Ismail Teladia, Senior Curriculum Planner for Life Orientation and Life Skills at the department, the initiative was created to give students direct exposure to aviation and drone technology. The program was recently completed, and its results were announced as part of the province’s broader commitment to the G4J framework.
Western Cape Drone Education Program Reaches Diverse Schools
The pilot program involved a selection of schools from diverse communities across the region, including Livingstone High School in Claremont, as well as several institutions serving historically underserved areas. This mix of urban and township schools ensured that students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds had the chance to participate. By making drone training accessible to individuals who may not have previously encountered this kind of technology, the department sought to broaden career horizons and build foundational technical skills that will be increasingly valuable in the years ahead.
Over the course of the program, students received both theoretical and practical instruction in aviation and drone operations. The curriculum included basic aeronautical principles, an introduction to South Africa’s aviation regulations, drone safety protocols, and operational planning. Participants were also trained on the Civil Aviation Authority’s regulatory framework, which governs all drone activity in the country. In addition to classroom-based learning, students had the opportunity to operate drones under supervision, applying what they had learned in real-world scenarios.
Students Gain Real-World Skills
For many students, the program was their first direct experience with drone technology. Shaddai Mukendi, a 10th grade student at Livingstone High School, reflected on how the training expanded their interests and challenged them to grow.
“I never really took an interest in drones until this programme. I joined out of curiosity and ended up learning a lot while having fun,” – Shaddai Mukendi
“This course was not easy, though. There were many rules, theories, and technical details I had to learn. Balancing my hectic school schedule with my responsibilities at home was a huge challenge, but I toughed it out to be part of this amazing programme. I would like to thank our instructor and the team for being so supportive and patient. They gave me the opportunity to learn and fly a real drone, something I never dreamed I would do.”
© WesternCape.gov.za
The training program was designed to meet real industry standards, introducing students to skills that are directly applicable to commercial drone operations. South Africa’s drone sector is expanding rapidly in areas such as infrastructure inspection, agriculture, logistics, public safety, and environmental monitoring. By exposing students to these technologies early on, the department aims to prepare them for future careers that will support both provincial and national economic growth.
Part of a Larger Economic Strategy
The initiative went beyond teaching students to fly drones by integrating the material into the broader educational landscape. Lessons complemented existing Life Orientation and Life Skills curricula with practical, future-focused content that emphasized teamwork, problem-solving, regulatory compliance, and hands-on experience that can lead to formal certification.
The initiative has drawn support from provincial leadership as a forward-looking investment in the region’s youth. “Offering these kinds of opportunities for our learners creates pathways into employment in new economic fields, that will help drive economic growth in our province,” said Provincial Minister for Education in the Western Cape, Minister David Maynier. “I encourage every learner who has the opportunity to participate in these kinds of courses to grab that opportunity with both hands, and invest in their own future!”
Mr. David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education
Looking ahead, the Western Cape Education Department intends to build on the success of this initial program. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to more schools and create a structured pathway for students who wish to pursue advanced drone qualifications. This continued focus ensures the Western Cape drone education program remains aligned with G4J objectives and future workforce needs.
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