Femininity is enhancing, not a limiting factor, says new SAAF commander Nandi Zama

South African Air Force (SAAF) recently celebrated the qualification of its first African female C-130 hercules commander. Nandi Zara never thought she would make history by the first female commander of a South African Air Force. On Friday the 31 year old Major touched down the military cargo plane C-130 at the waterkloof Air Force Base, on her maiden flight as commander the civilian equivalent of a Captain.

Zama matriculated from Saint Gregory College in the Natal Midlands in 2003 and joined the Air Force. She was transferred to 41 squadron flying Cessna Caravans in 2007 and from 2008 flew Casa 212 at 44 squadron. In 28 squadron, where she is now, she commands the C-130 cargo plane,a four-engine military transport aircraft. Already she has been flying it for four years.