In a groundbreaking achievement, Besa Mumba, born in December 1996, has etched her name in history as Zambia’s youngest commercial pilot. At the tender age of 19, she secured a coveted position as a first officer with Proflight Zambia, the nation’s premier airline. Her remarkable journey has already seen her log over 15 hours on domestic routes, co-piloting alongside seasoned captains on the airline’s Caravan aircraft.
Hailing from Lusaka, Besa embarked on her aviation odyssey by enrolling at the South African Flight Training Academy in Heidelberg, Gauteng, immediately after attaining her grade 12 results in 2013. Despite initially envisioning a career as cabin crew, her insatiable curiosity about the mechanics of flight led her to ponder, “why not be the person who flies the aircraft?” This pivotal moment ignited her passion for piloting.
Besa commenced her aviation journey with a Private Pilot License, allowing her to take to the skies within the same month of starting her course. Over the next two years, she delved into the complexities of flight training, culminating in her attainment of a Commercial Pilot’s License by the age of 18. A testament to her dedication, she underwent advanced training at SIMU Flight in Pretoria.
The young aviator’s appointment as a First Officer at Proflight Zambia in her first month not only showcased her exceptional skills but also shattered records previously held by peers. Her flying escapades have taken her to various destinations, including Kasama, Lower Zambezi, and Luangwa, marking the beginning of a trailblazing career in the skies.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her father a week before the university entrance exam, Besa’s unwavering determination and support from her family propelled her towards achieving her dreams. Her story serves as an inspiration to young girls and women in Zambia and across the continent, reinforcing the idea that the sky is not the limit.
Besa Mumba’s achievement surpasses the record set by Kalenga Kamwendo, making her Africa’s youngest female commercial pilot. In her pursuit of excellence, she joins the ranks of trailblazing female flyers like Zambia’s first female pilot Yichida Ndhlovu and Major Nina Tapula, the first female pilot in the Zambian Air Force.
Besa Mumba’s narrative is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. As she continues to soar to new heights, her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring aviators and young individuals aiming to break barriers and redefine possibilities in the aviation industry.
In the annals of legal history, Hanif Johnson‘s journey stands as a testament to resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of justice. At the age of 27, he etched his name into Pennsylvania’s history books as the youngest judge ever elected, a remarkable achievement considering his tumultuous teenage years.
Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in December 1991, Johnson’s path to the judiciary was far from conventional. He faced adversity early on, finding himself in handcuffs multiple times during his adolescence. These encounters with law enforcement sparked a realization — a recognition of a system that, in his view, often denied him a fair chance.
Undeterred by his troubled past, Johnson made a courageous decision to leave a lucrative job and enter the realm of public service. In 2018, he embarked on a campaign that would rewrite the narrative of his life and bring a fresh perspective to the judicial landscape.
His critics dismissed him as too young, but Johnson, armed with determination and a profound connection to his community, engaged skeptics in conversations that gradually dismantled doubts about his capabilities. His unique ability to relate to the challenges faced by the residents of Dauphin County became a cornerstone of his campaign.
What sets Judge Hanif Johnson apart is not just his legal acumen but his deep involvement in community service. During his free time, he dedicates himself to mentoring the youth in his neighborhood, imparting guidance and inspiration to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Whether aspiring to excel in professional sports or the entertainment industry, he instills in them the belief that overcoming obstacles is the first step toward greatness. Click here to continue reading about Hanif.