Trailblazing Pilot Kgothatso Khunou Honoured at Prestigious Forty Under 40 Awards

• Lieutenant Colonel Kgothatso Khunou, the first female chief helicopter pilot in the Free State for SAPS, earned top honours in the aviation category at the prestigious Forty Under 40 Awards, highlighting her trailblazing achievements in aviation.
• Khunou’s journey into aviation began with a scholarship to overcome her fear of flying, leading to a successful career with SAPS, where she now provides vital air support in operations ranging from criminal tracking to search and rescue missions.
• The recognition of Khunou and her fellow nominee, Captain Zeldah Ntuli, underscores SAPS’ commitment to excellence and gender diversity within its aviation division.

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, congratulated Lieutenant Colonel Kgothatso Khunou for being named the overall winner in the aviation category at the Forty Under 40 Awards.

Khunou, the first female chief helicopter pilot attached to the SAPS Airwing in the Free State, is one of just 17 female pilots nationwide.

The awards, which honour and celebrate young achievers under the age of 40 from various industries, were held last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kempton Park. The Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, delivered the keynote address at this prestigious event.

Khunou was nominated alongside Captain Zeldah Ntuli, a fixed-wing pilot with the SAPS Airwing based at Wonderboom Airport.

Hailing from what she fondly calls the “dusty streets of Rustenburg,” Khunou describes her upbringing as that of a “village girl.” Initially aspiring to a career in science, she was drawn to aviation when an opportunity presented itself. Despite having a fear of flying, Khunou accepted a scholarship to train as a commercial helicopter pilot, seeing it as a chance to conquer her fear.

She now holds a commercial pilot licence and a National Diploma in Biotechnology. In 2014, Khunou joined SAPS as a junior pilot at the rank of warrant officer. Currently, she is completing her final year of study for a Diploma in Management (Aviation).

As part of her daily responsibilities, Khunou provides air support to ground units during suspect searches, tracks dangerous criminals, and assists in search and rescue missions.

“We are immensely proud of both our pilots who were nominated in the aviation category for the Forty Under 40 Awards. This is a shining example of the pockets of excellence that exist within SAPS,” said General Masemola.

Compiled by: Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk