Lieutenant-Colonel Kgothatso Khunou was the overall winner of the winner in the aviation category at the Forty Under 40 Awards at the weekend. (Photo: SAPS) 
Lieutenant-Colonel Kgothatso Khunou, a trailblazing helicopter pilot, continues to break boundaries in the male-dominated aviation industry. Recently, she was honoured as the overall winner in the aviation category at the prestigious Forty Under 40 Awards. As the first female chief helicopter pilot attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Airwing in the Free State, Khunou is one of just 17 female pilots nationwide. Her achievement is a testament to her determination and serves as an inspiration for women in aviation and beyond.
Khunou told Daily Maverick that she dedicated this award to all women, especially those in the aviation industry and SAPS, who were carrying out operational work and felt inadequate.
Conquering early fears in aviation
Reflecting on her aviation journey, Khunou recounted her first day in the cockpit.
“The first day I was in an aircraft was very scary. I did not know what to expect; I didn’t know if I would be okay or crash the aircraft. I was a ball of nerves, but the instructor put me at ease. Immediately when we were up there, all that fear went out the window. That was the beginning of my journey, and I have never looked back,” she said.
She said the highlight of her career was having to fly solo for the first time.
“Just being trusted with the aircraft, taking off safely, and landing safely was something that I will cherish forever.”
Her aviation career began in 2010, and by 2012 she had earned her commercial pilot’s licence, overcoming her fear of flying after receiving an aviation scholarship. In 2014, driven by her passion for service, she joined the SAPS and has since been involved in numerous flying operations. Alongside her work, Khunou continues to advance her education. She holds commercial, business, and private pilot licences, and is in her final year of studying for a Diploma in Management in Aviation. Additionally, she is a qualified biotechnologist, showcasing her versatility and dedication to growth.
Challenges in a male-dominated industry
Khunou said her work aligned with her personality as she was the kind of person who liked challenges.
“Every day as a pilot is different, and so is every call-out. I can’t separate myself from the oath I took when joining the police force to protect the people of South Africa. It gives me fulfilment to come back with positive results knowing we have helped save lives. Although, in trying to combat crime, we win some and lose some.”
Khunou emphasised the importance of teamwork in her role.
“While I control the aircraft, I have crew members who are just as important working as radio operators and extra eyes while we are flying. The award means recognition for the work that we do in the country as an organisation, but also for a woman who is trying to break all barriers in a male-dominated industry. I don’t like using the word dominate because there is a lot of work women are doing. For me, it is saying what we can do can inspire a young person. So the award is not just mine, but one I share with a lot of people because it encompasses the journey I have gone through, which is not a solo one.”
Inspiring the next generation
Khunou said she hoped her story would inspire young people, particularly women, to pursue careers in aviation.
“There is still room for more women in aviation — as pilots, engineers, and mechanics. From manned to unmanned aircraft, there is so much to explore. It’s still a male-dominated space, but we have the responsibility to inspire others.
“I’m excited about the future, especially for the women who will join the field. The future is bright for women in aviation, and I look forward to seeing more of us taking to the skies,” she said.
A village girl at heart
Outside of her demanding career, Khunou, 39, is a mother of one and enjoys overcoming challenges, whether it’s painting her home or bungee jumping. Proud of her roots, she describes herself as a “village girl” and believes her upbringing shaped who she is today.
“There is no better place to come from than a village. It provides a strong foundation with a community that believes in you and supports you. From one village girl to another: believe in yourself and be motivated by where you come from. My story may be different from yours, but the message is the same — go out there and be what you want to be,” Khunou said. DM