Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
H-Metro Editor
SHE has flown to over 50 countries in the world, spread over six continents, in a dream adventure in the skies which has seen her transform herself from being a Qatar Airways cabin crew member to a commercial pilot.
Not bad for a Zimbabwean woman from Bulawayo who refused to let the burden of being born poor, having a child at the age of 17 and losing her mother when she was still young, overwhelm her and define her life.
Precious Sibalo has come a very long way since she left her home in the City of Kings, after making the tough decision to leave her baby under the care of her grandparents, to chase her dreams in South Africa and Dubai.
She worked as a waitress and model in South Africa before getting a job as a cabin crew member at Qatar Airways.
The 38-year-old spent a dozen years flying throughout the world and, for many, it would have been a dream fulfilled.But, not for Precious.
She still wanted more.
In 2017, she enrolled at the prestigious 43 Airschool South Africa for her Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (IATPL) course.
“With the help of my friends and family I managed to save money to become a pilot and when that was done, I approached Qatar Airways and spoke to them about my dream and they encouraged me and recommended that I go to 43 Air School in South Africa in the Eastern Cape,” she said.
“So, when it was time for me to leave, I told them that I was ready and I went to 43 Air School through their guidance and support which I highly appreciate.”
She earned a licence as a commercial pilot in November 2020.
Her dream is to become a pilot at Qatar Airways.
Precious has become a role model for millions of Zimbabwean women and her powerful tale should inspire other teenage girls across the country that they also can dream big despite their humble circumstances.
She appears to have already inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps.
The two share a special bond and, in one striking photograph, the camera captures mother and daughter in the same cockpit as Precious flew her daughter on an unforgettable trip.
“I’m living my dream as a pilot, I flew my daughter,” she said.
“Leaving her behind in Zimbabwe, at a tender age, was the most painful experience I went through as a young single mother, I never knew that one day I’ll share the cockpit with her.
“Guys, your dreams are valid, never give up.”
She then spiced it all with a letter to her daughter.
“During our flight briefing I had to pause and appreciate the moment, I feel very blessed. You are indeed my precious gift from God.
“Follow your dreams and I hope to fly you in the sky one day as my co-pilot.”
And, her daughter replied:
“Hi mommy, flying with you was the best moment of my life and the most exciting flight ever.
“Listening to you make radio calls made me wonder and it sparked curiosity on how pilots and air traffic controllers understand each other, finally you executed the smoothest landing that put a big smile on my face and I was proud to say, that’s my mom in action.
“It’s a privilege to be your co-pilot and your footsteps are those I’ll be proud to follow.”
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