This 18-year-old boy is well on his way to realising his dream of becoming a pilot, and you can help give him wings.
A man who has seen the potential in Xolisa Shenxani, from Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, has now started a crowdfunding campaign for him on Back-a-Buddy, to help pay for his education.
“I remember, in Grade 1 or 2, a helicopter landed on the soccer field in Sir Lowry’s Pass and I got to see the inside of it. That’s when I knew that I wanted to become a pilot!” says Xolisa.
In 2017, the teen’s dreams were set in motion after meeting representatives from the South African Air Force during the Langebaanweg Air Show, who advised him that he too could train to become a pilot, free of charge, granted he met the academic entry requirements in matric and agreed to work for the airforce after completing his training.
But Xolisa faced a number of challenges; his mother passed away when he was 7 and he lived with various relatives.
His school was overcrowded with 60 pupils per class and teachers unwilling to repeat themselves, he says.
When he’s not studying, he captains the Chaka Pioneers soccer team in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
He met his mentor Philip Bellstedt, 31, three years ago, at a free Maths tutoring program in the local library.
“By the end of 2016, he received the prize for the most improved in Maths in his grade,” says Philip.
Philip has now enrolled the teen at False Bay High School and is asking for help with the fees and extra tutoring lessons.
Xolisa also lives with Philip’s parents during the week.
Xolisa’s Back-a-Buddy campaign went live on 29 March 2018 and has raised just over R77 000 towards the R187 800 target.