Tucked away on the route to Bloemfontein, the town of Kroonstad may appear quiet and unassuming – rural in nature, and at first glance, far removed from the fast-paced world of aviation, commerce and law. However, on the weekend of 25 and 26 July 2025, that perception was transformed as the skies above Kroonstad came alive, not only with the roar of aircraft engines, but with the excitement and awakening of young dreams.

I had the honour of representing Unisa and the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) at a remarkable community engagement and aviation career expo hosted at Kroonstad Airfield. The event, led by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) in collaboration with Moqhaka Municipality and other partners, was more than an outreach. It was a meaningful encounter between learners and their potential futures, bringing professions such as aviation, law, economics and business studies within reach for over 120 learners from surrounding communities.

As CEMS, we view this kind of engagement as vital to our mandate of expanding access to higher education and aligning our academic offerings with South Africa’s developmental needs. It was deeply rewarding to interact with learners who, although initially drawn to the event by the promise of aircraft and simulators, soon found themselves discussing commerce degrees, logistics, transport economics and tourism development.

Many of the learners I spoke with had never boarded an aircraft, never imagined air traffic control as a career path and certainly never considered pursuing a Master of Commerce in Transport Economics – a programme offered here at CEMS, designed to respond to industry needs across air, sea and land logistics. Similarly, the Master of Commerce in Tourism Management offers a powerful avenue to link local economies – like that of Kroonstad – to national and international mobility and heritage sectors.

Through these discussions, it became clear that raising awareness about these programmes must be a deliberate effort, especially in rural communities where young people’s career imagination is often confined by geography and lack of exposure. Unisa’s commitment to open and distance e-learning (ODeL) is precisely what enables us to reach students wherever they are – even in places like Kroonstad, where traditional universities might not always venture.

The event offered a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including aircraft flips generously sponsored by aviators such as Mthandeni Mkhize, and engaging static displays offered by Fanie Keyser, the hangar owner. Learners were also treated to a practical demonstration by Major-General (retired) Nhlanhla Ngema, who explained aircraft control surfaces in a way that blended engineering with inspiration.

A special highlight was the presentation by Zola Majavu, Chairperson of the ATNS Board, which left a lasting impression on the learners. He shared insights not only about air traffic control but also about the values and discipline required in all professions – whether one pursues aviation, law or public service.

The presence of Prof Angelo Dube, Acting Director of the School of Law within the College of Law, supported by a media team from Flying Jurist, further enriched the day. He provided learners with detailed guidance on pathways into legal studies at Unisa, highlighting intersections between law, aviation, safety and global commerce. These multidisciplinary connections are increasingly important as the aviation and logistics industries become more regulated and legally complex.

This initiative coincided meaningfully with the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Unisa and the ATNS, affirming our shared commitment to education, skills development and research collaboration in air transport and navigation. The Kroonstad engagement was a tangible outcome of that MoU, demonstrating that real change begins at ground level – in this case, a rural airfield serving as a runway for ambition.

Events like this remind us that education is not only about curricula and exams. It is about access, imagination and relevance. As Unisa, we have the tools and reach to connect rural learners to global industries and demystify aviation, business, transport and beyond careers.

To all the learners we engaged with in Kroonstad: your potential is limitless. To the community members, ATNS colleagues and municipal partners who made this possible: thank you for lighting the spark.

Sometimes, all a learner needs is one experience – one encounter with a different future – to begin believing that the runway is theirs, too.

* By Dr MT MaseTshaba, Acting Executive Dean, College of Economic and Management Sciences