Breaking Barriers in Aviation: “Quitters Don’t Win”

In an industry historically dominated by men, Sarafina Maxwahu is charting a new course. As the Senior Manager of Air Navigation Service Safety Oversight at the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the courage to break barriers. For decades, aviation was considered a male-dominated field, with young women and girls often discouraged from pursuing careers in the industry. Instead, they were steered toward professions like teaching, farming, or homemaking. Growing up in a village with no career guidance and few role models beyond her teachers, Maxwahu initially aspired to follow in their footsteps. Named after her father’s close friend, a traditional healer, she also dreamed of becoming a doctor, inspired by her community members who affectionately called her “Nganga.” After completing Grade 12 in 1995, Maxwahu was accepted into the Polytechnic of Namibia (now the Namibia University of Science and Technology) for a program in Public Administration. However, financial constraints prevented her from enrolling, a setback she now considers a blessing in disguise. “Looking back, I see that as a blessing in disguise,” she reflects. Determined to support her widowed mother and drawn by her passion for the military, she applied for the Namibian Defence Force (NDF)’s first-ever recruitment since Namibia’s independence. It was there that she was introduced to aviation through the Namibia Air Force’s air wing. After completing basic military training at Osona Military School, Maxwahu was selected to join the air wing as a pilot before transitioning to Air Traffic Control (ATC), a career she fully embraced. Along with her team, she became one of the first military ATCs working at the YFGF ATC Tower. Seeking further growth, she transferred to the Directorate of Civil Aviation (now the NCAA), where she encountered the challenges of working in a male- and race-dominated industry. “At times, I doubted my decision. The discouragement from some colleagues made me question my abilities,” she admits. One male colleague even told her outright, “You won’t make it in this industry.” Her confident response was unwavering: “You will see, I will make it.” Maxwahu found inspiration in the first Black female ATC she met at the DCA, who encouraged her with the words, “Quitters don’t win.” That encouragement fuelled her determination to push through the challenges and establish herself in the field. “Entering and thriving in aviation was not easy. I faced multiple challenges, not only as a woman in a male-dominated industry but also as a Black professional in a historically white-dominated field,” she shares. Despite being undermined and having her competence questioned, Maxwahu remained steadfast, proving herself through excellence and knowledge. She spoke up with confidence, refusing to let others shake her belief in her abilities. To overcome gender and racial biases, she remained resilient and focused, ultimately earning the respect and support of her colleagues. Determined to further her career, Maxwahu pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at NUST while working full-time in ATC. Balancing work and study was challenging, but she embraced change, reminding herself that she was not just succeeding for herself but was opening doors for others. “Challenges will always exist, but how you respond to them defines your success. I overcame mine with determination, resilience, and focus,” she says. “My journey has not only shaped me but has also inspired others to believe that they, too, can rise above barriers.” Maxwahu’s impact on Namibia’s aviation sector has been remarkable. Under her leadership, the country’s air navigation safety audit score soared from 30% to 75%, earning international recognition. “This achievement was not just a validation of our hard work but also a testament to resilience, teamwork, and commitment to aviation safety. Seeing our progress recognized at an international level reinforced my passion for ensuring a safer and more efficient air navigation system,” she highlights. For young women aspiring to enter aviation, Maxwahu has a powerful message: “Believe in yourself, be willing to work hard, and prove your competence. Aviation is a demanding industry that requires commitment and continuous learning. But remember, the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning. Your journey will inspire others, and your success will help reshape this industry for the better.” Today, Maxwahu mentors young women entering aviation, reminding them that success is built on competence, confidence, and resilience. “Your gender doesn’t define your capabilities,” she asserts. “If someone tells you that you won’t make it, just smile and say, ‘Watch me.'”