Gaborone, Botswana 07 May 2025 – Air Botswana is proud to announce to the nation: Captain Tshepiso Tsayang and Captain Changu Tapela. The two women officials each received their 4-Stripes, a distinguished mark of extraordinary achievement and title, at an official ceremony in Gaborone, with Honourable Keoagile Atamelang, Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure officiating.

The two Captains join the historic ranks alongside Captain Masego Mokgolela who attained her four stripes in 2008, Captain Maipelo Kelotlegile who attained her four stripes in 2016 and Captain Nyoni-Reiling, who was the first female Air Botswana pilot to achieve the Captainship title.

Together, these amazing powerhouses have made history not only through their international achievement in commercial aviation, but are living legends of our nation demonstrating the power and purpose of equal representation.

Said Honourable Atamelang, “the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure fully supports initiatives that empower women and advance inclusivity across all sectors. These appointments reflect the strides Botswana continues to make toward gender equality and demonstrates Air Botswana’s commitment to nurturing talent based on merit, excellence, and potential.”

Captain Tapela began her career at Air Botswana  as an intern for the airline in 2011 and became a 2nd and 1st Officer in 2012. Climbing the ranks of her profession, Captain Tapela went on to get her ratings on the  ATR 42/72-500, E170/190, and recently the ATR 72-600. In 2018 she went on to get her Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) as part of her journey towards becoming a Captain. She has since logged over 6,000 flying hours, including 2,000 on the E170.

Captain Tsayang, began her career at Air Botswana as an intern in 2011  and became a First Office in 2012. Captain Tsayang has since mastered the skies, piloting the ATR 42/72-500, E170, and recently the ATR 72-600. In 2018 she went on to get her Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) as part of her journey towards becoming a Captain. She has an impressive 5,600 flying hours under her belt.

“Today we are witnessing the rise of leadership, courage, and the breaking of glass ceilings. We are also seeing the realization of a dream shared by many young girls across Botswana who look up to the skies and dare to believe that they, too, can fly,” said Air Botswana CEO, Ms. Lulu Rasebotsa.

The road to Captain in the commercial airline industry begins at Pilot level with the awarding of the 2-Stripes badge. Thereafter successful candidates achieve First Officer roles and further, before pursuing accreditation for the Captain title. The Captain is the pilot-in-command and thus the final authority and decision maker for the safe operation of the aircraft and journey.

For more information, please contact:

Malebogo Sesinyi
Head, PR, Communications and Marketing
msesinyi@airbotswana.co.bw

+267 75933383