Pilots who died in light aircraft crash in Mpumalanga named as former firefighters

Two of the four people killed in a light aircraft crash near Emalahleni in Mpumalanga last month were firefighters from Working on Fire who retrained to become pilots. 

Three people, the pilots and a passenger, died on the day of the crash on April 21. The fourth occupant, a passenger, died in hospital on Tuesday.

The Cessna 172 aircraft, belonging to Kishugu Aviation, crashed shortly after take-off from Witbank Airfield.

Linton Rensburg, spokesperson for the Working on Fire-Kishugu joint venture, named the pilots as Themba Maebela and Donald Malekutu.

“From his humble beginnings as a wildland firefighter to his ascent as a pilot, Themba's journey inspired all who knew him,” Rensburg said. 

Hailing from Matibidi, Maebela's journey at Working on Fire began in 2010 when he joined as a firefighter at the Graskop team in Mpumalanga.

“He swiftly ascended the ranks, promoted to the role of crew leader type 2 in 2012 and further advancing to crew leader type 1 in 2013. Demonstrating versatility and skill, he assumed the position of helicopter pilot assistant in February 2014, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

“Embracing new horizons, Themba embarked on a fresh chapter by joining the Kishugu Aviation training organisation as a cadet pilot in April 2021,” he said. Maebela obtained his private pilot's licence in March 2022.

Malekutu’s ambition to become the first qualified pilot from his township was a testament to his resilience, determination and spirit, Rensburg said.

“Beginning as a firefighter for the Magaliesberg base in Gauteng in March 2014, [Malekutu] swiftly advanced, earning the role of crew leader type 2 by September 2015. Demonstrating his aptitude and ambition, Donald then transitioned to the position of helicopter pilot assistant in November 2016.”

Malekutu joined Kishugu as a cadet pilot in June 2022 and obtained his private pilot's licence in March last year.

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