Open to opportunities

Zanele Kumalo

@zanelekumalo

Message

Qualified Air Traffic Controller and licensed BVLOS drone pilot focused on safety.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles combining ATC and UAS operations where I can lead safety, compliance, and training initiatives at organizations valuing collaboration and technology-driven operational improvements.

I am a qualified Air Traffic Controller (Tower/Aerodrome) and licensed Drone Pilot with a BVLOS endorsement, holding Approach Procedural and Radar Control ratings from SACAA and undergoing validation at a major South African international airport.

With nine years in aviation, I specialize in regulatory compliance, operational safety, instrument flight procedures, and interpretation of aeronautical charts in line with ICAO SARPs, SACARs, and CATS.

I have led UAS inspection, auditing and monitoring programs, secured permissions for restricted airspace operations, trained and onboarded UAS pilots, and integrated AI tools to strengthen safety protocols and reduce operational risks.

I am committed to collaborative relationships with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders, active participation in industry forums, and promoting responsible, safe integration of manned and unmanned aviation operations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Air Traffic Controller

Current

Air Traffic and Navigation Services

Dec 2020 - Present (4 years 11 months)

Qualified tower/aerodrome controller rated for Approach Procedural & Radar Control, managing over 600 flights monthly and maintaining zero incidents while coordinating departures, arrivals and emergency responses.

Approach Radar Control Emergency Response Situational Awareness

Safety & Quality Manager

Drone Insight

Jan 2024 - Jun 2024 (5 months)

Secured CAA permissions and led safety and quality for UAS operations, executing 30+ missions, training pilots, and implementing AI-driven safety protocols that reduced operational risk substantially.

Regulatory Compliance Pilot Training Risk Management AI For Safety

Air Traffic Service Assistant

Air Traffic and Navigation Services

Aug 2017 - Dec 2020 (3 years 4 months)

Provided aeronautical information, flight plan dissemination and meteorological broadcasts, trained new tower staff, and supported safe international air navigation through timely NOTAM and PIB updates.

NOTAM PIB Meteorological Reporting Compliance

Brand Ambassador

49M Campaign

Jun 2013 - Feb 2015 (1 year 8 months)

Represented the organisation at industry events, delivering presentations that increased brand awareness by 30% and provided customer insights to marketing and product teams.

Public Speaking Stakeholder Engagement Customer Feedback Relationship Building Presentation Skills

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Air Traffic & Navigation Services (ATNS) Aviation Training Academy

Professional/Technical Training, Air Traffic Management

2016 - 2025

Activities and societies: Approach Procedural & Radar Control Rating Course; Aerodrome Control Rating; Air Traffic/Aeronautical Information Management; Safety Management Systems; Quality Management Systems; On The Job Training Instructor (OJTI).

Completed multiple air traffic control and safety-related courses including Approach Procedural & Radar Control Rating, Aerodrome Control Rating, Safety and Quality Management, and OJTI instruction.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Professional Course, Unmanned Aerial Systems

2023 - 2023

Activities and societies: UAS Regulations Course; UAS Operations Course.

Completed ICAO-accredited courses covering Unmanned Aerial Systems regulations and operations to enhance regulatory and operational competency.

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Diploma, Project Management

2018 - 2018

Completed a Project Management Diploma through IATA to support operational and project delivery capabilities in aviation contexts.

Prowings Training Academy & RPAS Training Academy / Aero Academy

Remote Pilot Certificate, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

Activities and societies: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operations; Aviation Security Awareness Training; Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) endorsement.

Completed remote pilot and RPAS operational training including a Remote Pilot Certificate with BVLOS endorsement and aviation security awareness training.