Puma Energy partners with women in aviation
Staff Writer | Tuesday April 23, 2024 08:29
The company said in a statement that after establishing operations in Botswana in 2010, it had taken a decision to retain local employees at the four airport fuelling operations.
A local citizen woman-owned company, Aviation Fuel Services, already managed Kasane and Francistown airports and Puma Energy Botswana supported this contractual agreement.
Puma has continued to invest in Aviation Fuel Services, enhancing its operations at the Kasane and Francistown airports by introducing modern aviation equipment and providing training to local staff to align their business with international aviation standards.
Owner and managing director of Aviation Fuel Services, Edith Mwampole, explained that her aviation career started in 1996 at the Maun International Airport as a refuelling operator.
She then advanced to become managing director of her local aviation company in Kasane, now contracted by Puma Energy Botswana.
“Puma Energy Botswana has been instrumental in assisting me over the past 14 years, from addressing daily issues such as breakdowns to ensuring we minimise customer delays, to providing training for me and my team on safety protocols and cutting-edge technology,” she said. “Moreover, they have played a significant role in helping me achieve financial independence.” Aviation Fuel Services commenced operations in Kasane with five citizen employees, and as a growing business it has since increased its local employee tally to seven.
Another Puma-supported citizen company, Francistown Aviation Services, has three local employees, including the managing director. Puma has also demonstrated a commitment to supporting the careers of citizen women, such as Tebogo Ratsatsi, who operates advanced heavy-duty refueling trucks at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.
“My dedication to my work drives me to consistently strive for excellence, especially as the only female in my line of work,” Ratsatsi said. “Customers are often amazed to witness me operating the heavy-duty refuelling truck, a task traditionally associated with men in Botswana and in other countries. “I hope to inspire other women and young girls to pursue careers in the aviation industry. “What I do proves that there is a place for women.” Puma Energy Botswana general manager, Dominic Dhanah, said the transformation of the aviation industry not only showcases the breaking of traditional gender roles but also emphasizes the importance of diversity and equality in fostering innovation and excellence in aviation.
“Empowering women is not just a moral duty; it's a strategic imperative. We believe in harnessing the power of diversity to drive innovation and performance. Our initiatives have always been designed to unlock the full potential of women, providing them with the tools, resources and opportunities to succeed,' he said. Dhanah added that Puma Energy Botswana, through its Project Maatlafatsa, is committed to fostering citizen entrepreneurship in the energy sector by promoting local procurement and supplier development. Puma Energy is a leading global energy business, providing energy across six continents. The company has 1, 946 retail sites with 700 in Africa and over 40 in Botswana, a network of bitumen terminals and a presence at 112 airports and airfields, including four in Botswana.