Sibongile Sambo is the founder and managing director of SRS Aviation – the first 100% black female owned aviation company that offers clients professional and personalized flight options to destinations around the world.
Born in 1974 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Sibongile Sambo’s interest in aircrafts can be traced from early childhood when she gazed in wonderment as planes soared past and could only dream of a time when she would be no longer a spectator, but a passenger in one of those giant, graceful creations of men. She grew up holding that dream close to her heart, but her every attempt to break into the aviation industry by way of employment as an air-hostess was met with closed doors; her height didn’t make the cut.
She can best be described as Businesswomen; Entrepreneur and a Motivational Speaker.Her life is marked with high achievements and hard work which can be traced in her education history and work experience.
Sibongile holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Zululand, Bachelor of Administration Honours from Unisa, Advanced programme in Organisational Development from Unisa, a Marketing certificate from Institute of Marketing Management, a Mining Executive Preparation Programme from Wits. Sibongile is currently working on her Masters of Science Degree in Management of Technology and Innovation in Aviation.
SRS [Sibongile Rejoice Sambo] Aviation was founded in 2004 with loans from Sibongile’s mother and aunt. Its mission statement is to offer clients professional and personalised flight options to destinations around the world. Their Air charter services vary from VIP Charter, Tourist Charter, Cargo Charter; Game Count & Capture and Helicopter Services.
Prior to establishing her own company, she worked for organisations such as Telkom, City Power and De Beers to name a few. Added to her achievements, Sibongile is the 2006 winner of the BWA’s Regional Business Women of the year award for the Star-up category.
SRS Aviation got its big break on a government contract for cargo transport. Sibongile who had no prior experience in aviation matters, learnt on the job.
Sibongile is a winner at the BIBA (Black Woman in Business Awards) 2006 in London, and she is the 2006 winner of the Impumelelo Top Female Entrepreneur of the year and a Finalist at the Cosmopolitan Movers of the year 2007. Sibongile is a recipient of the 2008 BMF (Black Management Forum) Presidential Award in the Category of Youth Business Leadership and in 2010 Sibongile is a recipient of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) 2010 held in Cape Town.
Sibongile has a global perspective to establish her company all over the African continent and to promote youth and women empowerment globally to this end she is affiliated with the South African Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN), Business Women Association (BWA) and she is part of a team that is establishing the Southern African Woman in Aviation a non profit making company that will encourage women to enter the field of Aviation in different levels; offer bursaries and scholarships towards Aviation related training etc. Sibongile is a board member of SAWIA.
Sibongile has a strategic relationship with Women of Color in Aviation & Aerospace in the United States of America. Sibongile is also a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI).
She plays a vital role in mentoring young girls and boys; and business man and women in Africa; Sibongile is a beneficiary of the month-long mentorship program in the United States for international businesswomen, featuring a mentorship assignment with one of FORTUNE’s Most Powerful Women with the Honourable Hillary Rodham Clinton as one of the founders of the programme.
A former member of the National Small Business Advisory Council that advices the Minister of Trade and Industry on Small Business; Advocates for interest of small business and Monitor Impact, Sibongile focuses more on fostering the culture of entrepreneurship for youth and women.
Sibongile is a Member Think-Tank of the World Entrepreneurship Forum (WEF), founded in France by The State President of France Mr. Sakorzy and EMLYON Business School
In 2007 Sibongile has been named a Leader of Tomorrow by the Fortune Magazine.
On her journey thus far, Sibongile says, “It hasn’t been easy, it’s been a huge task but it’s been worth every sleepless night I’ve endured. The company is now well established and is a growing enterprise, with an annual turnover of R54 million. To me, that alone is an incredible achievement.”
Sibongile has in 2008 been featured on the World Banks reports: Doing Business Women in Africa. In 2009 she has been nominated for the Queen Victoria Memorial Award (International Socrates Award) by the Europe Business Assembly in London.
Kemi Ajumobi
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