Chinga Mazhetese, our Eastern Africa (ESAF) Meteorology/Environment Regional Officer, recently sat down with Esther Khambule, head of the South African Weather Service (SAWS). They were attending the 27th meeting of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APIRG) held in East London, South Africa from 5-6 November 2024. With Esther retiring in the near future, this interview gave us the opportunity to spotlight both her remarkable contributions to aeronautical meteorological services in Africa and her pioneering role as the first Chairperson of the APIRG Infrastructure & Information Management (IIM) Sub-Group (SG). As South Africa’s first black female meteorologist, Esther has inspired and supported the next generation of female aeronautical meteorologists in Africa.
CM: We should probably start from the very beginning. Tell us about yourself and how you became an aeronautical meteorologist.
EGK: I head national aeronautical meteorological services within the South African Weather Service (SAWS). I’ve been in this position for ten years and am involved in the strategic planning and operational delivery of aeronautical services to the aviation industry. I have an MBA, a National Higher Diploma in Meteorology, a Management Advancement Programme (MAP) certificate, and a Diploma in Management Studies (DMS).
My journey into aeronautical meteorology began in 1983 when I pursued my studies in meteorology. I became an aeronautical meteorologist in 1990 after obtaining my qualifications and experience as a meteorological observer. Since then, I have acquired extensive knowledge and assumed leadership roles in the field.
CM: What type of education and training is required to become a meteorologist? Do aeronautical meteorologists need specialized training?
EGK: To become a meteorologist, one typically needs a meteorology or atmospheric science degree. This includes coursework in physics, mathematics, and computer science. For aeronautical meteorologists, additional specialized training in aviation weather forecasting is required to understand the specific needs of the aviation industry. This often involves advanced studies and certifications related to aviation meteorology.
CM: How long have you been working as an aeronautical meteorologist?
EGK: I have been an aeronautical meteorologist for over 15 years. I specialized in aviation forecasting before assuming a leadership role in national aeronautical meteorological services within SAWS.
CM: You are also involved in the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Africa Office aviation activities. What is your role there, and how does it differ from your work with ICAO Regional Offices in Africa?
EGK: As UN Agencies, both ICAO and WMO play a critical role in developing and coordinating aeronautical meteorology in Africa and globally. Their roles are defined in the working arrangements between WMO and ICAO which were signed in 1963 and were recently reviewed. As the vice-chair of the WMO Standing Committee on Aviation and a member of the WMO Services Commission, I coordinated and enhanced meteorological services for aviation across Africa. I served as chair of Regional Association 1 (RA1) for the Aviation and Marine task team and then proceeded to be the 1st Vice-chair of the Standing Committee for Aviation- till March 2024.
I will be retiring as the Thematic Coordinator of RA1. I have also supported the WMO as the Chair and Co-chair of the WMO Expert Team on Education, Training, and Competencies (ET_ETC), Communication, collaboration, and Partnerships (ET_CCP, recently renamed thematic Coordinator for Communication.
My role with ICAO has been contributing towards the development of global SARPs for Annex 3 through established mechanisms like the ICAO MET Panel (METP) and its subsidiary bodies where I participated as an expert. I am also a member of the METP’s MET Operations Group (MOG) and an advisor to the MET Panel member nominated by South Africa. Additionally, I served as Chairperson of the Satellite Distribution Operations Group (SADISOPSG). Regionally, I have chaired the AFI MET Subgroup (METSG), which was dissolved in 2014 following the MET Division meeting in Montréal.
The ICAO and WMO work complements my national work in that one can participate at the global level, get access to a network pool of experts, and derive some learnings that also benefit the organization. Due to workload, it can be a challenge; however, one should be able to create a balance to ensure neither of the two suffocates.
CM: Can you tell us about your role as the first Chairperson of the APIRG IIMSG?
EGK: I was responsible for leading efforts to improve aviation infrastructure and information management across Africa. This role involved coordinating with various stakeholders to implement effective strategies and solutions for the aviation sector. ICAO provides guidance material through the GANP and ASBU framework. A common challenge is that this information sometimes does not reach MET personnel at the MET Service Provider level, since they fall under the WMO. Therefore, during my tenure as APIRG IIMSG Chairperson, I actively promoted aeronautical meteorology, recognizing it as a crucial enabler in the air traffic management system.
CM: What has been your proudest moment in your contributions to the aviation sector in Africa?
EGK: One of my proudest moments was being recognized regionally by both ICAO and WMO for my contributions to the global agenda on aeronautical meteorology. This recognition underscores the impact of my efforts in enhancing aviation safety and efficiency in Africa. I am honoured to represent and advocate for aeronautical meteorology, a critical element in aviation safety and efficiency. Achieving all this without seeking rewards is truly fulfilling.
CM: What has been the most challenging moment in your contributions to the African aviation sector?
EGK: One of the most challenging aspects has been addressing the shortage of resources and skilled personnel in the African aviation sector. As an expert serving in both ICAO and WMO, I represent not just my State but the entire continent. With the imminent changes and new MET requirements, it is often necessary to highlight that the continent may not be fully prepared for these changes. Unfortunately, States in Africa find it hard to fully implement both ICAO and WMO standards in aeronautical meteorology due to inadequate resources. It is essential to encourage States to integrate MET services, properly resource them, and maintain and refurbish the supporting infrastructure. This is vital for cost recovery and dissemination of quality and timely data to the aviation industry.
The application and implementation of ICAO SARPs, quality assurance standards, and personnel competencies have been challenging for many States, leading to gaps in service delivery to the users of MET information. To address this, voluntary assistance and collaboration need to be fully implemented to bring everyone up to the required standard for service delivery in the aviation industry. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous effort in training, development, and advocacy for better support and resources.
CM: How has technology evolved over the years? How do you compare it to 15, 10, or even five years ago?
EGK: Technology in meteorology and aviation has significantly evolved over the years. Advancements in remote sensing technology, big data, and numerical weather prediction models have greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of weather predictions.
The WMO Programme on AMDAR (Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay) has increased the availability of upper air data in areas with little or no upper air sounding. This has contributed to an improvement in forecast accuracy by about 15% (https://www.researchgate.net). The tools and technologies we use today are far more sophisticated and effective than they were 15 or even five years ago. Personnel competencies assessment, qualification, and retraining have contributed to this improvement.
CM: What role have you played in promoting women in aeronautical meteorology?
EGK: As South Africa’s first black female meteorologist, I have actively promoted the inclusion of women in aeronautical meteorology through mentorship programmes, participation in initiatives like the South African annual Girls in Aviation event, career days at schools, and advocating for gender diversity in the aviation sector. I have also been instrumental in recommending the inclusion of female persons in the WMO expert teams and ICAO Work Groups. My efforts aim to inspire and support the next generation of female meteorologists.
CM: Thank you so much Esther for sharing your insight and experiences with us. As you approach retirement, what message do you have for young African aviation meteorologists?
EGK: My message to young African aviation meteorologists is to remain passionate and dedicated to your work. Embrace continuous learning and innovation, and don’t hesitate to step into leadership roles. Your contributions are crucial to the future of aviation in Africa, and you have the potential to make a significant impact.
