Edition August 2025

As the Pool Manager for Air Traffic Services Officers (ATSO) at Cape Town International Airport, Nicolene Minaar plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of air traffic professionals. Her journey – marked by passion, perseverance and purpose – reflects a deep commitment to mentoring and developing young talent in one of aviation’s most challenging environments.

Minaar highlights the emotional resilience and clarity required to navigate a dynamic, high-stakes career. Her own path to air traffic services was far from linear.

“When I finished my matric, I initially wanted to study Radiology... However, I saw an article in a local newspaper for a bursary for an Air Traffic Assistant. I had no idea what this was at the time.”

Curiosity soon led her to arrange a visit to the local Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) centre. “I only then realised what air traffic control was and I was immediately intrigued,” she recalls. That pivotal moment would mark the beginning of a decades-long career in aviation.

Growing through the ranks

Nicolene joined ATNS in January 2002 as an Air Traffic Service Assistant. Over the next two years, she trained and was validated in the role, working in several capacities that built her technical competence and understanding of the operational environment.

“In 2005, I was nominated and attended an Aerodrome course to become an Air Traffic Controller. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in passing the course,” she shares candidly.

Rather than allowing the setback to deter her, Nicolene channelled her energy into leadership. “In 2006, a supervisory position became available... a Principal Air Traffic Service Assistant. The role entailed managing the daily operations relating to the Air Traffic Assistants.”

In August 2022, she was promoted to Pool Manager for air traffic assistants, a role with wide-ranging responsibilities and a direct impact on the development of future Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs).

“I officially started in this role in August 2022. My experience in the supervisory role was a great advantage,” Nicolene says. “The new role was exciting and has its own new challenges. However, it is an opportunity for growth and to make meaningful impact on my staff and colleagues”.

That impact is most visible in her work with newly trained ATSOs as they transition from the ATNS Training Academy (ATA) into live operations. “When they leave the academy, the knowledge they received there is mostly theoretical... we are required to train them to utilise the theoretical knowledge and apply it practically,” she explains, adding that this is a challenging task for both trainees and managers.

Nurturing the future generation

Adding to the complexity is the profile of the recruits. “The majority of the new trainees are between the ages of 18 and 23. Some of them literally left school the year before, so it is their first time in a working environment. And most have never been to, or lived in Cape Town before. It has a big impact on them. As a manager, I have to consider all these aspects and assist as far as practical”.

Nicolene’s passion for mentorship shines through her approach to on-the-job training.

“I set specific objectives for the training shift and the output. I provide feedback and support during the training. I encourage active participation during validation training to achieve the required competencies – knowledge, skill and attitude”.

The training process is highly practical, incorporating classroom presentations, simulations, demonstrations, talk-throughs, as well as detailed briefings and debriefings.

The scope of Nicolene’s responsibilities is intense; ranging from managing shift rosters and staff performance to overseeing validations and even handling disciplinary matters.

“Yes, it is intense,” she acknowledges. “Firstly, I prioritise the tasks, a to-do list helps me. I create a routine; however, this does not always work since our environment is continuously changing. I track my progress, and I must be flexible. That is very important in my role.”

Asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Nicolene does not hesitate, “the most rewarding part of my job is to see the new trainee joining my unit. They are trained and successfully validated as an ATSO at Cape Town,” she explains.

“A few years later, they attend an ATC course at the ATA, successfully pass, and validate at their new ATSU anywhere in the country. After several years, they return to Cape Town; either because of a transfer request or due to an ATC position – and when I see how they have grown in their profession and as a person, this really makes me so proud. Because I was part of their growth and journey. I was part of their foundation phase”.

Outside of her professional life, Nicolene prioritises balance and wellbeing. “I enjoy reading. I love listening to music; all kinds of genres. I spend time with my family and I enjoy taking a walk in nature”. ❖