Rustenburg - It was a dream come true for South Africa’s “helicopter man” Vusimuzi Mbatha when he was given the opportunity to experience his first flight in a helicopter on Wednesday.
Mbatha had captured the public’s imagination when he built a large helicopter model from recycled materials and Wednesday saw the unemployed man from the Siza (Popo Molefe) informal settlement near Rustenburg take to the skies to the delight of residents from his home town.
The 35-year-old Mbatha, originally from Libode in the Eastern Cape had built his helicopter from recycled material after he dreamt of flying in one one day.
“I dreamt I was controlling a helicopter, that was in January last year, during the strike in the platinum mines. The dream continued and I decided to follow it. It was easy to build this helicopter because I have a vision of what I wanted to do,” he said.
He said he had started to buy parts bit by bit and used scrapped metals to build his helicopter.
On Wednesday, Bidvest Protea Coin made his dream true, the company sponsoring a helicopter to fly Vusimuzi over his informal settlement.
“I am happy I was in the sky…it was amazing,” said Mbatha after his ten-minute flight.
“He [Mbatha] was excited. He does not fear heights. He was able to point out land marks around the area,” said helicopter pilot, George Tonking.
Bidvest Protea Coin chief operating officer, Waal de Waal, said Mbatha did not wait for the government to realise his dream.
“Many people wait for the government to assist them but, Vusi did it all by himself. This is a positive thing that he is doing,” he said.
He said Vusi did not let his environment curb his passion.
“Here is a man, who is not working, has no access to water, electricity or tarred road but, he worked hard to realise his dream. These are the positive stories that must reported.
“Women ululated, some waved and men whistled as Mbatha got inside the chopper for his maiden flight.
“ He is flying now,” shout one woman from the crowd.
“ I respect this man,” said ward councillor Luvuyo Maqwane, who added that he was happy that Mbatha’s talent had been exposed.
“He is a role to many young people in this area. I hope his talent will expose this area and contribute to its development.”
Maqwane said Mbatha told him last year that he had dreamt of something.
“I asked him what was he dreaming about but, he said I will see it once he had completed it.”
Mbatha who wanted to be an engineer in the army, said he only went to school up to Grade 7, and had always been interested in science. He could not further his education due to financial constrains.
“I like the military, that is the reason why my helicopter looks like an army chopper.”
His helicopter sports a television set, a clock situated on the back of a seat, a radio and a two-way radio while it also had green and a red lights that flashed.
It is powered by three motorbike engines, while a motorbike battery is used to propel the rotor. The rotor hub is housed in an old soft drink crates.
The cockpit is also built out of soft drink crates. A fire extinguisher is located on the left side of the helicopter. The helicopter stands on a four-wheeled trolley built out of scrap metals.
“The clock helps me to know what time the flight takes place and what time I return.”
The steering wheel is made of a Play Station control while there is also a clutch and an accelerator.
“The helicopter is incomplete, there are some parts that I have to put in. The challenge is the money. I am not working and depends on odd jobs to build this helicopter.”
Neighbours said they never thought Mbatha would build a helicopter,
“We knew something was going on at his shack, one day we heard an engine roar and saw blades rotating,” said Albert Mhlanga.
“We then saw him pushing this helicopter to the sports field. We we surprised. The helicopter showed signs that with a powerful engine it will fly,” he said.
“I do not know what was he thinking but, it is amazing. This man is talented.”
De Waal presented Mbatha with a flying suite with his name engraved on it, a pair of boots and a cellphone.
Mbatha described by local as a “loner” smiled as the crowd cheered him on.
He clapped and bowed to thank De Waal for helping him realise his dream.
“I am very much happy. I am excited,” he said.
ANA