As one of South Africa’s few female pilots with a powerful presence on digital media platforms, Melissa, known to her followers as "Pilot on the Gram," is breaking boundaries both in the sky and on the ground.
Her journey, which initially revolved around sharing her aviation adventures, has expanded into advocating for mental health. Through TikTok's Global Change Makers Programme, Melissa has teamed up with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to address mental health challenges, helping to reduce stigma and create supportive communities both online and offline.
More Than a Hashtag
The TikTok Global Change Makers Programme is an innovative initiative that aims to support TikTok content creators and NGOs dedicated to social impact. The programme provides resources to creators passionate about making a difference in their communities, while also partnering them with mission-driven non-profit organisations.
An integral part of the TikTok Change Makers Programme is the TikTok Change Makers Grant. Through this grant, the platform will donate over $1 million to more than 30 global and local non-profit organisations supporting various important causes. As part of this initiative, TikTok will honour Melissa, renowned for her advocacy in mental health and aviation, by donating $25,000 to her NGO partner, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), thereby amplifying its impact across the region.
For Melissa, being chosen as a Global Change Maker is more than just an accolade. It’s a call to action. “I’m honoured to be part of such an impactful programme,” Melissa says. “Being able to combine my passion for aviation with mental health advocacy is something I’m incredibly proud of.” Through the programme, Melissa works alongside SADAG to raise awareness about mental health in a country where the subject is often overlooked or misunderstood.
From the Cockpit to Conversations About Mental Health
Melissa’s journey into mental health advocacy is personal. As a woman in aviation, a male-dominated industry, she has navigated significant challenges throughout her career. “I’ve heard ‘you can’t do that’ more times than I can count,” Melissa says. But for her, those moments of doubt became opportunities to prove the opposite.
Her experiences of overcoming barriers shaped her perspective on resilience, which directly ties into her mental health advocacy. “The aviation industry taught me to push through setbacks,” she explains. “But mental health is something we all need to prioritise—whether you’re flying a plane or trying to navigate the challenges life throws at you.”
SADAG: Creating Support Networks That Span the Country
With mental health services often scarce or inaccessible, SADAG has been a lifeline for many South Africans struggling with mental health challenges. The organisation offers support through a range of services, including helplines, community outreach, and education. Thanks to the TikTok Change Makers Grant, SADAG has been able to expand its efforts even further.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities this programme has provided,” says a SADAG representative. “It’s allowed us to extend our services, reach more communities, and provide hope to those who feel isolated in their struggles.”
Melissa’s role in this partnership is to use her platform to amplify SADAG’s message. She encourages her community to break the silence surrounding mental health, and her content invites open conversations about struggles that are often hidden from view.
Challenging Stereotypes in Aviation - and Mental Health
In an industry where women are under-represented, Melissa uses her platform to show that there is room for everyone; both in aviation and in conversations about mental health. Her content often highlights her own experiences as a female pilot, but it also reflects her belief that resilience in any field, especially a male-dominated one, is closely tied to mental well-being. “I believe that everyone, no matter what career path they’re on, has the right to pursue their dreams while taking care of their mental health,” she says.
Her aviation videos, which once focused solely on the technical aspects of flying, now carry a deeper message: it’s okay to ask for help and admit when things are tough. "I want to normalise the fact that it’s okay not to have everything figured out," she says. Through her collaboration with SADAG, Melissa is inspiring others to reach their goals without sacrificing their mental health along the way.
Building a Global Support Network
Beyond South Africa’s borders, Melissa’s content has resonated with a global audience. “It’s incredible how many people from around the world I’ve connected with,” she shares. Through the Global Change Makers Programme, her work has transcended the aviation community and entered into a global network of mental health advocates and professionals.
By collaborating with SADAG and reaching a worldwide audience, Melissa hopes to foster an environment where mental health conversations are more open and accessible. SADAG agrees, stating: “Working with creators like Melissa allows us to amplify our message and ensure that people feel supported, no matter where they are.”
Looking Ahead: Creating a Legacy of Resilience
For Melissa, the journey doesn’t end with her advocacy for mental health—it’s just the beginning. Looking to the future, her goal is to continue using her platform to inspire others to pursue their passions while taking care of their mental well-being. “I’ve always believed that your faith should be bigger than your fears,” she says. “I want to keep encouraging people to push past their limitations, no matter how daunting the obstacles might seem.”
SADAG’s long-term vision aligns closely with Melissa’s, as they seek to extend their services to underserved communities across South Africa, particularly in rural areas where mental health resources are scarce. Together, through the Global Change Makers Programme, Melissa and SADAG are working to create a future where mental health is prioritised and support is always within reach.
