ALPHA TANGO: THE STEADY VOICE GUIDING SOUTHERN AFRICA’S SKIES
In the intricate world of aviation, few roles are as crucial yet as invisible to the public eye as that of the air traffic controller. For Allan Tatenda Manema, known affectionately by his colleagues as Alpha Tango, this unseen responsibility has been his daily pursuit. With over 15 years of experience as an air traffic controller, Allan is also a Quality Management Systems (QMS) auditor, the Executive Vice President of ATCAZ, and Regional Vice President for Southern Africa within IFATCA, a role that spans the entire Africa and Middle East region.
But titles only scratch the surface. What truly defines Allan is his unwavering passion for aviation, his commitment to mentorship, and his faith-driven purpose to make a meaningful impact in both the industry and the community. “I don’t want to live my life as a passenger,” Allan says with conviction. “I want to leave a mark. To create positive change in the industry and in society at large.”
Born and raised in Mandadzaka, Bikita District in Zimbabwe’s Masvingo Province, Allan’s journey began like that of many determined youths in rural Africa, rich in dreams but limited in resources. “My early school days were marred by a lack of exposure and materials,” he recalls. “But I had an intense desire to learn and become a great professional.”
Science subjects fascinated him from a young age, partly thanks to the influence of his older brother, a thriving telecoms engineer. Originally, Allan considered becoming a doctor or a chemical engineer. But everything changed in high school when he discovered a deeper calling in the sky, first through the dream of piloting, then more profoundly through air traffic control.
“A movie clip showed people working in a room full of screens, tracking small targets aircraft. I was hooked. That was my first introduction to the world I’d eventually enter.”
Fate, as Allan puts it, intervened through a newspaper advertisement for trainee air traffic control assistants. With barely a concrete understanding of the job, he applied. Aptitude tests and interviews followed, and so did clarity. “On day one, I was so switched on, my classmates thought I’d been there before. That’s how excited I was.”
From that moment, his journey took flight, powered by passion, perseverance, and deep faith. “It’s not just passion,” he insists. “It’s also hard work, tenacity, and the belief that with God, all things are possible.”
Becoming an air traffic controller is no easy feat. But Allan faced challenges that went beyond the complex technical syllabus. “The economic situation during my training made it almost impossible to concentrate. There were days when I wasn’t sure where my next meal would come from.” That adversity tested his resolve. But family, friends, and the aviation network he had begun to build lifted him during those difficult days. “Support systems matter. And so does keeping your vision in focus.” At the core of Allan’s journey lies a strong spiritual foundation. A firm believer in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Allan draws strength from his faith, especially during difficult times.
Today, Allan’s voice doesn’t just guide planes, it shapes policy. In his leadership roles with ATCAZ (Air Traffic Controllers’ Association of Zimbabwe) and IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations), Allan is deeply involved in industry dialogue across Southern Africa. “Being part of those conversations, policy shaping, regional collaboration, it’s a great honor,” he says. “That’s where real change happens.”
The Air Traffic Controllers’ Association of Zimbabwe (ATCAZ) is a professional body dedicated to promoting safety, professionalism, and efficiency among Zimbabwean air traffic controllers. ATCAZ is a member of IFATCA, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations, which has represented the global ATC community since 1961, advocating for safe and efficient international air navigation. As EVP and RVP, respectively, Allan is central to those efforts, helping streamline operations and ensure that Southern Africa’s skies remain safe and efficient.
Equally fulfilling for Allan is his passion for mentorship. He spends significant time speaking, writing, and engaging with youth, particularly to demystify aviation careers for the next generation. “I love talking about what it takes to succeed in aviation, not just technically, but mentally and spiritually,” he says. “If my story helps someone else take off, that’s the reward.” A strong believer in giving back, Allan sees mentorship as a natural extension of his calling. “There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way, to making a better workplace, a better industry, or a better world.”
With so many hats to wear, Allan admits that work-life balance has been one of his greatest challenges. Between air traffic control duties, voluntary roles, and his personal life, time management has become both a necessity and a skill. “I’ve learned to delegate, to mentor others, and most importantly, to say ‘no’ when I must. Achieving balance isn’t a one-time goal; it’s a discipline that improves with experience,” he says.
As the skies above Africa grow busier and more complex, Allan Manema’s voice remains calm, confident, and unwavering, just like the best air traffic controllers are trained to be. “Every flight that lands safely, every young person inspired, every policy improved, that’s what keeps me going,” he says. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”
On the ground, “Alpha Tango” continues to soar.
By Kumbirai T Chibanda