Recipients Honoured after a Successful Schools Programme
Article by Sane Mbhense and Images by Thandekile Mthalane
Three passionate learners had an exciting opportunity to meet with the management team from Midlands Region during roadshows that took place on 12 to 14 May 2021. The roadshows were part of the Schools Programme that was launched in 2019 with an aim of providing educational assistance to those learners who wish to enroll for qualifications in the professional disciplines. The learners will, after a successful completion of the tertiary academic tuition, be provided with further assistance through the department’s comprehensive Bursary Programme.
Nozipho Mwandla from Macingwane Secondary School
The first visit was for Nozipho Mwandla, a 17 year old learner from Macingwane Secondary School in
Msinga area. Her passion for a Mechanical Engineering profession started when she was still at a primary
school level as she loved to design and fix power producing machines. “Thank you Public Works for giving
me this lifetime opportunity, I truly need financial assistance to pursue my dream of becoming a Mechanical
Engineer. I promise to work hard, the department will not regret by choosing me to be part of this
programme.” Nozipho said.
In his address, Mr. Ndebele, the school’s deputy principal conveyed words of gratitude to the Department.
“We would like to assure you that the school will assist Nozipho in obtaining outstanding results.” He
proudly cited that in the past two years (2019 and 2020), Macingwane Secondary School has been selected
as the best school in Msinga Municipality obtaining 100% pass rate in matric. He further revealed that the
school was also selected as the best school that produced best results in Mathematics and Physical Science
around Msinga Circuit, this is without a doubt that Nozipho is in good hands..
Ntokozo Mazibuko from Siyanda Secondary School and his aunt Ms Mazibuko
The second learner who received such exceptional opportunity is Ntokozo Mazibuko, a 19 year old learner
from Siyanda Secondary School in Nquthu. Ntokozo sees himself as a qualified Civil Engineer in the next
coming years. “I take this kind gesture as a motivation to work hard, it is an ‘eye-opener’ for me that indeed
Built Environment profession is the right profession that will open doors for me in the near future.”
His words of encouragement to other fellow learners is that “You must never give up, I do believe that
everyone is capable to be where I am but you need to be focused in whatever you do. Sacrifice and
prioritize what is important in life.” His aunt Ms. Mazibuko described him as an obedient child that loves
his school work.
Khanyisile Makhanya from Makhedama High School
The productive roadshow was concluded at Makhedama High School, which is situated at Vukaphansi area,
of Kranskop. This is where the entourage met a 17 year old Khanyisile Makhanya. Khanyisile lives with her
mother and two siblings. Her mother, Mrs Makhanya could not hold back her tears as Sabelo Khuzwayo
stipulated what the Bursary Programme entails. “I am lost for words, this means everything to me.”
Khanyisile will be pursuing enrolment into the Architecture profession after finishing matric. She said “I am
grateful to the Department of Public Works for adopting me into the programme. I promise to put more
effort in my school work.” Ms Nothi Mahlaba from Midlands Region wished Khanyisile all the best and
advised her to continue working hard. “Grab this opportunity with both hands and study hard.” In closure,
Ms Mahlaba thanked both teams from Midlands Region and Head Office for their commitment to the
programme.”
The Directorate Human Resource Utilization & Capacity Development will continue conducting these
roadshows to other regions. It is indeed an affirmation that this is the right direction. The Schools
Programme creates a space for innovative learning to produce successful and versatile graduates who will
be sought-after by future employers around KwaZulu-Natal. One can understand that the programme will
be advancing a quality that is government-guaranteed. It will allow learner institutions also to cultivate
industry relationships, allowing learners to get practical experience in their respective field within worldleading institutions and ensure connections to give learner career an edge.