Dreams are Dreams: A Big 'Thank You' To All for Your Support (isiZulu)
Story by Vusi Shabalala and Pictures by Mayibongwe Mnguni
Today, 11 March 2020, marks a final episode that the ‘Communication Team’ shares with you on Mayibongwe. We all dream in life. A dream remains an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, your will and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it. A dream is ever worth pursuing. It is a picture and blueprint of an individual person's purpose and potential. Dreams are dreams. Please receive with serenity, the messages of ‘thanks’ from the student to all.
Mayibongwe (right) in a Cessna 172 aircraft with Mongezi Mvelase (left) flying over Soshanguve, East of Pretoria
“My internship period with ProQS Quantity Surveyors has been played a very pivotal role in my life. Not
only have I grown within the industry, but they have been a part of my life at a crucial growing stage as
a young adult. My mentors and colleagues are surely to be thanked for the great work and patience
they have had with me since I started at ProQS. I have managed to add on my theoretical knowledge
and advance it to a more practical understanding of the industry. As a result this has made me look
forward to having my time within a department and make a difference with all the knowledge I have
gained over the months at ProQS.”
“I believe in the statement which says; “a person learns until they die.” There is definitely a lot to learn
in this small world and I do not intend to limit myself with my time on earth. My ‘QS’ career is simply at
the beginning as the future surely is promising. With the knowledge and experience I am building, I see
myself opening doors for myself anywhere within the department. My time within may be limited
however that does not stop me from aiming making a positive mark within a department as a public
servant. I believe my training at ProQS will be the foundation of my success in the department. There
is not a single day that I do not look forward to learning and becoming a better Quantity Surveyor”
“I have to commend two people who played a massive role in my journey as a private pilot to date. That
would be Mongezi Mvelase and his lovely family including Frik van Sittert, my flight instructor. Their
roles may have been similar though; ‘teaching me how planes fly’. They respectively mentored me into
believing that I can actually juggle both careers at the same time. What I have realized is that you need
to surround yourself with people who actually believe you can make it, then you are almost there. I had
to travel constantly to Pretoria - 3 weekends a month on Fridays and be back at Vryheid by Sunday to
get ready for the new week at work. I had to do this for 8 successive months, not a single day did I,
Mongezi nor Frik complain. All I got from them was support and advice.” He concluded with sanity that
“My weekends were never the same but I enjoyed each and every trip. Flying made me happy and
learning more always kept me on my toes. Their support ensured I succeed in my first license and I’m
sure they are as eager in my quest for my second license. Though it will take longer as I have to focus
more on my registration as a Professional Quantity Surveyor, I have no doubt it will be happening
sooner that I expect.”
Mayibongwe with instructor Frik van Sittert (left) and Anru Steenkamp, his senior Instructor
Having been created in the image of God, He surely wants to come and ignite everyone as he always,
especially the youth, so that all can be a shining light through what we do to benefit mankind. It is worth
a price to have a role model, especially for young ones, but even as adults like Mayibongwe, one can
find oneself inspired and motivated by other people’s success and the failures of others sometimes.
This is what he shares to those close to him. “My mother. Being raised by a single parent is not easy,
but I could look back today and see how brilliant my mother has been in playing the role of a mother
and father to me all at the same time. The constant support I always receive from her and belief in
everything I put my effort in always reflect in how much she supports me,” he alluded. His friends and
peers were also a comfort in his life. “Almost all my close friends are from Inkamana. We have all grown
to be a close circle of friends where we all support each other on our goals. We inspire each other and
have positive influence in our lives,” he attested and affirmed with enthusiasm. “My mother and my
mentor Mongezi Mvelase. They both played a pivotal role in my journey, ensuring that I do not lose
hope and continue with my hard work and dedication.” concluded Mayibongwe in a feeling of high
spirits, joy and pride.
The sweetest part of Cool’s life is his participation in sports – marathon. Long distance running has a
positive influence in many areas for him. Yes it is a given that physical activity can improve academic
performance. in that it enhances memory and thinking skills, reduction of stress and anxiety, improving
concentration, sparking creativity and increases one’s IQ. Finally, the department’s internship
programme may be seen as a ‘mirror’ that plays a role in promoting the hopes and dreams of all those
young beneficiaries so as to utilise the available opportunities to enhance the betterment of their lives.
Their future will instead be safe from any potential anxieties.