WITH a desperate need for qualified individuals in technical and trade careers in South Africa, Zululand seems to be producing top-notch quality prospects – who hopefully will be given the opportunity to prove their worth.
Tisand Technical High School in eSikhawini has had four young men pass matric with exceptional results in vital subjects.
Sifiso Dlamini (18) of eSikhawini Reserve lives with his parents, siblings and cousins.
Owing to job scarcity his father is unemployed leaving his mother who earns R1 000 a month as the sole provider of their home.
Sifiso, who has excelled in physical sciences and mathematics has applied at the University of Pretoria to study Mechanical Engineering.
‘In our country, there is a shortage of qualified black engineers. I want to make a difference. I want to show others like myself that anything is possible with hard work and diligence,’ he said.
Siyabonga Mpungose (18) lives with his grandmother and younger sister in eSikhawini and has applied at the University of Pretoria as well as the University of Cape Town to study Computer Engineering.
‘I love technology an, I’m innovative. It is by fa, my greatest passion,’ said Siyabonga.
Sfiso Mthembu (18) of Madlankala also lives with his grandmother as his parents are separated and live in different provinces.
‘My mother helps to support us but she is not employed on a permanent basis, she helps where she is able to,’ he said.
Sfiso has been accepted at the University of Cape Town to study Computer Engineering.
‘Computers and technology dominate everything and I want to be part of the revolution,’ he added.
Mntho Gumede (17) of KwaDlangezwa has also applied to study Computer Engineering at the University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town.
Mntho who lives with his dad, aunt and five cousins has a profound passion, interest and love for technology.
‘The journey it takes you on is indescribable, I am fascinated at everything I learn when it comes to computers and all aspects related to it,’ he said.
Mntho’s father is the sole provider of the household and therefore is not financially able to afford tuition fees.
