Of
Buildings
And
Tools

Wame Boitshepho Nchabeleng, 17 years of age, from Mmabatho in the North West Province is a first-year BSc Civil Engineering student enrolled at Wits University.

What drew you to Civil Engineering?
What did you hope to learn?

I always took interest in how things are built, particularly iconic landmarks such as the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa in Dubai. In Saudi Arabia, there is another building currently being built and which will be the tallest upon completion. I’m also quite fascinated by the tallest bridge in the world, Millau Viaduct in France. It is truly amazing! I take an interest in the artistic aspects in the industry; it’s especially exciting to see your work come to life with prototypes. Unfortunately, there aren’t many fascinating buildings in South Africa, but I plan on being the first to create a cool building which will make a mark on South Africa’s landscape and put us on the map.”

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in your curriculum this semester?

Tell us about it.

My most interesting subject has got to be physics. It’s also been a challenging and fascinating experience being able to use a computer for the first time. I really have learned so much and look forward to learning a lot more.

If you hadn’t been awarded your SANRAL bursary, what do you think you’d be doing this year? What was the back-up plan?

Had SANRAL not funded me, my mother was planning on leaving her job in order to use her pay-out to fund my studies. I didn’t want her to do this as my younger siblings need to eat and be educated as well, but there really wasn’t an alternative. I’m more than relieved that she didn’t have to resign and that I’ll soon be able to help out at home. I want to thank my parents for being so supportive. Had my mother not helped me with the bursary application I wouldn’t be here. I also appreciate the assistance I received from my bursary administrator at SANRAL, Rhona Erasmus.

What does your SANRAL bursary pay for other than your tuition?

Besides tuition, the bursary covers food, accommodation, textbooks and a basic allowance. Nineteen-year old Khomotjo Godliver Mokgotho from Mmotong in Limpopo is doing her first-year BSc Civil Engineering at Wits University.

What drew you to Civil Engineering? What did you hope to learn?

My dad runs a welding business. Despite being physically unable to walk upright and carry heavy tools, he works very hard to look after the family welding beautiful gates and the likes. Unfortunately, because of his physique and financial constraints, he was unable to attain a formal qualification. However, he is a great inspiration and because of him I was interested in working with tools from a young age. I really enjoy working outdoors and can’t imagine being stuck in an office job! I love creating new things and hope to expand on this in future.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in your curriculum this semester? Tell us about it?

Physics! I liked the subject in high school; my science teacher was a great inspiration and made learning seem so easy. Other learners used to say it’s so difficult, but it’s simply a matter of putting in the work! Even today it’s still my favourite learning area and I’m eager to master it. I must admit though that mechanics and drawing take the cup. Although I’m not that good at drawing, I really love it!

If you hadn’t been awarded your SANRAL bursary, what do you think you’d be doing this year? What was the back-up plan?

If SANRAL didn’t fund me I would’ve taken a gap year, focused on getting a job so I could help out at home. I wasn’t planning on enrolling at a university but I’m really glad I did! If it wasn’t for my high school teacher who helped me with the application I wouldn’t be here today. I really want to help my siblings get educated because it’s so important. I come from a family of eight and it motivates me that they are all so proud of my commitment to make it in this male-dominated industry. After the bursary induction at SANRAL, I was even more motivated after this very young female engineer shared her experience as a woman in the industry in a room full of men. I aim to work hard so people don’t take me lightly because I’m a woman.

What does your SANRAL bursary pay for other than your tuition?

Besides tuition, the SANRAL bursary covers food, accommodation, textbooks and a basic allowance which allows me to be like all the other students.