A 29-year-old youngster from Cape Town considers himself fortunate after being awarded a government-funded bursary to pursue further studies.
Lonwabo Mfubesi, who graduated with a BSc Degree in Construction Management from Nelson Mandela University, uses his expertise to serve his country as an employee of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
He was one of the lucky students who was awarded a bursary during his first year which covered his full tuition fees, stationery, food, an allowance and accommodation until completion of his degree.
“The assistance I received from government made me focus more on my studies and I became a top student as a result,” Mfubesi said, beaming as he recalled his good fortune.
He said having a scholarship meant he was not a burden to his mother who raised him alone.
“It was a relief to be awarded a bursary that covered everything. There was no way my mom could have afforded to pay for my studies,” he told SAnews.gov.za in an interview.
After finishing university in 2016, Mfubesi secured an internship in the same department where he now works as a Construction Project Manager.
“If it wasn’t for the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, I don’t know where I’d be. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.”
As part of his work, Mfubesi is responsible for starting and managing construction projects, overseeing procurement processes, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
The Construction Project Manager has been involved in various projects of different sizes, including the construction of magistrate’s courts and installing facilities for people with disabilities.
Mfubesi is close to attaining the title of Professional Project Manager and credits his employer for making it possible.
“Those opportunities were availed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure through the experience, interactions and a whole lot of things,” he explained.
Mfubesi said he resonated with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) when the latter described the story of Tintswalo.
The President had said that the story of the past 30 years of South Africa’s democracy can be best told through the life of a young girl called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994.
Mfubesi has no doubt that he lives in a better country than his mother did in the past, just like Tintswalo.
“I confidently consider myself as a Tintswalo – democracy’s child. That is why I will always be grateful and support the government. I will always be a citizen of this country and a public servant and will always assist to improve service delivery,” he said with pride. – SAnews.gov.za
