Young man follows in his father’s footsteps

MECHANICAL engineering student Bheka Mkhwanazi credited his late father for helping him discover his passion in the field of mechanics.

Bheka of Mandlazini is one of many youngsters in the region who have received a bursary from Hillside Aluminium to further studies in various fields.

It was an easy career choice for Bheka who wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.

‘When I was little, the only thing I wanted to be was a mechanic’ said the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student.

‘This was because my late father worked as a mechanic and a machine operator to provide for us as a family.

‘I attempted to educate myself about mechanics, and it was then that I fell in love with mechanical activities and discovered the primary subject of mechanics.’

Despite his desire to study mechanical engineering, financial constraints proved too big a hurdle.

‘To be honest, I was in a bad situation. I had no idea how or where I would receive the money for my degree.

‘The Hillside bursary came through and relieved me of a significant financial load by funding my studies from first to final year,’ he said.

Bheka said this allowed him to focus on his studying, rather than stressing about money.

‘I'm not sure where I would be now if it weren't for them.’

Bheka will soon be conferred with his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, and was recently afforded an opportunity to obtain practical training at the Hillside smelter.

‘The Hillside bursary has allowed me the opportunity to finish my missing training, which is a requirement to complete my degree.

‘I wish them strength and prosperity as they continue to assist financially disadvantaged families like mine.’

He said his aspirations include one day owning a manufacturing plant, and holding top executive roles in mechanical engineering.