Zululander realises his medical dream
HAVING decided in Grade 9 that he wanted to be a doctor, Siyabonga Mpungose (24) of Dondotha in uMfolozi worked hard to achieve his dream, graduating from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) earlier this year.
With both parents as teachers, a strong foundation in education was always paramount.
Siyabonga completed his junior primary years at Thembalimbe Primary School before moving to Brackenham in 2006 where he completed his primary school education.
He then went on to Richards Bay Secondary School for high school, and where he matriculated.
It was during this time that his enjoyment in life sciences prompted his interest in the medical field.
‘Ironically, I did not enjoy maths and physics but I knew I had to pass them to be able to study medicine. What is important is to know what you want,’ said Siyabonga.
The last-born in a family of six children, he did not qualify for government funding to cover his studies. However, fortunately for Mpungose, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) came to his rescue and offered him a bursary.
‘The bursary came at a time when I needed it the most, when things weren’t looking hopeful for me in terms of finding a sponsor.’
‘It helped relieve a lot of financial stress and made it easier for me to focus on my studies without the burden of facing possible financial exclusion.
'RBM played a huge role in allowing me to complete this degree,’ said a grateful Siyabonga.
Having recently graduated, Siyabonga is now gaining practical experience through community service.
‘I am technically still a doctor-intraining and I know I have a long way to go,’ he said.
Siyabonga encourages pupils to be introspective and decide what they want in life, and to work hard to achieve their goals.
‘I tried as much as I could to balance the way I lived physically, mentally and academically, and that went a long way in keeping me sane in the midst of the hustle and bustle of university life.
‘My family and friends were also crucial in my journey, and am very grateful to have had them present,’ he said.
RBM’s Capability Development and Training Manager, Bridgette Ngobese, said their bursary programme is not only about giving these young people a better chance at shaping a career of their choice but it was also part of their efforts to help RBM and South Africa to build a pipeline of skills for the future.
‘The high unemployment figures in South Africa underline the importance of companies finding innovative ways to support youth development.
‘RBM always looks for ways to help shift the mindset of our youth to identify and create opportunities that turn ideas into action leading the way in creating a more inclusive economy in South Africa,’ said Ngobese.