Foskor introduces a PROTEC winner

2007-04-26

Isaac Maluleke from the PROTEC programme has been welcomed by Foskor mine as one of its most recent employees. Isaac is working as a Trainee Metallurgist at Foskor after completing his National Diploma in Chemical Engineering.

The PROTEC programme has produced over 300 students who are currently at various universities in South Africa pursuing engineering and other related careers in the fields of mathematics and science with bursaries from different mining companies and study loans from NSFAS (National Students Financial Aid Scheme). Some of the PROTEC students have completed their tertiary education and are back in Phalaborwa working for the local companies which are sponsoring the PROTEC programme in Phalaborwa. Isaac Maluleke is one of them.

In 1998, while Isaac was a student in Grade 10 at Majeje High School in Lulekani, he had the opportunity to join the PROTEC programme at the Palabora Foundation’s Rixile Education Centre in Lulekani. “It was a great turning point in my life”, says Isaac. He added, “I am what I am today because of PROTEC and Master Maths”.

Isaac was a well disciplined and committed learner. He attended all the afternoon and holiday lessons in Mathematics, Science, English, Technology and Career Guidance, and it paid off. He passed matric in 2001 and obtained high symbols. He joined the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering in 2002. Isaac says, “I have strong interest in science and the fascination for chemical processes was the driving force behind my choice of going towards the chemical engineering field”. He would like to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who is associated with PROTEC and Master Maths, and especially to the sponsors.

The main sponsors of the PROTEC programme in Phalaborwa are the Palabora Mining Company, Foskor Ltd and Sasol Nitro. The other board members are the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Lepelle Northern Water, Standard Bank, the Phalaborwa Chamber of Business, the Department of Education, Professional Career Consultants, GAGE Specialists, Mopani South East FET College, Eskom, the Greater Phalaborwa Principals’ Association and the Namakgale and Lulekani Parent Committees.

Mr CK Joseph, a veteran in the field of mathematics and science education, has been heading the PROTEC and Master Maths programme since its establishment in 1998. The PROTEC programme recently received a certificate of excellence from the National Minister for Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin, during the annual prizegiving function of the Phalaborwa Chamber of Business.

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