Former PROTEC student poised for success

2007-07-04

In the wake of Youth Day, many young people might wonder what life can offer in Phalaborwa. For Tinyiko Nxumalo, a former PROTEC student, the answer is clear: a future through education.
Tinyiko passed matric in 2006 with good symbols in mathematics and science from Nkateko high school. She attended afternoon lessons in mathematics, physical science, English, biology and career guidance at the Palabora Foundation’s Rixile Education Centre in Lulekani. She is currently busy with her LLB law degree at the University of Venda. LLB is a four year course, which Tinyiko finds not only interesting but also challenging.

Tinyiko says, “I have acclimatised well to the tertiary environment and student life and I am happy to report that I am performing exceptionally well academically. With the same breath, I thank God for his grace and I also thank PROTEC, for it was during those years in the programme that I learned the discipline and attitude that served me well at the tertiary.”

Tinyiko adds, “PROTEC prepared me for my tertiary career. Valuable skills and temperament that include, among others: time management and problem solving is the mainstay in a recipe for success. Though LLB is not a technological career in science, PROTEC inspired my creative thinking and thus priming for innovation and critical thought process through technology oriented subjects”.

Tinyiko’s parents are currently paying for her tertiary expenses, since bursaries are only available for this course during the third and fourth year. However, she confidently sums it up: “I am positive that I will pass despite all the financial constraints”.

The main sponsors of the PROTEC programme in Phalaborwa are the Palabora Mining Company, Foskor Ltd and Sasol Nitro. The other sponsors and participants are 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.

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