PROTEC produces another medical doctor
2008-12-13
A 23-year-old from Lulekani has completed his six years of medical training at the University of Pretoria to become Dr Kenny Nyiko Mongwe. Dr Mongwe was raised by his single mother who is employed by the Palabora Foundation to work at Hi-Kurile Craft Co-operative. He attended N’wa-Risenga Primary School and matriculated from Majeje High School in 2001.
In 1999 Dr Mongwe, then in grade 10, was part of the second group of students selected to join the new Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC) run by the Palabora Foundation/Rio Tinto Palabora Mining Company. Although he thanks God first, Dr Mongwe also extends his deep gratitude to PROTEC’s sponsors and staff, including programme head Mr CK Joseph. “It is my conviction that it was during these years at the Foundation that I harnessed the attitude, temperament and discipline that were to serve me well at medical school”, says Dr Mongwe.
During his first year at varsity, he enrolled on a one-year BSc programme sponsored by the University of Pretoria under the faculty board of Natural and Agricultural Science. Due to his outstanding performance in the programme, he was then considered by the university’s faculty of Health Sciences. Since he did not have sponsorship for the first three academic years in medicine, the Palabora Foundation assisted him with a registration fee in the first year, after which he obtained loans from various financial services including NFSAS and MESAB. He was finally granted financial assistance by the Limpopo Department of Health and Social Services in his fourth academic year.
As well as completing his MBChB degree, Dr Mongwe has completed an HIV/AIDS management course with the Foundation for Professional Development (HIV Clinician Society) and a bridging course in Engineering Drawing with the Phalaborwa Technical College.
Rio Tinto Palabora Mining Company and the Palabora Foundation congratulate Dr Mongwe on his achievements and wish him well for the future.
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