young woman

An inspiring young woman named Busiswe Mkhungo found a love for science after joining an after-school programme, now she soars as a chemical engineer.

 

Port Shepstone, South Africa – Youth Month is unique as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of helping young gifted South Africans explore new horizons and reach for the stars. Busiswe Mkhungo, a young chemical engineer is one of many whose horizons have broadened thanks to Engen.

Reflecting on the significance of 16 June in our country’s history, Busisiwe advises the country’s youth to focus on the real world and stop putting all their energy into boasting on social media.

“I’m really concerned about social media because it’s stealing people’s dreams.  It seems all young people care about it their next social media brag. We’ve lost touch with humanity.”

When she was in grade 10, Busiswe, who grew up in Kwa-Zulu Natal and matriculated from Makhanda High School in Port Shepstone, knew that she wanted to be a chemical engineer.

Despite her unsettled childhood, with both parents unemployed and frequently staying with relatives, today she has conquered the impossible, and not only achieved her dream of graduating but is part of Engen’s prestigious graduate programme.

Graduates who join the programme initially have no fixed position, as their first year is spent across a variety of functions, learning about the business.  For now, Busisiwe has joined Engen’s Lubricants Department in Westville, Durban.

“As a graduate trainee at Engen, you get to know exactly where you fit in within the company. I really appreciate the company’s culture and beliefs – they put their money into growing people skills,” she says.

Her relationship with Engen started in grade 10 when she first attended Engen’s Maths and Sciences School (EMSS) in Port Shepstone, where her desire to excel was sparked.

“I attended supplementary classes every Saturday for three years until I matriculated.  I allowed myself to dream big because EMSS gave me the confidence I needed. Even though my goals scared me, I knew that by depending on God, my hard work would pay off.

 “Engen’s extra classes in maths, science and English really helped me improve.  My English mark was around 50% when I joined and improved to 78% when I matriculated.”

So, what is Busisiwe’s secret to success?

“I believe that anything and everything is possible if you put God first and work hard. I don’t like to set long term goals but rather prefer to focus on attainable short-term goals which then lead me to the next steps that I need to take along my journey.”

By continuing to attract and grow minds and talents like Busisiwe, and to shape the careers of talented graduates, Engen continues on its path shape the future for the better.  Helping young gifted South Africans explore new horizons proves once again that as a company, Engen is committed to building tomorrow’s leaders.


Sources: Press Release
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens.
Click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast, with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes that there’s good news all around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll hopefully leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

Facebook Comments

About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *