Momelezi Sifumba’s journey from holding a job-seeking street sign on the streets to becoming an Associate Project Engineer showcases the transformative power of opportunity, perseverance, and mentorship.
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 April 2024) – In a heartwarming twist of fate, a single photograph posted on LinkedIn has transformed the life of Momelezi Sifumba, a determined South African graduate who took to the streets searching for employment.
His story is a powerful reminder of the potential for good when kindness and opportunity intersect.
When a passerby captured Momelezi standing at a busy roadside holding a cardboard street sign reading ‘Help Me to Find a Job’ and shared it online, it caught the eye of Graham Abrahams, Senior Vice President of Electrification at ABB. Graham, known for his commitment to youth development, saw Momelezi’s situation as a chance to make a difference.
Graham’s passion for nurturing young talent and Momelezi’s unwavering drive for success formed a perfect match. This meeting of minds led to a life-changing opportunity for Momelezi, who recently celebrated his appointment as an Associate Project Engineer at ABB Electrification.
Momelezi’s academic journey began with a BTech in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) in 2018. Despite his qualifications, he faced rejection after rejection in his quest for employment, a challenge many young graduates can relate to. However, his perseverance never wavered.
“Despite constant rejection, I maintained my hunger for success, knowing that all I needed was an opportunity to prove myself,” says Momelezi.
Graham, a strong advocate for youth development, echoes this sentiment. He believes that businesses play a crucial role in shaping the future by supporting young talent.
“Businesses have a responsibility to help develop our youth,” emphasises Graham.
At ABB, this commitment is put into action through practical training and mentorship programs designed to empower individuals like Momelezi.
Momelezi began his journey at ABB as a Tester Trainee in May 2022. His dedication and adaptability quickly became evident as he supported Test Engineers before moving to the Design department. Here, he significantly contributed to designing MV air-insulated switchgear, showcasing his technical prowess and versatility.
Under Graham’s mentorship, Momelezi has had the opportunity to rotate through various departments, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This comprehensive training has equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in his role as an Associate Project Engineer, where he now focuses on basic design, testing, and commissioning of ABB MV switchgear.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Momelezi offers words of encouragement to other young graduates facing similar challenges.
“As a youth, it is essential to keep knocking on doors and trust in the timing of opportunities. Persistence, patience, and hard work are the key elements to success,” advises Momelezi.
Graham shares in Momelezi’s optimism and is proud of his achievements.
“I am happy to see Momelezi succeeding,” says Graham. “His uncommon drive and fantastic attitude have set him on a path to success. If he continues like this, he will end up being very successful,” concludes Graham.
In a world where good news can sometimes be overshadowed by negativity, Momelezi Sifumba’s inspiring story is a refreshing reminder of the power of kindness, opportunity, and unwavering determination.
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