Nkosinathi was first introduced to MBB in 2015 by Nick Swan, after he had consulted him about needing work experience. Nick, at the time, was the Technical Officer of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP), and hosted workshops for bursary students at iSimangaliso.

During his vacation work with MBB, Nkosinathi shadowed MBB staff on several iSimangaliso infrastructure projects and was exposed to construction monitoring and project management, which contributed greatly to his growth as an engineering student. Nkosinathi says that it was refreshing to finally get the practical experience of some of the theory that he had learned in class.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (HEAP) and Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) understands the difficulties that come with the transition from a rural school to a tertiary school. Above providing funding for a student`s tuition, stationery and meals, they try and facilitate this transition the best they can by providing workshops and counselling.

Nkosinathi joined MBB after he completed his tertiary studies and says it has been a very interesting six months. He has learned a lot about surveying and dam safety inspections and has been receiving training in and using design and information software.

But how did Nkosinathi become the man he is today?

Nkosinathi was born in October 1993 in Durban. He lived in an informal settlement near Shallcross and also attended primary school there. When he was thirteen, due to personal and financial issues, his family decided to move to a rural area situated between Mtubatuba and KwaMbonambi, called eCinci, where his father was born and raised.

Through patience, lengthy walks to and from school, extra hours of studying, a supportive family and friends and teachers, he was able to work towards completing his high school career and obtained his matric certificate, regardless of the situation at home. Unfortunately, he lost his father in February of his matric year, but his father always encouraged him and his three brothers to work hard and get an education.

Nkosinathi was accepted by UKZN Howard College to study Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Medicine but by then the goal was clear and he was awarded a bursary by iSimangaliso to study towards a Civil Engineering degree.

Both of Nkosinathi’s parents and their forefathers did not get a chance to complete high school, and he is therefore very grateful and privileged to be the first in his family to obtain a tertiary qualification. For this, he always thanks God, his parents, his teachers, his student advisors and everyone that ever contributed towards his qualification.