I am Innocent H. Mashula, and have completed my BSc (Hons) in Chemical Engineering (2022) from University of the Witwatersrand and am currently employed as a Graduate Process Engineer specialising in Water Treatment for the Mining Industry.
It wouldn’t have been possible for me to qualify as an Engineer today, had it not been for the support I received from certain individuals and institutions. This is why I would like to take this opportunity to extend a word of thanks firstly to my mom, Ms NS Mashula for all she has done for me. To my high school principal, Mrs MM Serakalala, for all the infinite support you have given me to date. I am a product of your dedication to excellence and the true meaning of being an educator.
My family who have been behind me every step of the way, always motivating me to work hard and put in extra effort in all that I do. Mulenga Secondary School, all our teachers worked tirelessly to ensure that my classmates and I get access to best possible quality of education, you can rest assured that you have been successful. I am eternally grateful for everything.
There are organisations which have also added so much value to my life, I am very grateful those organisations that believed and invested in my dream that seemed unreachable at some point in this journey. Firstly, Siyandisa Foundation, coordinated by Cikizwa Bacela. The Foundation supplied me with resources that paved the way to my excellence in my matric year. They also sponsored the transition from high school to university and for that I will always be thankful.
Last but certainly not least, my gratitude goes to Investec CSI. The company which fully sponsored my entire period at Wits University, from corporate mentorship to academic fees. They afforded me the opportunity to be a better individual and taught me to always pay it forward and help the next person succeed whenever I could. For these life-changing lessons I am extremely grateful, and I appreciate the time, effort and money they’ve invested into making me a qualified Engineer.
To all fellow graduates, students and learners in this academic journey – I’d like us to all remember that we are born in such a wonderful country. There are plenty of opportunities, and there are organisations and individuals who will openly pave a way for you to achieve your dreams. It starts with yourself, putting in extra effort in your studies and people will notice you and help you. Don’t give up no matter how hard it gets. Never ever give up, don’t take your eyes off your goals, and remember:
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal”-Henry Ford
Innocent Mashula is a 2018 Siyandisa Scholarship Programme recipient, from Limpopo Province. One of the top 5 achievers at the release of the 2018 Matric results, tying 3rd position with 3 other Siyandisa Scholarship Recipients.