UCT student learns landscaping ropes from local legend
While most people marked their 67 minutes with simple acts of service, Nico Mbumi grabbed a shovel and got to work alongside Brian Masemola, a property student from Limpopo, learning the ropes and the roots of real impact at Fourways Mall.
Keeping Fourways Mall and its surroundings green and orderly isn’t just a job for Nico Mbumi; it’s part of who he is. For years, he’s worked behind the scenes, quietly shaping the landscape that thousands walk through without ever knowing his name.
But that’s never bothered him. Mbumi has never done it for praise. Now, he’s doing something else, something that might matter even more.
On Mandela Day, while many marked the 67 minutes with small acts of kindness, Mbumi spent his on Witkoppen Road with a shovel in hand, planting trees. He wasn’t alone. Walking beside him was Brian Masemola, a young student from Jane Furse, in Limpopo, who’s studying property development at the University of Cape Town.
Read more: 200 trees signal new aesthetic chapter for Fourways Mall after trader clearance
Masemola is currently doing his work-integrated learning at Fourways Mall. His studies are funded by the mall itself, but his day-to-day education comes directly from Mbumi.
“I’m that person who enjoys working with the young people, like my student Brian here,” Mbumi said. “I need him to enjoy, and experience something different, something special in the working environment, while giving back to the community.
“I taught him that we need to look after our environment. When you see a weed, a tree, or whatever, take it as an opportunity to do something great. It’s crucial to have green plants in our area.”
Mbumi has taken Masemola under his wing, not with big speeches or formal lessons, but through quiet guidance and daily example. Masemola said he’s learning more than he expected, not just about maintaining landscapes, but about showing up with care for the community, doing things right, and paying attention to detail.
@caxtonjoburgnorthNelson Mandela was also passionate about issues that concern the environment, that’s why Nico Mbumi and his team, didn’t mind putting shovel to hard ground on Witkoppen Road in Fourways to mark 67 Minutes of Mandela Day. #Mandeladay #67minutes
“I’ve learned a lot since I flew back from Cape Town,” Masemola shared. “I’ve been learning a lot in terms of facilities management, which is property management. I’ve also done a little bit of photography and marketing for the team here. I also looked at the development that’s upcoming, called The View.
“I’m very grateful for this, because I want to develop my own mall soon. Learning from the biggest mall in South Africa is going to give me the greatest experience ever.”
Masemola said he chose a property development course because he is passionate about real estate. “I was at the University of Pretoria, doing accounting science, but I didn’t finish, because I realised my passion is actually more into real estate property building.”
A few weeks ago, Mbumi also helped lead the clean-up and greening of the intersection along Winnie Mandela Drive, a project that followed the removal of informal structures. Masemola was also at the front, watching and learning. “The work doesn’t stop at 67 minutes for Mandela. We’ve got more trees to plant to make Fourways look great.”
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