Local resident an engineering marvel
Newcastillian, Brightboy Dlamini, is one of four lucky students to receive the Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Indistries (ZPMC) bursary award.
Newcastle has found another reason to be proud.
Brightboy Dlamini (21), a Mechanical Engineering student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a proud Newcastillian, is one of four lucky students to receive the Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Indistries (ZPMC) bursary award.
ZPMC is the world’s foremost manufacturer of port handling equipment. The company has offered bursaries that will cover registration and exam fees for the third and fourth years of study, provide accommodation,travel and meal allowances and provide the required books and stationery.
If the student excels, there is a possibility of an internship at either the ZPMC South Africa office, or a local company contracted to ZPMC.
“The development of South Africa and its’ infrastructure is of critical importance to ZPMC,” said Roy McBride, Project Manager at ZPMC. “The shortage of engineering graduates is of concern to both South African industry and international suppliers,” he continued.
According to Mr Dlamini, it has not been an easy journey. He grew up in Blaauwbosch and attended St Lewis Bertrand high School, where he excelled academically. At the age of 15, his father passed away, leaving behind Brightboy, his mother and four siblings.
“That was the hardest time in my life,” said Brightboy. “But it was also a time that inspired me to work harder for myself and my family,” he continued.
Brightboy found his passion for engineering in Grade 10, when he developed a liking for maths and science. For the remainder of his high school years, Brightboy worked harder than ever, his labours bearing fruit when he placed in the top five of his Matric class.
Brightboy has received merit for his outstanding results in his first year of studying for a Mechanical Engineering degree. Unfortunately, due to very tough financial circumstances, he was not able to pay his fees. Now, however, after being awarded the bursary, Brightboy won’t have to worry about the expensive fees any more and he can continue his studies worry free.
“In ten years I see myself as a professional engineer, and a leader in my field,” said Brightboy. “I am determined to make the most of my studies, and to do ZPMC proud. I have to show them my gratitude,” he concluded.
