Growing up in Pioneer Park, Nhlakanipho Khumalo (21) couldn’t have imagined that life would at his age take him abroad.

Describing himself as a born leader, the Newcastle-born student is raising the town’s flag high after being selected to study in Spain for the next six months.

Khumalo is a third year student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and is studying towards a Business Management National Diploma. After participating in the Erasmus Mundus programme, Khumalo was selected to study at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid.

The programme, part of the European Higher Education Curriculum which aims to enhance quality education by ensuring diversity through different cultures, aims to network and co-ordinate, between South African and European universities.

Khumalo said he couldn’t believe he was selected:

“To be honest, I was quite shocked when I was chosen for the scholarship. Although I am always excelling in my studies, I was still surprised. I will be focusing on data mining, a course which analyses human behaviour, what people need and want and comes up with solutions to all those needs. I am naturally intrigued by people’s thought processes.”

He added he was excited to take on the opportunity:

“I am ecstatic I will be in a foreign country. I am ready to immerse myself in their culture and most importantly, to take in as much as possible and come back and plough back all knowledge gathered to my community. I have a dream of one day opening my own company, where I can impart knowledge and leadership skills onto the youth of Newcastle.”

Khumalo will be leaving for Spain on Friday, and the Newcastle Municipality has also come on board in assisting him get to the country. The bursary only covers costs for when he gets to the university however, and Khumalo is in need of assistance in covering travelling expenses.

He thanked his father, who is his biggest inspiration, and his whole family, the DUT institution for its continued support and the municipality for its contribution.

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