Paramedic-graduate volunteers at Newcastle emergency services

Sakhile Nkosi needs your help to attend his Nelson Mandela University graduation ceremony.

March 6, 2026

Anika Sanders 1 minute read

Sakhile Nkosi in the ambulance at Magenta Security Services in Newcastle. He is sitting with medical supplies on his lap, as well as a stetascope around his neck. — Sakhile Nkosi in an ambulance at Magenta Security Services.

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable paramedic-graduate began calling Newcastle his new home last week (February 26).

28-year-old Sakhile Nkosi is volunteering and training at Magenta Security Services as an emergency care practitioner.

His journey

Originally an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Pretoria, life took Nkosi 1125km away to Qgeberha. where he completed his Bachelor of Emergency Care at the Nelson Mandela Memorial University (NNMU) in 2025.

This young man’s passion for saving lives and helping the community in times of need shines bright in his eyes and in the way he speaks.

Nkosi’s mentor, Charles Steyn, is in awe of his courage to pursue such a demanding and time-consuming career, saying that ‘we at Magenta are very lucky and fortunate to have him join us’.

Sakhile is walking toward the camera. He is walking next to an ambulance that is white, black, and red; it has Magenta's logo on the door. He is wearing his paramedic uniform and holding a medical supply bag and stetascope in both hands. It is a sunny day outside.

Assistance needed

Nkosi plans on attending his graduation ceremony at NNMU in April, but after travelling from Piet Retief (his hometown) to Pretoria, Qgberha and Newcastle, he has exhausted his finances.

Around R15,000 is needed to attend his big day.

If you want to be a part of Newcastle’s newest hero’s dream, please donate what you can.

Drop your donations off at Magenta Security Services (40 Gemsbok Avenue, Hutten Heights) or via BackaBuddy: S. Nkosi for a brighter patients future.

Check out his story on Facebook:

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