Berea Technical College student, Khanyisa Dlamini
Khanyisa Dlamini of Mthwalume, Port Shepstone, worked as a cleaner at St Augustine’s Hospital and followed her dream to become a top achiever at Berea Technical College.
This is a perfect reward for Khanyisa, whose path to becoming a student has been rocky.
Dlamini has been ambitious from childhood, despite being disadvantaged. “I had given up hope. I tried getting into Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) for a Pre-Tech in Chemical Engineering, but it did not work out. I applied for chemical engineering many times but was rejected because my credits for math’s and physics were not that great,” she said.
She explained that applying for a place at university was difficult, so she decided to work as a cleaner at St Augustine’s Hospital in 2020 and explore other options. It is here; she met her mentor, Sister Sne Hadebe, a sister in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, who advised her to apply at Berea Technical College. She decided to try it, and with the help of Sister Sne, she applied.
“When I got the news that I had been accepted to Berea Tech, I couldn’t believe it. Dlamini added that while her mother is not financially stable and has no idea what chemical engineering is, she is incredibly supportive of her studies and her passion for education.
Dr Kwanele Kunene, an analytical chemistry lecturer at BTC, described Dlamini as a success story and an inspiration to many for her dedication and being able to juggle working the night shift and studying during the day.
Dlamini wishes to have her own company one day. She said if this does not work out, she would love to become a lecturer to teach students about the fascinating world of chemicals.
“Start small and go to college if you don’t meet the entrance requirements of universities; there is always another option. I intend to continue my studies when I finish my N6 here at Berea Tech,” added Dlamini.
Dlamini is a devoted young adult determined to overcome all odds to achieve her dreams and ambitions as she continues a journey to complete her chemical engineering qualification and advance her education.
To explore a career in Chemical Engineering, visit www.btc.edu.za