State bursary beneficiary vows to advance service delivery

A 29-year-old young man from Cape Town considers himself fortunate after being awarded a government-funded bursary to pursue his studies. 

Lonwabo Mfubesi, who graduated with a BSc Degree in Construction Management from Nelson Mandela University, uses his expertise to serve his country as an employee of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

He was one of the students who was awarded a bursary during his first year of study, which covered his full tuition fees, stationery, food, an allowance and accommodation until the completion of his degree.

“The assistance I received from the government made me focus more on my studies and I became a top student as a result,” said Mfubesi.

He said having a scholarship meant he was not a burden to his mother who raised him alone.

“It was a relief to be awarded a bursary that covered everything. There was no way my mom could have afforded to pay for my studies,” he said. 

After completion in 2016, Mfubesi secured an internship in the same department where he now works as a Construction Project Manager.

“If it was not for the DPWI, I do not know where I would be. I am truly grateful for the opportunity.” 

As part of his work, Mfubesi is responsible for starting and managing construction projects, overseeing procurement processes, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

The Construction Project Manager has been involved in various projects of different sizes, including the construction of magistrates' courts and installing facilities for people with disabilities.

Mfubesi is close to attaining the title of Professional Project Manager and credits his employer for making it possible.

“Those opportunities were availed by the department through the experience, interactions and a whole lot of things,” he explained. 

Mfubesi said he resonated with the story of Tintswalo as narrated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address.

The President had said that the story of the past 30 years of South Africa’s democracy can be best told through the life of a young girl called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994.

Mfubesi has no doubt that, just like Tintswalo, he lives in a better country than the one his mother experienced in the past.

“I confidently consider myself as a Tintswalo – democracy’s child. That is why I will always be grateful for the support of government. I will always be a citizen of this country and a public servant, and will always assist to improve service delivery,” he said with pride.