Gwiba Nonkenge

Gwiba Nonkenge is studying mechatronics to be better suited for 4^th industrial revolution and the future we’re headed towards.

Gwiba is studying BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Toli Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape.

“Just keep your head down and work as best as you can as frequently as possible, the results of that are life changing.”

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you? What inspires you?

I am Gwiba Nonkenge, from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. I am one individual that’s inspired by anyone who has amazing work ethic, meaning anyone who does all they can within their set of capabilities to complete a certain mission they put out for themselves. The discipline, the drive and the endurance shown by such people always give me hope that we have people who can play a major role in our society’s further growth and development. This also inspires me to do more and give more of myself to what I do. These people help me not to “sleep” on myself.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

Mechatronics encompasses both electrical and mechanical engineering. On top of obviously involving physics and mathematics which are my favourites, mechatronics equips whoever studies it with skills to cope with the 4^th industrial revolution which we are in as humankind, where more than ever before the use of robots has become more essential and prevalent and AI is reaching new heights on a regular basis. Doing mechatronics then helps me to be better suited for the future we’re headed towards.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I see myself abroad, developing my skills, completely independent and working hard on injecting more money into my tutoring company here in South Africa. I want to leave SA after having started work, and have some people working for me.

Why do you enjoy science and maths?

It is because these two subjects can open my mind to be able to understand why and how multiple systems of our modern society work. The idea that a principle as fundamental as gravity for example that seems common in everyone’s eyes, can be dug deep into using equations and logic from maths and science to enable us to know more about it, and thus develop inventions such as the rocket as a result just blows my mind away. That makes me love and appreciate the two subjects tremendously.

Where did you complete your schooling? Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

I completed my schooling at Toli High School in the village of Jambeni in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, this is a quintile one school that is based in a rural area. The school has a quite good reputation of producing top achievers and quite frequently gets to the provincial awards, with one learner who reached the national awards in the class of 2015. The school has a great arsenal of good, hard working and determined teachers who have the amazing capability of moulding a learner to be of use to society.

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science?

In my opinion I think those people fail to understand the manner in which one should interact with maths and science. Their approach is the ever so popular CPF (cram pass and forget) approach. They don’t understand that these two subjects are like newborn babies that you always have to take care of, nurture and nourish through constant and thorough practice that aims at making one understand what they are talking about. One has to work on them to an extent that you would be able to cope with whatever problem that has to do with particular concepts, or at least attempt to have a clear understanding of the principles.

What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

More practice is very imperative, which should be coupled with an optimistic attitude towards the subjects. This essentially means that through the increased practice they will be more equipped to pinpoint their struggles and with the right attitude will be able to address them by seeking for help.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

Just keep your head down and work as best as you can as frequently as possible, the results of that are life changing.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

Firstly, and what I think is most essential is starting out early with much time to allow for the submission of every document necessary. Secondly, apply to as many institutions as you can to increase the chances of acceptance and also to account for the fact that along the way you might change your mind about the institution you’d like to go to.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

Hard work, determination, sacrifice and a very good support system; this might sound like a cliché, but this really is the secret recipe for any achiever in any and every field.

A message to South African youth in general?

The future of SA is now more than ever in our hands, young minds are essential for the transition of South Africa needs to be able to progress as a nation. The SA youth must wake up from their slumber and recognise the potential they possess and start using it for the greater good.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

Vusi Thembekwayo would be the person, I would ask him to continue helping and empowering the business minded young people of this country. I would also go on to ask him to expand his School of scale programme to more of the townships in the country as there is an amazing chance for the upliftment of many young black business professionals.

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)