Achievements & Success Stories | Langelihle Nkosi

In 2005, Langelihle Nkosi stood on the verge of an exciting career when he graduated as Civil Engineering Technical from Mangosuthu University of Technology. Looking back, he continues to be grateful for the opportunity to study further and better his future, for himself and his family.

Langelihle had always understood the importance of family life and the need to support one another. His parents were separated when he was nine years old, and thus without a father, his mother had to learn to make ends meet. Thankfully, Langelihle recalls the constant support of his aunts while he was studying. "We were assisted by my aunts... for almost everything in life," he explains.

When it came to deciding on a career after school, Langelihle ventured into a field considered a scarce skills area in South Africa. With a qualification in engineering, he had great hopes to find a good job and earn a decent living to provide for his family. However, with a lack of funds, Langelihle had to find a way to pay for his studies.

As a result of his financial need he applied for funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and was successful in his application. NSFAS would contribute financially to his studies after school - one less burden for his family to worry about.

Langelihle could now dream of making something out of life. His course in Engineering also gave him hands-on experience in the industry and while he was completing his studies he had the opportunity to work in the field for Umzinyathi Construction as well as Thekwini GeoCivil Engineers.

He then joined public works in 2007 as Chief Works inspector in KwaZulu Natal and at the end of 2008 he ventured into the role of Project Manager for the Department of Works in Pietermaritzburg.

When he had saved enough money, Langelihle was able to change the roof at home from corrugated iron to tiles. Maintaining his family home is one small way he is able to show his gratitude.

Today Langelihle owns a flat in Durban and drives his own car. He has realised that education can open up many doors and therefore he has continued to do some short courses with a long term plan of running his own business. Langelihle also encouraged his youngest sibling to apply for NSFAS funds for his studies.

"I must say thank you to NSFAS for their help and to the government of S.A. and Mr Mandela our former President of S.A. for his effort," he says.

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