Mr Bheki Mthembu, who grew up in the rural area of Mfekayi in the Mtubatuba area of northern KwaZulu-Natal, has graduated from UKZN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Chemistry.
‘When I was at Masibonisane Secondary School, I attended a career exhibition at St Lucia where I was highly impressed by one of the exhibitors who was able to start a fire without matches,’ Mthembu recalled. ‘My interest in the field of Chemistry was ignited right there!’ A school trip to UKZN in his Grade 9 year deepened his determination to obtain a university education.
After matriculating in 2012, Mthembu registered at UKZN for a BSc degree. Initially, he did not have any student funding and used savings from his temporary jobs to pay for his first year of studies. In 2013, however, he got funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
‘During my degree I experienced many challenges owing to the lack of facilities at the off-site campus residence, such as no wi-fi or study hall,’ said Mthembu. ‘Getting up early to get to campus and returning to residence late became the norm. But I was determined to complete the required laboratory and academic work.
‘Hard work, long hours and perseverance helped me complete my degree,’ said Mthembu. ‘I want to thank my parents and brother who supported me both financially and emotionally. They have been my foundation and strength to complete this degree.’
His overjoyed parents, Mr and Mrs Alson Mthembu, were delighted with their son’s achievements. His brother, Njabulo, explained their elation: ‘Bheki is the first person in our family to complete a university degree. He has worked extremely hard and I am so happy for him.’
Dr Mzamo Shozi of the School of Chemistry and Physics described Mthembu as a hardworking and motivated student who always gave of his best. ‘He was also among the top 50 students selected for the Applied Chemistry programme in his second year of study,’ said Shozi.
Last year, Mthembu joined the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) programme which is conducted during the mid-year break. His task was to trace Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) performance by analysing the proteins and carbohydrates throughout the reactor. This entailed assessing the pollutant concentration from the inlets to the outlets of the reactor. When the IRES project ended, Mthembu joined UKZN’S Pollution Research Group (PRG) under the supervision of Mr Bjoern Pietruschka, taking the same work he had been doing to the next level. ‘I am extremely grateful for the experience at PRG and IRES as I was able fully to apply and appreciate my undergraduate knowledge,’ said Mthembu.
Recently Mthembu was selected to take up a National Research Foundation (NRF) position at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) in the Public Relations unit to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in high schools, particularly in rural and outlying areas.
Mthembu’s future plans involve working towards his BSc Honours and Master’s degrees. ‘After acquiring these qualifications, my dream is to continue research at UKZN’s Pollution Research Group, as I love water science,’ said Mthembu. |