In the heart of Kabokweni, a visionary who wears many hats is paving the way to success for young learners. Meet Muzikayise Mashele Mbungela, a 38-year-old local entrepreneur, career coach, multimedia artist, and electrical engineer who has devoted his life to bridging educational gaps and empowering young minds through his tutoring sessions and career guidance program.
Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, Mashele Mbungela opened up about his journey into education and career guidance, revealing a desire to help young people to avoid the challenges he faced.
“I feel a sense of purpose when I share information, teach or hold meaningful discussions with people of all ages. A trait I believe I got from both our parents who were disciplinarians and teachers at heart. Our father, professionally and our mother to whom teaching was such an innate talent,” he says.
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His personal experience of being misdirected in his career choices inspired him to help others avoid similar mistakes. “I was once denied the chance to pursue my passion due to a lack of guidance. This experience ignited a fire within me to help others find their path,” explains Mashele Mbungela.
The local entrepreneur’s journey into education and career guidance began humbly by sharing insights with his family and friends, which cumulated to his work with Lidwala Maths and Science Academy in 2018.
His program now features six-day intensive camps at select schools, where 50 learners per camp benefit from the expertise of their dedicated team of 8 tutors. “Our goal is two-fold: not only do we strive for academic excellence in their final exams, but we also aim to equip these students with critical problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond their school years,” he says.
Mashele Mbungela cites impressive results, with attendees achieving good grades and going on to thrive in their careers. “The camps have had such an immense impact on all attendees, from the immediate improvement of grades. Our attendees have gone on to become quantity surveyors, doctors, teaching professionals as their grades afforded them opportunities to study abroad as well,” he proudly shares.
Despite the success, he recognises the need for further support. “We need everything we can get to create a safe space for the learning process to take place,” he emphasises. With the right partners and sponsors, he aims to extend the reach of the camps beyond Kabokweni to other rural and township schools across Mpumalanga.
To contribute to Mashele Mbungela’s mission, reach out to him at: Email: click@themousist.co.za
Mobile: 082 665 8439
