For 34-year-old Kathu resident Lesedi Tshedimosetso Thankane, hard work has paid off in more ways than one. After graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering from the Central University of Technology, he has secured a graduate engineering position at Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg mine in Aggeneys, ensuring his talent and skills remain in the Northern Cape.
As one of Kathu Solar Park’s bursary beneficiaries, Lesedi’s journey reflects the long-term impact of investing in local young people – creating opportunities that strengthen communities by developing and retaining skilled professionals close to home.
“The appointment of Lesedi, one of our bursary beneficiaries, as a Professional-in-Training at a mine is a significant milestone and a testament to the impact of the programme,” said Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Socio-Economic Development Manager at Kathu Solar Park.
“As the funder, this achievement is especially meaningful to us because it reflects the successful application of the skills and knowledge gained through our investment in his education. This is precisely the type of outcome the programme is designed to achieve – developing skilled professionals who are equipped to make a meaningful contribution to the mining sector while remaining in the Northern Cape Province.”
Lesedi’s passion for electrical engineering began while attending a technical school.
“I enjoyed Electrical Technology more than any other subject,” he explained. “From those classes, I knew I wanted to become either an electrician or an electrical technologist.”
His appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter in his professional journey. His goal is to become a registered Engineering Technologist and obtain a Government Certificate of Competency, a professional qualification issued by the Department of Employment and Labour that is required for engineers working in factories and mines.
“I believe that while hard work is a major factor in career success, we rarely talk about how much the company you join matters,” said Lesedi. “A company’s structure, the quality of its graduate programme, and the amount of time and resources it invests in your development make a massive difference. I hope that will be the case in my new role, but for now, I am just incredibly grateful to have this job.”
Lesedi is one of 18 students to have graduated through Kathu Solar Park’s bursary programme since its launch in 2022.
Education and skills development remain central to Kathu Solar Park’s socio-economic development strategy. The bursary programme supports students from local communities across a wide range of fields of study and institutions, helping remove financial barriers to higher education while preparing students for successful careers.
The programme covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, travel expenses, laptops, data and a monthly allowance. Students also receive mentorship, career guidance and psycho-social support to help them navigate university life, build resilience and successfully transition into the workplace.
For communities, the value of the programme extends beyond graduation. By supporting local students to qualify and secure meaningful employment within the region, the initiative is helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals whose knowledge and expertise continue to benefit the Northern Cape for years to come.
“Education remains a cornerstone of development in our region, and through this bursary programme, Kathu Solar Park is proud to play a part in unlocking opportunities for local youth,” concluded Mntonintshi.