Transnet paves way for future leaders

Transnet’s teacher bursary programme has been running since 2012 and one fortunate individual taken into the 2013 intake was Javulani Phanuel Baloyi. Javulani, very passionate about education and the benefits associated with it when one successfully completes their programme, was born in Giyani, Limpopo and completed his primary education at Kulani Primary School.

He completed his matric in 2003 at Nwamalobye Secondary School after which he enrolled for a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in Chemistry at the University of the Free State.  The financial purse became tight for Javulani, leading to his unfortunate drop from university.

Javulani says this was the most difficult time of his life when he had to let go of his ultimate dream to attain a university degree.  “It felt like I had come to the end of the road - like it was the end of my career - until Transnet offered me a bursary. I was struggling with everything and decided to go t back to Johannesburg hunting for a Job. I got a job at Nestle Waters as a general employee, but I couldn't save enough money to further my studies.

“The dream was rekindled when I went to the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) workshop in 2012, after joining the Maths and English Programme. This is where I met Ms Moila,” says Javulani.

Asked about what he enjoys most about teaching, he says: “I enjoy delivering the content of the subjects I am teaching. I enjoy the way the learners behave with regard to discipline and respect for teachers. I am passionate about teaching and this is why I had always been a volunteer teacher at public schools’ winter schooling programmes. ”

Javulani currently teaches standard 8, 9 and 10 at St Dominic’s College, Welkom and says teaching is everything he had always wanted to do in his life. He states that in five years, he sees himself as a successful high school teacher whose pupils are successful and constantly achieve excellent results in their matric examinations, year after year.

Questioned if he would have any words of advice for those still looking for opportunities like the one he got from Transnet, Javulani quickly says: “Don’t give up your studies; if you have a passion – there is always a way to attain it and be successful at it.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Transnet for the full support I got. This makes me to fully understand and believe that pretty soon, I will be one of the degreed and qualified persons in this world. And because of what you are doing for us, Thank you very much!!!!!” he concludes.

Javulani was awarded a Transnet study bursary in 2013 and an opportunity to be a teacher intern at one of the best performing schools in Welkom, giving him a firm grounding in teaching at high school. The bursary is granted in partnership with the ETDP SETA. He is currently enrolled with UNISA for a bachelor of education degree for which he has just received his May/June 2013 results - passing most of his courses with distinctions.  He receives additional support through academic enrichment programmes conducted by ISASA.

Moila says that to the extent that the Transnet Foundation teacher development programme responds to the national and shareholder priorities, it is also intended to respond to how it will contribute to the successful implementation of Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy (MDS).

“This programme is deliberate in its response to initiative seven (7) of the Market Demand Strategy; of increasing contribution to skills development in South Africa. Teachers are at the forefront of a good quality education system. Teacher quality is critical for improving learner performance. Well trained teachers are able to deliver the curriculum and improve learner performance.

“It is also against this background that Transnet Foundation has adopted 18 schools across 5 Provinces namely; Moretele in North West, Motherwell in Eastern Cape, Motheo in the Free State, Mtubatuba and Durban South in KZN and Sekhukhune in Limpopo,” she concludes.