Having the opportunity to apply the same skills they were taught at Durban University of Technology (DUT) to the institution has been the most humbling experience for two DUT students who were recently offered permanent positions by the contractor, Ruwacon.
Siphelele Sangweni (24) and Gino Pillay (24) are part of the team working tirelessly towards DUT’s Envision 2030, of turning the institution to a state-of-the-art infrastructure in order to improve lives and livelihoods.
Sangweni who recently completed his BTech in Quantity Surveying at DUT was recently offered to work as a Quantity Surveyor permanently after serving eight months in-service training at Ruwacon. He said he was hired at a time when Ruwacon received another contract to renovate the Campbell and Alpine student residence.
Meanwhile Pillay from Chatsworth who is currently completing his BTech in Structural Engineering also at DUT is now working permanently as Shakaskraal’s site manager for Ruwacon.
Both Sangweni and Pillay wish to express their gratitude to DUT’s Project Management Office for encouraging them to try their luck by applying for in-service training at Ruwacon.
Sangweni from Inanda also thanked the Department of Engineering and the Built Environment for referring him to Ruwacon.
“Being at DUT has been of great assistance not just academically but also in life in general. I started studying towards my BTech in Quantity Surveying at DUT in 2019 and I just completed it this year in November 2020. I passed 50% of my modules with distinctions, all thanks to great work of DUT lecturers,” said Sangweni.
He said he dedicated himself to his work from day one after joining Ruwacon in February 2020. Motivation from his senior Quantity Surveyor, Ainsley Veteran is what pushed Sangweni to work even harder as he promised him a permanent position if he did his work exceptionally.
“I would like to take thank my mentor at Ruwacon, Mr Ainsley Veteran for his patience, taking me under his wings and teaching all that I know about the quantity surveying profession. I also would like to thank Mr Khulekani Shabalala for always putting pressure on Ruwacon to take us permanently. Last but not least I would like to thank Ruwacon for the great working experience,” said Sangweni.
At Ruwacon, Sangweni said he also worked at one of their huge projects in Shakaskraal, a new built factory with a value of R11 million.
He said his most memorable moment at Ruwacon would be the day when he signed his permanent contract.
Pillay said his journey at DUT began in 2016 when he enrolled for a Diploma in Civil Engineering.
He said it has been both a tiresome and wonderful experience, as there are days when he literally wanted to pull his hair out, but at the same time persevered to conquer his hurdles.
Pillay said he also started working for Ruwacon in February 2020 where he worked under very experienced Site Agents and Project Managers.
“As time went on, the pressure of the work required of me did become immense as I was appointed site manager/site agent in Shakaskraal. I have had both positive and negative experiences that have moulded me into a better person, as well as a better engineer. I was offered the permanent position in October 2020. I grew to enjoy the company whilst serving the internship and accepted the permanent position gladly,” said Pillay.
He said being hired permanently was something he was expecting; he just did not know when or how it would happen.
Pillay said he started working at DUT Berea residence but had to move to another project in Shakaskraal which he ran with the guidance and assistance of his Senior Manager, Ainsley Veteran and Manager at DUT, JJ Heyneke.
His most memorable moment at Ruwacon, Pillay said was the day when he was chosen to become their new site manager/site agent.
“I knew it was a huge role to fill, but I was also grateful that I was entrusted to take up that role. My family is truly happy for my success as my hard work is finally paying off and they are so proud of me and all of my accomplishments. This project brought me great joy in working and using the knowledge that I gained from the very same Institute that I now have the privilege to make an impact in,” said Pillay.
DUT’s Real Estate Management Senior Director, Nyiko Gudlhuza said DUT is proud to see that infrastructure roll out projects are also empowering students.
Pictured: Sphelele Sangweni and Gino Pillay
Simangele Zuma
