A local geoscientist, Mr Marvel Makhubele, from Tshikota Township outside Louis Trichardt is living his incredible dream.

The 24-year-old Makhubele is currently a junior geologist at Sasol Exploration and Production International in Rosebank and is at the forefront of oil and gas exploration in various parts of the world.

He is working on projects in Nigeria, Gabon and Durban and he attributes achieving his dream to the Sasol Bursary Scheme. He initially started his secondary education at Masedi Combined School and passed his Grade 12 at Ozias Davhana Secondary in 2007.

In spite of his disadvantaged background, Makhubele went on to study BSc in chemistry and geology at the University of Cape Town as well as an MSc in petroleum geology at the University of the Western Cape.

The Sasol bursary scheme had enabled him to pursue his desired career path without worrying about funding or finding employment after his studies. “It is just a matter of working hard. Where you come from does not necessarily determine your destination,” he said.

He added that he had accepted his background and worked hard, despite of any hurdles he came across in life. “I still want to own a consultancy firm one day. In the meantime, I am hoping to become a senior geophysicist and eventually a manager at Sasol.”

He remarked that over the past few years most people, young and old, had acknowledged how he inspired them. "I once received an SMS from a young person who met me when I went to give a motivational talk at his school. He told me that I had inspired him to pursue a career in medicine at Medunsa," said Makhubele.

The lead consultant in Human Resources at Sasol, Ms Londiwe Zulu, said as a business Sasol believed in unlocking the potential of young people. "We have prioritised and committed to investing in South Africa’s next generation of scientists and engineers through our comprehensive bursary programme," said Zulu.

She insisted that future professionals would not only support Sasol’s growth ambitions but they would help in enhancing South Africa’s pool of expertise, particularly where there is a critical shortage.  

Sasol offers bursaries to young people with potential, who hope to pursue their studies towards a degree in chemical, mechanical, civil, electric, electronic, industrial, mining and computer engineering or chemistry, geology metallurgy and accounting.

The bursary programme includes registration, tuition and accommodation fees, meals, a laptop allowance, as well as vacation work (with a paid salary).

The bursary scheme is encouraging interested candidates to visit the website at www.sasolbursaries.com or to call 0860 106 235 or either send a WhatsApp message to 061 213 4570 for them to receive more information.

The closing date for this bursary is 31 March 2015.