For UKZN alumnus and aspiring civil engineer Mr Kamvelihle Buwa, engineering has always been more than a career choice, it has been a calling.
His passion for the field was sparked during his high school years through Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), where he discovered a love for problem-solving and design.
He recalled: “I was drawn to the structure, guidelines and techniques required to create these designs. It was a difficult subject, but I enjoyed the challenge. That was one of the fundamental reasons I wanted to become an engineer.”
When the time came to choose a university, UKZN was a natural choice.
“UKZN has an excellent engineering faculty, and I knew the facilities and the professors who would guide and inspire us were world-class. That is what drew me to study Civil Engineering at UKZN.”
However, despite his determination and academic commitment, Buwa faced a challenge that threatened to derail his future before the academic year had even begun.
Unable to register because of outstanding tuition fees, he faced the possibility of losing an entire academic year. “I remember it was Friday morning of the first week of the semester,” he said. “During that period, students without proof of registration were not allowed onto campus. The UKZN Foundation even had to call campus security to allow me through.”
The experience brought home a painful reality.
“It reinforced the terrifying fact that I was not a recognised UKZN student at that point.”
Despite the uncertainty, he attended lectures in faith, hoping a solution would emerge before the registration deadline expired.
“Friday was the last day for registrations, and nothing had been sorted out yet. My family and I were extremely anxious. I couldn’t even sleep the night before because not being registered was a direct threat to my future and the future of my family.”
Then came the moment that changed everything.
While sitting in a lecture in the Civil Engineering Building, Buwa received a series of emails from the University.
“They said I now had financial clearance and that my registration could be completed. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
He immediately finalised his registration and shared the good news with his family.
“I sent my proof of registration to our family group chat, and we were praying and praising God. The UKZN Foundation literally saved my future. We will never forget that day.”
The intervention came through funding facilitated by the UKZN Foundation after donor support from Exel Engineering helped cover his tuition.
Buwa explained that he had no prior relationship with the company and had not applied directly for funding. “I received an email from the UKZN Foundation saying that a company wanted to make a donation towards my tuition.”
For Buwa, the impact extended far beyond settling an account. Missing a semester in engineering can delay graduation by years because many modules are offered only once annually and serve as prerequisites for future study.
“Missing a semester due to registration issues is the academic equivalent of failing every module that semester,” Buwa explained. “A four-year degree can quickly become a six-year journey because of prerequisite requirements and academic probation. The UKZN Foundation’s facilitation of my registration saved me from that reality. This means more than my family and I could ever express.”
The support Buwa received inspired him to embrace a philosophy of service and leadership.
Throughout his studies, Buwa served as a class representative and, as the 2025 South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Student Chapter Vice-Chairperson at UKZN, helped organise career development, mentoring and student support initiatives.
“My goal has been to help students have every tool they need to succeed and thrive. The donation I received through the UKZN Foundation further influenced me to be as kind and as helpful as possible,” he said.
The registration support also enabled him to qualify for additional funding opportunities later in the year, creating opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.
“Donor support means making dreams come true. To Exel Engineering, my donors, and the UKZN Foundation, I want to say thank you a million times over. Your donation opened the door for me not just to continue my studies, but to continue my dream. I am working towards my destiny, and I don’t know how I would have been able to do that without your generous intervention.”
Looking ahead, Buwa hopes to contribute to South Africa’s infrastructure development as a civil engineer while continuing to mentor students and encourage them to create opportunities for others.
For students facing financial hardship, his advice is rooted in resilience, preparation and faith. “Stay mentally, emotionally and spiritually positive. Prayer opens doors that you didn’t even know existed. Apply everywhere, even to companies that are not advertising bursaries. Keep your documents updated and ready, and work hard to maintain strong academic results and meaningful extracurricular involvement.”
“The real impact of donations from donors and alumni can’t be measured in rands,” he added. “Every donation saves a future and helps build a dream. Every cent is a prayer answered. Your contributions are literally changing lives. They have certainly changed mine.”
