Nthavela Makondo, a Junior Application Engineer at SKF South Africa, embodies the transformative power of the Golelo Trust, a bursary fund established by the company to support Black women pursuing mechanical engineering degrees.

Raised in a family where a fascination with machines was ingrained, Nthavela always dreamt of a career in engineering. However, financial constraints threatened to derail her ambitions. The Golelo Trust Bursary provided the crucial financial support she needed, allowing her to focus on her studies and graduate with distinction from the University of Johannesburg.

“The Golelo Trust transformed my life,” says Nthavela. “It provided the financial peace of mind that allowed me to excel academically and pursue my passion for engineering.”

Upon graduation, Nthavela joined SKF as a vacation worker, quickly impressing her superiors with her dedication and talent. This led to a permanent position, where she now plays a vital role in supporting customers with technical inquiries, conducting bearing damage analyses, and facilitating training programs.

“I love the exposure to different industries and the opportunity to work autonomously,” she says. “SKF encourages me to think critically, take on challenges, and continuously grow.”

Nthavela’s journey exemplifies the power of education and the importance of supporting women in STEM fields. The Golelo Trust, by investing in the education of young women like Nthavela, is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to a more diverse and inclusive future for the engineering industry in South Africa.