New shaft adds a positive plot twist to Thembelihle’s story

Assistant electrician Thembelihle Yende checks-in her safety equipment at the end of a day shift at Kangra’s Balgarthen Shaft                                              

Previously facing limited opportunities and financial constraints, Thembelihle Yende from Donkerhoek found herself among 50 young individuals selected for Kangra's cadet program in 2022, which led to her becoming an electrician assistant at the mine.

Despite her aspirations to pursue engineering after completing her matric in 2017, financial barriers hindered her path until the opportunity with Kangra arose. “I wanted to study further after finishing matric, but my parents could not afford the tuition fees. So, I just stayed home until I applied at Kangra,” says Thembelihle.

Upon joining the programme, the cadets were assigned various general tasks while receiving training in roof bolting, underground machinery operation, and electrical work, among other skills. Her interest in electrical engineering blossomed, leading her to aspire to pursue N-levels at a college in Ermelo where she intends to study.

The opening at the Balgarthen Shaft not only provided employment but ignited Thembelihle’s passion for engineering. “I am excited about studying further because I have fallen in love with engineering. After doing my N-levels, I will request to go to the Colliery Training College to write a trade test because I really want to become a qualified electrician,” says Thembelihle.