GEORGE NEWS - What started as a job placement has ignited a passion that led to a promotion and laser-sharp focus on becoming a business owner.
Yamkela Kwayimani (25) found his gear in life following a YES Youth Programme job placement at the Bicycle Services Company (BSC) in George.
He has spent the last year learning everything there is to know about this simple yet highly technical trade while repairing and servicing bicycles.
His commitment and tenacity was noticed by BSC owners Roger Blewett and Danny Fowler who recently promoted Kwayimani to junior mechanic.
"It's a great environment. I get to work with my hands every day and I'm learning new things all the time," Kwayimani said.
As his mentor, head mechanic Sean van Niekerk has played a significant role in his development. His calm, patient teaching style and encouragement of hands-on learning has helped Kwayimani gain self-assurance.
"Sean doesn't just explain things in theory, he lets me do the work myself. And this helps me to learn more confidently," said Kwayimani.
Over time, Kwayimani has mastered technical skills such as assembling bikes, fixing gear and brake systems and replacing parts to ensure safe, smooth rides. He also sharpened his communication and teamwork skills, learning to work closely and efficiently with colleagues.
Before the programme, Kwayimani faced the doldrums of unemployment. "I felt directionless. It was hard to feel hopeful about my future."
Today, Kwayimani is happy and thriving in a wholesome environment in which he feels loved and supported. Before the job placement, Kwayimani had never considered bicycles as a career path. However, now at the brink of a new chapter as a freshly promoted junior mechanic, Kwayimani dreams of someday opening his own bicycle repair shop.
"Yamkela is a young man with heart, and it's beautiful to see that he's already paying it forward," said Christine de Wet of Big Hearts Africa, the organisation spearheading the YES Youth Programme.
This as Kwayimani describes the moment he was able to buy school shoes and uniforms for his younger siblings as one of the best moments of his life. "They were so happy," he said, radiating with pride.
He says his family now sees him differently - not just as a brother or son, but someone they can rely on.
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