Ambitious, hardworking and gregarious, Luyanda Mlambo joined the NPO organization, KZN Science Centre who inculcate the importance of education in learners, educators and the general public using funded learning projects, curriculum based resources and interactive exhibitions about 15 months ago.
“I enjoy making an impact in young people’s lives. In most of the areas in which we work in, the kids lack role models. So, for me to stand in front of them and inspire them with my words and actions is something I really enjoy doing,” explains 23-year-old education assistant, Mlambo.
That probably wasn’t what he set out to do during his earliest years at school, though. “When I was in school I wanted to be a lot of things. But what I knew for sure was that I wanted to help people – so I settled on being a cricketer!” he jokes.
He ended up with a degree in BSc Environmental Sciences from UKZN in 2012. “I followed this career because I was very interested in the natural world and its workings and, most importantly, I was interested in conserving the little natural resources that the Earth has left,” he explains.
It is not a huge leap to want to share a love or science with children who would not ordinarily think they had a chance of a life changing career through studying science. “I believe that the work we do is vital because it gives one a chance to enhance a young person’s life through education. In some instances, we have an opportunity to genuinely change a person’s life. In all the outreach programmes that we do, we know that we have at least made a difference in just one person’s life,” he says.
Through his work with the KZN Science Centre, Luyanda would like to leave a mark/legacy. His second goal is personal growth and personal improvement through learning from senior members of staff and applying his expertise. “My last goal is to help the KZNSC to become what it has the potential to become and that is the biggest science centre in South Africa and one of the most important non-governmental organisations out there,” he says confidently.
As for his personal ambitions in the longer term – he’d like to be the CEO of a large company. When asked what character traits would help him achieve this, he replies: “I believe in myself no matter what the circumstances are. I believe that’s the most important character trait to have when craving success. The second character trait that I have is persistence and the last is honesty. When dealing with people, it’s very important to be forthright and honest with them.”
Mlambo, who lives in Bonela, enjoys pending his spare time with family and friends. He also likes a little alone time to gather his thoughts. Last, but not least, he enjoys heading to the stadium to enjoy a game of cricket or football.
