Meet Tshiu Sebatana: Newly appointed area civil engineer
Kouga – From the classroom to construction sites, Tshiu Sebatana’s journey is one defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering passion for engineering. His career path has not been linear, but every step has shaped the dynamic professional he is today.
After matriculating in 2007 from Louis Botha Technical High School in Bloemfontein, Sebatana enrolled for a qualification in Electrical Engineering at Motheo TVET College. However, financial constraints forced him to change direction, leading him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was during this time that he reconnected with his true calling – civil engineering.
“The desire to practice engineering was still in me even though I was an educator, so I taught Grade 11 and 12, Civil Technology and Technical Drawing for a period of two years.
Resignation
“By January 2015, I submitted my resignation as a teacher to pursue a National Diploma in Civil Engineering at the Central University of Technology. I completed a BTech in Civil Engineering, specialising in Water Engineering, at the University of South Africa (UNISA). I am currently doing my final year of my B.Eng. Honours with UNISA in Water Engineering.”
Sebatana’s hands-on engineering journey began in 2017 as a site supervisor at Matiyani Construction. He then joined the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality as an RRMS Technician, later advancing to PMU Technician. In this role, he managed road and stormwater design, water and sanitation infrastructure, project management, and technician training.
“By April 2024, I was appointed as a Senior Technician Roads and Stormwater at Drakenstein Municipality, and today I am here,” he said.
God Given Creativity
“I’ve always wanted to use my God-given creativity to make a difference in my community.”
From a young age, Sebatana was drawn to problem-solving and innovation, traits that naturally aligned with a career in engineering.
“From an early age, I liked solving problems creatively or building things using anything I could find useful. I just needed to channel my creativity in a way that would be useful and build a career in it. That is why my parents took me to a technical school to explore that God-given talent further.
“So, choosing civil engineering resonates from the question: ‘What can I do with my God-given talent to bring change in society?’
“The entire world is facing climate change, which brings about a dynamic challenge to infrastructure and the standards of design. Therefore, this keeps me enthusiastic, learning, and keeping up with the current technologies needed or used to overcome these challenges.”
A Significant Milestone
His appointment as area civil engineer in Kouga marks a significant milestone – both professionally and personally. Inspired by mentorship and driven by purpose, Sebatana is committed to making a meaningful impact.
In his first six months, his focus areas include:
- Assessing productivity across operational teams in Humansdorp.
- Upgrading depot and storage facilities for improved working conditions.
- Strengthening management systems and team morale.
- Identifying and addressing key infrastructure challenges.
- Developing engineering solutions for water and road concerns.
“A project I am looking forward to is the rehabilitation of roads,” he said.
Sebatana’s advice to aspiring engineers is as thoughtful as it is profound: “You can never drift into success – you must be intentional. Time is a currency, and you become what you spend it on.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to leave a legacy in Kouga – one built on performance, professionalism, and purpose.
“I am a motivated young engineer and excited to be effective in every opportunity I have. When a seed is planted, it takes time to germinate, take root, and grow until it bears fruit. Promises might be made, and they may take time to come to fruition, but eventually, it will happen. Therefore, it might take some time to get things running smoothly and to perform at an elevated level.”
Kouga Local Municipality News
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