Going for Gold: Meet dhk’s Go for Gold student, Zanele Paul

Meet Zanele! She has completed a year internship at dhk Architects as part of the Go for Gold learnership programme. Having recently graduated phase two of the programme, she has had the exposure and opportunity to enhance her education within the industry and has recently submitted applications for tertiary education. dhk will continue to mentor Zanele throughout her studies. And, upon completion of an architectural degree, she will be employed by dhk.

Q: How did you hear about Go for Gold?

A: I heard about Go for Gold through my school, Mamzomthombo Senior Secondary School, located in a township called Mfuleni. They were doing a presentation and wanted students to join their programme.

Q: How have you found the past year at dhk?

A: The year has been interesting. I have travelled to places I never imagined I would travel to and have seen some amazing buildings. Even though the year has been wonderful, it has also been challenging. For someone who has just come out of high school with no art or technical experience, it has been difficult. As hard as it was, I knew that I was learning and that this journey wouldn’t be easy.

Q: Do you want to continue a career in architecture?

A: Yes, I do.

Q: What is the most interesting thing you have learnt?

A: I would say that it is probably the degree to which a project can change from time-to-time, and that you can literally get an idea from everywhere.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge?

A: My biggest challenge was learning not to be hard on myself whenever I didn’t do the right thing or understand what I had to do – I learnt to take everything day-by-day.

Q: What university are you applying to?

A: I applied to UCT and CPUT. I’ve been accepted to CPUT and I’m waiting for UCT to respond.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming years?

A: Learning and having fun while learning.

About Go for Gold

Go for Gold is an award-winning ‘education-to-employment’ public-private initiative. Founded in 1999, it is a collaboration between companies in the built environment, the Western Cape Department of Education, and civil society. Students from underprivileged communities are given the opportunity to enhance their education and transition through an internship year and onto tertiary education. Once they graduate, they are guaranteed employment with a company.