Going for Gold: Meet dhk’s Go for Gold alumni, Kaneasha Hanning

21 August 2024

Meet Kaneasha Hanning, a Candidate Architectural Technologist in our Cape Town office. She’s been with dhk since 2018, having initially enrolled in a year-long internship through the Go for Gold learnership programme. Her journey exemplifies the programme’s value in providing committed students a pathway to realise their full potential.

Go for Gold is an education-to-employment public-private initiative that connects participating companies with their future workforce. The award-winning initiative was founded in 1999 through collaboration between companies in the built environment, the Western Cape Department of Education and civil society. It offers students from underprivileged communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg an education development programme from Grade 10 through 12, followed by an internship year and tertiary education support. Once students graduate, they’re guaranteed employment with partner companies.

Go for Gold assists around 150 high school learners annually through its Education Development Programme. The organisation also places 40 students in internships at partner companies and helps 300 students pursue higher education at various institutions. Additionally, the programme celebrates about 40 technical graduates each year, some of whom serve as mentors to younger Go for Gold students.

Kaneasha describes her experience of the programme as an enriching one, and she’s already paying it forward. Go for Gold has enabled her to grow both in her personal capacity and as a professional. On 21 June 2024, the 25-year-old was part of a dhk team that attended the annual Go for Gold Career Jamboree held at Cape Town High School. She described the moment as heartwarming, remembering being in the same shoes as the students she met that day. She took time to share with them advice and insights about her career journey.

Reflecting on her time in the programme, she said: “I know that some people say it’s a waste of time to do an internship before studying, but for me, I felt that if it wasn’t for this experience, I probably wouldn’t have been able to survive during my studies. It’s good to get a glimpse into what exactly you’ll be getting into for the rest of your life. For me, Go for Gold has been invaluable and has moulded me into the person I am.

“I often remember how shy I was, but through the support and mentorship over the years, I have become much more confident in my abilities and as a person. I’m now in my third year of work at dhk. I feel like there are always people cheering me on, which is an amazing feeling.”

At the Go for Gold Career Jamboree, Bridget-Ann Mullins, the National Director for Go for Gold, expressed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of exposing students not only to the variety within the built environment but also to higher education institutions.

“It’s fundamental that students from disadvantaged communities are allowed the opportunity to explore what the built environment actually means. Although we can tell them about it, being able to see it tangibly, speak to other people, see the models and link to those in the industry just creates an awareness and opens up a pathway for informed decision-making about their futures,” noted Bridget-Ann.

Following her internship at dhk in 2018, we provided financial assistance for Kaneasha to pursue architecture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). She obtained her National Diploma in Architectural Technology and Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology between 2019-2023. She has grown immensely within the practice.

Kaneasha’s currently involved with Seafront Estate, a hospitality-focused project in Seychelles. The development comprises a120-room hotel, 68 residential apartments, a sea-facing pavilion, retail and office spaces and conference facilities, as well as the first private hospital in the country. Her growing skills include providing architectural support for both technical and design deliverables. She’s also fast becoming proficient in various software packages and has developed the ability to independently engage with consultants.

Commenting on her work experience and future goals, she noted: “I’m still junior but dream of one day taking on a role where I oversee a project from inception to construction stage. I would love to experience the full cycle of the building. I’m getting exposed to that now with Seafront under the supervision of senior members.”

Renske Haller, dhk Partner and Managing Director, has been a part of Kaneasha’s journey for the past six years. Renske values the importance of shaping the next generation of design leaders, which is one of dhk’s passions. With this support from senior practice leadership, the firm is privileged to be able to give back in a meaningful way.

“We’re pleased to be part of a holistic programme that’s creating skilled graduate professionals with self-belief. It’s been a pleasure watching Kaneasha’s progression and that of our other interns over the years, including those who didn’t necessarily pursue architecture after their internships. We look forward to continuing to empower the next generation. With the partner companies, it helps us address our country’s development challenges,” said Renske.

dhk joined Go for Gold seven years ago and has since assisted 10 students with bursaries and internships. Other Go for Gold rising stars currently working as architectural interns at dhk are Imaad Kamaldien, Tylo Barends and Aidan Schippers. Aidan has been nominated in the upcoming 2024 Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) Awards. He’s up for the CAA Student Award, which will be announced in August 2024. The awards recognise the work of first, second- and third-year students who creatively address issues associated with social, economic and environmental well-being in the context of the current biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.