Hard work pays off

Twenty-nine-year-old Paul Sandamela places a high value on working hard until you become the best in your field.

This energetic process engineer currently works for the National Refinery of South Africa (Natref). Paul obtained his BEng (Chemical Engineering) qualification from the North-West University (NWU) in 2014.

His job entails monitoring and ensuring that the alkylation unit operates within agreed parameters. His key function is to ensure that the unit is constantly functioning optimally and to investigate any failures that occur in the unit.

“In 2017 I was nominated as the Newcomer of the Year at my current place of employment. I personally believe this would not have been possible if I had studied anywhere else. The NWU ensured that I acquire the fundamentals and principles needed to execute my job at the highest standard,” he says.

Paul is not only passionate about his profession, but also mentors and guides young engineers. In the next five years he sees himself managing more young engineers. “I want to guide prospective engineers and teach them the values and tools required to execute their job to perfection,” concludes Paul.