On 19 September, PDBY sat down with Dr Tshinangi Fabrice Kapya, an esteemed academic and lecturer for the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria. Before obtaining his PhD and becoming a new graduate from UP, Dr Kapya first graduated from the school of difficulties by overcoming numerous challenges and hardships that stood between him and his aspirations for a better tomorrow.
His story began like that of many other young people – at the end of matric. He enrolled at a tertiary institution, and after three gruelling years of tests, assignments, and sleepless nights, he obtained his first degree in chemical engineering from the University of Likasi. However, a young Kapya certainly could not have predicted the dichotomy between where he was after his graduation – a young, hopeful engineering graduate – and where he ended up in 2018 – being a car park attendant at Wonderpark Mall. Despite this detour in life, where many would argue that his life had ended before it even truly began, Dr Kapya began living against all odds. This is his story.
What is your background?
I grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and eventually moved to South Africa. When I arrived in Pretoria, I started working as a car park attendant at Wonderpark Mall. My journey in academia wasn’t traditional. I had to learn many foundational concepts on my own, balancing work and study. Over the years, I completed my honours and master’s in Industrial Systems, and now, I’ve earned a PhD in Industrial Engineering. I’m currently a lecturer, using my experiences to inspire and mentor students.
What circumstances led to you being a car park attendant at Wonderpark Mall?
When I arrived in South Africa in January 2018, I sought political asylum. At that point, I didn’t know much about the country, its people, or how to navigate my new circumstances. A person I was introduced to at the time told me about working in the parking lot as a car park attendant. That was the only thing I knew of at the time. With limited knowledge, it became a way for me to support myself.
What motivated you to go back to university and pursue a second degree in engineering?
[It] was a combination of personal ambition and the encouragement I received from those around me. However, it was quite unexpected. I didn’t initially plan to return to school or to study here at UP. One day, I went to visit a friend who was studying at [the university]. Knowing my background, she encouraged me to apply for a programme at UP. I didn’t want to, if I am being quite honest. It looked like a gamble, and I wasn’t ready to spend R300 on that. That was quite a lot of money, equivalent to three full days of hard work in the parking lot back then. In fact, she applied on my behalf and chose industrial systems engineering for me!
It wasn’t something I had planned, but I ended up trusting her judgment. I didn’t choose the path, it was chosen for me. But looking back, it’s one of the best things that could have happened. It opened doors I never imagined, and I quickly developed a passion for industrial systems engineering, despite the initial challenge of learning something completely new.
How did you manage to study while working as a car park attendant?
Balancing work and study while working as a car park attendant was incredibly challenging. I developed a strict routine to manage my time effectively. I used the hours when I wasn’t working to focus on my coursework and assignments. Every spare moment, whether during breaks or after my shifts, was dedicated to studying. This meant sacrificing personal time and sleep, because I was committed to making the most of the opportunity that I was given. Additionally, I relied on a strong support system, including the school, mentors, and classmates who eventually became more than just friends. They are family now.
What motivated you to study further and eventually pursue a doctorate in engineering?
My motivation to further my studies and eventually pursue a doctorate stemmed from a combination of personal passion, academic curiosity, and a drive to make a meaningful impact. After completing my honours, I discovered a deep interest in applied mathematics and engineering. As I said earlier, a significant turning point came when I met a friend who encouraged me to explore higher education. I had not initially planned to pursue a degree, but after being introduced to the possibilities at the university, I saw an opportunity to follow a new path.
She saw something in me that I couldn’t see by myself back then. Her vision of me, combined with my own growing interest, and the encouragement I got from my supervisor, spurred me [on to apply] for a programme and further my studies. As I progressed through my studies, my passion for solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions deepened. My experiences in both my master’s and honours programmes ignited a desire to delve further into research and contribute to advancing knowledge in my field. Pursuing a PhD represented a natural progression from my earlier studies. It was an opportunity to explore ideas, push the boundaries of what was known, and address challenging questions in manufacturing planning and control systems. The pursuit of knowledge and the desire to solve real-world problems motivated me to continue my academic journey, despite the obstacles. I wanted to not only advance my own understanding but also to contribute to the field and inspire others through my work.
What is one piece of wisdom or advice you would share with undergraduate and postgraduate students at UP?
Embrace your journey with perseverance and an open mind. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing resilience and the ability to adapt. Challenges will always come, and there will be moments when your progress might seem slow, or your future might look uncertain. Remember that every difficulty you face is an opportunity for growth. Life doesn’t ask you to have everything figured out at once, or to be the biggest or the best, it just asks you to try your best. It’s up to you to determine what you want to achieve because the magic you’re looking for is in the will of trying and not giving up. Stay curious, seek support when needed, be disciplined, try to always be positive like a proton, and don’t be afraid to step outside [of] your comfort zone.
Despite the hardships he has encountered, Dr Kapya pursued his education and his future with an unyielding drive. His journey from his first degree up until his PhD reflects not only his determination to push his career forward in the face of adversity, but it echoes what Edwin Louis Cole once said about winners. He said that winners are “not those who never failed, but those who never quit.” The story of Dr Kapya shows that when we decide not to quit, no matter how hard the journey or the number of setbacks we may face, we can succeed against all odds.
