Turning Opportunity into Impact: Sanele Thikzazi’s SAIW Story

Sanele Thikazi has been awarded a prestigious bursary allowing him to pursue the internationally recognised SMAW welder training programme through the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW). For this aspiring young professional, the opportunity marks a turning point in a journey defined by persistence, growth and a clear determination to build a career in welding.

Raised in in Secunda, Sanele completed his schooling locally before enrolling at Vaal University of Technology to study electrical engineering. It didn’t take long for him to realise that the field didn’t match his interests or strengths. Rather than pursue a career he couldn’t connect with, he stepped away from his studies and began rethinking his path.

What followed was a period of growth through experience. Sanele entered the retail sector, eventually rising to assistant manager. The role sharpened his ability to lead, solve problems quickly, and stay composed under pressure - capabilities that would prove valuable across multiple environments. Later, he joined Sasol’s petrochemical plant as a plant cleaner, a physically demanding role involving high-pressure washers and steam equipment. It was tough work, but it deepened his attention to detail and strengthened his resilience.

At the same time, his curiosity led him to expand into technology - completing an online full-stack Java development course with Deviare Africa in 2024. But it wasn’t until a friend introduced him to the field of welding that something clicked.

Building something meaningful

Sanele was immediately intrigued by the idea of combining technical precision with physical skill. He followed the SAIW online, watching closely as bursaries were awarded to students. Eventually, an opportunity opened. He applied, submitted a personal essay explaining his background and goals…and waited.

Three months later, the call came: he had been awarded the bursary. "I saw an opportunity, and I knew I couldn’t let it pass me by. This bursary gave me the platform to enter a field I’m passionate about. It’s not just about welding - it’s about building something meaningful with my own hands," explains Sanele.

Since beginning the programme in November 2024, Sanele has thrown himself into the craft. The first few days were administrative - inductions, paperwork, and orientation - but it didn’t take long to get hands-on with the tools and materials. Learning to weld was far from easy, especially when working in overhead positions like the 4G weld, which demand stamina and precision.

"Welding was a lot harder than I expected at first - especially working in overhead positions," Sanele recalls. "But with patience, guidance, and constant practice, I started seeing progress. It taught me that even the most difficult skills can be learned with consistency."

A structured approach

Sanele is currently completing the IIW International Welding Diploma, with a primary focus on stick welding. The course is divided into three stages: fillet, plate, and pipe welding. He has already completed the fillet module (covering positions 1F to 5F), progressed through plate welding (1G and 2G), and is currently refining his overhead welding technique on the 4G position - one of the programme’s more challenging milestones.

His daily routine reflects both discipline and drive. He arrives at SAIW by 7:30 a.m., suits up, and begins welding by 8:00. His instructor checks in regularly, reviewing work and offering feedback. The day includes short breaks, a lunch pause, and hours of focused practice - all requiring intense concentration and physical control.

Sanele credits his previous roles with preparing him for this demanding environment. Retail taught him how to stay calm and lead under pressure. Sasol instilled a respect for technical safety and teamwork. Both experiences built the mindset required to succeed in welding.

One of the key lessons he’s carried through every phase of his career is the importance of adaptability. "Every new environment has its challenges, but if you’re able to adapt and learn quickly, you can succeed anywhere," he says. Equally important, he believes, are consistency and discipline - qualities he considers non-negotiable for long-term success.

With just two months left in the programme, Sanele is already looking forward. He plans to gain as much on-site experience as possible, ideally working on complex, high-specification welding projects. Long term, he aims to specialise further — either as a certified welding specialist or as a welding engineer. He also hopes to take his career abroad. He explains, "Being part of SAIW has changed the way I see my future. It’s not just a qualification - it’s the confidence to believe I can build a real career and compete at an international level."

Sanele’s story is a strong example of what can happen when talent meets opportunity - and when someone’s willing to put in the work to turn that opportunity into something lasting. Through the SAIW bursary, he didn’t just find a career; he found the confidence and purpose to pursue it fully. And by all signs, he’s just getting started.