Munich study trip for 100UP protégé

100UP protégé and final-year environmental and geographical science student Mkhuseli Nxozana will spend most of August at the Munich International Summer University’s Summer Academy.

The 100UP programme is part of UCT’s Schools Improvement Initiative (SII), now in its sixth year.

The SII is a partnership with Khayelitsha schools and the Western Cape Education Department to groom promising matriculants for entry into UCT and other universities, and operates in all 20 secondary schools in the township.

Nxozana matriculated from Zola Business High School in 2013.

The theme of the Summer Academy in Munich will be Management Practices and Corporate Communications in a Global Environment, combining what Nxozana says are the technical and soft skills to do with environmental sciences.

He’s interested in the role that communications and institutional culture can play in the interface between corporate practices, climate change and ecological issues, and how these play out within the corporate and public sectors.

These pertain to international and intercultural management, negotiation skills and better communication to implement ecological strategies.

Intrigued by German intellect

This will be Nxozana’s first trip abroad. He’s always been intrigued by the German intellect –particularly reflected in science and technology – their ‘blueprint’ for a successful corporate sector, and how they “carry Europe’s economy”.

“I really look forward to learning about the way they work in corporations. I’m also aware that they are championing clean-energy technologies, so I’ll also be observing the practicalities of that, and seeing how that can be introduced here.”

Growing up in Site C, Nxozana only ever wanted to make a success of himself. But he had so many interests, he wasn’t sure what to pursue. Whenever something intrigued him, he’d think of ways to turn it into a business opportunity. University life has been very rewarding for him.

“I’ve never stopped enjoying my student life, even though the academics would fluctuate. And I’ve made good friends, especially at res. It’s not just lecturers who are knowledgeable, but students, too. For instance, one of my good friends, whom I met in first year at res, is now teaching MAM1000W here. We started chatting about philosophical things and then mathematics, and I’ve learnt so much from him.”

Nxozana is enthusiastic about the future.

“It’s an exciting time for my field of study because firms are now looking to be environmentally orientated in their operations, especially energy, automobile and aviation.”

But the Summer Academy won’t be all about academics. Nxozana looks forward to interacting with the people in Munich.

“And as a huge football fan, I also hope I get a chance to watch the Audi Cup, which usually takes place during pre-season in the Allianz Arena in Munich.”