“SIMBA” Bursary Life-Changing for UKZN Mechanical Engineering Student

Third-year UKZN Mechanical Engineering student Mr Brando Arran was over the moon after receiving a bursary from snack and nibble manufacturers Pakworks, emphasising the relief it provides both him and his family.

‘The funding has assisted me greatly by reducing stress in both mine and my family’s life,’ said Arran. ‘We usually struggle to gather enough funds for tuition on time as ever since COVID-19 business opportunities for my family’s company have slowed often delaying my registration for a week or two, precluding me from access to the University’s online resources which is a disadvantage. However, thanks to this bursary, I can better prepare for the upcoming semester,’ he explained.

Pakworks are the manufactures of NikNaks, Doritos and Simba peanut variations on behalf of Simba. They are the largest co-manufacturer in South Africa and the second largest in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region. The company produces two million packets of NikNaks a day!

Arran’s interest in studying Mechanical Engineering stems from a unique blend of science and art, which he developed during high school. Despite coming from a family with a background in engineering and manufacturing, his decision to study Engineering was driven by his love for both subjects.

‘I originally aspired to become an artist, but I didn’t want the time constraints and stress placed on one from employers to diminish my passion for art. My second choice was physics, but I couldn’t see a way to express myself creatively through it. Engineering blends science and art together beautifully. The design aspect of Mechanical Engineering allows me to express my artistic and creative side, often helping me come up with unique manufacturing creations in class.’

His academic journey, like that of many Engineering students, has been filled with obstacles. ‘One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the workload,’ said Arran. ‘Some semesters, especially in third year, consist of up to seven modules, making it tricky to manage. To achieve good results, I had to make sacrifices in my social life and, at times, even in certain modules. ‘Prioritisation is key, as different modules carry different weightings. One strategy that worked for me was staying up to date with coursework and never missing lectures, which proved especially beneficial in my second year.’

Mechanical Engineering, Arran explained, is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates elements of electrical and chemical engineering. ‘Understanding these sister disciplines helps build a baseline understanding among engineers, ensuring effective communication and teamwork in a professional environment. While engineering outputs are often mechanical, inputs can involve electrical or computer systems, and without cohesion between engineers, many machines and systems wouldn’t function properly.’

Outside of his studies, Arran enjoys drawing, spending time with friends, and playing video games. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in the future. ‘I’m still figuring out which aspect of Mechanical Engineering I would like to specialise in but I am ultimately grateful to UKZN and my educators for the time and effort they invest in fuelling my education. I remain optimistic about my prospects in Engineering.’

For fellow students, Arran shared a piece of advice from his first day at university: ‘Our academic administrator told us to look at the person sitting next to us and realise that one of us would most likely fail. While this was humorous, it also reflected the reality of studying Engineering. Many students struggle, yet they keep trying. The key is perseverance – no matter the obstacles, keep working hard, and never leave anything up to chance. Your dedication will eventually pay off.’

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Supplied