2012 Simunye! Dr Tukulula returns home to inspire learners.
Dr Tukulula returns home to inspire learners
Dr Matshawe Tukulula is living testimony to the success and impact of the Khula Project, an extraordinary initiative created by Dr Ken Ngcoza of the Rhodes Education Department, Mrs Joyce Sewry of the Chemistry Department and Mr Reuben Maselwa of Eastern Cape Department of Education.
Dr Tukulula was one of the first learners to take part in the Khula Project, which aims to motivate learners in Grade 10 to 12, particularly those from disadvantaged townships schools, to study maths and science at tertiary level. After matriculating, he went on to obtain a Masters in Chemistry (with Distinction) at Rhodes University and a PhD from UCT.
Dr Tukulula grew up in Fingo Village, eMsengeni and attended Samuel Ntsika and Archie Mbolekwa primary schools. He shared with his young audience how he joined the club when his “role model” Mr Reuben Maselwa, who was a teacher at Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School at the time, spotted him listening after his entire class had been sent outside for misbehaviour.
Marking Maths and Science Week, he turned to his home town and his alma mater to present a talk accompanied by experiments before learners who are members of the Khula Project’s Khanya Maths and Science Club.
The informative talk entitled “A Pollutant’s Tale” is accompanied by practical experiments illustrating the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere as well as outlining the effects of air pollution and global warming.
Wowing the learners by dipping flowers into liquid nitrogen and shattering them and making “elephant’s toothpaste” by mixing hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid, he focussed on the links between science and ecology.
“Nature is the best scientist of all time,” he said urging his audience to plant trees and reduce the use of electricity. He tested the learner’s knowledge throughout the talk, interspersed with contemporary references to popular films and the global economy.
He concluded the talk by talking about his beginnings, inspiring the learners to not be deterred by the challenges of being from a disadvantaged background. “When you see people struggling around you, remember that is not your future,” he said, visibly moved.
“I know how it feels, I was just like you, and people who teased me for reading too much couldn’t predict how the future would change. It may cost you sleepless nights, but if you work hard and persevere, you can make a good life for yourselves and your families.”
Indeed it was a tumultuous moment both for him and his teachers, as Mr Maselwa had thought both Dr Ngcoza and Dr Tukulula in effect represented three generations of learning success.
Dr Tukulula is currently conducting his post-doctoral research at Rhodes University under the supervision of his former MSc supervisor, Emeritus Professor Perry Kaye. His current research is directed at designing and developing engineered catalytic sites for various organic reactions. His other interests are in the field of medicinal Chemistry and he hopes that after gaining substantial experience in the industry, he will fulfil his dream of becoming an Academic.
