Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo
Sikhumbuzo Khethukuthula
Nickname: 'Redsea'
NMMU Forestry Department: SI Leader
Born 22-05-1992
in Nongoma
South Africa
Sikhumbuzo has demonstrated his reliability and willingness to serve others in the excellent work he has done for the ICT unit where he monitors the student computer laboratories and ensures that the printers are always stocked with paper after hours. He has provided support to participants in the Outeniqua Wheel Chair Challenge in both 2011 and 2012 thus serving those with physical disabilities. As a Supplementary Instruction (SI) leader he has shared his understanding of the subject matter he is engaged in with junior students and has provided them with the necessary support to make a success of their studies. His leadership abilities have served both the Christian Centre and Saasveld Forestry Association well, where he has been elected Chairperson in 2011 and 2012 respectively. These are active student organisations requiring strong leadership. His leadership skills were also acknowledged when he was one of a few students to be nominated for the annual Campus Principal’s award for leadership. On the academic front his hard work and application has earned him merit awards in 2009 and 2010. His commitment and excellent understanding of issues in his field of study were acknowledged when he was selected to represent South Africa at a Junior Forest Contest in Russia in 2011 where his presentation was awarded the best performance and where he won the Forestry quiz.
Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo's Professional details
Current Position(s)
Academia, Education and Training
Sikhumbuzo has been appointed by the university to help the Forestry students with some of the challenging modules. Facilitating and mentoring undergraduate students in challenging modules i.e. Computers in Forestry, Forest Conservation, and Forest Management
Previous Position(s)
Student Forester |
2010 - 2011
Managing the Silviculture and Harvesting Contractors respectively in all Forestry operations
Trainee Forester | Mondi
2008 - 2008
Silviculture, Fire Burning, Harvesting & Nurseries
Educational history
Secondary
ST Joseph's Secondary, New Hanover, South Africa (2007)
Tertiary
2012 - 2012
B Tech Degree - Forestry
George, South Africa | 2009 - 2011
National Diploma: Forestry - Forest Management
2009 - 2011
National Diploma - Forestry
George, South Africa | 2012 - present
B TECH degree: Forestry - Forest Engineering & Environmental Management
Achievements
Awards
Diploma Certificate, Moscow | 2011
International Junior Forest Contest_Russian Federation
Merit Award | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University | 2010
Merit Award | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University | 2009
Merit award of outstanding academic perfomance.
Outstanding Debating Perfomance Certificate | Dept. of Education, KZN | 2006
Certificate of Outstanding Perfomance | ST Joseph's Secondary | 2005
This was the Certificate of outsdanding perfopmance in grade 10 final results.
Shortlist and nomination
Russian Federation Trip Award | 2011
Selected by the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (National office) as the best student to represent South Africa on an international level in the VIII International Junior Forest Contest held in Russia
Campus Principal’s Prestigious Award | 2011
One of a few students to be nominated for the annual Campus Principal’s Prestigious Award for leadership
media exposure
Aurthor | OVERCOMING THE REOCCURRENCE OF WILD FIRE ON THE MPUMALANGA ESCARPMENT (GRASKOP AREA) IN SOUTH AFRICA | 2011
ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to discuss successful activities that will contribute towards the effective protection of commercial forests during the fire season. The forestry area surrounding the Graskop village was used as departure point for this study. Fire breaks will be analysed and the importance of effective internal and internal belts discussed. Using prescribed fire as management tool has become a scientific art and the strategy, tactics and resources that make out part of these events will be explored.. The value of effective prescribed burning of harvesting slash, under-burning as well as fire belt preparation will be outlined in this article. The prime consideration with regards to all fire management activities remains fire line safety and this aspect will also be highlighted in this article. Implementing the basic principles of fire management will reduce the number and frequency of destructive wild fires and fire managers should be concerned to get this aspect right.
Competitive Accomplishments
First Place | National Forestry Youth Contest | 2011
Sikhumbuzo wrote a winning article on a naional level tittled: "OVERCOMING THE RE-OCCURRENCE OF WILD FIRE ON THE MPUMALANGA ESCARPMENT (GRASKOP AREA) IN SOUTH AFRICA"; which gave him an opportunity to compete on an international level in Russia.
Academic Achievements
Student Merit Award from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University | 2010
Student Merit Award from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University | 2009
Other Achievements
Certificate of Excellence in Supplemental Instruction Leader , NMMU | 2011
Cum Laude in Fire Investigation Course, NMMU | 2010
Supplemental Instruction Leader Certificate (SI National Office, NMMU) | 2010
Airstrip Controller Certificate (Lowveld Emergency Fires Association, MPU) | 2010
Chainsaw Course Certificate, STIHL | 2010
First Aid Level II Certificate, NMMU (Saasveld) | 2010
First Aid Level I Certificate, Mondi Forests | 2008
Activities
Memberships
Chairman, 2012 - present
• Co-ordinator and chairperson of meetings, spokesperson for the Association.
• The most senior representative at any gathering of the association.
• Ensuring fair elections of class representatives within the first two months of the new academic year.
• Facilitating communication between students and lecturers.
• Automatically fulfilling the position of the treasurer and taking on all the responsibilities of the treasurer.
One Life (Christian Centre), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Chairperson, 2011 - 2011
Serving as the Chairperson of the One Life christian organisation.
community
Sappi Representative, 2010 - 2010
Briefing people about Sappi limited and marketing Sappi products to people during 2010 Forest Fair held in Sabie area.
Volunteer, 2011 - 2012
Assisting people with disabilities during a big international event called Otenique Wheelchair Challenge.
Other Activities
Chairperson, 2011 - 2011
• Provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the membership of the Christian Centre.
• Serve as the chief administrator of the Christian centre so that it might fulfil its mission and purpose as the body of Christ on the George Campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
• Give primary leadership to those serving on the executive committee.
Testimonials
"Reference letter: Mr. Nxumalo, Sikhumbuzo – Student no. s209090152
Mr. Nxumalo is a final year student in the National Diploma in Forestry at the NMMU. He is a contentious, hard working person that functions well in a group and has excellent people skills.
I strongly recommend Sikhumbuzo for the ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY. Because of his sound academic performance and excellent leadership skills (Plays a leading role in different cultural activities and study groups on Campus) he has been appointed as a student lecturer to coach and facilitate better learning for junior students. The results of his efforts were evident during the class tests of the subjects where he is involved, as average marks were significantly higher when compared to past results.
Sikhumbuzo continuously performs above average and will be an asset to any organisation or programme making use of his skills.
Yours truly,
Tiaan Pool (Lecturer Forestry)
South Africa
Nelson Mandela University (NMMU)
044-8015024
Tiaan.Pool@nmmu.ac.za
" - 2011
Student Development Services , NMMU
"From: Student Development Services (D Jenkings)
Tel: 044 – 801 5051 Fax: 044-8056651
Re: Mr Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo student no. 209090152
Mr Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo has been a dedicated and involved student from the beginning of his studies in 2009. He has consistently produced academic results well above average and has been involved in a range of student activities. At all times during his studies he has come across as a motivated, enthusiastic, friendly, approachable, reliable and trustworthy student who is concerned about the welfare of his fellow students. He is able to interact with a wide range of students and staff and is someone who plays a strong leadership role.
Sikhumbuzo has demonstrated his reliability and willingness to serve others in the excellent work he has done for the ICT unit where he monitors the student computer laboratories and ensures that the printers are always stocked with paper after hours. He has provided support to participants in the Outeniqua Wheel Chair Challenge in both 2011 and 2012 thus serving those with physical disabilities. As a Supplementary Instruction (SI) leader he has shared his understanding of the subject matter he is engaged in with junior students and has provided them with the necessary support to make a success of their studies. His leadership abilities have served both the Christian Centre and Saasveld Forestry Association well, where he has been elected Chairperson in 2011 and 2012 respectively. These are active student organisations requiring strong leadership. His leadership skills were also acknowledged when he was one of a few students to be nominated for the annual Campus Principal’s award for leadership. He was a strong contender for this award.
On the academic front his hard work and application has earned him merit awards in 2009 and 2010. His commitment and excellent understanding of issues in his field of study were acknowledged when he was selected to represent South Africa at a Junior Forest Contest in Russia in 2011 where his presentation was awarded the best performance and where he won the Forestry quiz.
All of the above attest to a quality young man who is willing to go the extra mile in ensuring that what he does is done to the best of his ability and who has the interest of others at heart. It is my pleasure to recommend him to you.
" - 2012
Wood Technology lecturer at NMMU
"Testimonial: Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo
I am a Wood Technology lecturer at the NMMU, George campus, Saasveld and also the overseer staff member of the Saasveld Forestry Association (SFA) which Sikhumbuzo is the chairperson of. The SFA is responsible for over 150 Forestry and Wood Technology students’ academic – industry link as well as organising many social functions for the students. Sikhumbuzo has already proven to be hard worker, trustworthy and courteous in all the projects that he has done so far.
He is currently busy doing his B Tech Forestry degree and has successfully completed his National Diploma: Forestry 2011. Currently he is stepping up into a leadership role on campus by giving supplementary instructions, leading his class with enthusiasm and reaping respect of fellow students who sees him as a mentor on an academic and personal level.
Sikhumbuzo is reliable and exercises a high moral lifestyle making him approachable by various people groups of different cultural backgrounds. He will make an outstanding ambassador for NMMU and South Africa.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any query in this regard.
Yours sincerely
Barry Muller
Wood Technology Lecturer
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
George,South Africa
barry.muller@nmmu.ac.za
• Private Bag X6531• George• 6530
• South Africa• www.nmmu.ac.za" - 2012
