Introducing Luyanda Tevin Meyiwa, a vibrant young gentleman whose infectious positive energy illuminates every room he steps into. With his bold personality, he effortlessly spreads joy and optimism to those around him. Formerly an NC(V) Office Administration student at Mandeni Campus, Luyanda now imparts his knowledge as an English teacher in South Korea, where he teaches English through speaking practice and debate to elementary and middle school students.
Luyanda was born and raised in the small town of Mandeni, nurtured by his mother with the support of his grandparents. Though life was not always smooth, he persevered, overcoming numerous challenges that shaped him into the resilient man he is today. His friends and family describe him as a person who deeply values family, cares for others, and fosters an environment where everyone feels appreciated.
Luyanda’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to personal growth. In 2011, he joined the College during a phase of self-discovery, unsure of his future direction. After earning his qualification at uMfolozi College, he pursued further studies at Mangosuthu University of Technology, where he completed a diploma in Office Management and Technology. Driven and ambitious, Luyanda felt that the diploma was not enough. He enrolled at the Durban University of Technology for a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Business and Information Management. Even this was not sufficient to satisfy his thirst for success, leading him to enrol for a Master’s Degree in Administration and Information Management at the Durban University of Technology. He plans to pursue a doctorate afterward.
When asked about his experience in South Korea, Luyanda says, “South Korea has such an amazing culture; the space is beautiful and incredible. It’s therapeutic, safe, and clean, although the air is polluted. I love making new friends and learning new cultures. I’m enjoying my financial freedom, which allows me to explore the world, but I miss home—the green vegetation, the rich soil, the food, the nightlife, friends, church, and most of all, my family.”
In his spare time, Luyanda conducts research for his thesis, spends time with friends, and experiments with various Asian cuisines. He also enjoys cooking and shopping. Passionate about content creation, he showcases his creativity through beautiful pictures on Instagram. Luyanda acknowledges the significant role the College played in his journey. “The College was the first step towards my career path. It opened my eyes and showed me where I fit in and what I’m capable of,” he said.
“My original plan was to go to China, but God’s plan was bigger and better. After being rejected or ignored by China numerous times, I applied to South Korea. The process was straightforward; I was interviewed by my current employer, and two days later, I received the contract. I love my job because I get to make a difference in others’ lives, teaching them valuable life lessons and cultural differences. My students are respectful and strive for excellence. I have taught them things about South Africa they never knew. I’ve made a significant impact on their lives and opened their eyes to the world. I enjoy working in a non-toxic environment,” Luyanda said.
His advice to young people aspiring to follow in his footsteps is to secure their diploma or degree, block out the noise, and relentlessly pursue their dreams. “I highly recommend TVET Colleges. I wouldn’t be where I am today without uMfolozi College and the staff at Mandeni Campus, who remain my family even today. They played a crucial role in my journey. For those interested in working in an Asian country, the minimum requirement is a B-Tech Degree or Advanced Diploma in any field. They should have a clean criminal record and be free from drugs or STIs. Follow people like Nthabi Nhlapho on social media for valuable information about teaching abroad.”
