Class of 2023

AlcoNCP is extremely proud of our in-service training programme that for decades has provided students in various fields the to students to complete their studies and obtain their respective qualifications. Many of these students have gone on to become employees with long-service records.

Laduma touched base with some students from the Class of 2023 to ask them about their time at AlcoNCP.

Bevan Govender - Quality Control Technician (Laboratory)

“I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology in 2022 at the Steve Biko campus of the Durban University of Technology. The work experience here at AlcoNCP has been fantastic and the two weeks’ rotation per section has enabled me to get to know the full workings of the plant.”

Keesha Singh - Chemical Engineering Intern (Projects Department)

“I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal between 2018 and 2022, and even though it was challenging at the beginning, in the end I managed to complete my studies successfully. It has been an interesting experience at AlcoNCP and I’ve learned a lot from everyone in the projects department. Seeing how the different departments integrate to get the plant to work sustainability has been nice. I hope to be a part of companies that really drive sustainability and work towards greener solutions for the future.”

Khethelo Msani - In-service trainee (Electrical Department)

“I have an Electrical Engineering (power systems) qualification from the Mangosuthu University of Technology.I have been fortunate to have great mentors at AlcoNCP, people like Lucky Ntuli and Logan Arumugam. This is a big company from the private sector and I feel lucky to have this amazing experience and to learn so much about maintenance and repairs.”

Thulasizwe Dludla - Quality Control Student (Laboratory)

“I studied Chemical Operations Level 3 at the Institute for Quality. It has been a wonderful and fantastic time at AlcoNCP, starting a new job and meeting new people who have made it really easy to settle in. I must say that Ace Govender (AlcoNCP quality manager) has been the best mentor and teacher I could have asked for. Growing up, I always wanted to be a better version of myself, I wanted to think outside of the box, solve problems and come up with solutions.”

Thuthukile Madonda - Quality Control Student (Laboratory)

“I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My time at AlcoNCP has been very informative and it’s been a great learning experience to see in practice what I learned in class.

The best part of the day for me is in the mornings when everything is still fresh and when the most work gets done. My advice to learners is to work hard every day and not stop. Also, make sure you don’t forget what you learn in school, everything can be applied in the workplace, for example, the periodic table, I still use it today.”

Lindani Buthelezi - In-service trainee (Mechanical)

“I studied Mechanical Engineering at the Mangosuthu University of Technology from 2020 to 2022. It’s been great working here and I’ve gained a lot of experience in four months with fantastic encouragement from other workers and employees. It has also been great to see what I’ve learned during my studies put into practice.”

Mbatha Ntandoyenkosi - Quality Control Student (Laboratory)

“I studied Analytical Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology for two years, and this is my in-service training.

I have learned a lot about the plant and its production here at AlcoNCP. Rashina Munsamy has been a great mentor and I’ve learned a lot from her. All I can tell young students is to just work hard for what you want.”

Thembinkosi Ndawonde – Mechanical Engineering Intern

“I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban for five years, it was challenging but interesting at the same time. It required a lot of hard work and a lot of research, and asking a lot of questions, but it was worth it.

Lance and Morgan have been my mentors here at AlcoNCP. It’s been an amazing experience working at such a company, learning about different systems and working with different people.”

AlcoNCP has always provided opportunities for tertiary students to see chemistry in action “in the real world”. Most recently, 57 second-year students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Applied Chemistry program had the opportunity to visit the company’s production plant where they experienced it first-hand. AlcoNCP employees Senzo Mtshali and Leeandra Sarjoo were their gracious hosts. According to Professor Associate Professor of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, College of Agriculture, & Science School of Chemistry and Physics, the aim of these visits was to demonstrate to the students the application of chemistry on an industrial scale. “The visit helps them to link what they learn in lectures with what they can see on the plant, providing a better understanding of the theoretical aspects and how chemical reactions can take place on a large scale. It also assists with the of the kind of environment they may one day end up working in and also seeing the importance of developing the correct laboratory skills.”

There is definitely an opportunity for further collaboration between the university and AlcoNCP, says Moodley. “The School of Chemistry and Physics has a good track record in research, and we would be very keen to collaborate with AlcoNCP on projects that would benefit the company and at the same time train postgraduate students in developing research skills. We have collaborations with many other industries, and we would very much like to build a collaborative relationship with AlcoNCP.”Laduma asked a few students to share their thoughts about the visit to AlcoNCP and what they gained from the experience. Iqbal Ceza: “Everything was new to me since it was my first experience on a plant. After the plant visit, I am inspired to keep on trying no matter how hard it is to be in this field, to progress to a higher level and obtain a Ph.D. Being at AlcoNCP made us almost feel like we are already working there. Thank you for the time to allow us to take a tour of your plant.”Farai Sibanda: “AlcoNCP gave us a real insight into what it is to work in the industry and what we should expect.

They gave us an opportunity to talk to highly experienced people who work in the same field we aspire to work in. AlcoNCP gave us an amazing industrial trip. Our hosts were experienced employees who could explain all processes that take place at the plant site so clearly.” Sanele Duma: “AlcoNCP allows students to come and visit the site to give them a preview of the kind of work and setting they'll be experiencing as chemistry students in the future. I want to express my gratitude to the company for letting my classmates and me tour an industry. Being from a rural area, I was greatly exposed to a science world I was unaware even existed.”

Hope and Healing: The Importance of Funding Cancer Patient Support Programs

The Look Good Feel Better Foundation is the only global non-profit organisation that provides support to men and women undergoing cancer treatment. Their workshops and programs aim to help cancer patients regain their confidence and self-esteem during what is likely the most challenging time of their lives.

However, without industry partners like AlcoNCP, the Look Good Feel Better Foundation would not be able to continue offering their workshops in hospitals for cancer patients. It is through the membership and support of individuals and companies like AlcoNCP that the foundation is able to reach more patients, provide more resources, and make a real difference in their lives.

AlcoNCP's contributions, along with those of other partners, have allowed the foundation to continue its vital work, even during challenging times. Their membership fees have helped keep the foundation's doors open, ensuring that they can make a positive impact on the lives of countless patients and their families.

In essence, Look Good Feel Better relies on the generosity and commitment of its partners to provide the support and resources needed to help cancer patients regain their confidence and self-esteem. Without industry partners like AlcoNCP, the foundation would not be able to continue offering their workshops and programs to those who need them the most.