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Khali Modise: Building a Future with Go for Gold
Khali Modise: Building a Future with Go for Gold
From navigating blueprints to managing group dynamics, Khali Modise’s journey with Go for Gold is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. A graduate of Tuscany Glen High School and current student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Khali reflects on how the programme shaped not just her career but her personal growth and aspirations.
Discovering Passion and Purpose
Before joining Go for Gold, Khali grappled with uncertainty about her future. She admitted, “I wanted to be a lot of things, most of them based on salary, not something I truly loved doing.” However, the programme’s experiential site visits changed everything. She found herself drawn to the construction industry, a field she hadn’t previously considered. “Go for Gold opened my eyes to the possibility… I discovered a passion and something that felt right,” Khali shared.
Her newfound clarity led her to a Workplace Learning Internship (WLI) with W. Unser Construction, where her first task—analyzing electrical, plumbing, and floor plans within an hour—was both daunting and exhilarating. Despite her lack of technical background, Khali’s determination carried her through.
Building Skills and Confidence
The programme’s holistic approach to education prepared Khali for both academic and workplace challenges. Rating the academic support she received as “excellent,” she credited Life Skills training with teaching her problem-solving, collaboration, and accountability. “This training decreased a lot of anxiety and played a role in an overall boost of self-esteem,” she noted.
Her WLI experience reinforced practical skills like construction drawing interpretation and programme planning while fostering workplace communication. Khali particularly valued the Leadership Development classes, which transformed a group of strangers into a close-knit community. “At the end of the year, we were all a big family… it helped us through personal issues and made the workplace feel less foreign,” she reflected.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Transitioning to tertiary studies came with its own set of hurdles, especially overcoming procrastination. But Khali tackled these with structured milestones and self-reward systems. Now pursuing a Diploma in Construction, she feels better equipped than her peers thanks to Go for Gold. “We have prior knowledge of site work, so comprehension comes easier during lectures,” she said.
Her time on-site also shaped her career trajectory. Initially considering Civil Engineering, Khali shifted to Construction Studies after realizing it aligned better with her personality and strengths. She dreams of becoming a Construction or Project Manager within five years, aspiring to constant personal and professional growth.
A Lasting Impact
For Khali, Go for Gold’s influence extends beyond her academic and career path. It has strengthened her relationships, including those with her family, and instilled a sense of gratitude. “Go for Gold has done wonderful things,” she said. “I hope many learners can receive this gift.”
Her advice to future students? “Take full advantage of the support Go for Gold offers. It’s not just about career guidance—it’s about finding yourself and your place in the world.”
Khali Modise’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and ambition. Through Go for Gold, she has not only built a foundation for her career but also developed the tools to construct a fulfilling life.