Joshua Mbana

School: Past Scholar - Simon’s Town Lawhill Maritime Centre, 2018 - 2020

Currently: Intern at MSC Cape Town

The first time you see the broad smile and confident persona of Josh Mbana you just know this young man is going places. And thanks to his Rialto Project bursary at Lawhill, it’s likely to be maritime related.

‘I knew very little about career prospects in anything to do with the sea. But when I did some research I was amazed at the breadth and scope of opportunities,’ says Josh. ‘I have three older brothers who all completed their education at Muir College – where I was. The rugby field was where I was more comfortable.’

‘The move to boarding school away from home made me grow up. At the same time, I formed fantastic friendships. I also participated in sports that I would never have if I wasn’t at Lawhill – rowing was my main sport.’

‘Many of my Port Elizabeth friends did not believe that I would make the move to Cape Town. I still laugh when they tell me how surprised they were. It’s about taking opportunities when they arise; I owe that opportunity to the Rialto Project for having faith in me,’ concludes Josh.

Joshua matriculated at the end of 2020 and he was accepted to the Mediterranean Shipping Company Learnership Programme, a three year programme based in Cape Town.