For Monde Gebevu watching his father lay bricks sparked a lifelong passion, albeit in another direction, to be thorough and exact in one’s work.
It’s an outlook that has seen the 25-year-old electrician recognised as one of the best artisans in South Africa.
The Nomzamo resident was ranked 30th out of 34 finalists at the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards ceremony at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 5 September.
Finalists were selected through a rigorous adjudication process involving industry experts and sector stakeholders.
“It was a deeply humbling moment,” Gebevu pointed out. “Representing the electrical trade as a national finalist and ambassador is a huge milestone for my career and personal growth.”
His journey began on construction sites where his father worked as a bricklayer. “Growing up working as his assistant, I learnt the value of hands-on craftsmanship.”
By the time he matriculated from Nomzamo High School, Gebevu knew he wanted to specialise in electrical work.
While many of his peers pursued university degrees he chose to attend a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. He enrolled at Boland College in Strand, completing his N1 through N5 qualifications along with a practical apprenticeship.
Since 2024, Gebevu has been employed at Aux Electrical in Somerset West, covering new electrical installations, routine maintenance, construction wiring and renewable energy set-ups, including solar panel and inverter installations. It was this work that earned him a place among the competition’s finalists.
Gebevu expressed gratitude to Boland College for grounding him in the trade and for its guidance during his competition presentation preparation.
He also thanked Aux Electrical for teaching him safe industry practices, mentoring and sharing the knowledge needed to succeed as a qualified artisan. “It proves hard work pays off. Being named an ambassador gives me a strong platform to build on.”
Gebevu is not waiting to act on this, already leading independent projects, including the building of a church structure last year. He also recently registered his own company with the aim of becoming an established electrical contractor and full-scale employer within 10 years.
“My goal is to mentor and employ the next generation of artisans while taking on major commercial and industrial projects across South Africa.”
For those looking to follow in his footsteps Gebevu has a clear message: “If you start something, see it all the way through to the end.”
He pointed out that the journey to becoming a qualified artisan took persistence, but the skills gained enable those who achieve them to build a real future.
