There’s a belief structure at the core of who we are, a framework that defines our existence. For me, that structure has always been rooted in the belief in God’s providence, a guiding hand I’ve seen at work throughout my life, as Creator and sustainer of all creation, visible and invisible. The story I am about to relate is a remarkable one, showing the Evidence of Providence. My story is just one example of the many blessings I have experienced—a wonderful life I truly did not deserve, yet one I was graciously given and remain profoundly grateful for.

My journey began at the end of my final year of school. We had a weekly study period called “Career Guidance,” and as a student from the “Coloured” race group at the time, I knew my options were limited. Highly skilled jobs and most professions were reserved for white-European individuals, a system that felt incredibly unjust. A chosen few, whose parents could afford it, went on to become doctors or lawyers, but most of us entered the building industry or the new field of mechanical engineering. The “clever” ones often became teachers.

One day, a teacher gave us a form to fill out, asking us to list our career preferences. I wrote down two jobs that intrigued me: boilermaker and engineer. I hadn’t had much exposure to these careers, but I had heard that boilermakers were highly respected tradesmen with great earning potential. I had also read that engineers were at the forefront of designing incredible things, like oil refineries and bridges. This idea fascinated me.

When I got my Matric results in January 1970, I had passed. It was time to find a job. A friend of mine had an older brother who was an apprentice boilermaker at an engineering company called James Brown and Hamer in the Durban Bay area. My friend’s brother was going to take him for an interview, and I decided to tag along. I had no prior knowledge of the company or even how to get there, but I had a feeling this was my shot. We agreed to meet at the bus station at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 1970—a day I will never forget.

When we arrived at the company, we were taken to the Boiler Shop Manager’s office. There were already several eager young men waiting to be interviewed. Most were there by prior arrangement, with family members already working at the company. I was on my own. The assistant manager announced that the twelve apprentice boilermaker spots had been filled, and there were only a couple of welding apprenticeships left. Holding my Matric results, he offered me one. I was direct in my refusal, explaining that I was only interested in a boilermaker apprenticeship. He handed back my results, saying, “Sorry, all those are taken.”

At that very moment, the Works Manager walked in and, witnessing our exchange, asked to see my certificate. He looked at it, then told his assistant to add me to the list as number thirteen. I was overjoyed.

My career path truly began when I was assigned to the main boiler shop, where I met a man who would become a second father to me: Paul T. Paul was a giant of a man, both in stature and expertise. He was the number one boilermaker in the shop and was known for refusing to train any apprentice, often cursing and chasing them away. The other workers wondered what his reaction would be to me, a tall, thin, non-white youngster. To everyone’s surprise, he said in a soft voice, “Leave him here. I will teach and train him.”

Our three-man workstation consisted of Paul T., his assistant Samuel N., and me. Paul was a tough but fair teacher. He had a serious, focused side, but also a lighter, fun side. One day, Samuel N. and I were laughing and joking when we both had to duck. A four-pound hammer came whizzing over our heads. We quickly got back to work. Another time, I decided I had had enough and asked the foreman for a transfer. It was a short-lived move. The next thing I knew, Paul picked me up by my overalls and carried me back to our workstation, giving me a good scolding. I felt a bit humiliated at the time, but it was a defining moment in our relationship. The bond was sealed.

Thanks to Paul T., I qualified as a top-class boilermaker. During my apprenticeship, I met my wonderful wife, and we were honoured to have Paul and his wife attend our wedding in 1975. A couple of years later, we received the news that Paul had passed away. When my co-workers saw me break down, they knew it was a son mourning the loss of his father.

This is the first Continuous Vacuum Pan, built in South Africa for the Grande Boa Sugar Mill on Reunion Island.

I was responsible for the fabrication, in South Africa, and the installation at the Mill on the island.

One of my finest moments. I was allocated three and a half weeks for installation.

My daughter was born two weeks before I went over to the island. With my team’s support, I was eager to return home as quickly as possible. The installation was completed in twelve days.

My journey was guided by God.

From my choice of job descriptions in school to the Works Manager giving me a position when there were none, and my training under Paul T.—the only apprentice he had ever trained—it was all His plan. Paul would often tell me, “You are more than a boilermaker. Study further and become an engineer.” After his death, my wife and I decided to honour him by doing just that. To God be all the glory for his providence. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

At Samuelshares.com you’ll never be blogged down but always uplifted!