Congratulations Patrick David Ntuli on achieving your advanced diploma qualification at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. The SOS Charity Fund was privileged to support Patrick on the final stretch of his academic journey.
Wheelchair-bound and diagnosed with Poliomyelitis at the age of 11, Patrick demonstrated resilience during the three-year training program at TUT, overcoming numerous obstacles to finally qualify as a lighting technician. “One can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Patrick to carry out certain modules in the training programme such as rigging and maintenance, all from a wheelchair,” said Hardus Koekemoer, a technical lecturer at TUT. “From the start, he decided to concentrate on the operational parts of the lighting processes and became our go-to lighting desk operator and problem solver. It must be said that he had to complete the basics of rigging, fault finding, and the normal practical work required on a stage, and so we would always build a series of ramps, rostrums and levels to get him to the lighting units and lighting bars.”
Patrick David Ntuli with TUT’s Anre Fourie and Hardus Koekemoer
When Patrick needed financial assistance to enroll for his post-graduate diploma, Hardus reached out to Duncan Riley of DWR Distribution, founder of the SOS Charity Fund. “My thanks extend to Duncan and the fantastic DWR team for looking after so many technicians in our industry, said Hardus. “When we asked for assistance, he responded within seconds with a solution.” The SOS, which exists thanks to the support of those in the live events industry, was able to donate R20 000 to assist with tuition fees.
“We are thankful that we can help,” said Duncan Riley of DWR. “That’s what the SOS is all about.”
At last, Patrick is ready to work with a wealth of knowledge behind him. He has experience working as a sound technician, a stagehand at the State Theatre for the Dance Umbrella Show, and has often fulfilled the role of lighting operator at the Breytenbach Theatre. His skills range from rigging to stage management, communication, lighting operator, technical manager, production manager and administrator. If that’s not enough, Patrick is confident research and report writing skills, planning coordination and is a problem solver, proficient in English, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana and IsiZulu.
“I believe that future employers will look beyond the wheelchair and use Patrick for the many skills he excels at,” ended Hardus.
