The path I have travelled: Grass roots Paths, I have travelled.

Childhood Life

I was born on the 1st of January 1991 at Thengwe, Thondoni. In 1997 at the age of 6, I started my primary school at Ladzani Primary and completed my grade 7 in 2003 at the age of 12. At that level my dream was to be a Land Surveyor.

Teen Life

I enrolled my grade 8 at Thengwe High school in 2004 at the age of 13. In year 2005 i passed my grade 9 and chose Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and Geography as my major subjects. In 2008 I matriculated with 65.85% aggregate. I obtained the following marks in my majors:

· Mathematics 76%

· Physical Sciences 61%

· Life Sciences 54%

· Geography 66%

At the age of 18, I enrolled in Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mine Surveying (BESMS) under University of Venda, Department of Mining and Environmental Geology. University of Venda is located north of Polokwane and South west of Musina, GPS coordinates: S 22°58′32″ E 30°26′40″. Through the grace of God, dedication, motivations and overwhelming supervision by lecturers, I managed to pass my first level in record time in 2009. At the age of 19 in 2010, I completed my second level.

Young Adult

In 2011 at the age of 20, I enrolled my third year. In that particular year, I went to the field for practicals, with my fellow classmates, under the module called Geological Field mapping. We spent 3 days doing topographic survey, volume and area measurements using, RTK GPS and Total Station at Nyala abandoned magnesite mine located at Zwigodini area. Nyala Magnesite Mine is found in the vicinity of Zwigodini Village. It is situated approximately 55 km North East of Thohoyandou and at approximately 58 km from the Pafuri gate of the Kruger National Park. GPS Coordinates: S 22.29.483 E 30.37.995. Another 3 days was spent doing underground survey and data analysis at Tshikondeni Exxaro coal mine from 07-December-2011 to 09-December-2011. Tshikondeni Coal mine is located at Limpopo, Makuya area. Location coordinates are: S 22.4844, E 30.94938. I completed third year in record time.

In 2012 at the age of 21, I registered my fourth year which is equivalent to honours degree. In the same year I went to Modimolle for Engineering Surveying training's under Edwin construction. At the end of fourth year level, I passed my Dissertation with 69%. I completed my studies in 2012 and a degree was awarded to me on 20th of September 2013.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I would like to thank the almighty God for giving me power, strength, perseverance and knowledge to complete this my studies and all projects I was involved in. Secondly, I would like to express my profound gratitude to MR. F.O. Korkor not only for supervising this research and guidance throught my studies, but also for his advice, making several suggestions and comments that perpetuate success and brought more meaning and sense to this work.

I sincerely express my profound gratitude to my mother Mrs R.T Mavhungu and my father MR M.V Mavhungu for financial support throughout my studies. Without your support I wouldn't be where I am today and the entire academic work would have always remained as a dream. I would also like to extend my appreciations to Ms Muvhona Mulibana, Mr. N.C Malowa, Mrs. L. Mabila, and Mr. G. Netshisaulu for the guidance and support they gave me even during difficult times. To all my brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and all family members, thank you for everything.

A lot of thanks also goes to my friends; Ngoroyemoto Tapiwa, Ramuhulu Thakhani, Tsiku Khumbelo, Gundula Asivhanzhi, Radzilani Mashudu, Magelegeda Nthomeni and Mukosi Pfano, who motivated me to pursue the work I was doing.

Lastly but not least I would like to thank the staff members of Mining and Environmental Geology Department for their guidance. Special thanks to Mr. C. Muzerengi, Mr. S.E Mhlongo and to Dr. F. A. Dacosta for guidance and advice. All thanks to anyone who encouraged me to work hard.