Keolebogile Gouws
Mbulelo Samuel Tshanga was blown away by his first ever flight layover experience in Qatar, Saudi Arabia during a trip to Australia as an exchange learner to St Edwards Boys College in New South Wales earlier this year.
Tshanga was one of four leaners and two educators from St Boniface High School, Kimberley who took part in the Christian Brothers College sponsored program from 21 August to 6 September 2026.
Tshanga recalls how emotional he got when his father broke the news: “It was my dream to travel abroad. I am very grateful. My mother is super proud of me, and my father is grateful because I am the first person to travel overseas in the family. I hope this will open opportunities for the next generation,” he added.
He said he was under the impression that their flight to Australia would be direct. He was ecstatic to learn that instead they had a layover in Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
“I thought ‘wow!’and recalled the (Fifa) 2022 World Cup and my excitement grew to see more of Qatar. Being surrounded by boys only was easy; I clicked immediately with other boys and made a lot of friends. I really enjoyed my stay and they were super friendly. There was never a time when I felt left out,” Tshanga said.
Tshanga said he counts among his hobbies; soccer, music, playing drums and piano. The Grade 11 learner aspires to study Astronomy and is interested in learning different languages, drawing and making new friends. His favourite subjects are Mathematics and Afrikaans.
He recalls taking part in subjects such as music and art while at St Edward’s College. “During break time they played soccer and basketball”. Tshanga said his favourite class during the trip was music because he played both the drum and piano.
He says the trip taught him to embrace uniformity and unity, despite their different backgrounds.
The learners visited a reptile park and went for ice cream with the teachers while visiting a shopping mall. These activities allowed learners to experience more of the country beyond the school environment.
The South African contingent returned home to Kimberley on September 2026.
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