Manenberg’s Mogamat Adli Peck learnt the value of hard work from his father. Like many kids of his time, Mogamat’s father had to leave school, find work and become one of the breadwinners for his family. He eventually had a family of his own, working for the past 50 years as a bricklayer to support them, never complaining and making sure they had food on the table every night. This quiet determination rubbed off on Mogamat and it showed throughout his time at university.
He registered for a degree in Chemistry at Stellenbosch University, got a Sasol scholarship and in his third and final year, he graduated top of his class, winning several awards for his performance. After completing his honours, he moved to the University of Johannesburg to complete his masters and then back to Cape Town where he registered for PhD at the University of Cape Town.
At the time of completing his PhD, Mogamat did not have a car and still took a taxi. Working in the labs, there were times when his experiments ran late into the night and he had no way of getting back home. Instead of panicking, he chose whatever spot he could find on campus, whether it was a bench or the grass, and slept, waking up the next day and continuing.
This year, his determination and hard work paid off when he graduated with his PhD in Chemical Engineering. His research focused on producing cleaner, more efficient fuel through magnetism. Through this research, he got the opportunity to travel internationally including presenting his research in the US and doing experiments in France.
Mogamat says that being from Manenberg, he understands that not many of his peers get to experience what he has experienced. He says, however, the opportunities are available and he is very happy that grasped those opportunities and made it this far in life. And he isn’t just talking the talk. He plans to walk the walk.
The past Rylands High learner and married father of a 3 year old girl, currently resides in Bonteheuwel where he provides free tutoring classes for high school chemistry and physics learners. He says that we often try to make it out but he plans on staying in the community so that he can help through community projects. He believes that he is here and has achieved so much so that he can help build his community and most importantly, take care of his parents.
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