“We’re not just fixing cars. We’re building futures.”
This is how Kobus, the Workshop and Training Manager at Project Canaan’s Lusito Workshop, describes his work — and after sitting down with him, it’s clear there’s no exaggeration. From his roots in Zimbabwe to his dreams for Eswatini’s youth, Kobus’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and deep love for Africa.
🌍 A Life Shaped by Africa’s Roads — and Challenges
Q: Kobus, can you tell us a little about where you’re from and how your journey led you to Heart for Africa?
Absolutely. I was born in Zimbabwe. My dad was a tobacco farmer. After school, I got into the mining sector and then into the rubber industry — marketing rubber products to dams and pump stations all over Zimbabwe.
But Zimbabwe, as many know, has faced extreme economic volatility. At one point, we were operating in U.S. dollars, but the government would devalue the currency overnight. Imagine going to bed with the equivalent of $100,000 in your account, and waking up to find it slashed by 60%. It was exhausting and unsustainable.
So I moved to Zambia for what was supposed to be a one-year construction role — that turned into nearly seven years. I worked on big infrastructure projects and learned the ropes of building — both physically and organizationally. But eventually, localization policies made it difficult for expats to remain, and I returned to Zimbabwe briefly… before an unexpected offer brought me to Eswatini.
🛤️ The Road to Lusito
Q: What brought you to Eswatini and Project Canaan?
A construction company approached me to help build a home for Zambia’s president in Eswatini. But the project got caught up in political controversy and was ultimately canceled. By that point, though, I’d fallen in love with the place and decided to stay.
Fast forward a few years, and through my business contacts and involvement with the community, I found my way to Project Canaan. When the opportunity came to manage Lusito, it felt like the right fit. This wasn’t just about mechanics — it was about transformation. And that’s what I’m passionate about.
🔧 Inside the Workshop: Tools, Teaching, and Trust
Q: What does a typical day at Lusito look like? What kind of work do you and the students do?
We do everything from brake replacements and clutch repairs to oil changes and full engine diagnostics. We’ve even handled collision repairs — like when our bus was in an accident. Instead of sending it to an expensive body shop, we repaired it ourselves. The quote we got was nearly 70,000 rand. We did it for 7,000. That kind of savings is massive — and our students get to learn in real-time.
The workshop has three vehicle lifts, a tire balancing machine, and several bays where students can work on vehicles that don’t require lifts. We also brought in Ernesto, a skilled Mozambican panel beater, to lead our spray-painting projects. Our students shadow him and pick up the techniques — it’s a brilliant way to build capacity.
🎓 Training the Next Generation
Q: How does the training program work?
We currently have six students, though one is transitioning out. These young people are working toward a trade certification that follows a grade-level system — Grade 3 being entry-level, moving up to Grade 1, which qualifies someone as a top-level diesel mechanic.
Right now, they’re learning the basics: how to change a tire, inspect brakes, handle oil and filter replacements. It’s foundational, but crucial. After completing their coursework, they go into the field for practical experience — real work, real pressure. Think late-night repairs on sugarcane harvesters in 24-hour operations.
Our goal is for them to return for further certification — and ideally, for the companies benefiting from their labor to sponsor their next level of training. That kind of investment loop creates sustainability and accountability.
💡 A Vision That Goes Beyond the Workshop Walls
Q: What are your hopes for the future of Lusito and Project Canaan’s vocational training?
There’s so much potential. First, we desperately need a bucky — a work truck — to become more mobile. Right now, we rely on other departments to help us transport tools, staff, or vehicles. That limits how much we can grow.
But the bigger vision? I’d love to open a second Lusito location — maybe near Tri-Cash, where development is booming. Picture a small service center offering tire balancing, oil changes, even a wash bay. It would generate income, train more students, and increase our footprint off the farm.
And even bigger than that — what if we invited small manufacturing companies to set up on Canaan’s land? Popcorn producers, brake suppliers, parts retailers. It would create jobs, bring revenue, and build community.
🤝 Partnerships Matter
Q: You mentioned connecting with local companies. How are those partnerships going?
Really well. I’ve had company owners call me and say, “We want your graduates. We can’t find people like this — people who show up at 7 a.m., ready to work.”
That tells me we’re doing something right. And it motivates me to build more of those bridges. We can’t just train and release people into the void. We need to follow up, check in, make sure they’re thriving. I plan to visit students during their internships unannounced, just to keep the standard high.
👨👩👦 On Family, Faith, and Home
Q: What does life outside the workshop look like for you?
My wife Ashley is a teacher at a local Montessori school, and our son attends school there too. We live on the golf estate nearby, and I cherish the quiet moments with them. Having a family changes how you think about your time, your choices. Everything I do is with them in mind.
We miss extended family — but we’ve built a life here, and I’m proud of that.
📢 The Final Word
Q: If you could share one message with the world about Lusito, what would it be?
We’re not just teaching kids how to fix cars. We’re teaching them how to build a life.
We’re proving that with the right tools — mentorship, real-world experience, integrity — young people can rise above their circumstances and lead. And we’re showing that sustainability isn’t just about saving money. It’s about empowering people.
Kobus Smit, Lusito Workshop Manager
🚀 How You Can Help
- 🛠 Have Equipment or Expertise? – We’re always looking for tools, training resources, or experienced partners who can mentor our students.
Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in what we do.
Together, we’re not just fixing vehicles — we’re driving hope forward.