Born in 2006 and raised in Jabulani, Soweto, Alex Khumalo has achieved what many young South Africans dream of — the chance to study, work, and build a future in Germany. Even though this path was never something he imagined as a child, today he is doing his Ausbildung (Apprenticeship) as a Chef at Europa-Park, Europe’s second-largest theme park.
We sat down with Alex to hear his story, understand his journey, and learn what it truly means to build a new life abroad.
Representing Soweto, which schools did you attend growing up?
Alex:
“I started at St. Peter Claver in Pimville, Soweto, from Grade 1 to Grade 2. Then I moved to St. Bechman Primary in Orlando for Grade 3 and part of Grade 4. One day, the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg (DSJ) came to our school to identify talented learners. They do this every year, and I was lucky to be selected.
That’s how I began attending Saturday School lessons at the German School in Parktown. Eventually, I received a scholarship and became a full-time student at DSJ.”
If you hadn’t received the scholarship, where do you think you’d be today?
Alex:
“I think I would have followed the typical South African route — doing well in school, applying for university, and hoping for a scholarship. But with the economy the way it is, it would have been a struggle.”
What has the German scholarship done for you?
Alex:
“A lot. The scholarship showed me that I’m not alone — that support exists. It taught me to appreciate differences in culture, religion, and nationality. It opened my mind.
It also gave me a doorway to success. I learned German up to C1 level, and that qualification is what made opportunities like Europa-Park possible. DSJ has strong links with German companies in South Africa, so students get real access to jobs, internships, and universities. They even bring universities to the school to offer guidance and career support.”
How did you come across Europa-Park?
Alex:
“Europa-Park gave a presentation at my school during what’s called ‘Silly Week.’ We were all dressed as mafias that day. To be honest, not many students were paying attention — even I wasn’t at first. But something told me to listen.
Kayleigh, the presenter, told us they would hold interviews at the Goethe-Institut and that we should email if we were interested. I asked my dad to help me create a CV because I had very little experience. And that’s how it all started.”
What do you think Europa-Park saw in your CV?
Alex:
“Besides the obvious things like leadership roles and my German certificate, I think they saw my personality. I’m easy-going, communicative, adaptable, flexible, tolerant, and social. Also, my story — coming from Soweto, working hard at a German school, and applying for such an opportunity — shows determination. Nothing was spoon-fed to me.”
How do you feel knowing that you were the only one from that presentation who took the opportunity?
Alex:
“Maybe it’s because I had more belief in Germany than in South Africa. There’s a lot happening back home — unemployment and all of that. I saw this as a chance to start my adult life. My friends had university plans, but I wanted to expand my options both locally and internationally.”
How did your parents react when you told them you were going to Germany?
Alex:
“At first, my mom thought it was a scam! But something told her to give me the money to go to the interview. A month later, I received my acceptance contract from Europa-Park.
My parents were proud. They saw me as a symbol of hope and a role model, especially because I’m the oldest on both sides of the family.”
Since arriving in Germany, where have you travelled?
Alex:
“I’ve been to Freiburg — it reminds me of Rosebank in Johannesburg. I’ve also been to Kehl, and from there I walked to France! Crossing a bridge from Germany to France without using a passport was an amazing experience. Strasbourg reminded me of Johannesburg, just with French speakers.
And of course, I’ve explored Stuttgart as well.”
What do you think is the most important factor when doing an Ausbildung in Germany?
Alex:
“Commitment and mental strength. You can’t come all the way to Germany to experiment for a week or two. That wastes your time and the employer’s time and money.
You need a strong mind to stay and finish. We all miss home and our families, but in the long run, this is for the greater good — and your family should understand that.”
Any final words for young South Africans?
Alex:
“Don’t let your environment stop you from dreaming big. I grew up in Soweto, and I’ve seen a lot of negative things. I could have been in the streets causing trouble, but I chose to dream bigger.
Me being here is proof that your dreams can take you beyond your circumstances.”
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