UP Alumni and former SRC President gets appointed as Head of Operations

Pretoria is an excellent place for this enterprise since it is a very research-focused university.

“However, we could improve on the fact that at the moment astronomy and astrophysics are only elective modules,” he adds. He believes that if UP is to benefit those who are serious about pursuing astrophysical research, modules involving it could be developed into a fullfledged second major.

Reviving the interest in Astronomy

With international collaborations and research projects, Qhomane hopes that interest in South African astronomy will be revived. He mentions the largest radio telescope in the world, The Square Kilometre Array in the Northern Cape, and how imperative it will be to have enough researchers monitoring it once construction is completed. “South Africa is being drained from researchers by rival space agencies on other continents, such as the European Space Agency.”

Qhomane further commented that South Africa has a very lucrative opportunity to be an astronomy leader on the continent, if not the world . “The arid climate in the Northern Cape supports the advent of radio astronomy telescopes as well as observational astronomy.” He mentions.

Qhomane expresses pride at Blue Crane Space’s research project. “For a society that is only a few months old, to clench an international research project is a momentous achievement.” He concludes that the future of astronomy in South Africa is bright, as long as it can be developed at a grassroots level .

Thabo Moenyane

Former SRC President and UP Alumni

David Kabwa was appointed as the Head of Operations for Southern Africa at the Centre for Commonwealth Affairs on 17 March. PDBY approached Kabwa to interview him about his appointment.

Kabwa is the first African to be assigned the post for Head of Operations. “I have previously served as prime minister of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. And due to the contributions I made in that capacity, I was considered by the Centre for Commonwealth Affairs and subsequently offered the role of Head of Operations,” explained Kabwa when asked how he got appointed. The Centre for Commonwealth Affairs operates as a think tank that espouses pan-Commonwealth collaboration and information exchange. Kabwa stated, “My role will be to oversee the contribution of Southern African knowledge production and further contribute to ensuring the effective engagement of stakeholders in the Commonwealth from Southern Africa, in an attempt to create a synergistic wealth of knowledge in all areas of policy.” Kabwa further explained that his role will also involve contributing to the centre’s mission, which is to educate the public sector, private sector and politicians on the opportunities that the Commonwealth has to offer.

Kabwa started flying at UP in 2017. He completed his undergraduate degree in BPolSci in 2019. He went on to pursue his honours in International Relations in 2020, and he completed his master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies in 2022. “The achievements that stand out are establishing #SpeakOutUP alongside Stephanie Cookson during our time in House Humanities and being elected for a second term as an SRC president,” said Kabwa. He further explained that he considered being elected for a second term as a privilege, though it was simultaneously the most fulfilling and challenging period he has experienced. Kabwa explained, “During that time, I slept roughly two hours a night. I would leave campus after midnight and come back again at 05:00. I gave my best effort to tackle all matters brought to my attention.”

Kabwa is currently studying towards a PhD in International Relations. He shared the following advice for students: “I hold a firm belief that we possess the capacity and the capability to loosen the shackles of mediocrity that have bound so many to complacency. Giving your best is a decision that you have to make every day. Remember that discipline will take you over the finish line when motivation is lacking. So long as you give the best that you have to give on that given day, it is good enough. You are good enough and your contribution is good enough. Go forth and go conquer.”