Hola MaHigh School Volume 5, Issue 4 July 2016
Let’s talk About NSTF: This is important
More from Masiziba on nuclear energy
... and all the other things! Read on
Gauteng, home to Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, boasts an exciting mix of urban lifestyle, diverse cultural and natural attractions, as well as advanced infrastructure. Call us and we’ll show you why Gauteng in South Africa is the perfect location to bring your big idea to vibrant, colourful life.
Contents 06 Editors letter 07 Poem 08 We need writers 10 Contributors 11 Holler at us 14 Careers 24 NSTF Overview 26 Quotes
Contents 27 Nuclear power generation 30 NSTF Brilliants programme 32 Getting the job: where to look 34 CITI 36 Book review - sort of 38 The summary: Arrgh! 40 NSFAs Funding model 44 India 46 Next issue
Editors Letter July. Middle of the year. Winter and holidays and cold. But we have something for yuo to warm up on: Careers! Careers. Different from ‘What Next..’ That, after all, is to to get you into a career. So we have provided three interviews with people in careers we all can associate with and also looked at wher to go to get into a career. There are options out there Masiziba is continuing her quest to educate us all on nuclear energy. The science piece this month is about NSTF - This is the top scientists and researchers - worldwide - we are right up there! Take a bow. We attended the Awards ceremony - WOW! NSFAS has a new funding model. We have an article on this important subject. ... and some humour to keep us all giggling! Good read!
Sybil
Time for poems:
TIME Time is always right The right time. To do the right thing. Right now. Time can never be wrong. It is always the right time Never wait for the big thing to come. But grab the small things, the opportunities that is given to us, all the time, to do the right thing Right now. And if I can take just one thing, just a small thing, That I learned on my journey up until now, and stick to it and do it right All the time, from now on I think I am moving a mountain
Sybil
We need writers! Our writers are growing up and getting older That is og course good. BUT.... it means they are leaving us Therefore: would you like towrite for us? What is required? That is easy You have to be in grade 10-12 Impeccable in your preferred language-and that might not be English. We try to be more than just English Passionate about your topic of choice no dull articles here
Do you get anything out of it? Well, not money, sorrry. BUT if we publish your articles you will have: Your bio in a commercial magazine A photo of yourself You can put it all on your CV you can use us as a reference ... and it goes in your portfolio
Is it important? YES it is. Look what Rofhiwa said: My name is Rofhiwa and I love to write. I think I am rather decent writer too. I took my talent and have used it to express my thoughts on international dealings of the world which have been published in Hola MaHigh-School. It has paid off, not only is my work printed for young people in the country to read, but it also contributed to me gettng a bursary from CNBC-Africa to do my post-graduate studies. Would be a lot harder to get by if I didn’t have platform like Hola MaHigh-School.
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n iva n co.za @romele . : nam e scho Cell n ol E-ma umber ... and il addres s we w ill tal k!
Meet our contributors My name is Masiziba, a 16 year old girl from a small rural town called Balfour in Mpumalanga. I am a matriculant in wait. My mother worked as a domestic worker and my father is a backyard Farmer. During my spare time I love reading, writing stories and watching TV. I am a confident girl who has big dreams and wants to prove that you can make it whatever your background is
Pinky Rapoo is a creative writer by nature and not yet by profession.She lives in Vosloorus and is currently in grade 12 at Vosloorus Comprehensive SecondarySchool. Listening to music is her hobby,writing is her passion. Her motto is “Think twice before speaking,think three times before acting and think thoroughly before writing”.
My name is Fikile Unifire Zulu. First and foremost I’m a career driven, bold, diligent, go-getter and self-motivated young lady from Evaton West in the Vaal Triangle. I’m a firm believer in reading because it nurtures ones’ mind and makes you see the world from a new perspective. I co-founded a non-profit organistation and I also write. I love relaxing with nothing but a book and I enjoy writing.
HOLLER AT US Hola MaHigh-School
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Careers! What is about a career? Last month we wrote about ‘What Next .. after highschool’ but that is not a career. That was about what to do to get into a career. It is then more than for job, that is. So, be a career, but not wrong with having
just getting a job. A paida call centre agent job can really. That is a job. Nothing a job.
A career does not equate to a management position or a high salary. One is having a career as a plumber, because of interest, passion or any other thing. One is having a career as a nuclear scientist. What’s the difference? Exactly! There is another little thing about a career. The ‘what next ..’ is for you to get to a career. You learn the trade. A career/ job must feed you for the next 40 years until you go on pension! That is the reality of life. Horrible truth. Is it fair? I love the Harry Potter quote (Prof Snape of course): “It may have escaped your notice, Mr. Potter, but life isn’t fair” It is of course possible to change jobs and careers, but the fact remains: the job or career is there to feed you until pension. Now let us then look at some careers on the next pages!
A career we can identify with: A teacher Why take Teaching as a career? “ I loved Life sciences and Mathematics was extremely difficult at first, but I worked hard — really hard and got my distinction in Mathematics, then from there I thought a career in teaching would be great because in that way I could help you guys to overcome all the challenges and somehow build future doctors and engineers” says one of my teachers. She also said the norm is completely wrong. I’ll be be probably in teaching and having center for children and/ municipality” she says. be doing her honours
that teaching is ‘limited’ “In the next 10-15 years, holding my doctorate my own educational or students in my district As of next year, she will degree in teaching.
She believes that this profession is very diverse, and for this reason every teacher should have love, passion, patience; basically a big heart because just like every other career — it has challenges .
A famous teacher!
“ One challenge is that what you learn at varsity is ‘just’ a preview” she says. Clearly stating that one of the challenges they face in a class is, for example, a shortage of textbooks and for the mere fact that the learners come from different backgrounds and it is a challenge to link the ‘content’ from the books to their background i.e. reading about a nuclear energy system — that they have never seen in their area.Maybe that’s why all those educational trips are so important. She also does encourage a career in teaching, because you can be able to teach high and primary school learners and help build future doctors and engineers or be a part-time lecturer or host after-school classes for learners who are lacking behind and make a huge difference in their school results or open an educational centre, like she plans to. So why not be a teacher and make a career out of it too? (by Masiziba Hadebe)
Career: IT Sales We spoke to an ‘old hand’ in terms of IT sales. This is one who has been working for big American companies in the likes of Oracle, AT&T and so on. Top-notch companies with a very American sales culture. Did you always want to be in sales? Actually, I was doing Computer Science at university and got into project management of big IT projects. When the company (a smaller company) needed more sales people, I got involved in IT sales as IT sales is rather technical. So insofar as I had to design and implement the systems, it made sense that I also was involved in the selling. And then it just esextent whereI became and later the Assistant combined sales and im-
calated? It did. To the the executive consultant General Manager for a plementation division.
Was it necessary to have a degree for being in sales? No, not at all. But a lot of sales people had a technical background. It is a clear advantage to be able to talk to the technical staff with knowledge. The most important quality is honesty. Total honesty with your client is essential. Was it a tough job? Immensely. One of my colleagues got his commission of R8 million, but he had also worked on the deal for 6 years. Without a break. And his competition in the other company? He had also worked six years on the deal and got nothing. I knew him. He got fired instead. Is it different to work for an American multi-national? It is very challenging. The American culture is very to-thepoint and not all can handle it. But working for international companies also means a lot of overseas trips and the possibility of working in different countries, all over the globe. Believe me, there are just so many possibilities. Can you recommend honesty, integrity and ication and hard work. be there. As in money
it? Sure, but it requires loads and loads of dedBut the rewards can also after all.
Career: Journalist We interviewed Mapula, a professional journalist: Growing I have always been a curious person. I remember wanting to take apart toys like boys do but restraining myself because it was not a girly thing to do. My curiosity was always about how things got to be done and later in life it was about questioning what was happening around me. When I passed matric, I had the option to become a lawyer being the argumentative person that I am, but I knew that was not what instinctively defined what I wanted to carve out for myself a purposeful career. My late sister advised me to consider journalism, but since I did not have money to study at Rhodes which was my dream choice, I registered at Unisa to study communications part-time. This plan worked out in the end although I started off working in training, then communications and even a junior lecturer for a period of a year and half as I looked for an entry into journalism armed with my BA degree in Communications. An opportunity to be in the cadet programme at the then Weekly Mail and Guardian presented itself and I was chosen as one of the dozen cadets for the year 1994. It was the best year to join journalism as we were voting for the first time and were exposed to actually being sent into the field earlier than our previous cadets to watch democracy unfold in the streets. I have been a print journalist since 1995 and have worked for publications including City Press, True Love and am now the deputy editor for Sowetan. I have covered a variety of HIV and Health, Gender Entertainment.
beats including Crime, Issues, Lifestyle and
Being a journalist has encountless ways and the and inform our readers nev-
riched me in so many privilege to educate er loses its appeal.
We provide loans and bursaries to students at all 26 public universities and 50 public TVET colleges throughout the country.
CALENDAR 2016
MAR Construction Focus Week – Grade 9 - 12 Launch My Career – Grade 11
Food for Life Holiday Program
Bloodhound Rocketry Course Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11 Fame Lab Speak2aScientist
APR Launch My Career – Grade 11
Bloodhound Rocketry Course Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11 Mathematics Week – Grade Subject Choice – Grade 9
FOCUS WEEK
ENQUIRING MINDS PROGRAMME
Speak2aScientist
1 - 29 FEBRUARY
JANUARY Life after school – Grade 12
25 Jan. - 12 Feb.
FEBRUARY Life After School – Grade 12
25 Jan. - 12 Feb.
Enquiring Minds Programme – Grade 12 - 3
1 - 29
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24 - 25
Finding my Way– Grade 7
15 - 19
Electronics Club - (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11
Feb. - Sep.
Speak2aScientist
25
Spea
Scie
RCH 8 - 11 7 - 11
mme
19 Mar. - 4 Apr.
e
29 Mar. - 2 Apr. Feb. - Sep. 22 31
RIL 11 - 15
e
29 Mar. - 2 Apr. Feb. - Sep.
4 - 12
18 - 22 18 - 29 28
ak 2a
MAY Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11
Feb. - Sep.
Health Science Week – Grade 4 - 12
16 - 20
Engineering Focus Week – Grade 9 - 12
23 - 27
Subject Choice – Grade 9
3-6
Minquiz (Provincial)
19
Exploring Careers – Grade 10
9 - 13
Speak2aScientist
26
JUNE
entist
Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11
Feb. - Sep.
Subject Choice – Grade 9
1 - 10
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25 Jun. - 17 Jul.
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27 Jun. - 1 Jul.
Speak2aScientist
30
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Feb. - Sep.
Subject Choice – Grade 9
18 - 28
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25 Jun. - 17 Jul.
Bloodhound Rocketry Course
27 Jun. - 1 Jul.
Bloodhound Rocketry Course
4 - 8 Jul.
Minquiz (National )
13 - 14
Astronomy Quiz
Jul.
Speak2aScientist
28
Exciting Careers For Girls
SEPTEM
AUGUST Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11
Feb. - Sep.
Electronics Club – (Intro) – Grade 10 & 11
National Science Week – Grade 4 - 12
1-5
Sustainable Energy Week – Grade 4 & 12
Media Week (Mnet) – Grade 9 - 12
15 - 19
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ICT Focus Week – Grade 9 - 12
22 - 26
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Girl Power: Exciting Careers for Girls 5 - 6 – Grade 9 - 12 Speak2aScientist
25
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1 - 30
Subject Choice – Grade 9
1-4
Speak2aScientist
24
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10 - 31
MBER
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Feb. - Sep. 5-9 22 - 23 1 - 30 29
BER
eek)
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT BOOTCAMP 22 - 23 SEPTEMBER
National Science and Tec Ever heard of the NSTF? No? If you are into science, then it is about time that you get to know them. The NSTF is one of the most important organisations in science, engineering and technology (SET) in SA. Another one is the National Research Foundation but that will be a feature later this year. Why is it relevant to me in high-school? First of all, the NSTF runs two SET-related youth outreach programmes: the Brilliants programme (motivational programme for top SET performers providing study and career advice) and the Share ‘n Dare (role model outreaches via talks and lectures, web- and podcasts, facebook, radio, twitter, etc.). OK, but what else does the NSTF do besides youth outreach? They promote SET and innovation in SA! How? Through discussing SET policies and making recommendations to government, honouring excellence in SET, popularise SET in general, facilitate networking amongst SET professionals, etc. In short, the NSTF support SET at all levels. We attended the NSTF Awards ceremony, 30 June 2016. It was inspiring to learn about the work and achievements of the top academics and innovators in SA. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor and the Head of her Department, Dr Mjwara. The NSTF annual Awards identified 74 science specialists this year. Only seven of them did not not have a PhD qualification or Professor Title. That is the level of the achievements that the NSTF Awards celebrate. What are the fields of the scientists that won an NSTF Award? Examples are:
chnology Forum (NSTF) Dr Sudesh Sivarasu: Biomedical Engineering Prof Jill Farrant: Food Security Prof Jan Smit: Manager Science Communication Prof Godwell Nhamo: Climate Change Dr Khumbulani Mpofu: Industrial Engineering Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha: Nanoelectrochemistry and sensor technology Prof Bhekisipho Twala: Artificial Intelligence Minister Naledi Pandor with DG Dr Mjwara, DST together with one of the winners and statistical sciences ‌ and others. Are you interested in being one of the top science people in SA? The NSTF can provide inspiration for you to become one and provide career information and finding a bursary to study in the sciences.
Minister Naledi Pandor: Dept of Science and Technology
If you have an interest in science or engineering and have what it takes, start now! Follow the activities of the NSTF Youth Outreach programmes mentioned above and
get to know real scientists at work and how you can follow in their footsteps. Visit http://www.nstf. org.za/youth/ to find out more. Know research, science and engineering through the NSTF. Visit www.nstf.org.za Scientists are very impressive people...
Ms Jansie Niehaus CEO NSTF
Quotes Today we are in the realm of silly quotes, funny quotes or just downright daft. “Money cannot by happiness, but money can by chocolate and that is just as good” “If at first you don’t succeed, then give it up. No use go looking like an idiot by carrying on with the same thing” “Experience is the name so many people give to their mistakes” “Without geometry, life is pointless” “Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand” “Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they speak.” “I wasn’t lying, I was just writing fiction with my mouth”
… all from memory, chillihumour and wisdomquotes
Nuclear energy The continuation Turning nuclear energy into electricity is the most important part of the debacle of “nuclear power or not”. So how does nuclear energy produce electricity? Nuclear reactors produce heat, which boils water into steam, steam drives a turbine, turbine produces electricity. OK, there is more to it, but this is the basics. So what is the difference between a nuclear power plant and a coal fired one? Really only the ‘heart’ of it: the entity producing heat. Coal is burned to produce heat, nuclear energy is a fission process generating heat. Fission is where the atomic nucleus is bombarded with additional neutrons (look it up) until it breaks into other particles. That process releases an immense amount of energy and energy equals heat. This process typically releases additional neutrons so a chain-reaction is going. More ‘heat’ = more neutrons, slow down = catch some of the neutrons. It is like an accelerator in the car. It is important to manage this. The heat needs to be channeled to a heat exchanger (boiling the water), otherwise the core will just melt. That is achieved via liquids or gas. The centre of the nuclear reactor is called the ‘core’. It contains cans holding the fuel rods that are laid out in a special way so the fuel (really a metal, which holds the atoms that have to split) will capture enough neutrons to trigger the chain reaction, where the neutrons from one nucleus collide and split the nuclei of the atoms nearby. The fuel rods are surrounded by water or graphite to slow down the neutrons. Special control rods can be lowered into the core between the fuel rods to slow down the chain reaction if needed (less ‘heat) or retracted (more heat). Like pressing the accelerator in the car. Control rods are made of boron which soaks up neutrons. Not so difficult after all?
Nucler Rea ... and th Just like every other technology, nuclear reactors do have different types, one
being better than the other and so forth. But there are only two main types of nuclear reactors: fast and thermal reactors. Then all the fancy-named ‘sub’ types of reactors follow. Thermal reactors use slow-moving neutrons called thermal neutrons, to keep the chain reaction going. Some thermal reactors known as advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGR’s), use gas to carry heat away. One type of AGR reactors is a Magnox reactor. It uses carbon dioxide gas (CO2) to keep the reactor cool. The hot gas (CO2) first flows through the core, then in turn boils the water. The important thing is that in-between the fuel rods are graphite blocks that slow down the neutrons while this is happening. The steam then passes through the heat exchanger and spins the turbine.. Fast reactors are very different from thermal reactors because the neutrons are always moving at high speed. To top that off, it uses a mixture of plutonium and uranium fuels, and is cooled by a special liquid. The fuel rods are packed tightly without water or graphite between them. Breeder reactors are fast reactors that make their own fuel. In the reactor core, neutrons bombard uranium until it undergoes a sudden change into plutonium. They are also extremely efficient because they can, believe it or not, produce about 60 times as much energy as thermal reactors. But many countries have stopped building breeder reactors because they have also had problems with leaks. PS: Uranium is one type of fuel, Plutonium is another. It is possible to grab the energy out of the process of bombarding Uranium, turning it into Plutonium, which is the fuel for another reactor – very smart! There are many fast reactors that are in various stages of development. One reactor type is the Traveling Wave reactor, also known as the TWR. TWRs differ from other kinds of fast-neutron and breeder reactors as they have the ability to use fuel efficiently without reprocessing uranium into, for example, plutonium. They can directly use depleted uranium, natural uranium, thorium, spent fuel removed from light water reactors, or some combination of these materials. It is also a type of nuclear fission reactor that can convert other material into usable fuel through nuclear transmutation.
actor types, he future As impossible as it sounds, it is like taking the ‘garbage bin’ from other reactor types (all the spent fuel rods from years back in time, the radio-active waste, etc) and make fuel rods out of it. There are some nuclear reactors that are theoretically possible like the Generation IV and Generation V reactors. Generation IV nuclear reactors are a set of theoretical reactor designs that are currently being researched. They are not expected to be available for commercial construction before 2030. Some few examples of the Generation IV reactors include Gas-cooled fast reactors and Lead-gas cooled fast reactors amongst many others. Then we’ve got the Generation V nuclear reactors. These are designs which are also possible on paper but are not being actively considered for deployment as it must be economical to do so. But they will be reality in the future. Examples of Generation V reactors include liquid-core nuclear reactors and the Gas-core nuclear reactors amongst many others. Fast and thermal reactors, very different. Improvement ? (With about 240 research reactors) yes. Future? (With so many theoretical possible Generation V reactors ) more will still be done in nuclear science and engineering. Read More on nuclear energy from my upcoming and previous articles, then tell me what you think of Hola’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Masiziba Hadebe
Floating nuclear plant
NSTF Brilliant This is the programme for students that excelled in maths and physical science in matric and chose to study further in the field. This programme introduces potential talent to the heavy research done in science, engineering and technology (SET) fields of the world. Did you know that SA produces outstanding research that can be compared to the best in the world. Let us take pride in that. OK, So what is the about? Grade 12 maths and physachieved results of selected. Two from man and a womstudy in science, neering are invited programme. The sored by the Deand Technology and reward young And if you should get onto the programme, what is the aim then? Recognise, hontop performers science Inspire and motiInteraction with mentors, givaddressing stucareer concerns Providing encomplete their PhD level and in SET
Brilliants programme top achievers in ical science that over 90% (yes!) are each province, a an, that chose to medicine or engito participate in the programme is sponpartment of Science (DST) to recognise talent. our and reward in maths and vate them by: role models and ing advice and dents’ study and couragement to studies up to pursue a career
In essence, these students got to rub shoulders with professors and experts from universities and big business giving them career advice and inspiration to achieve their dreams. The hope is of course to produce more PhD students that could research innovative
ts Programme solutions for South Africa’s unique needs to bring about a better life for all of us. Also to show the world that SA can indeed compete in the global economy. ‌ and that is where YOU come in. Is it hard work and demanding to become a scientist, engineer or technologist? Of course yes. Achieving a 90% result for maths and science demands a lot of dedication and discipline. To then make it to the NSTF Brilliants programme will depend on your success. This programme only considers the highest scorers from each province. Plus university acceptance in a SET field is a requirement. And to get a bursary, you have to aim for distinctions.
Minister Naledi Pandor Dept of Science and Technology
It is not impossible if you are passionate about your dreams. The 18 Brilliants students made it, so can you! . What does it really take? Dedication and passion. And brains of course. Look at it like this: you may have the brains, the ability, but passion is what set the famous scientist, Stephen Hawking aside, notwithstanding disease and disability. If you have the passion, you can be whatever you set your mind on...
Getting the job where t Let us make one thing clear: very few companies will head-hunt you from day one. So it is up to you to get moving, get active. And there are a lot of things to do really. Curriculum Vitae – the famous CV Maybe there is not a lot to put there when only 20 and just finished matric and at a TVET. But the holiday job is also fine. The volunteer work in the community is also something. ANYTHING that will set your CV apart. A prospective employer is looking for passion and activity levels more than experience. Anybody will know you cannot have gained much in that department yet. Email campaign Email your CV to all and sundry. But here is the trap: is it just to ‘justify’ yourself? I have emailed my CV all over, but nobody is interested in me. You emailed to all the wrong people, so what about be focused? Rather five emails where there is a response than 200 and no response. Research Find the companies where you really would like to work. Research them a bit. Find the HR manager’s name. Write an unsolicited application. Stress who you are. And show you have done your homework. You know what they do and why you would like to work there. Look in the newspapers There are jobs offered on a daily basis. Read it all on a daily basis. In all the newspapers. Online There are a range of online job search sites there. We cannot vouch for anyone. The one’s we do know are: pnet, indeed, careers24, jobmail and careerjunction.
b: what to do? to start? These are South African operations and they do have a following. But also look out. There can easily be some ‘fishy’ one’s out there. The golden rule is: If anyone asks you for money upfront, be careful what you ‘fund’. Company websites When you have identified a company who you would like to work for, also look at their website. There could be a listing of positions available. Apply! Overseas The grass might not be greener on the other side. That said, why not apply for something overseas if that is your dream job? It is your future. International companies will help you if they choose you. And so will others. Because there are tons of things to do if you work overseas: Visa, work permits, where to stay, language, and things I have never heard of. A word of advice: make sure you actually have a job before leaving our shores! And make sure the company is recommended and legit. Don’t be a casualty in this! Good luck!
Young South African entrepre munity-driven b A select group of 18 young entrepreneurs from across the country showcased their community-driven business ideas at the annual JA South Africa Company of the Year Competition, held at Citi Bank Plaza, Sandton on 14 July 2016. The Competition, which acknowledges the growing importance of entrepreneurship among young South Africans who have the potential to contribute towards the country’s economic prosperity, is hosted in partnership with Citi. It highlights business ideas conceptualised by grade 10 – 11 learners participating in JA South Africa’s Mini Enterprise- and Entrepreneurship Academy Programmes. The winning team was Core Vortex from McAuley House that presented decorative jars made from recycled material. They were awarded with a cash prize for their school, flights for the team and a chaperone to Harare, Zimbabwe to compete in the JA Africa Regional Company of the Year Competition Sisanda Lukhuleni (left) and Kamotaking place in Decemgelo Ramela (right) from McAuley House - the proud winners of the ber 2016. Company of the year competition 2016 Second place was awarded to Glamorous Creations from Stanger Citi SSA Head of Trade and Manor Secondary School, KwaZulu Natal for its Med- Treasury Solutions, Peter Crawley (left) and Nelly ical Alert Bracelet that allows a person to carry vital Mofokeng, acting managing dimedical information on them in style. rector of JA South Africa (right) award Glamorous Creations
Stanger Manor SecondThird place was awarded to Flip To Fold from Malibu from ary School, KwaZulu Natal for High School, Western Cape that presented a clothes- its Medical Alert Bracelet that folding device made from recyclable material respec- allows a person to carry vital medical information on them tively. in style “Our experiential programmes run throughout the year and ignite a spark in
eneurs recognised for combusiness ideas young people to experience and realise the opportunities, realities and challenges of the working environment,” says Nelly Mofokeng, acting managing director of JA South Africa. “The creative business ideas put forward at this year’s Company of the Year Competition is testament to the success of our programmes.” The learners, from nine different schools across South Africa, were selected to pitch their team business plans to a panel of external judges. All qualifying teams first attended a series of mentorship workshops leading up to the competition to help improve their business ideas, problem-solving, leadership and presentation skills. Jason – Lee Ockhuizen and Fazil Smith from Malibu High School, Judges’ assessments were Western Cape – the proud own- based on a number of ers of Flip To Fold criteria, including business idea clarity, the team’s ability to think critically, understanding basic business principles and the sustainability and relevance of the product or service to embodying social responsibility. “Citi has funded JA experiential in-school and out-of- school programmes through a global partnership spanning over 30 years. We are proud to partner with Citi SA on this momentous occasion for the second consecutive year,” says Mofokeng. “The Citi Foundation is focused on providing youth with the career readiness tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st century economy. Together with JA South Africa, we are helping youth build an entrepreneurial mindset, acquire leadership, financial and workplace skills and begin to engage in the formal economy. The Company of the Year Competition has been nothing short of phenomenal. The teams showed real business acumen and presentation skills, which is rarely seen in entrepreneurs this young,” said Citi SSA Head of Trade and Treasury Solutions, Peter Crawley.
The book Review ...With a twist This month’s book review is a review of the book. What makes it so special? Why do we have books? Paper as it is. Let us look at the book Obviously the PC monitor Kindle was there as well. books then?
equivalents we have today. and the smartphone/tablet. But why do we still have
Let us face it. A book is airtime for the smartOn top of, it is bulky, cal to carry around.
expensive. Compared to phone, a book is expensive. heavy and not really practi-
Do we see a difference in terms of books? Fiction, paperback, entertainment books are all sold by the truck-load (but not as many as ‘before’). So where did it go? My guess: into the smartphone (online) as we still read. What about books for my studies? Still there, it seems, but again, where do we find information now? In a book? Or online? The obvious answer is online, although the serious book will still be the backbone of education. At least in SA Will the paper-based book still be around? Probably, even in some years to come because of one simple thing: it is difficult to read off the smartphone screen for long. It is difficult to go back to a previous page without losing track and so on. So the newspaper (paper!) and the paper-based book might still survive, but they will have a life in a multi-media world where the media of information carrying are video-clips, text, pictures, sound, and also paper. … and to me the smell of a book is a delight!
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CAREER Knowing yourself and your capabilities
Choo se Subj your ects
Care Plan er ning
eer Car ice o ch
For you to pursue your career choice.
You need to pass your Nationa l Senior Certi ficate!
The Eastern Ca pe Department of Education enco urages learners to choose suitable career path, by collecting inform ation that will he lp them pursue their career / field of study.
“it is in your hands “ - Nelson Rolihl
ahla Mandela
Sondlo & Knopp Advertising
The Sum
The dread of IMAGINE THIS!
8 AM strikes! A top shot CEO of some top shot company comes crashing into the office, and unfortunately you, the intern/PA have to line up all up her meetings using ICT, and Half the stuff is sitting in the cloud and the rest on the desktop, cluttering it so it is impossible to find the documents but anyway you make a plan. With the snap of you a bunch of you to go through and save them as PDF facility and and let the people have uploaded.
fingers, Mrs CEO, gives files, a few reports for and sum them all up PDF files then use the save it in the cloud download after you
You felt at ease when you saw her go into the board meeting but as soon as you looked at the files, well, the first one was 7 Megabytes! Maybe because it had plenty of pics in a JPEG format so maybe it would not be so bad. But as soon as the file had loaded, well, it had a very attractive cover page enlarged with words that said “The effect of BREXIT on the Rand”, and looking at its table of content, it had 216 pages! It did have an MPEG in the middle and the MP4 player should be able to use it. As long as the CODEX would not give problems. Problems with the ‘new’ words and concepts? This is the world out there. Where were you going to start with all these large amounts of words? Well, that is where the importance of summarizing comes up. At school we are constantly forced to sum up an article. Too often we just shorten it and use different words (like finding the word ‘required’ and simply
mmary
f high-school replace it with ‘needed’ )
But it ain’t like that in the Real World. Summary is also important in ‘ old school’. The difference between ‘minutes’ and ‘summary’? Imagine you are taking minutes of a meeting. Of course you reference what each and everyone said during those four hours of boring time waste. Those are the minutes. But the summary: “after four hours of repeated statements from all involved, the meeting concluded that wind power will not be pursued for the next 50 years”. Now that is a summary! Why was Winston in numerous long meetthings during WWII? Beto a lot of input (verbal that one or two points the important stuff – the it!
Churchill so successful ings on life-and-death cause he could listen in google) and draw out which were essential – SUMMARY. And act on
Why is Branson successin meetings, finding the the 200 page report, finding that exact point – the “AHAAA”, the
ful? same story: sitting ‘gold dust’ or reading skipping half of it and – the Eureka moment SUMMARY!
So, look out for my next article which will give you the tools to find the AHAA moment.
New NSFAS Fu I read an article off the IOL website, written 18 July 2016, by Louise Flanagan. Very interesting article as it is essential for all students to know what is coming now. First of all: South Africa is into the modern age now, where we are interacting with service providers (like NSFAS) electronically. Here is the gist of the article: Applications will be online from now on (and why not? If you re a student you should be OK with a smartphone of a PC). But the change is more dramatic than that. From now on, a student can apply for a bursary/loan prior to being accepted at any tertiary institution. It is then combined with a wish-list of institutions. If the institution accepts the student, the funding is in place. Student-focused is the word. It makes a bit more sense to focus on the individual student. And that is what NSFAS is now doing, according to the article and according to Louise Flanagan’s quotes from the NSFAS officials. This is apparently something which NSFAS has been piloting over three years. The system is set to go live nationally from 1 August 2016 The process also involves automated check of SARS, Home Affairs, etc, databases to establish the ‘need’ and to apply the correct funding for the student. All done electronically! PS: Deadline for 2017 funding is 1 November 2016. Don’t miss it! Students will get a pre-approval of funding and must apply at the institution as usual. Typically the institution gives a pre-approval, subject to matric results. The new thing is that the matric results are now picked up by NSFAS directly and the loop will be closed: The student is either accepted or reject-
unding Model ed automatically. If accepted, NSFAS will then inform the student what is covered (fees, accommodation, transport, etc etc). There is more: The funding might be made available as ‘sBux’ credits, available on the smartphone. In essence, it is now possible to use the sBux to buy groceries, books, etc (from participating stores of course). It is actually working as has been proven by NSFAS having issued some R250 million sBux vouchers the last couple of years as a trial run. Checks and balances? Well, you can’t buy law books if you are studying engineering, etc. Via devious means, the system guides the student now. It is an immense improvement and it will make the entire administrative process a lot more smooth (and cheaper?) to run. We are surely moving into the digital age now. It does not address the difference between loan and bursaries. Nor does it address the funding criteria themselves. The level of support is still dependent on guardian’s income level and all the other criteria. What is worth mentioning, however, is that TVET studies are also funded and are a focus area of NSFAS. The reason is simple: We have a skills shortage in terms of vocational jobs (electrician, auto mechanic, etc etc). These careers are now also funded via NSFAS (according to certain critera). … and don’t miss the deadlines! 1 November 2016 is crucial for applications now. Get in contact with NSFAS and get on top of all of this!
Ford Premier Awar NMMU Master’s PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, 19 July 2016 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has once again honoured one of the top Master’s Degree students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) during the academic awards for 2015, held at the Feather Market Hall in Port Elizabeth. Regan Pieterse (37) was presented with the Ford Premier Award for the best Master’s Degree in Technology for Human Resources. Pieterse focused his thesis on expatriate cross-cultural adjustment and human resources strategies that can positively contribute to well-being and adjustment into multicultural work environments. He achieved a score of 86% for the dissertation.
“We congratulate Regan on this award, which addresses the need to look after the wellbeing of people taking on assignments around the world,” stated John Cameron, Plant Manager of the Ford L-R - John Cameron, Plant Manage Struandale Engine Plant. “Ford is a truly global Muthwa, Acting Vice-Chancellor at N company, with employees of diverse nationalities Prof EQ Mokhuane, Deputy Chairpe and cultural backgrounds working together in all our markets. This kind of research will hopefully assist people to integrate more easily into new countries, communities and working environments.” Now working in Doha, Qatar, Pieterse said: “I am extremely humbled by this award and would like to extend a huge thank you to Ford South Africa. It’s great to see organisations such as Ford taking a keen interest in the higher education landscape in the country. “I believe that higher education will grow and strengthen through collaboration and key partnerships with the private sector. I hope that this
rd Presented to Top Degree Student award will inspire the youth in my community, in Wentworth, Durban, and my fellow South Africans to be self-motivated and driven in order to reach their full potential.” Pieterse is currently employed as a learning and development specialist at the Sidra Medical and Research Centre in Doha, and has over 14 years of international HR management experience gained across a variety of work sectors in South Africa, the UK and the Middle East. He is now enrolled in his first year of studies towards a PhD in Labour Relations and HR Management. “I am fully committed to completing my thesis and graduation in 2018, and then returning home to make my contribution to the field of HR in South Africa,” he said. “As a learning and development professional, I am particularly interested in conducting scientific studies that will contribute to the fields of HR and Organisational Behaviour, as well as to existing academic literature, specifically with regard to learning and development interventions that impact positively on expatriate adjustment and well-being.”
er of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant, Dr S NMMU, award winner Regan Pieterse, and erson of the NMMU Council
Ford has a long association with the NMMU, having sponsored the Ford Premier Award for several years. It also supports the university’s Ford Engine Research Unit (FERU) which is committed to developing engineering expertise as well as engine research and technologies within the automotive sector, which is the largest employer in the Eastern Cape.
India: The amazing cou Why is India important? What is it about India? Sure India is a lot of things. In fact, India is everything, the biggest, the smallest, the oldest, the newest, the … you name it. 1,2 billion people and the largest democracy The Khumba Mela festival attracts 100 million people Breathing the air in Mumbai for one day is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes India has more people using the internet than the entire population of the USA India has the second largest pool of Scientist and Engineers in the World. And there are just so many more things about India. Can’t mention it all as I would be at it the whole day. India is amazing. But besides all the facts, what is it about India? It is the youth! And the economy. 50% of the Indian population is below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. That means that there is energy stored here. It is about education and jobs and ultimately economy. India’s economy is the fastest growing economy right now. Combine that with the population growth and we might see a true super-power. The areas where India will dominate are the most interesting one’s. Which areas? Software ($167 bn per year), cars (21 million cars per year), banking and international financing, aero industry, space industry and consumer products. These are the growth areas in any country and that is where India is focusing. There are of course problems. If the economy can grow faster than the population, India will prosper, if not, there are problems ahead. Can the wealth also be channeled to the poor (20% of the world’s poorest live in India).
untry and sub-continent If we try to look into the future, we might see a 2050 where Indian cars will dominate the export markets (price, quality, features) and where both Boeing and Airbus will compete heavily with Hindustan Aeronautics. Features and price will be key here. I see an India where the software industry (inclusive of computers, big and small) where India will be the biggest player. Tata is one of the biggest software groups globally and with outsourcing, it can only go into becoming even bigger than ow (ranked fourth in the world). I see and India which is also using its military to ‘project power’ in the region. There will be a show-down with China at some point and I think India will ‘win’ without firing even one shot. … because if you combine military might with economic power, you win! India might dominate the life of the globe as USA has dominated out thinking from 1945 until now. Is it bad? I don’t think so. Bollywood is just as good as Hollywood. We might just have to adjust our attitudes and thinking. … and by 2050? India will be in a position to solve international conflicts because of its standing as a democracy and because it can put power behind any solution, be it economy or military.
India will be the main exporter of high-value items (aircraft, cars, etc etc) and will buy up manufacturing in USA and Europe.
… but the danger is if the population growth will carry on without any outlet, be it emigration or ‘conquest’ of empty space in Asia. And there is no empty space anymore.
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