SCIENCE CAREERS SA (KZN 2016 issue)

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KWAZULU NATAL ISSUE 2016


There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space. However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!

SATELLITE O PE

REMOTE SEN SI NGINEER YE C N

SPACE WEAT HE

RADIO FREQ UE

S TECHN IC ION T IA RA

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G N

EARCHER RES

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N SISTA T AS


Space in our everyday lives We use communication satellites every day when we watch Digital Satellite tv, access the internet or use our cell phones

Navigation apps use GPS satellites to accurately steer you to your requested destination

SANSA has supported two Mars launches – NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission

Weather in space can damage satellites and interfere with our technology like GPS, cell phones and internet. SANSA keeps a close eye on space weather to protect our technology in space and on Earth

Images from satellites are used to develop maps and monitor natural disasters like floods and droughts

South African National Space Agency Tel +27 12 844 0398 | Fax +27 12 844 0396 Email information@sansa.org.za Website www.sansa.org.za


THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU WILL EVER MAKE IN YOUR LIFE. Choosing a university is a huge decision, in what makes or breaks your future. Choose a university that boasts a worldclass reputation as a member of the International Association of Universities and the Commonwealth Universities. A DUT qualification is internationally recognised, putting you immediately ahead of the pack in the working world.

YOUR FIRST YEAR COULD BE 100% FREE. If you’re a top National Senior Certificate matriculant who has obtained an aggregate of 80% or higher. Or if you are the number one matriculant in your school, you could qualify for a 100% remission of tuition fees for the first year of study. Furthermore, we offer a 50% remission of tuition fees for B aggregate students for the first year of their study. The NSFAS financial aid package is also available to students who qualify for funding assistance. Contact 0860 067 327 for more information on how to obtain a NSFAS loan.

DUT GRADUATES ARE IMMEDIATELY EMPLOYABLE. Graduates are readily employable in a competitive working environment thanks to both a theoretical and experiential components in our qualifications, unique to DUT. We attract top students with the ability to be forward thinkers, progressively challenging accepted trends and carving international niches for themselves in the technological world of today. The Faculties of Sciences offer a wide range of programmes, with qualifications ranging from the healthcare sector to Pure and Applied Sciences. Our qualifications range from the under graduate three year National Diploma to post graduate, Bachelor’s, Masters’ and Doctoral Degrees in Technology.


5 REASONS WHY DUT SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE. 1.

We have six Faculties and deliver 69 academic courses designed to make you employable, delivered across five campuses in Durban, and two in the Midlands.

2.

We offer internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, which have consistently produced award-wining students for over a century.

3.

We offer Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in nearly every course. In many cases, this includes spending time in the industry as an intern.

4. 5.

We have 3 000 staff members, 1 200 of whom are academic staff members, many with Doctoral qualifications and Professorship. A Masters degree is the minimum standard qualification for a full-time lecturer. At DUT it’s about you reaching your full potential. We believe in a student-centred education. Educate students, generate new scientific knowledge and engage communities.


OUR TEAM PUblishER: ChARlTOn PETERs

EdiTOR in ChiEf: lAURA CUPidO

ART diRECTOR:

DONOVAN VAN ZYL

ADVERTISING dEsiGn: ACCOUnTs:

SCSA

SABRINA VAN ZYL

disTRibUTiOn: Science Careers SA PROdUCTiOn:

DONOVAN VAN ZYL

COnTRibUTORs:

SANSA,

SKA, NSFAS, Northlink College, West Coast Fossil Park, James Hayes, Aslam Mukadam.

sCIENCE CAREERs sA • tEll 021 821 8185/95 • CEll 063 240 2997 • FAX: 086 605 4912 • EMAIL CHARLTON@SCIENCECAREERSSA.CO.ZA • WWW. SCIENCECAREERSSA.CO.ZA No article or any part of any article may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publishers. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith but do not necessarily represent the opinions of this publication, the publisher or the editor. Neither this magazine, the publisher nor the editor can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages, or from any statements made or withheld by this publication. Science Careers SA Magazine is published by Science Careers SA (PTY) LTD. All material contained herein, the concept, the idea and all intellectual rights are the sole ownership and under copy right of Science Careers SA (PTY) LTD, and may not be copied or reproduced in any way. 6

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X

www.maths .com Top Class Online Maths Tuition R 100 per month for all 364 video lessons!

FREE !

info@mathsX.com

6 Demo video lessons

illustrating full tutoring system

Hosting South Africa’s top online Maths tutoring system developed by South African educators for South African learners

The world’s most resourceful Maths website Resources from Gr 1 to Gr 12 & University Maths

Packaged with all 3 grades – Grades 10, 11 & 12 • • • •

Access to all 364 video lessons Notes for all lessons Testing after each lesson Marking after each test

• Full solutions to each test • Re-tests to improve mark • Progress reports for all tests & re-tests

Now parents can monitor their children’s progress online !


iN ThiS

Issue...

RegUlaRS

featUReS

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cReditS page

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SANSA's DR ZAMA INSPIRES ALL

12

fORewORd

18

3d mapping Of the UniVeRSe

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cOmpetitiOn WITH SANPARKS

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hOw tO excel in mathematicS

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letteRS fROm OUR ReadeRS

38

why yOU ShOUld StUdy Science

46

StUdent fUnding

94

21ST CENTURY ARTISAN

10

CYTOLOGIST

22 FORENSIC SCIENTIST 26 maRine naVigatOR

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SPACE WEATHER PRACTITIONER

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LAZER PHYSICIST

70

MARINE ENGINEER

28

aStROphySicS and cOSmOlOgy

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ELECTRONICS e n g i n e e R

CONSERVATION OFFICER

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aeROnaUtical engineeR

SOIL ScientiSt

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PAEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGIST

AUDIO VISUAL TECHNICIAN

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78

Satellite OpeRatiOnS technician

PROCESS ENGINEER

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CIVIL ENGINEER

80

DATA SyStemS

48

MATERIALS CHEMIST

82

ANTARTIC ENGINEER

50

ENTOMOLOGIST

84

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

52

COMPUTER ENGINEER

88

OccUpatiOnal theRapiSt

56

WIND TURBINE ENGINEER

90

ZOOLOGIST

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nOn deStRUctiVe technician

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RObOticS & mechatROnicS

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aStROphySicS AND COSMOLOGY

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FELLOW IN ASTRONOMY

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Johannessburg

32 Diagonal Street Cnr. Sauer & Jeppe Street. (Opp Bank City) Tel : 011 - 834 3051

Kempton Park

22 Voortrekker Street (Opp Kentucky Fried Chicken) Tel : 011 - 394 8004

Krugersdorp Cnr Burger Street (Above Old Nedbank) Tel: 011 660 5671/9538

Pretoria 13 Church Square Cnr. Bank St. & Church Street Tel : 012 - 323 0577/0488


Dr ZAMA KATAMZI

Space science Researcher Z

ama Katamzi sports a ponytail and skinny jeans. She’s not your average space physicist. The 28-year-old researcher from Clermont, Durban, is one of the brightest stars at the South African National Space Agency (Sansa) Space Science in the Western Cape. Sansa is one of 13 regional warning centres that form part of the International Space Environment Service’s worldwide network monitoring the Earth’s magnetic field.

Katamzi was in Grade 11 when she watched an episode of Star Trek and fell in love with outer space. Astronomy is a male-dominated field, but Katamzi seized the challenge. Today she’s a role model for a new generation of female scientists. She laughs at the idea that she’s anything special. “I am just like any other girl. I like shopping and I love shoes!” she says. When Katamzi isn’t star-gazing, she focuses on solving grassroots problems. In her spare time, she talks to youngsters at her church and local schools. Many have been inspired to follow her example and study science. “I’ve had the opportunity to motivate young girls to choose science as a career, and prove that women can do as good a job as men,” she says. Katamzi, who has a BSc in physics

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from the University of Cape Town and an Msc from Rhodes University, won a scholarship to the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. She’ll obtain her doctorate in ionospheric physics later this year. Her plan: to become an A-class international scientist: “There is no limit on how I can grow in my career, based on merit and not on gender.”

Q1:

Your first year at University, coming from Clermont, a township 20km’s outside of Durban, was it daunting to face the changes in lifestyle and study work?

A:

At the beginning of my first year, I was very nervous as I came from a girls-only boarding school (I did 5 years there) and coming to UCT on my own with no friends I was worried. At school I had many friends, I was used to that life and now I was in a new environment and had to make new friends. It was not easy at all, I’m more of a reserved person and don’t make friends easy. I was also worried about how I was going to cope with academic workload, especially since my matric results weren’t that great, how I was going to make sure I passed and didn’t disappoint myself and my family.

Q1:

How did you find it in yourself to not be intimidated by all that was bigger and new, and not to let self doubt in your abilities, creep in?

A:

I think probably the fear of failure is what pushed me the most. I was very determined to get good results so that I could stand a better chance of getting a bursary/scholarship. When my self-determination wasn’t enough, I had my mom for moral support; when I thought I couldn’t do something, she always had some way of talking me into believing I could.

Q1:

If you could sit down with the young you as she was about to begin Matric, what would you say to her.

A:

Focus! You have the mental capability to work harder than you think. Take advantage of all available resources (teachers, study groups, holiday programs, etc).

Q1:

Were you prepared for how different the type of work and workload was at University in comparison to school, and how did you cope and adjust to it?

A:

I think university was when I actually had my wake up call for serious hard working. I had never worked so hard before; which is probably why my university marks were much better than my high school marks. During my first 2-3 years at university I mainly focused on my academic work; had very little social life. But as I got used to the work, I had a more balanced life. ■


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Artisan Why study at a public TVET College? “It definitely is cool to be a 21st Century Artisan” – These words were spoken by the Deputy Minister Manana of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) during the opening ceremony of the South African WorldSkills Competition which was held in early 2015 in Cape Town. The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges are seen as the live-blood of artisan skills training, not only in South Africa, but the world at large. These higher education institutions are part and parcel of the communities in which they are

situated, providing accessibility to satisfy the immediate need for skills and further training. Artisan skills training are one of the ways that can improve the socio-economic environment of the community that the potential students are a part of. There are 50 TVET Colleges in South Africa and six in the Western Cape that assist with the development of skills. The DHET’s announcement of the “Decade of the Artisan” has been an initiative that gives prospective students the opportunity to discover what the TVET sector is all about. Annually prospective students from

various provinces flood the gates of these colleges to experience all the different courses the TVET Colleges have to offer. Students, who are not able to study due to financial constraints, now have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance, if they meet the criteria as set out by DHET and the bursary funder. Those who wish to apply for a bursary must also adhere to all the criteria to be successful. Once the application has been approved, students can enjoy peace of mind and focus on their studies without having any fear of financial concerns. Continued on page 16 ▶

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Central Office 83 Allen Street, Newcastle. Tel: 034 326 4888


Continued from page 14 ▶

The TVET Colleges offer qualifications such as National Diplomas, National Certificates as well as National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)). To obtain an NC (V) qualification, a grade nine pass is required and after three years this qualification will be equivalent to a grade 12 senior certificate / N3. NC (V) courses are vocationally driven in a specialised field and can give the student access to study other National Certificate courses.

cosmetology, the world truly is their oyster.

Some of the Colleges in the country, such as Northlink TVET College, have accredited trade test centres that will allow any student who wishes to become a qualified artisan to attempt their trade test. Once they completed their trade test successfully, they will then be awarded a red seal as an indication of their training and expertise in the artisan trade.

“Education is our core business, and with that comes other responsibilities to help support the students to become the best at what they set out to become,” says Trish van der Merwe, Deputy Principal: Innovation and Development at Northlink College.

With so many Colleges and courses to choose from prospective students can realise their dreams. Amongst other courses in the fields of design, education, information technology, business, hospitality, tourism, safety, health, engineering, hair care and

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The students who study at the TVET Colleges also have access to student support services that look after the health / wellness of the students, as well as any academic support they might need. Should the student experience any personal challenges they can make use of a student support officer’s service.

So what more do you need? Students have a variety of courses to choose from, many qualifications that will suit their level of education, as well as the opportunity to be placed in the industry. Also they have an opportunity to adjust to College life with the support of people that are centred around their academic and personal well-being. ■

The students who study at the TVET Colleges also have access to student support services that look after the health / wellness of the students. Apply now at any of the 50 National TVET Colleges today or visit the TVET College website on www.fetcolleges.co.za


SKA1 LOW - the SKA’s low-frequency instrument The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s largest radio telescope, revolutionising our understanding of the Universe. The SKA will be built in two phases - SKA1 and SKA2 starting in 2018, with SKA1 representing a fraction of the full SKA. SKA1 will include two instruments - SKA1 MID and SKA1 LOW - observing the Universe at different frequencies.

Frequency range:

Location: Australia

50 MHz to 350 MHz

130,000

antennas spread between 500 stations

Total collecting surface:

0.4km2

Maximum distance between stations:

65km

Total raw data output:

157 terabytes per second

4.9 zettabytes per year

SKA1 LOW

5x

Enough to fill up

35,000 DVDs every second

the estimated global internet traffic in 2015 (source: Cisco)

Compared to LOFAR Netherlands, the current best similar instrument in the world

135x 25% 8x faster at better more resolution

sensitive

mapping the sky


SKA SA has been crucial in promoting the build-up of the required researchers to lead such an effort. Tests are already being conducted using the KAT-7 system and plans are underway to start tests with MeerKAT in the near future.

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Advancing astrophysics with the SKA

T

he SKA telescope as described by Professor Santos, is like a “physics lab”, allowing many different experiments to be pursued. The 3D mapping survey is just one of several surveys taking place that will allow scientists to push the limits of our current knowledge of the Universe. The papers supporting these surveys are being published and form part of a larger series covering all the science the SKA is expected to contribute to, such as pulsars, cosmic magnetism, the early stages of the Universe and the search for other life in the Universe. These papers were collected in a unique science book titled Advancing Astrophysics with the Square Kilometre Array, published earlier this year by the SKA Organisation. The SKA Cosmology Science Working Group is an international SKA group, (see the full list of members here: http:// astronomers.skatelescope.org) of which Professor Santos is the current chair. Professor Roy Maartens, who was the previous chair, is also the head of Astrophysics at UWC). The SKA book is now available online here: http:// pos.sissa.it/cgi-bin/reader/conf. cgi?confid=215 “It is rewarding to see all these papers being published, thanks to the hard work put in by all the science working groups. The wide range of science covered in them is testimony to the SKA’s potential as a 21st Century facility to revolutionise many areas of study in astrophysics, but also in physics, astrochemistry and beyond,” says Robert Braun, who is coordinating the process as the SKA Organisation’s Science Director. Student empowerment One student, who has benefited from being under the supervision of Professor Santos, is Siyambonga Matshawule. Originally from Queenstown, Matshawule studied hard and followed

his dreams, and in return for his dedication and hard work was awarded an MSc with distinction by UWC. He is currently employed at SKA SA as a telescope operator while doing his PhD part time through UWC. His passion has also seen him passing on his love for science and the stars to young learners around South Africa at various talks and festivals, including the Grahamstown National Science Festival. With his main area of research in Cosmology, South African based Associate Professor Mario Santos, from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is studying how the next generation of large radio telescopes such as the MeerKAT in South Africa, will be able to answer fundamental questions in cosmology. From the nature of dark energy or the physics of the primordial Universe to the process of reionisation when the first stars and galaxies of the Universe were born, this research will involve both analytical models and large scale numerical simulations, as well as a good understanding of the telescopes’ set-up. The huge volumes of data that will be provided by these experiments also allow for unique and exciting ways to develop novel statistical analysis techniques. Scientists from around the world have joined forces to lay the foundations for an experiment of truly astronomical proportions: putting together the biggest map of the Universe ever made with scientists from South Africa playing a key role in determining how to use the Square Kilometre Array South Africa (SKA SA) to map the history of the Universe as well as answer many of its other mysteries. Researchers from the Cosmology Science Working Group at the SKA SA have worked out how to use the world’s largest telescope for the task. “The team has produced an exciting collection of cutting-edge ideas that will help shape the future of cosmology,” says Working Group chair Professor Roy Maartens from UWC.

The SKA telescope will allow scientists to look back into the history of the Universe and offer insight into how it has evolved over 14 thousand million years. Information on how stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies were formed and how they have changed since the universe was young will be obtained. This will allow for the plotting of a threedimensional (3D) map of the Universe. Professor Santos explains: “Usually a map of the Universe is made using galaxies as tiny beacons of the large scale structure of the Universe. This is quite demanding as it requires the mapping of large numbers of galaxies across the sky. “The survey we are proposing will measure the emitted radiation from all the hydrogen atoms spread across the Universe without actually detecting galaxies. This will make it easier to survey all of the sky across cosmic times, allowing Phase 1 of the SKA to become an extremely competitive cosmology machine.” An intensity mapping experiment like this has never been done before. According to Santos, the largest 3D maps of the Universe have used optical telescopes. The one that the working group is proposing will be about 50 times larger and while other future experiments, such as the Euclid satellite, will also be able to probe a large fraction of the Universe, none will match the SKA in terms of size and depth. When the actual survey with the SKA comes online, a large team will be required to deal with all the data. Once Phase 1 of the SKA is built, around 2022, it will take about two years to complete the survey. As Maartens explains: “It will be like making a movie of the Universe from a young age, when it was only about two billion years old, until today when it is about 14 billion years old. The movie will be in low resolution but enough to test the fundamentals of cosmology.”

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Generally learners develop a negative attitude towards mathematics due to the lack of general basic mathematical knowledge and also due to the lack of a solid foundation in this subject. There are various reasons for this, some of which are:

• • • •

Learners do not do their homework Learners do not catch up on work missed due to absence Learners misunderstand work due to lack of concentration or focus Learners lack practice – this is the most important reason

WHY PRACTISING MATHS IS ESSENTIAL

• • • •

Learners will come across variations in certain topics that won’t necessarily be dealt with in the initial lessons in class. Most variations will only be encountered while attempting the homework and working through past exam papers. Variations give the brighter learner the opportunity to express their creativity. The average or weaker learner will encounter the difficulty at home and not face it in the exam room for the first time.

Thus, when the solutions to the variations are provided – learning takes place after the struggle with the exercises at home. However, if the learner does not attempt the homework then the learning that takes place the following day won’t be embedded and remembered for tests and exams.

So, in order to excel in mathematics, all learners have to go through the process of:

• • • •

Paying careful attention and learning the content in class. Attempting the homework with all its variations. Making mistakes and learning from their mistakes when the solutions to the homework are provided . Re-doing all sums that were incorrect while doing the homework until mastered by using the teacher’s answers as reference.

The above process must be an everyday practice. Instead of the above process, learners generally leave their ‘studying’ for the last minute and ‘glance over’ their work the night before a test or exam instead of sitting with pen and paper and re-doing all the sums especially those they got incorrect while attempting their homework. In conclusion, in order to succeed in Maths learners need to spend at least 45 minutes everyday attempting Maths homework and 45 minutes practising work done earlier in the year or working through past exam papers. ■

HOW DOES THE MATHS EXCELLENCE WEBSITE HELP TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS

On the Maths Excellence website – www. mathsX. com learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12 who lack the basic background knowledge have access to 364 comprehensive video lessons, notes and tests with full solutions where they can fill the gaps on topics missed out on or misunderstood in class. Parents can also monitor their children’s progress online as a progress report is available of all the test scores. These tests can be repeated until a mark close to or above 80% is reached. On this website learners also have access to past exam papers with full solutions from 2008 to 2015 not only in maths but for all other matric subjects as well.

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with Captain Gqwetha Mkhize Why did you choose this career? When I was still in high school I attended the careers expo and discovered this career which seemed different, interesting, and adventurous and one could make a good living out of it. Everyone else wanted to do something which to me was normal and I also thought the job market may be a bit flooded which would have meant difficulty in finding a job after studying.

What training did you undergo, and where? Studied Maritime Studies at Durban University of Technology (DUT) which was Technikon Natal at the time, have undergone a lot of practical training that included Survival Training, Fire Fighting, First Aid, etc. The cadetship training which took 12 months onboard the ship and lead to my first qualification as a junior Navigating Officer. I served a further 36 months as a Navigating Officer leading to qualifying as a Captain.

M A RINE TOR A VIG A N

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Describe an average day? It is hectic as it involves a lot of decision making to various aspects of Maritime industry, attend to various complaints and finding solutions, maintaining order within the shipping community especially boating community and ensuring smooth operations within my area of jurisdiction. I also have to ensure that the office functions normally and that everyone does what they are supposed to be doing within the limits of our law.


What do you enjoy most? I enjoy the challenges it brings on a daily basis, most of the issues I have to deal with are on a case by case basis. It develops my mental ability all the time.

Career highlights? Undoubtedly is Graduating for my Diploma in Maritime Studies in (DUT), passing my examination as Captain and being promoted to Principal Officer at SAMSA.

3 important qualities that your position requires? Understanding the dynamics of the country and the world as whole, discipline and commitment.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? My job plays a major role in the development of Maritime industry, the safety ships and protection of the marine environment and the wellbeing of the seafarers.

Experience vs Training: Hold a National Diploma in Studied Maritime Studies and Qualified as Captain (Master Mariner), spent 10 years sailing in container ships as a Cadet and Navigating officer up to the rank of Second Mate, in 2010 started working for the South African Maritime Safety Authority, in 2013 I Acted in position of Principal Officer and 2015 was promoted to Principal Officer which is the position I currently hold.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career?

...Spent 10 years sailing in container ships as a cadet and navigating officer up to the rank of second mate, in 2010 started working for the south african maritime safety authority, in 2013 I acted in position of principal officer and 2015 was promoted to principal officer which is the position I currently hold.

Maritime Studies. Set your mind straight and aim for your goals, be prepared to sacrifice what you hold dear, be disciplined What are your and enjoy life. career goals?

Honestly I think I have achieved more than I anticipated at this young age, however I think that my best is yet to come. I see myself as one of the top Not being well off growing up Executives in the Administrations in the mainly due to racial division near future, for I still have hunger for our country went and still going through. The racial discrimination in more success. the industry, when we started there weren’t many African people in this Does the Industry (and career, which then lead to tension your type of position) from time to time. that you are in, face

What challenges have you had to overcome?

What qualifications do I need? Matric with good Maths and Science, National Diploma in

gender bias?

There have been a lot of changes regarding gender equality therefore it is improving. Perhaps it is more of the numbers issue than bias lately. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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CATION I F I C E P OS kend) T D E wee N T DESIG loution black O N res ( . D er A lour bigg ACRU it co nd ad - madebackgrou ed z i resi added i also


with Dr. Hsin Cynthia Chiang

s c i s y h p o r Ast y g o l o m s o C and Why did you choose this career?

Isidor Isaac Rabi is quoted as saying, “I think physicists are the Peter Pans of the human race. They never grow up and they keep their curiosity.” I’ve been fascinated by how the natural world works for as long as I can remember and being able to carry out these studies in my career now, as an adult, is truly a childhood dream come true.

hat training did you undergo, W and where? I went to school in the United States. As an undergraduate, I studied at the University of Illinois. I initially majored in both physics and art, but physics turned out to be more fun (and easier). I did my PhD in physics at the California Institute of Technology, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University. I additionally spent one year as a winterover scientist at the South Pole station before accepting my current position at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

What does your job entail? I’m an astrophysicist with an emphasis on cosmology, which means that I study the universe as a whole: how the universe began, what it’s made of, and how it’s evolving. To answer these questions, I build specialised telescopes that take pictures of the sky at radio and microwave wavelengths.

Describe an average day? I often tell people that my job is perfect for people who have short attention spans: Every day is a little different, and that’s what makes it so fun. My work encompasses everything from hardware development to data analysis. Some days involve cutting metal and drilling holes and other days involve computer programming. The variety keeps it interesting.

What do you enjoy most? One of the most wonderful aspects of my job is the adventure component. Our telescopes need to be sited in remote locations, where they can have a clean view of the sky. I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to Antarctica six times to deploy instruments, and I now work on experiments that are based in the Karoo desert.

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W hat is the least enjoyable part of your job?

As a researcher at a university, much of my job requires administrative work, grant writing, etc. in order to ensure that more junior members in our group have the necessary resources. This auxiliary work unfortunately takes time away from actual research, but it’s a very important part of the job.

Career highlights? Cosmology research is often a struggle: We spend most of our time incrementally improving hardware and software, taking one small step at a time. I wouldn’t be in this job if this long journey weren’t spectacularly fun, but there is something uniquely special about that final scientific payoff at the end. Words can’t describe the feeling of seeing something new that nobody else has ever seen before. And for a brief moment, it’s yours alone to enjoy.

3 important qualities that your position requires? Basic mathematics and physics skills are absolutely essential. They build the foundation for cosmology research, and that foundation has to be rock solid. Beyond that, the most important things are perseverance and unrelenting curiosity.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? The sentence I tell other people: I build and use telescopes in order to gain a better understanding of how our universe works. The sentence I tell myself: I solve puzzles and play with toys.

Experience vs Training? Coursework in mathematics and physics is important, but that’s only the beginning. It’s even more important to develop the independence to pick up other skills that aren’t necessarily taught in class. Many of us are self-taught in the basics of engineering, computer programming, etc. The best way to learn is by doing.


A dvice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? Be sure to build a solid background in mathematics and physics. In addition, try to find research opportunities as early as possible: These can take the form of vacation or reading projects, Honours projects, etc.

T ype of person that would enjoy this kind of career? If you enjoy solving puzzles, that’s the first step. If you can’t sleep well until you’ve solved a puzzle, then this job is for you!

Potentia l for growth - Where can your current position lead? Cosmology and Astrophysics research is a great way to develop highly versatile and marketable skills. There are many job opportunities that lie beyond academia and basic research. Many people with Astrophysics PhDs successfully continue on to industry jobs in data science (Google, Netflix, etc.), aerospace engineering, consulting, finance, and even medicine.

W hat challenges have you had to overcome? Learning how to do research can be a bit scary at first. Unlike coursework, there are no answers at the back of the book, so it can be difficult to find confidence and a sense of direction. But with practice and with the help of mentors, this skill is one that can be developed.

What qualifications do I need? Proficiency in mathematics and physics is all that’s needed for starters. Everything else can be learned along the way.

What are your career goals? South Africa has a flourishing astrophysics community and one of my goals is to help establish locallybased experiments that will deliver internationally competitive, cutting edge science.

Dr. Hsin Cynthia Chiang If you can’t sleep well until you’ve solved a puzzle, then this job is for you!

I s continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Cosmology research moves at a rapid pace, so it’s very important to keep learning every day. There are always new developments, so we continuously educate ourselves about the most recent work that’s being done. ■

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ith wJaclyn Smith

Senior

Section Ranger Why did you choose this career?

When I was in High School, nearing the end of my secondary education – I thought for a long time about what I wanted to commit my time to, in terms of a career choice. In Grade 11, we were allowed to choose an organisation to do “job shadowing” with. I chose to work at the Two Oceans Aquarium with the team of experts that see to the welfare of the animals as well as the operations of the facility. I had already had an interest in biology at that stage, and working with the marine team at the Aquarium made me realise that I wanted to pursue a career in the field I enjoy most.

What training did you undergo, and where?

I had initially applied to study Oceanography at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), however that course was only offered once every second year. The year that I applied was the year it was not being offered. I was then accepted into CPUT for my second choice, which was a National Diploma 30

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in Nature Conservation. In hind sight, I now realise that it was the better choice for me as it has lead me to the position I am in now with South African National Parks.

Describe an average day?

I’m lucky in that my job has both an office and outdoors aspect to it. My days in the office are spent overseeing procurement processes, authorising purchases for various operations, attending meetings and responding to emails. The days I get to spend time in the field, I commit to doing foot patrols with my teams and law enforcement.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position?

The part that makes me most proud of being a ranger and being in the position I am in, is that I am helping to ensure that this protected area remains protected and that – between myself and my team – we are the voice of those that cannot speak for themselves, i.e. all the fauna, flora and natural process that existed long before we did.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? Although I work hard to try to address all the issues we face in the Central section, sometimes I cannot get to everything. What I do find encouraging is that having a appositive attitude and a “never give up” state of mind helps.

Career highlights?

I once got the opportunity to assist with Game Capture and relocation of Giraffe from Kruger National Park to Zinave National Park in Mozambique. It was an incredible experience both in Kruger, as well as experiencing conservation outside of the South African context in Mozambique. Giraffe capture is immensely technical and very dangerous. In experiencing this, I have gained a lot of respect for the Veterinary Wildlife Unit of SANParks.

3 important qualities that your position requires? Patience, Perseverance, Positivity


In 1 sentence, describe your job?

A Senior Section Ranger manages the overall operations of a portion of the protected area.

Experience vs Training?

Both are equally imperative for this kind of work. A lot of what we deal with relates directly with environmental legislation. This means that you need to be trained to enforce those legal Acts and legislations. In order to excel in the application of those laws, you need experience in field. The two aspects complement each other.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? A career in conservation is not one for those who want to make lots of money fast! – it is a career you chose because you have a genuinely keen interest in the conservation of our environment. It is hard work, and sometimes it feels as though you are fighting a losing battle, but you need the right attitude and determination to see it through. Also, the work of a ranger is physically demanding, so be prepared to get sweaty and your hands dirty.

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead?

From Senior Section Ranger, the next rank up would be Area Manager. This person would then over see a much larger area than the Senior Section Ranger. They are more involved with strategic management decisions that need to be made in the section. One rank up from that would be a Park Manager. This person then over sees the management of the entire national park and the managers and staff within it.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

I have always been quite a shy person and avoided challenging myself. Since joining the ranger corp in Table Mountain National Park, I have been put

in situations that made me incredibly uncomfortable at first. However, the more I did those things, the better I became at it. Now I accept the challenge whole heartedly and see it more as a learning opportunity than something to be avoided.

What qualifications do I need?

There are various ranks in the ranger corp – for my position one would need a minimum of a National Diploma in Nature Conservation, with a Btech being an added advantage. Experience in the conservation field with specific focus on people and financial management is also important.

What are your career goals?

I am working towards being a Park Manager in ten years’ time, not necessarily of Table Mountain National Park though. I think it is a huge responsibility and an honour to ensure the protection of a natural area. I anticipate that it is stressful yet rewarding, much like the position I am in currently. It also requires strong leadership skills and the ability to make important and difficult decisions, for the greater good.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias?

Absolutely! Conservation has long been deemed “men’s work” due to the strenuous nature of the job. There will be people along the way that will question your ability – this bias can be based on your gender or your age, or both together. This is where perseverance, hard work and good leadership come in. Those characteristics are crucial in how you approach all challenges in the work place, and how you set an example for the team you lead. I am fortunate in that there are many other strong female leaders already in this field who put their money where their mouth is, so to speak. They have all shown that they can work as well as, if not better than, their male counterparts.

Jaclyn Smith Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career?

Yes, there is a fair amount of technical knowledge one needs to manage a protected area. Many of the decisions we need to make is based on ecological concepts for the effective management of the park. Botany, zoology, geology etc. are important fields of study in order to get to this kind of position. There is always more to learn, even if one is already in a position of management in this field. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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ith wMahlatse Kganyago

h t r a E Observations Scientist Why did you choose this career?

I was fascinated by the fact that through the use of satellite technology, we can extend our eyes to have a bird-eye view of the earth, that allows us to manage and monitor natural resources such as Forests, Grasslands, rivers, etc., infrastructure such as settlements, roads, etc. and disasters such as veld fires, floods, etc. I was attracted to this career because of my passion for the environment and the craving to know how satellite technological innovations can help in solving some of the major environmental challenges such as climate change.

Image classification to retrieve land cover information, Remote Sensing research, tutorial development, Science advancement , i.e. exhibitions and career guidance, developing capacity of others through training courses and developing tutorials, report writing and presenting.

Describe an average day?

I enrolled for BSc. In Environmental and Resource studies at University of Limpopo, this lasted 3 years. I then enrolled for BSc. Honours with the same University and it lasted 1 year. In both qualifications, Remote Sensing and GIS were one of the major subjects.

On an average day, I first check my emails to ensure that I do not miss out on some important and/or urgent communications and then reply when necessary. Effective communication is essential in this field. I then read at least 2 research articles on remote sensing topic of interest, or read my own work to ensure that simple grammatical and typing mistakes are removed. Then, I analyse my data – this involves displaying images, developing rules for mapping Invasive alien plants, testing different methods to determine which one works best, learn open source software and attend to other administrative issues, like attending meetings, writing minutes, etc.

What does your job entail?

What do you enjoy most?

What training did you undergo, and where?

My job entails, Image processing,

The most interesting part of my

job is that I wake-up each day to learn about things I do not know, that’s what research is about! Knowing what I don’t know, gives me the greatest pleasure and the motivation to open my eyes even when others are asleep.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job?

Uh….the least enjoyable part of studying…from the top of my head, I would say working long hours because you just can’t wait to see if the results are what you were hoping for. As a result, I had to cut out on a number of unproductive but “nice-to-have” social activities, like watching T.V., visiting friends every now and then, going out a lot, etc. I definitely do not enjoy thinking about work and working on weekends and after hours, which are the reality when you are in the Earth Observation research.

Career highlights?

Awarded: ‘Most promising Young Scientist’ by SANSA Earth Observation. 2 International conference presentations; 1 international Journal Continued on page 34 ▶

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I was fascinated by the fact that through the use of satellite technology, we can extend our eyes to have a bird-eye view of the earth Continued from page 32 ▶

publication and 1 local Journal publication.

3 important qualities that your position requires? Self-motivated, attention to detail, and time management.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? Extracting and analysing information from satellite images for the benefit of society.

Experience vs Training? The interesting part of being MSc student at SANSA is that I get contribute to projects that have societal impact while busy with my studies. Also, I get to be exposed to a variety of opportunities, including interacting with learners, networking with stakeholders and attending training workshops in essential skills needed to complete my studies and initiate projects.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? I would say, whatever your situation, plan your route and follow it. As an

aspiring scientist, you would need to take your studies very seriously because studying will be part of you for the rest of your life. Your work will be to study about things that are most probably what you are doing now… so give it your all or do it.

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead? There’s certainly an unlimited space for growth in this career/ industry. After completion of the MSc programme, one can choose to enrol into PHD then Post-Doctoral programmes. Alternatively, one can get employment as Remote Sensing Scientist/Researcher, Remote Sensing Technologist, Remote Sensing Lecturer, etc. in a number of research institutions, private companies and universities.

What challenges have you had to overcome? Coming from a village, with schools lacking Science and Math teachers and teaching resources such as computers, laboratories, libraries, etc. , uneducated parents, my friends dropping-out and no one from the village ever went or let alone dreamt

Mahlatse Kganyago

of going to university, I was clearly not expected to be where I am. But I am here and going far despite such unpromising environment and background I come from.

What qualifications do I need? A post-graduate degree, mostly BSc. Honours in Environmental Sciences majoring in Remote Sensing and GIS or BSc. Honours in Geo-Informatics or BSc. Honours in Remote Sensing and GIS.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Definitely. Earth observation field is quite dynamic because of the great technological advances in the industry. As such, requires versatile individuals, with willingness to update their knowledge regularly in order to keep abreast with latest developments and solve new problems. ■

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Q&A

Computer Engineer, SKA WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

I enjoyed the challenge posed by mathematics and science in high school. I also enjoyed the problem solving and logic used in computer programming.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO, AND WHERE? I studied for my Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? I am mostly involved in system engineering (design processes).

DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY. I have meetings with the rest of the SKA team to discuss what needs to be done to design aspects of the SKA and I carry out those identified tasks.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? I enjoy being involved in a project of this magnitude and being involved with the design of this system.

WHAT ARE THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECTS OF YOUR POSITION? Meeting interesting people from all over the world, working with a team of incredibly intelligent (and fun and friendly) people.

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Shagita Gounden

WHAT IS THE LEAST ENJOYABLE PART OF YOUR JOB? Can’t think of anything that I don’t enjoy.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? Working at the CSIR in defence research and being employed by the SKA.

THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? Critical thinking, problem solving and technical skills

IN ONE SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? Being part of the engineering design team of the SKA.

EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? Both are equally important. You should never stop learning.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING THIS CAREER. Love what you do and be willing to work hard and persevere to be able to do it.

TYPE OF PERSON THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? Someone who likes creative problem solving and enjoys challenges.

POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH -

WHERE CAN YOUR CURRENT POSITION LEAD? Engineering (irrespective of which discipline you chose) can place you in any industry.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? Mostly sacrificing time with friends and family to obtain my degree.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? B.Eng (Computer Engineering).

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? To always be challenged and to use my skills to make a meaningful contribution. To be proud of the work I do.

DOES THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? There seems to be more men in the engineering profession than women but I’ve been fortunate enough to not encounter gender inequality. I have worked in environments and with people who judged me on merit.

IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? Yes, whether it is formal or informal, further training and education is important in most professions.


Join SANSA and become a space ambassador! • Engineers • Technicians • Space Science Researchers • Mission Control Specialists • Computer Scientists & Software Developers • Earth Systems & Earth Observation Scientists • Remote Sensing Technologists • Data Administrators • Post Graduate Students • Facilities & Support Personnel Check out our available opportunities at www.sansa.org.za

South African National Space Agency T- 012 844 0500 F- 012 844 0396 information@sansa.org.za . www.sansa.org.za

In Service of Humanity


ith Ntlhe wBetty Satellite Operations Technician at SANSA is your area of 1What speciality at the SANSA?

I’m a Satellite Operations Technician.

is the biggest myth 6What about your field of work? Engineering is viewed mostly as a “Male dominated industry”

What criteria did you have is the truth around 2 to meet to get your position 7What the above myth? at the SANSA? I obtained the minimum required qualification and then worked as an intern to gain work experience and knowledge in microwave frequency technology. Microwave frequencies provide for the transmission of all of your important data because they can penetrate haze, rain, snow, clouds and smoke, these waves are good for viewing the Earth from space. During my time as an intern I had to work hard and made sure to get involved in numerous projects in line with my duties. It paid off and I was later appointed on a permanent basis.

tertiary qualification 3What does your job require?

A National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience of Radio Frequency, satellite technology, microwave and telecommunications principles and applications.

What important school 4 subjects are required for your qualification? Math and Science

What was the biggest 5 adjustment you had to make when moving from

The number of women enrolling in Engineering programmes is increasing dramatically every year. Providing encouragement and opportunity for women in Science and Engineering is one of the most powerful ways of harnessing the scarce skills needed to develop our country.

What do you have to do in 8 order to stand out in your field of work? You have to be enthusiastic and selfdriven. You should try to market your skills and let your personality as well as your ability to work hard shine through.

does a person 9What starting out in

your field have to do to climb the corporate ladder? It is not only important to recognize where your weaknesses lie, but it is critical to actively work towards improving your weaknesses, by asking for help or advice. By having a good track record and varied skills you will be able to attract more job opportunities within or beyond your field of study.

school to work?

How do you keep 10 abreast of developments of your profession?

The Space Operations room runs 24hrs every day, so working night shift is one of my job requirements. I had to change my sleeping patterns and that was really hard for me.

Technology evolves everyday with new advanced research and developments. I try to gain as much knowledge as I can and stay updated on new developments in the field of Radio

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Betty Ntlhe

Frequency and satellite communication technology. Different types of satellites are being launched almost every week and I have to stay informed of these developments and the new knowledge they bring to the industry and our community as a whole.


ith Isaacs wZiyaad Systems Technician at SANSA 1What is your area of speciality at the SANSA? Being new to SANSA, I don’t have a speciality yet. My current field of work is in geomagnetism.

What criteria did you 2 have to meet to get your position at SANSA? I had to be willing to travel to remote areas, have good experience in Electronics and the ability to manage myself.

What tertiary 3 qualification does your job require? A National Diploma in Electrical Engineering and a positive attitude.

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What important school subjects are required for your qualification?

Ziyaad Isaacs

Mathematics, Physical Sciences and a little Geography.

What was the biggest 5 adjustment you had to make when moving from school to work?

I think the biggest adjustment for me was how to act professional in the work place. You should know when to be serious and when it’s ok to crack a joke.

What is the biggest 6 myth about your field of work? That it doesn’t exist! Many people are not aware that space science and technology is at the cutting edge in South Africa and that we have a Space Agency. I always have a lot of explaining to do every time somebody asks what I do for a living.

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What is the truth around the above myth?

Space science and technology is a growing product of South Africa and it is getting bigger by the day.

do you have to do 8What in order to stand out in

your field of work? The best way to stand out in any field of work is to do it right and keep on trying to improve yourself to keep up with new trends.

What does a person 9 starting out in your field have to do to climb the corporate ladder?

Well, I would suggest you get as much experience as possible. The corporate ladder will always be missing a few steps so it’s up to you to go out there and find those steps you need to succeed.

How do you 10 keep abreast of developments of your profession?

Try your best to say yes to as many opportunities that come your way and always be willing to help your colleagues especially when it means stepping outside your comfort zone. The more you help and the more you offer to do, the more you will learn, and that’s how you stay in tune. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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ith wOupa Malahlela

Remote Sensing Scientist

Why did you choose this career? I chose the career due to the increasing demand of scientists in South Africa. I have always been fascinated by nature and technology alike, and have always sought ways to integrate the two. My field allows for that integration.

What training did you undergo, and where? I have obtained my Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Environmental Science from the University of Limpopo in 2008, and went to the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study for a Master degree in Geography specializing in remote sensing. I have accomplished internship training with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s former Satellite Applications Center in 2010 to enable me to be where I am today.

What does your job entail?

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My job entails formulating scientific problems regarding my field, processing satellite images as well as engaging with various government organs such as the Department of Water and Sanitation. I am directly involved in processing satellite images so as to derive information regarding the status of our surface water bodies (rivers, dams, lakes, ponds etc) as regards quantity and the quality of water in them. This is done on a national scale. In addition, I do reach out to school learners to explain what I do to in the office.


You don’t need to be Einstein to be a scientist. The world needs you!

Describe an average day?

Experience vs Training?

Downloading satellite images, processing them, and manipulating them. My average day involves intense data processing.

Proper training is essential for the work I do. Advance courses are critical to keep up with the changing global trends. Of course the more experienced you are the better chances are for you to accomplish the job with minimal effort.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position? The fact that one does the work equivalent to someone in America, Japan, China etc. The second most important thing is that I deal with binary data, which cannot go on strike on complain beyond what I can tolerate.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career?

The fact that one is expected to do so much with so little funding available.

Do not be doubtful of yourself. Do not let your background hinder your passion in remote sensing. You don’t need to be Einstein to be a scientist. The world needs you. Consider studying maths and science if you want to be a remote sensing scientist.

3 important qualities that your position requires?

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

What is the least enjoyable part of your job?

Perseverance, Love, Understanding

In 1 sentence, describe your job? Using satellites to monitor earth’s natural resources

Innovative, honest, hungry, and enthusiastic. If you are merely satisfied by minimum outcomes, then you may find it difficult surviving in this field. Have an urge to do more.

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? This position may lead me to be one of the well-known scientists in the country and in the world. Other than being a manager I can also be an ambassador for water issues globally. What qualifications do I need? MSc Geography, Geo-Information, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science or related fields.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? No, at all. However, we lack females in this industry. There are a few females than males and we need females.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Yes it is. If you are static, the conventional knowledge becomes obsolete. ■

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WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY

S

cience is amazing! It is also one of the toughest subjects at school. Science-y careers are diverse and exciting, but require years of vigorous academic commitment. If it’s so hard to get somewhere with Science, why should you study it?

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Here are our top reasons for getting your nerd on: Be a modern-day hero: The single greatest reason why we should study Science, is to ensure humanity’s sustainable survival on earth! Ecosystems are in crisis mode, the planetary weather system is changing rapidly, and humanity is failing to coexist in harmony with other species. World food production has to double in the next thirty years,

1

in order to sustain the growing global population. We are running out of fossil fuels which are critical to the efficiency of our industry, farming and supply chains. Fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce, with many of the world’s greatest rivers no longer running into the sea. Diseases are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. The air in many Indian and Chinese cities are verging on unbreathable. The Great Pacific Garbage


Patch has become an unfathomable mass of floating junk that is destroying our oceans. The use of fossil fuels is polluting our air and adding to the Greenhouse effect. Before you despair, there is a silver lining: every one of these problems can be improved, and even solved, through Science! If you are passionately concerned about this Planet and about a healthy future for Humanity, get stuck into your Science studies and aim for a Science-y career that will equip you to make a difference!

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Be smart: The study of Science encourages problem-solving tenacity that helps you to understand the world around you. I have always explained to my students that Science illuminates one’s path, and that going through life without Science is similar to driving your car along dark roads your headlights might light your way forward, but they don’t illuminate the world around you. You travel onwards without ever understanding the context of your journey. Studying Science makes you comfortable with the unknown, and gives you the confidence to say: “I don’t know the answers, but I will find out!” Science is gracious to naivety but does not condone the apathy of indifference: it allows you to say “I don’t know, but I want to find out”, but does not tolerate the attitude of “I don’t know and I don’t care”. Science is highly structured, but welcomes change - it constantly adjusts its views based on what is observed. This approach teaches you to evolve your thinking by constantly testing and investigating information, which makes you a well-rounded human being and empowers you with an ethical approach to others: it enables you to discern the difference between your opinions, facts, and to acknowledge the opinions and beliefs of others without immediately accepting or rejecting them.

3

Be adventurous: Science gets you places! I can only speak from my experience - my engineering background, which is firmly rooted in Science, has opened a door to great adventure and exploration. I have worked on four continents and have been exposed to a diversity of incredible experiences that a ‘normal’ office job would never allow. Would you like to work in jungles? Study Natural Sciences. A life of studying volcanoes or auroras, perhaps? Study geosciences. Would you like to ply you mind to solving massive problems and driving innovation? Study engineering! Would you like to work with killer whales? Study zoology!

Science-y careers and research allow you visit places that would not be accessible through other fields of study. Whether you want to go to Antarctica or to outer space, Science is the way to get there.

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Diversity and flexibility: From dentistry to plasma physics, Science-y careers offer vast opportunities for professional career development and diversification. Engineers are welcomed into the financial sector, due to their problemsolving ability and analytical way of thinking. Many academic physicists teach, perform ground-breaking research and consult private clients in the same work week. Medical professionals diversify into the legal field to become patent attorneys or medical lawyers. However on the flip side, it’s rare for a professional with a ‘nonScience-y’ background to bridge into the Science-based career fields.

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Inventions: Science-y careers create an intellectual and business environment that is conducive to problem solving and invention. Look at all the exciting inventions of the last twenty years that have completely transformed our lifestyles. The Internet, the everyday use of GPS, mobile phone technology, PC’ and touchscreen displays are but a few. This technological progress was made possible due to Science.

Visit online crowd funding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and appraise the exciting Science-y inventions that are being funded. The tech scene is mushrooming with skunkworks and hackathons that are creating radical innovations. It is an exciting time to be part of Science and Technology, and if you want to be at the cusp of making cool things that make a big difference, study Science!

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Be a modern-day hero (#2): South Africa has a growing deficit of expert Science teachers. If you are passionate about Science, and passionate about making a difference, teaching is a massively rewarding career path that is becoming increasingly lucrative. Remember, supply and demand dictate going rates - if there are fewer expert Science teachers around, the demand for expertise leads to increased fees. Become a Science teacher, a thought leader and a role model!

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Wealth: More than a fifth of the planet’s wealthiest people on the Forbes 2015 list studied an engineering degree, according to a recent survey by the Approved Index platform. A quarter of the Forbes top-hundred have Science as a foundation for their work.

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Discovery: Science research is a field that allows you to discover the unknown. The deep oceans are unexplored, nanotechnology and photonic crystals have so many secrets, and we’re still not sure whether there is any form of life outside near-earth space. Imagine being the person that publishes a peer-reviewed article to tell the world about a brand new discovery, or a new revelation in our understanding, or a lifealtering breakthrough in technology. This is a call to action for young historymakers, and for a new wave of heroes to save this world and make a difference. I encourage you to become part of it! ■

James Hayes Founder – Science Clinic

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always dreamt of being involved in outgoing person who is active , Robotics, I don’t enjoy a classical day-in- Network times along the way, but DON’T An tolerate Certified Associate software developments energetic , who is a team player day-outthat work setting. It’s greatcertification to be so mediocrity, if you that will further myfind yourself struggling enhances people’s lives and knowing how to work well together interested andmakes excited in my work – many in the younetworking need to workfield through it. Expect knowledge them easier. The curiosity I had with other people on a certain goal. people can’t claimwith this. I enjoywhich being is able greatness from yourself! It’s a slippery under the I.T field. knowing how computers work and time, PhD studies are to manage my own slope from tolerating that 51% pass Youtomust be willing to travel or even the limitless number of things pressured – I have to produce results and failing courses… relocate. WhAT ARE ThE MOST humans could do write with publishable computers.papers regularly, but I ENjOyABlE Type ASpECTS pOTENTIAl fOR gROWTh am allowed to work independently and of person that would enjoy WhAT TRAININg DID yOu Of yOuR pOSITION? WhERE CAN yOuR CuRRENT keep my own hours. this kind of career?

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pOSITION lEAD? Someone with an independent, inquisitive Learning in a work environment I completed MatricCareer in thehighlights? year 2011, I and keen mind, who is able to commit Theretois growth in the field of prepares me to have a better then enrolled for aThere certificate in come to mind, working hard for months and months are 3 that information technology, you can understanding and a positive Systems Engineering at Richfield towards a single goal. Winning the award for best final year even start your own technology comfortable work place for when I Graduate of Technology in my BEng;in id you choose this career?Instituteproject company for an example, and we will be employed in a work place 2012 that was how I was admitted Being awarded (with a partner) 2 Potential for growth - Where can up very interested in design and in future.I enjoy learning the into the patents for a high-tech product we work, but I also found that field I had aof information your current position lead? have Microsoft which was founded by Bill Gates. The possibilities are technical part of networking developed; or science and critical thinking. My It could go in one of two directions. Technology. endless every day you can mainly router and switches Being awarded my MSc Eng Cum skills have never been up to much, Sticking to academia can lead tojust research create something new that has configurations, as well as and a highly respected Laude. The Cum Laude recognition was a nt for the science side. chair positions more professorship. of the networking highlight for me, it’s notknowing any people don’t realise how much The other option isnever the been created before it is all 3 IMpORTANThuge quAlITIES ThAT common for standards. know thatwhere a Doctor ofbased on how far you are willing to a degree to be awarded at that level and As we ty goes into research and novel private sector, yOuR pOSITION REquIRES after all the hard work I put incyber it was security is work and how satisfying and engineering can conduct highly go. advanced most important 1.punctuality rewarding. ing it is to be allowed to pursue research inhow a well-funded company. tocompanies, learning to 2. Must be a team player and be research. best secure systems against WhAT quAlIfICATIONS productive in any 3 projects given. important qualities thatvulnerability your do I need? is What one ofqualifications my DO I NEED? 3. Good communication skills. order to be involved in Academic postposition requires favourite work In I enjoy doing. graduate Engineering study you Matric need a certificate and then you can Intelligence, Discipline, Creativity in IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering problem solving. continue with the I.T qualification for CAREER hIghlIghTS? yOuR jOB? (BSc Eng) or an equivalent, like BEng an example nation diploma in I.T Higher in Systems (sometimes special cases can be made for In 1 sentence, describe your job?certificate I am a student studying Cisco Engineering, National in BTech andDiploma non-engineering BSc I do cutting edge research into the certified network associate DOES Information Technology andalso A+ need to excel graduates). You in your ThE INDuSTRy (AND artificially intelligent management of certification (CCNA) specialising in yOuR TypE Of pOSITION) certification. routing and switching. ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE M a n y p e o p l e d o n ’ t r e a l i s e h o wgENDER

BIAS? WHAT IS THE LEAST Not at all, a lot of females are M u c h c r e at ENJOYABLE ivity goe s in to research PART OF YOUR now in I.T positions in big JOB? and novel design work and how companies throughout the

moment problem s at i s f y i nAt g the an d i nthere t e riseno st i n g i t i sworld. that I would state about my

t o b e a l l ocareer, wed I t o still pu r s u ewhere original am enjoying

I am. research.

does your job entail?

highly advanced and automated production environment as a PhD student.

Experience vs Training This is a tough one… To be a rounded engineer you truly need both. For the researcher, training is more important, you need an extensive theoretical background of your field. In the general Mechatronics and Robotics world, to differentiate yourself, you need background knowledge in order to really understand some concepts, but you certainly aren’t very useful until you have real-world experience.

Bachelor’s in order to secure a good postgraduate position with enough funding. If you do very well in your Master’s you could be accepted as a PhD student. It’s a tough road, but it’s so satisfying and interesting!

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? Not at all. The student base for Mechanical Engineering is still predominantly male, but I believe this is due to interest, not to bias. Anyone with the right intellectual capability and commitment can make it in academic research. 

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Previously

FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology • Diploma in information Technology • Diploma in information Technology - Basic • Advanced Certificate in Information Technology • Higher Certificate in Information Technology

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th wiREFILWE MAKHOBA

T F A R AIRC N A I C I N O I V A Why did you choose this career? When I was still in school and much younger, I loved opening up things at home. I was very interested in the operations and functions of equipment. Denel was introduced to me to me in high school when they had a career exhibition. I was amazed at what they do and that they correlated with my fascination. I took this as an opportunity where I can open equipment and components without getting in trouble with my parents. So I 44

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can say it’s doing what I love and getting paid for it.

What training did you undergo, and where? After I completed my matric I was fortunate enough to get sponsorship from Denel aviation to study Aircraft avionics. I studied at the Denel school called Denel Technical Academy (DTA). I did a about a year and a half of theory then practical at Denel. I added to my qualification short trade related courses i.e. Cat X Electrical,

Instruments etc.

What does your job entail? It entails physically opening up aircraft electronics and ensuring that they still in good condition. We repair or replace electric parts of the aircrafts. This means testing, repair and physical work on actual electrics of an aircraft.

What do you enjoy most? Having to understand and know


how the components work. We get to open them up and see the systems that make them operate the way that they do. I also love the people that I work with, we are a great team. They make my work so much more fun. The thrill of getting unserviceable components to their serviceable state.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? The pressure that comes with the meeting targets.

3 important qualities that your position requires 1. Apply theory into the real world. 2. Curiosity about electrical components. 3. Solve systematic problems.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? Repair, overhaul and testing of aircraft electrical components.

Experience vs Training? With experience you work better and you know how to handle challenges that comes with doing your job. But experience comes hand in hand with training. Times

change and so does technology. One should never say “I know and I have the experience”. Times are changing and one has to undergo training to keep up with the times and changes.

Advice for grade 11 & 12 learners considering this career? Go for it…nothing beats the joy of doing what you love and getting paid for it.

Type of personality that would enjoy this kind of career? A person with a curious mind and who loves challenges, would enjoy being an aircraft avionic.

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? There is potential for grow in my current position where one can actually head the whole electrical and avionic department in future.

What challenges have you had to overcome? I had no back ground of aircrafts and everything was new to me when I first went to DTA. I had to

put in extra effort and work hard to understand all the concepts of being an aircraft avionic.

What qualifications do I need? Matric & Avionic trade test.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? Well, as a female you have to work extra hard to prove that your gender does not define your working and performing abilities. At the moment I’m the only female in my department. In the past I can say it was believed that the aviation industry is a men’s world but I’ve been with Denel Aviation since 2011 and I can say Denel aviation is a Transformation driven company and responds very well to females in the industry.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Absolutely, unless as an individual you don’t have goals and high dreams, just like within any other career. If you want to grow and improve in this career, furthering your studies is very important. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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student

funding 46

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CAN’T AFFORD TO STUDY AFTER SCHOOL? APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM NSFAS. Are you in need of financial assistance to study at a University or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) can help on the road towards your dream job. NSFAS is a government student loan and bursary scheme. NSFAS provides loans and bursaries to eligible needy and academically deserving students. NSFAS has funded over 1.5 Million South Africans from 1999. The Scheme continues to grow from R441 million in 1999 to R8,5 billion in 2013. Apply for a NSFAS study loan or bursary through a Financial Aid Office at a public University or

TVET College. Applications may also be done online at selected higher education Institutions. You may qualify for funding if you are:

• •

A South African citizen with financial need as determined by NSFAS means test. You will have to provide proof of your family’s household income. Accepted for admission to study your first higher education qualification at a public university or TVET College.

NSFAS loans have a really low interest rate and are repayable once you start working. Depending on your results, up to 40% of your NSFAS loan may be converted into a bursary, and that amount does not need to be repaid. For more information please visit Call: 086 00 67 327 Email: info@nsfas.org.za Website: www.nsfas.org.za NSFAS is a registered credit provider in terms of the national credit act 34 of 2005 (NCRCP 2655)

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with Phumi MCoE

Commercial Diver

Why did you choose this career? I was at Sharks Board where we were given a presentation about commercial diving and after the presentation and answer session I just knew that this career was my calling.

What training did you undergo, and where? I was fortunate enough to be chosen amongst 30 students at KwaZuluNatal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence [KZNSB MCoE] to pursue commercial diving where initially you have to pass a physical test thereafter undergo intensive swimming. After the intensive swimming programme we were given a pleasant surprise that our class 4 air scuba diving

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training would be conducted at Seadog Commercial Diving School in Saldanha Bay. Seadog Commercial Diving School is the KZN Sharks Board MCoE programme collaboration partner. The training was very intense but worth it.

a staff development programme, so part of that includes me diving on a regular basis to increase the number of dives I have so that I can eventually move on to diver supervisor level.

What does your job entail?

One of the reasons why I went into the diving career field was the fact that it is a career that is quiet physically demanding, and even though there is a lot of paper work involved you get to spent some time in the water which I just love seeing as my star sign element is water, and there is this calm effect the ocean has which is quiet amazing not to mention the fact that I love marine life so to work in the ocean and to experience it on a regular basis is just a blessing.

As I am a diver assistant at KZN Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence and I am in charge of equipment maintenance and making sure that I do a Hazard Identification Risk Assessments for all training dive sites where I go out to various dive sites and make sure it is safe enough for students and insure that the training rubber ducks are in good sea worthy condition. I am also undergoing

What do enjoy most?


What is the least enjoyable part of your job? Although I am into physical fitness seeing as I was an athlete growing up and was involved in several sports areas such running, volleyball, netball and a bit of hockey I however don’t particularly enjoy the carrying of heavy equipment constantly as it can get quiet strenuous when moving dive equipment from our premises to a certain dive sites.

3 important qualities that your position requires? To be a commercial diver you need to be hard worker, have a strong desire to take on difficult challenges, and be a team player as this job requires someone who is very enthusiastic and is willing to go the extra mile. You should also be the type of person who enjoys the outside environment more than being indoors all the time, you get to work with a lot people so if you can adapt to different personalities then that will be a bonus.

In one sentence, describe your job? It is a very adventurous, exciting, challenging, physically demanding but very rewarding job.

Experience vs Training? I think with many things in life, if you don’t know something you will find it difficult, or even think it’s impossible but once you’ve learned how to do something it becomes easier and it can even turn into an area of expertise and that is exactly what has happened with me. The day I did my very first dive I was terrified but now I can’t wait to get into the water, so what I can say from experience, is that comfort and confidence is borne out of knowledge, because now I am 100% comfortable in the water and my skills as a diver are improving by the day.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this kind of career? What I would advise anyone to do before they go into any career is to first do a self-evaluation then once you know your strengths and weaknesses then you can try to align them with your career in mind, and if you are passionate about diving then you should be swimming on a daily basis as well as doing physical training. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with physics and physiology as you have to deal with pressure and gas and safety management and the potential effects on one’s body on a regular basis.

What qualification do I need? You need to have done mathematics, physical science as well as life science in matric, because you deal a lot with pressure, gas, volume, density and physiology, so that way you will have better understanding as to what happens to your body during diving operations as well as what is happening with your dive equipment and your air supply in your cylinder. Beyond the basic requirements applicants must pass a clear chest x-ray and a diving physical examination as well as have good swimming skills.

Does the industry (and type of position) that you are in, face any gender bias? Commercial Diving is extremely male dominated seeing as it’s such

Phumi MCoE a physically demanding job, so you will find that a lot of people might doubt your capabilities as a female commercial diver, but if you are dedicated, hardworking and know how to face challenges head on then it doesn’t matter that you’re a female, all that matters is that you’ll be able to do the job just as well if not better than the males themselves.

Is continuing further studies important in your type of career? It is very important that you continue to further your studies in this career field especially if you want to move on to supervisor or instructor or managerial or offshore oil and gas positions. I would personally recommend that one also does a degree programme, such as a science degree in marine environment or in commercial diving technology (MDT) or specialise in underwater wet welding (Weld-Tech) and you could also do advanced dive medicine (Med-Tech) amongst other studies. ■

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with

PROFESSOR REFILOE MASEKELA

PAEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGIST (Paediatrician)

I enjoy seeing and interacting with patients and thinking of research projects that can have impact directly on the patients that I am treating.

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Why did you choose this career?

Describe an average day

What training did you undergo, and where?

• • • • • •

I have always known that I wanted to be a doctor since the age of around 4 years. I wanted to have a career where I could make people better and I really enjoy interacting with children.

I had to do my undergraduate training to become a doctor at Witwatersrand University. After the six years of training I worked as an Intern and Community Service doctor at the Mankweng/ Polokwane Hospital Complex in Polokwane, Limpopo. I took a gap year to travel and work in the UK, and then I returned to complete my specialist training in Paediatrics (4 years) at the University of Pretoria. Thereafter, I decided to sub-specialize in the field of Paediatric Pulmonology (children’s lung diseases) for a further 2 years. I did part of my Pulmonology training at the Catholic University Leuven in Belgium and part of the training at the University of Pretoria. On completion of this, I then went on further to do my PhD in Paediatric Pulmonology in 2012 also at the University of Pretoria. In total I studied for 16 years after school! I have enjoyed it very much because it’s in a field that I enjoy.

What does your job entail?

My role has changed being a head of department at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. I am now still doing clinical work looking after children with lung diseases and those admitted to intensive care unit at the Inkosi

Early Morning: administration with email catch-up Twice per week I do a clinic where I see patients for the morning Teaching of medical students: tutorials Teaching ward rounds with the postgraduate paediatric trainees Meetings: one or two per day Once per month I visit one of the hospitals in the province to meet with the staff and discuss issues around: services, teaching and areas that need improvement • Afternoon: more administration and research afternoon twice per week.

Albert Luthuli Hospital, but I am also responsible for a very large paediatrics department and I have to look after undergraduate and post graduate medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, so I also spend a large majority of my time with administrative work, teaching and taking care of issues relating to paediatrics in the province. I still do research as part of my job which I enjoy very much.

What do you enjoy most?

I enjoy seeing and interacting with patients and thinking of research projects that can have impact directly on the patients that I am treating.

children and does not struggle with studying large volumes of work!

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? The sky is the limit.

What qualifications do I need?

At least an undergraduate degree in medicine which is 6 years and 4 years to be a paediatrician

What are your career goals?

Career highlights?

I always have 3 year goals and at the moment I am still going according to plan, I never plan more than that, you never know what opportunities may come along.

3 important qualities that your position requires

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias?

The day I received my PhD qualification was probably the best day ever, it had been 4 years of hard work!

Patience... Listening... Not taking anything personally but trying to find solutions even when times are tough.

In 1 sentence, describe your job?

I get to enjoy seeing children get better and get their smiles back

Advice for people considering this career. Its hard work but very rewarding.

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

A person who loves interacting with

Yes, as a young doctor I was called nurse numerous times and people would not accept me as a doctor at the beginning. This has improved the older I have become!

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career?

Yes, I think I will always be a student. The nice thing about medicine is there are changes all the time so you are continuously learning and being introduced to new techniques and knowledge. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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with

Maria Mabyalwa Mudau

t s i t n e i c S ical

Med

s c i t e n e G n a

Hum

Why did you choose this career? Honestly speaking, this career chose me. After I qualified as a scientist, I actually fell in love with Human Genetics and I am planning to study further and know more.

What training did you undergo, and where? Upon my MSc completion, I underwent Health Professional Council, Medical Scientist internship training at the National Health Laboratory Service, Division of Human Genetics.

What does your job entail? 52

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Undertaking Paternity tests, performing Aneuploidy screening, Training new Scientists, Doing research on single gene disorders

What do you enjoy most? I usually enjoy when I realise the difference I am actually making in people’s lives, when they get closure as to whether they are related to that particular person or not. Then they are able to go on with life and apply for ID documents and so on. And also when we can be able to identify the cause of genetics abnormalities in the new born babies so that they can get a proper medical care.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position? The most enjoyable aspects is the environment I work under, the people in my section are amazing and we have such a strong team work and we work very well together. Also being a mother of two, the flexible hours are also something I enjoy a lot

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? What I enjoy least is when we receive still birth and products of conception samples, those means someone just lost their baby and it is Continued on page 54 â–ś


Continued from page 52 â–ś

really heart breaking. And also when we give out paternity results saying the man is not the father in cases where the mother is deceased. Very sad for the child who might never know who their father is.

Experience vs Training

Career highlights?

Need to be focused, enthusiastic and ready to learn and teach. It is more a work of passion than just a career.

My career highlight was when I qualified as a Professional medical scientist and registered with the Health profession council. Also when I did my research project to completion, and writing an article about it, which will soon be submitted to a Medical Journal

3 important qualities that your position requires 1 Pay attention to detail 2 be a team player 3 be accountable for your work

In 1 sentence, describe your job? My job is very interesting, demanding and requires speed and accuracy 54

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Need two years internship training as a Medical scientist in Human Genetics.

Advice for people considering this career.

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career? Someone that has deep interest in Genetics, with the purpose of providing a service to the community

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead? You can study further and work your way up with experience and skill you aquire along the way

Biotechnology background. It was challenging in a good way though since I was very eager to learn. Also to learn how to use new equipment

What qualifications do I need? To be a medical scientist, one needs at least an Honours degree in Genetics and two years Medical Scientist internship training as well as registering with the Health Professional council

What are your career goals? My career goals to register for a Phd degree in Genetics and expand the knowledge and skills I have in this field. Also be in a position to come up with research project and train and teach more scientists and students in this field

What challenges have you had to overcome?

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias?

Acquiring new skills in human Genetics from a previous

Not really, but I think there are more female Scientist than males.


SAQA & NQF WHAT

IT MEANS FOR YOU

Genuine Qualifications are important

Describe an average day. My average day starts at around 06:30, I am an early bird. I receive samples in the laboratory that come for either aneuploidy screening and paternity testing. Extract DNA from them and set up PCR technique. For aneuploidy screening this technique is used to check if there are any genetic abnormalities in the new born baby, prenatals and products of conception. For Paternity testing is to check relatedness between individuals.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Yes it is very important to continue studying and keeping yourself informed at all times. The technology that is used in medical science is always changing and as a medical scientist we are required to always come up with ways to improve our testing procedures as well as research. â–

Here is how you can help!

SAQA CONTACT DETAILS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH SAQA.

PHONE HELPLINE: 0860 111 673

EMAIL AND WEBSITE E-MAIL: HELP

@NQF.ORG.ZA

SAQA WEBSITE: WWW.SAQA.ORG.ZA

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

@

TWITTER: SAQALIVE FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ SOUTHAFRICANQUALIFICATIONSAUTHORITY

SAQA HOUSE 1067 ARCADIA STREET HATFIELD PRETORIA

S O U T H A F R I C A N Q UA L I F I C AT I O N S AU T H O R I T Y


delivering laboratory services to South Africans

training

research At the core of the NHLS is next generation pathology excellence National Health Laboratory Service Supporting national health and the wellbeing of all South Africans

Tel: 011 386 6000 www.nhls.ac.za


with Rudi Spies

Non Destruct ive Technician hy did you choose this W career? I started out as a carpenter and the day I found out that they are paying people to fly out to an oilrig, tie a rope and then abseil down the derrick to do inspection work, I was sold!

hat training did you W undergo, and where? I finished school at THS Drostdy and the important subjects to have would be maths, science and technical drawing. Most of the work we do is at height, so I did my Rope access L1 - L3 at Toprope in Cape Town. Offshore survival is a must and that course was done at PENTEC along with a Project Management course. Further I did NonDestructive Testing (NDT) training through NASA Cape Town (UT, UTM, MT, PT) and I have recently completed my NACE 3 (coating inspection) this year, which took me sometime. Lastly, I have also completed my LOLER (lifting gear inspection) and advanced confined space rescue through Toprope.

What does your job entail? Mainly we do preventative maintenance inspection. We have an Inspection schedule that covers all the annual NDT inspection for the whole rig stretched over a 1 year period. We also do all the rigging in of new equipment and all the working at height for the rig.

Describe an average day. Every morning 2 meetings are held, where safety issues, scope of work and the areas that will be worked are discussed. After that I have to start the Permit process for the area we are working in for the specific job. Safety comes first! If it is working at height, I will then rig the ropes and my team performs buddy checks

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on each other. At the end of the day you have to complete reports and update the inspection schedule.

What do you enjoy most? Working in an extreme environment with highly skilled people and the best equipment on the market. Oh and of course the food is good.

hat is the least enjoyable W part of your job? Being away from home for long stretches at a time, missing birthdays and Christmases.

Career highlights? This job takes you to so many amazing jobs and places. From building stadiums in South Africa and Argentina to recoating a rig in the Adriatic ocean or doing training for Shell in Nigeria. I would have to say my highlight would be 2 years ago when I got the position of Maintenance and Inspection Supervisor on the DS6 in Angola, at that stage the most advanced drilling ship in the world.

important qualities that 3 your position requires? Patience, we are working offshore, things tend to take more time than usual and things change all the time. You must be able to adapt when plans change and stay calm when things go wrong. Integrity, we do a lot of inspection work and people’s lives depend on how good we do it, there are no shortcuts and you cannot allow yourself to be influenced by other people or situations. A rope access team is a tight group of people working in a potentially dangerous environment and we trust each other daily with keeping each other safe. You can’t be afraid of heights!


This job takes you to so many amazing jobs and places. From building stadiums in South Africa and Argentina to recoating a rig in the Adriatic ocean I n 1 sentence, describe your job? Keeping production on track and keeping people safe.

Experience vs Training? With good training you can start building the good work experience. But there is no replacement for good experience in this job.

dvice for grade 11 and 12 A learners considering this career? Like anything worth having this road will not always be easy. Decide what you want to do and talk to people in the industry, make a plan and stick to it. Get your inspection courses and certificates done early on as well as your rope access. Remember, rope access is not a job, it is only a way of getting to where you have to do the job and when you get there you still need a skill.

Rudi Spies

hat qualifications do I W need?

IRATA Rope Access L1-3; NDT (UT, UTM, PT, MT, EC); Offshore survival - These will get you started. Then later you can look at some of these courses too: LOLER Lifting gear inspection; NACE 1-3 coating inspection; OPITO Rigging; Confined space Rescue; DROPS inspection.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? None whatsoever.

I s continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Energy is a growing industry in solar farms, wind farms and oil production and will forever be changing. If you don’t keep up, you will be left behind!

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ith wSinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana

MSc Astrophysics Student

Why did you choose this career?

Career highlights?

Firstly it stands out because it is extremely exciting. Secondly it contains a large number of unsolved problems which implies that there is still room for many more discoveries to be made. Lastly it appeals to my enquiring mind.

Visiting Princeton university for a month and doing a research project with leading scientists in my field. Wining first prize at research day at my current university.

What training did you undergo, and where? I completed a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Applied mathematics and Pure Physics. During my Honours degree, I majored in applied mathematics with my final project focusing on Cosmology. My current research focuses on using dark matter as a lens to see distant objects in the Universe.

What does your job entail? I study how the universe is expanding. This involves creating and verifying theories of how the universe formed. This is done using powerful telescopes that take images of the universe.

Describe an average day?

In 1 sentence, describe your job? It’s out of this world.

Experience vs Training? Training involves a greater degree of supervision. Actual experience requires you to perform at an international research level with minimal (or zero) supervision.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? You need to have a passion for this because it counts for a lot.

What do you enjoy most?

Those that have a passion for solving problems and critical thinking.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? Sometimes it can be unpredictable. You are solving a new problem so there is always a possibility that you might reach a dead end after months of work.

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Discipline, perseverance and curiosity

Analysing data, developing algorithms, working on developing a theory, calculations and referring to academic papers. Once a week I meet with my supervisor.

Collaborating with other researchers, travelling and meeting new people,

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3 important qualities that your position requires?

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Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? Astronomy is a leading science field in South Africa at the moment. Projects like the Square Kilometre Aray (SKA) and HERA offer numerous opportunities. I can choose to become a data scientist at one of these research projects or even


“

My current research focuses on using dark matter as a lens to see distant objects in the universe.

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at other research companies. I could also choose to further my studies and become an academic. Astrophysics PhD graduates can also work in financial institutions, the IT sector, the medical imaging sector and the telecommunications sector.

What challenges have you had to overcome? The main challenge has been societal pressure. This field is not as well-known as other careers so initially people tried to convince me to choose a career that was more mainstream.

Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana

What qualifications do I need? A professional astronomer requires a PhD.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? Most researchers in this field tend to be male but this demographic is starting to change.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Yes, it is very important. Becoming the best researcher in my field is strongly tied to the level of study. Furthering your education allows you to become more versatile.

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with Stuart Dunlop

Biological & Conservation Scientist

Why did you choose this career? I had an interest in nature/wildlife from a young age. Having frequented many game reserves in my childhood, this interest strengthened over time and there was no other career path I could imagine. From the age of 5 I can remember having my bird field guide and binoculars handy wherever I went. While most other kids read non-fiction books and/or were playing computer games, I was reading field guides of nature and exploring my surroundings.

What training did you undergo, and where? I studied a general Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in ecology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Pietermaritzburg. I continued my studies with Honours in ecology and finally at Masters (MSc) level I converted to a marine orientated degree in biological and conservation sciences with a particular interest in marine biology (fisheries science).

What does your job entail? I am a fisheries scientist with a particular interest in linefish resource management and marine protected areas

What do you enjoy most? I enjoy being out in the field diving, fishing and collecting relevant fisheries data from the oceans and estuaries.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position? I get a great degree of satisfaction Continued on page 66 â–ś

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Continued from page 64 ▶

communicating with people, listening to their stories and sharing information on the marine environment. I feel honoured when I am able to share information the public finds both interesting and life changing. Sometime this is information that we marine biologists take for granted but when shared s the catalyst in someone becoming a citizen scientist.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? Data entry. Whenever we go into the field we record various biological data. All of this needs to be captured onto a computer and analysed.

Career highlights? Getting a job in my field of interest straight after my studies. It is tough out there and getting the right job straight away does not happen often.

3 important qualities that your position requires One has to be passionate about what you do, have a love and understanding of nature and be able to teach. It’s pointless doing research if you cannot share and teach others about it.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? I am a fisheries scientist with a particular interest in linefish resource management and marine protected areas

Experience vs Training Experience and training are equally important in my opinion. Someone with a degree (3 years) and 5 years’ experience is probably better off than someone with a Doctorate (+- 8 years of studying) and no experience.

Advice for people considering this career. Don’t expect to earn a large salary, do 66

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it for the passion and love of nature, i.e. job satisfaction

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career? Someone who is outgoing and passionate about conservation.

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead? It is endless. A Bachelor of Science degree has no boundaries. One can go from terrestrial ecology (i.e. studying the fauna and flora on land) to marine ecosystems (e.g. fish and corals).

What challenges have you had to overcome? The degree itself can take some time to complete. I studied to a Master level which was 6 years. So the only challenge for me was sacrificing spending time with friends and family. But it is all worth it now.

What qualifications do I need? 1. Matric with exemption 2. Bsc (Bachelor of Science (3 years). One can become a marine biologist at this point. However, studying further will increase your chances of securing a good job, so I suggest studying to at least a Masters level (+-6 years). 3. Honours (optional, 1 year) 4. Masters (optional, 1-2 years) 5. Doctor of Philosophy (optional, 2-4 years)

What are your career goals? My career goals are not to be the CEO or Director of a company or earn thousands of Rand’s, but rather to always have job satisfaction and be happy with the line of work I am in.

Describe an average day. Despite what many people think, marine biologist’s spend a large proportion of their time (about 85%) in an office behind a computer analysing data and writing up project reports, proposals, articles and papers. So an average day would be spent doing this. However, when we are in the field, we spend time collecting data, often for hours either on the beach or offshore on a boat. This can be tough at times, especially if the weather is bad. However, my moto is any bad day in the field is better than any good day spent in the office!

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? No. In the earlier years there might have been more males doing marine biology, but it is certainly not the presently the case. Some of South Africa’s best scientists are female.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Yes, absolutely. The more you study the easier it becomes to find a job, especially one you will enjoy. ■


ith wTaufeeq Dhansey

I am Mother Nature’s private investigator

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Geology Rocks ! What is a Geologist and what do they do?

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet, defining geology as the study of the earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials and the processes acting upon them and the organisms that have inhabited the planet. An important part of geology is the study of how earth’s materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time.

I have Qualified As A Geologist....Now What?

There are many fields you could specialise in once qualified as a Geologist, such as: crystallography; economic geology; engineering geology; environmental geology; geochemistry; geomorphology; mapping, marine geology, palaeontology and tectonics, to name a few.

Where do I find out more?

Contact the Geological society of South Africa for more information on geology and becoming a Geologist: Email: info@gssa.org.za or visit their website:www.gssa.org.za www.facebook.com/GeologicalSocietyofSouthAfrica

Did you know?

The word “geology” comes from the Greek word “ge” meaning rocks and “logos” meaning knowledge, so Geology literally means knowledge of rocks.


Describe an average day

Why did you choose this career?

I am very interested in how the Earth works. I love figuring out the intricacies of an ever-changing planet and how it affects life; and how life affects it.

What training did you undergo, and where?

Undergrad in Geology (with honours) and Analytical Chemistry – UCT, Cape Town. Masters in Geology – NMMU, Port Elizabeth. Systems Analysis, Renewable Energy – IIASA, Vienna. Early field work – All over South Africa.

What does your job entail?

Lots of field work to collect geological data – including; the structure of rocks and mountains and collecting samples of interesting rocks. This data is then analyzed in the office and laboratory. Thereafter, I need to process all this data and determine the Earth’s history, relative to the location I’m working in. Applications of this is substantial, ranging from minerals, energy and water research.

What do you enjoy most?

Working in distant and pristine landscapes, trying to uncover the secrets of Earth

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? Balancing the research work while trying to advance my career.

Career highlights?

Running a field school for young and inexperienced geoscientists and having much of my field work resemble an Indiana Jones movie.

3 important qualities that your position requires:

4X4 driving, hiking, carrying a heavy bag that keeps getting heavier as more rocks are added, amazing landscapes, wild animals, strange rocks and a strange and wonderful World. Then, there are also the office days – which involve lots of reading and researching.

Analytical thinking, creative thinking, mental strength and an adventurous spirit.

In 1 sentence, describe your job?

I am Mother Nature’s private investigator.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career?

Never forget your passion and love of this planet and this universe.

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

Anybody who is crazy enough to think they can save the World.

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead?

Specialist researcher, leading largescale research projects, e.g. across Africa.

What challenges have you had to overcome? Most notably; financial and professional biasness.

What qualifications do I need?

Bachelors (with honours) in Geology.

What are your career goals?

Complete a PhD in applied geosciences and lead South Africa toward human-Earth sustainable development.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? Yes, it is a major problem.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Absolutely. This is one of the most important aspects. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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ith wShaleen Bikka

Aquarist

Marine Microbiologist Why did you choose this career?

I have always had an interest in Science and wanted a career in using science as a career to make a difference in the world.

What training did you undergo, and where?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology

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What does your job entail?

I run the Quarantine Facility for the uShaka Sea World Aquarium, all the fish come to Quarantine to undergo treatments and observation to ensure that they don’t carry any diseases. We also treat sick fish as well as stranded turtles. We undertake research

into fish diseases, blood analysis and treatments. As the Microbiologist I carry out diagnostic work on samples from all the animals in our care eg; fish, turtles, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals. We test the hygiene of all the areas where animals are housed as well as the quality of food they eat. All the pools that house animals are tested for microbiological counts and loads.


What do you enjoy most?

I enjoy seeing a stranded or sick animal recover well enough to go back to the Aquarium or the ocean.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position?

Being a Senior Aquarist and Head Microbiologist means that I lead two teams with a total of seven motivated staff members. I love motivating staff.

1What is the least enjoyable part of your job?

It is very messy and I often smell like a fish..

Career highlights?

The most memorable day for me was the day we released rehabilitated turtles Kalua and India back to the ocean. My greatest accomplishment was presenting my research findings on a bacteria I had isolated from the shell of Giant Spider Crabs which could potentially cause disease. This was presented at the International Marine Microbiology Conference 2015 in Quingdao, China.

3 important qualities that your position requires

Dedication, Patience and Accuracy.

In 1 sentence, describe your job?

My job can’t be called a job because when you do something you love it is not just a job it is my life.

Experience vs Training

I certainly think that experience is key in this type of position. Handling animals and getting a feel for their behaviour is not something you can read in a book. It is a very hands-on practical career; however a Science or Conservation degree is essential for a more thorough understanding of animals, water quality and the environment.

Advice for people considering this career.

Most people that I meet say; ‘When I was young I wanted to be a Marine Biologist’ they often associate it with dolphins and the beach and fun. It has howev er nothing to do with just having fun at the beach a marine science career is about conservation, understanding animals and willingness to get wet in salt water even on the coldest winter day.

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

People who are not afraid to work with animals and in water. Someone who constantly wants to learn and a willingness to work long hours without being financially rewarded for the extra hours worked.

Potential for growth Where can your current postion lead?

If you have a Bachelor of Science degree so there is growth within the Marine Conservation fields as well as Aquaculture.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

The main challenges I am facing in my field of Fish Medicine is that it is poorly researched compared to land animals. So many marine species and parts of the ocean are hard to access which has resulted in the information being limited. If you need to information you often have to look beyond SA’s borders or develop research of your own by doing experiments. This is also what makes it interesting.

What qualifications do I need?

Any animal related Science Degree or Diploma can be useful in this field. Preferably a BSc in Marine Biology What are your career goals? I am content with my current position as although I am a Senior Aquarist and in management I am still hands on with animals in my care.

Describe an average day. This is a very physical job and requires taking care of animals with enormous attention to detail. I have to monitor behaviour and feeding as well as administer treatments as needed. Taking care of stranded animals is a very rewarding aspect of my job but it takes patience and dedication. We are like a trauma unit for fish, there is always something new to learn and do.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias?

Males are considered physically stronger than females and due to the physical nature of handling animals, sometimes females cannot work without physical assistance. Within my organisation we work as a team. There are numerous female marine biologists who are pioneers and leaders in Marine conservation..

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career?

Yes it is always a bonus to up study within your chosen field. With Marine Biology there is always room for research and experiments that can be undertaken as projects for additional qualifications. ■

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ith wSulaiman Jacobs

Petroleum Engineer Why did you choose this career?

at PetroSA was spent as a graduate in training (GIT), the first ten months of the graduate program is spent in a class room with 8 other graduates from all around the country most of them geologists. During this time we underwent a rigorous training in geology, the oil industry and geotechnical aspects needed on the job. As a reservoir engineer I have not undergone any formal training, all the training is on the job or comes from journal articles or textbooks.

What formal training did you undergo, and where?

What exactly does your job entail?

I did not choose this career, it chose me. I met a young lady who works at PetroSA and she was impressed by me when I said I was doing my MSc. in physics at UWC. We exchanged contact details. I received a phone call a few days later inviting me for an interview. At the interview I was told that if I am successful, due to my unique skill set and qualification I would be well suited to be a petroleum engineer.

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The primary role of a reservoir/ petroleum engineer is to estimate the

amount of hydrocarbon (oil or gas) in place, to calculate the recovery factor, and the determination of the time scale which the hydrocarbon can be recovered in. Other duties include the optimisation of production or injection wells in a cost effective and safe manner, using the appropriate technologies available to us, develop and facilitate well testing, ensuring equipment are operating correctly etc.

Describe an average day at work?

My day starts off with a meeting, where we dial in to the ORCA a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading


I thought my time would be spent “inAsaalabscientist looking at solutions in a test tube … ”

(FPSO) vessel. During the meeting operational issues are discussed, and any challenges which may arise on the rig. At the moment I am working on a project, where I am collating all the data pertaining to all the production and appraisal wells of the producing fields in PetroSA’s offshore exploration block. The data is stored in an MS Access data base which is read into specialised software (OilField Manager, OFM) allowing the petroleum engineers to view the location of each well with all the connecting data, and to perform calculations allowing them to compare and predict present and future production. This project takes up a huge part of my day as I am training myself in OFM and the theory of petroleum engineering concepts. Other aspects of my day involves attending meetings discussing production performance of all the offshore assets owned by PetroSA as well as helping out senior staff members with whatever queries and problems they may need assistance with.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable part of working as a petroleum engineer is the opportunities it has afforded me. I have had to go on offshore survival training, I have flown in a helicopter and I have spent time offshore, these are all things I never expected to do. As a scientist I thought my time would be spent in a lab looking at solutions in a test tube …

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your current position

As a junior engineer I am senior enough to get important projects land on my desk, but junior enough to still be afforded the opportunity to learn while I work on them. I enjoy the continuous learning and growth which being a junior affords me.

What is the least enjoyable duties of your job?

I do not think there are any unenjoyable aspects of being a junior engineer, I view every task as a new challenge and opportunity to learn new skills and to better equip myself for working in the industry.

Career highlights to date?

One of the things that stand out most so far is getting an opportunity to go offshore. This entails flying in a helicopter and spending two weeks on a rig in the middle of the ocean (thank God for internet and WhatsApp). I went to the rig to witness and learn about well testing. A new gas well was just drilled and completed and the time came to determine the potential that the well could flow. Time on the rig moves really slowly if you do not keep busy, luckily there is always food and cake in the galley. PetroSA has a print magazine, yeza sithetha, which comes out monthly, another great milestone for me was being featured in the magazine as a “model for all the GIT’s” this after I had my first peer reviewed journal article published and I shared the great news with one of my mentors. I have subsequently had another journal article published, both articles stem from work done on my MSc.

Three important qualities that your position requires:

Respect, always respect you superiors and co-workers; Patience-be patient with yourself and your superiors; Perseverance- 9/10 times you will not work in job or position of something you studied. This makes the learning curve so much steeper. It will not always be easy, push through the tough times and enjoy the easier times.

Experience vs Training:

In Petroleum engineering lots of on the job learning takes place. It is very important to have a higher qualification and the personality traits needed to be an engineer, but it is not necessarily to have a petroleum engineering degree. The concepts and theories of petroleum engineering can easily be picked up through constant engagement with co-workers or through reading of literature and textbooks.

Advice for grade 11 & 12 learners considering this career?

Education is important, more importantly math and science; our country is in need of mathematicians and scientists. Work hard at school. The world is your oyster. There are so many opportunities out there just waiting for you to grab it. Never give up on yourself, and if at first you do not succeed, stand up and try again. Pray daily and ask your Lord to open up your path and make it easy for you.

Type of personality that would suite and enjoy this kind of career path?

To be an engineer, one needs an inquisitive mind, always questioning how things work and why, with a large and powerful imagination. Important qualities a petroleum engineer should develop include analytical skills, creativity, mathematical and problem solving skills. Anyone considering this career should enjoy learning, as there are always new and exciting developments in the industry one can learn from

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead?

As a junior the potential for growth is infinite. There are two streams possible, technical and managerial. I would prefer to stay in a more technical and hands on role as that is what I enjoy. And within the next few years I hope to be a senior reservoir engineer on my way to becoming a principal reservoir engineer. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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ith wNaadira Hassim

Aeronautical Engineer Why did you choose this career?

I have a passion for aviation and flying objects. In this field I am able to influence the design of aircraft and contribute to making them better. This has always been my passion.

What training did you undergo, and where?

After completing my matric, I studied at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. I obtained my BSc Engineering (Aeronautical Engineering) Degree. I become an engineer in training at Denel Aviation for about 2 years and thereafter I was promoted to be an engineer.

What does your job entail?

I work in the design and development sector where I aid other engineers in the development of new aircraft and technology or improving/modifying current aircraft. I am involved in both the design phase and the testing phase. My interest within the aeronautical engineering field is aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of the air flowing around a body. My job is to find ways to make use of the airflow.

Describe an average day? An engineer’s life is dependent on what project they are working in. At times it is in research phase or research analysis phase where everything is on the computer. At other times you work on the testing phase, where you go and test what you developed to check if it works as 74

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planned. This involves making sure that the project does exactly what it is supposed to do.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your position?

The type of projects that we work on. We are exposed to machines and technology that most (can only dream of/only see in the movies/that blows my mind).

What is the least enjoyable part of your job?

Paper work and writing up reports. I have never been a fan of administration.

3 important qualities that your position requires?

1. Persistence, sometimes you work on a project that is not working out. You must have the ability to keep at it until you make it work. 2. Attention to detail – not just in numbers but in everything because you work on aircrafts that carry people. If you do not do it right people might lose their lives. 3. Most of all enjoy mathematics and science at school because that is what we apply most of the time.

In 1 sentence, describe your job?

Creative and analytical application.

Experience vs Training?

In my experience the training I received at university helped me to develop the approach that I use to tackle the work that I do. It provided me with base of knowledge which I have built onto.

Therefore training in this case, being education - established the basics and framework for my work. I often find myself going back to topics covered at university as a starting point and from there expand on what I currently know. Training/education is very important in engineering; I have never met an engineer that did not study it. Experience also assists in the manner you carry out your work and your ability to judge conditions. Books get you in engineering but experience help you in the application of the work.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? Be prepared to work hard and to be pushed beyond what you think are your limits. Working in this industry is challenging but rewarding. It is never boring as the projects we work on always bring in a new challenge. We work on some things that are completely new, which we never encounter in every project.

Potential for growth Where can your current position lead?

Engineers typically take 3 paths: Becoming a Specialist: Specialists are those that find something that they enjoy doing and endeavour to learn everything about it. Individuals or companies then go to the specialist when they cannot figure out the specialist’s domain. Going into Engineering Management: They manage the projects including other engineers that support the project. Thereafter they work themselves up to managing divisions and


“We are exposed to machines and technology that’s only seen in the movies”

even companies. Leaving the engineering domain: Companies outside of the engineering field recruit engineers to work in the business and finance sectors. Engineers are solution providers, therefore are consistently hired by businesses to solve organisational issues.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias?

There is a misconception that engineers are predominantly males, but I have met quite a number of female engineers. More and more females understand the importance of engineering. It is truly a fantastic field that both males and females can do well in.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career?

This is the type of career in which you are continually learning. Engineers are trained to find solutions and are often faced with situations in which they do not fully understand what they are dealing with. Your mind needs to constantly learn and analyse new information. Therefore furthering your studies in the form of masters or doctoral studies would help. The more scope of engineering you understand the better you are at your job. ■

Naadira Hassim

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ith Felix wCecil

& s c i t a m e h t a r M e h c a e t e c n Scie Why did you choose this career?

At first I wanted to study Theology to please my father but soon realized that this was not for me. I received a bursary to study Teaching at our local college in Worcester and took the opportunity. I always wanted to be involved in working with the community and working with people this was my opportunity. As it was teaching I was willing to give it a chance.

What training did you undergo, and where?

I Studied four years at Söhnge College of Education where I completed my Diploma in Education and one year after that my Higher Diploma in Education. A few years past and I realized I needed further development to do more. I continued my studies at the University of the Western Cape where I completed my B.Ed. (Honor’s) degree. Teaching is one of those careers where change comes quickly and you as a teacher must be able to work through the changes and equip yourself to cope with these changes. In order to be fully equipped I attended workshops, seminars presented by the WCED as well as courses outside the WCED.

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What does your job entail?

My work entails educating children, empowering children, developing children to become responsible people who can take their place in society. Shaping their young minds and encouraging them to follow their dreams and goals. Developing them socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, psychologically so that they can equip themselves to cope with the challenges they going to face in their future life and the real world.

What do you enjoy most?

You ever heard that saying in The -ATeam “I love it when a plan comes together “?

When your learners just come and surprise you. Whether it be their marks you’ve never expected, a sweet or apple on your table not knowing who put it there or when the learners do exceptionally well or they just say thank you or when you see your learners succeeding in life. I am a primary school teacher usually learners will forget you when they finish high school or go to university yet there are those learners that will come back and look how you are doing. Four years ago there where this learner in my science club he was not the best in science but willing to learn. He was so eager I made him team leader. We had the yearly science competition which we won that year. This year he is matric specializing in physics, and other sciences. These moments are priceless. He started his own little science group. This is what makes it worthwhile. There are so many examples too many to tell. It’s priceless when they enter your classroom full of life and so young and you meet them again when their children are in your classroom. That is what makes teaching so different from any other career.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job?

Unfortunately you will at some stage experience where


you do not get the support from parents when you want to help learners and you don’t get the parents involvement. They just do not care .This is what upsets me the most.

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

You certainly will have your share of disciplinary problems and coping with it in productive ways and mechanisms .Remember the people setting up our policies are not teacher’s and do not realize the consequences of each decision they make.

The type of person considering teaching should be very passionate about teaching. You must love what you do, working with all different types people and the ways that people think. Remember everyone will not always agree with you. You must be assertive within the rules. Always be on top of your field. Learners will challenge you to see how much you know. Always be willing to learn from others.

3 important qualities that your position requires?

What challenges have you had to overcome?

You must be able to take leadership, adapt, and be a hard worker.

In 1 sentence, describe your job?

The greatest , innovative , challenging , fast changing, hardworking job because you are creating lawyers, doctors , entrepreneurs, ministers, professors , policemen , and even presidents for the future of our country.

Experience vs Training?

In teaching you can be qualified and have the highest qualification but if you have not taught you still have nothing. Working with those young minds is a completely different story; every day is a learning curve. I am teaching for fifteen years and the most I have learnt was in the first seven to ten years. I have started to settle in always equipping myself within my career. Learning from my colleagues -teaching skills, handling discipline, school finances and the list is endless.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career?

Teaching is not for everybody. You must have passion, leadership, assertive abilities but also at the same time be subtle and understanding to the fact that each learner you are working with is different.

The first two years of my teaching experience was the most difficult. I was teaching at a High School with learners almost as old as I was. The help I got was at a minimum but I made sure that I had help from a few older teachers in my home town. Had to travel 70km to school every day and 70km back with the little SGB salary I got. At that stage it was not about the money I believed in gaining the most teaching experience I could get to apply for any contract or permanent post. During that time I lost my sister and mother due to illness. I decided to board at a colleague’s house. My luck changed in my fourth year where I got a one year contract in my home town. I worked as hard as I could to prove myself making myself available for all activities and committees at the school. Ten years back I was appointed permanently at this school.

What qualifications do I need?

You need a B.Ed. degree or Diploma in Education

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career?

It is very important. Education changes every day the learners change, policies change, technology changes even history changes, science changes therefore you must always update yourself in terms of being a teacher. ■

Cecil Felix

type “ofTheperson

considering teaching should be very passionate about teaching

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ith Ntlhe wBetty Satellite Operations Technician at SANSA is your area of 1What speciality at the SANSA?

I’m a Satellite Operations Technician.

is the biggest myth 6What about your field of work? Engineering is viewed mostly as a “Male dominated industry”

What criteria did you have is the truth around 2 to meet to get your position 7What the above myth? at the SANSA? I obtained the minimum required qualification and then worked as an intern to gain work experience and knowledge in microwave frequency technology. Microwave frequencies provide for the transmission of all of your important data because they can penetrate haze, rain, snow, clouds and smoke, these waves are good for viewing the Earth from space. During my time as an intern I had to work hard and made sure to get involved in numerous projects in line with my duties. It paid off and I was later appointed on a permanent basis.

tertiary qualification 3What does your job require?

A National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience of Radio Frequency, satellite technology, microwave and telecommunications principles and applications.

What important school 4 subjects are required for your qualification? Math and Science

What was the biggest 5 adjustment you had to make when moving from

The number of women enrolling in Engineering programmes is increasing dramatically every year. Providing encouragement and opportunity for women in Science and Engineering is one of the most powerful ways of harnessing the scarce skills needed to develop our country.

What do you have to do in 8 order to stand out in your field of work? You have to be enthusiastic and selfdriven. You should try to market your skills and let your personality as well as your ability to work hard shine through.

does a person 9What starting out in

your field have to do to climb the corporate ladder? It is not only important to recognize where your weaknesses lie, but it is critical to actively work towards improving your weaknesses, by asking for help or advice. By having a good track record and varied skills you will be able to attract more job opportunities within or beyond your field of study.

school to work?

How do you keep 10 abreast of developments of your profession?

The Space Operations room runs 24hrs every day, so working night shift is one of my job requirements. I had to change my sleeping patterns and that was really hard for me.

Technology evolves everyday with new advanced research and developments. I try to gain as much knowledge as I can and stay updated on new developments in the field of Radio

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Betty Ntlhe

Frequency and satellite communication technology. Different types of satellites are being launched almost every week and I have to stay informed of these developments and the new knowledge they bring to the industry and our community as a whole.


ith Isaacs wZiyaad Systems Technician at SANSA 1What is your area of speciality at the SANSA? Being new to SANSA, I don’t have a speciality yet. My current field of work is in geomagnetism.

What criteria did you 2 have to meet to get your position at SANSA? I had to be willing to travel to remote areas, have good experience in Electronics and the ability to manage myself.

What tertiary 3 qualification does your job require? A National Diploma in Electrical Engineering and a positive attitude.

4

What important school subjects are required for your qualification?

Ziyaad Isaacs

Mathematics, Physical Sciences and a little Geography.

What was the biggest 5 adjustment you had to make when moving from school to work?

I think the biggest adjustment for me was how to act professional in the work place. You should know when to be serious and when it’s ok to crack a joke.

What is the biggest 6 myth about your field of work? That it doesn’t exist! Many people are not aware that space science and technology is at the cutting edge in South Africa and that we have a Space Agency. I always have a lot of explaining to do every time somebody asks what I do for a living.

7

What is the truth around the above myth?

Space science and technology is a growing product of South Africa and it is getting bigger by the day.

do you have to do 8What in order to stand out in

your field of work? The best way to stand out in any field of work is to do it right and keep on trying to improve yourself to keep up with new trends.

What does a person 9 starting out in your field have to do to climb the corporate ladder?

Well, I would suggest you get as much experience as possible. The corporate ladder will always be missing a few steps so it’s up to you to go out there and find those steps you need to succeed.

How do you 10 keep abreast of developments of your profession?

Try your best to say yes to as many opportunities that come your way and always be willing to help your colleagues especially when it means stepping outside your comfort zone. The more you help and the more you offer to do, the more you will learn, and that’s how you stay in tune. ■ SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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NICO De BRUYN

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? i spent a great deal of my developmental years in the south african lowveld. as such, i was fortunate in being exposed to wildlife and life in such areas in general. i recall being interested in why animals do the things they do from a young age. why are lions in a group and leopards not? why do elephants push over trees? as a young boy i decided that i wanted to work with wild animals. not like a veterinary surgeon trying to fix sick animals, but as a researcher trying to understand animals. zoologya was natural progression.

i enjoy spending my time with the students. i

What training did you undergo, and Where? formally, i completed a b.sc. in zoology, b.sc. honours in wildlife management, m.sc.in african mammalogy and ph.d. in zoologyspecializing in large mammal ecology. my masters and doctorate was focused on understanding the foraging 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT and population ecology of seals. YOUR POSITION REQUIRES: additionally, in between my studies and during holidays, i volunteered to gain practical experience in working with wild animals in wild places. the latter constituted informal, but hugely valuable training in many aspects not gained through formal education.

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NICO De BRUYN

ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 LEARNERS CONSIDERING THIS CAREER?

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ith wthomas bardill

IT Manager Why did you choose this career?

What do you enjoy most?

I always had an interest in computers. My father and I used to program computer games. We used to disassemble old computers thereafter rebuild them to see if they would work. I would literally rush home from school just to work on computers that my dad and I owned. I would safely say my love for computers comes from my dad’s love for fixing anything that was broken around the house.

I enjoy visually seeing how IT can be a business enabler. From strategizing and implementing solutions that make it possible for the entire organisation to operate. Seeing how our internal staff operates their computers, Internet mobility and knowing that IT made it all possible, those are some of the joys that come with the kind of work we do. We bring life into the work place.

What training did you undergo, and where? B-Com in Information Technology at University of Cape Town. I then completed my BA (Hons) in Information Technology at Cape Peninsula University of technology.

Describe an average day? A typical day would be dealing with one or two technical glitches and ensuring that our IT infrastructure is in alignment. If there are no issues, I normally try to keep up to date with the industry norms, new technologies and solutions. I would potentially recognise solutions that will better enable our working structure for now and the near future.

What is the least enjoyable part of your job? I don’t like reactive IT issues, what I mean by that is – when a problem occurs and I wasn’t able to foresee it before it would actually happened resulting in a lot of chaotic rush and confusion. Sometimes systems will fail, and no one in the organisation would be able to work. That is when you need to apply your thinking hat.

3 important qualities that your position requires: Passion is the most important one; you have to love what you do. IT is forever evolving and progressing, you constantly need to keep yourself up to date with new technologies, new techniques and ways of doing things. Two: - You need to be able to communicate. Three: - Patience and tolerance, we normally work with non-technical people and it takes a great deal of patience to understand why systems are not working and why it takes time to get them fixed.

In 1 sentence, describe your job? Managing and over-seeing all IT infrastructure and IT services.

Experience vs Training In IT would be 50/50 there are things that only experience can teach you especially from a practical point of view. One needs to understand that problems occur at any-time, how I go about diagnosis…. such occasions you learn via training. With that said certification is very important, you need a university degree to be employable.

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So it is a good balance between getting yourself certified and getting proper training and experience.

Advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career? If you can answer YES to all of the below questions, then you know you should be in IT. Do I love computers? Do I have the patience to fix things when they are broken? Am I curious and constantly searching for new technologies to better the current situation?

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career? Inquisitive and curious individuals whom are constantly seeking new solutions. IT is about merging all departments, providing solutions to the finance department, marketing, payroll, essentially the organisation as a whole.

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? Being appointed as a CIO (Chief Information Officer) which is an executive job title commonly given to a person at an enterprise in charge of information technology (IT) strategy and the computer systems required to support an enterprise objectives and goals. This position would normally be in big corporate companies or bigger organisations. Where they have varies IT managers within the same division. i.e. IT Technical Manager, IT Systems Manager, Sab Manager all working and reporting to the CIO.

What qualifications do I need? A degree in Information Technology or a degree in Computer Science. If you have a specific interest in learning Microsoft courses, you can get a MCSE Microsoft certification or maybe your interest lies in networking you can get a CompTIA N+ or A+ certification

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? Yes I would say IT is still very much a male dominated

Thomas Bardill

I would literally rush home from school just to work on computers that my dad and I owned.

industry even though there is an increasing number of women whom occupy managerial positions and hold prominent positions. When I was still at university there was a 70/ 30 ratio but there seems to be an encouraging transformation in women engaging in technology and infrastructure.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Most definitely, IT is forever evolving, introducing new technologies, techniques and methods. Everything we learn today might not be applicable in five years to come. You need to keep on educating yourself, progressing and improving on your certifications, learn about new solutions, get educated, get experience and keep up to date. ■

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Q&A

Antarctic Engineer at SANAE IV, Team S53 WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and learning new things, so pursuing a career as an engineer was a good choice for me. I’m a fan of strange and interesting facts, something that often comes in handy as an engineer.

WHAT FORMAL TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO, AND WHERE? I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Information Technology at the University of Johannesburg. While the IT component wasn’t strictly necessary for my job, it really comes in handy as computer systems are part of everything these days.

WHAT EXACTLY DID YOUR JOB ENTAIL WORKING IN ANTARCTICA? I was selected to be part of a team of ten South Africans to spend 14 months in Antarctica for research purposes. There are several ongoing space science experiments at the South African Antarctic base and I was responsible for ensuring that the instruments remained operational and transmitted the valuable data to the scientists based in South Africa.

DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY AT WORK? When all the scientific instruments are working well, you spend most of your time inside the base improving the current systems in place, but if one of the instruments stops working properly then you get kitted in your

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Cornelia Oberholzer cold weather gear and head outside to go resolve the problem.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN ANTARCTICA? The unique opportunity to spend a year in Antarctica with nine other mildly crazy people. Living in such close proximity and needing to work as a strong team to get things done means that you learn so much about yourself and others. Spending a year in the coldest, windiest, driest, least populated and most remote continent on the planet is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

WHAT ARE THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECTS OF YOUR TIME IN ANTARCTICA? The crunch of the snow under my feet when I ventured out to fix one of the instruments and watching the spectacular auroras (southern lights) illuminate the night sky. I also enjoyed the team dynamics and learning new skills.

WHAT IS THE LEAST ENJOYABLE PART OF WORKING IN ANTARCTICA? People are strange; we want things we can’t have. So whilst there were a million things at

the base to do to wile away the hours, I still ended up missing the things I couldn’t have. Things like a hug from a loved one at home, a slice of watermelon or watching a new movie at the cinema.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE? One of the joys of being an engineer is that you get to follow your passions as they develop. So far my highlights have been obtaining my Certificated Engineer qualification while working in the mining industry, spending an amazing year in Antarctica, and following my passion to start a new career as a Renewable Energy Engineer.

3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? A passion for knowledge, an interest in solving problems and dedication

WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS MORE IMPORTANT IN YOUR PROFESSION EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING? You require the training to get started, but your future career growth is dependent on the professional experience you obtain during your career.


Q&A

ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 & 12 LEARNERS CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? Just do it!

TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD SUITE AND ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER PATH? It suites all personality types, as the field is very diverse and you get to find your own niche.

POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH WHERE CAN YOUR CURRENT POSITION LEAD? It was a 14 month contract position, so the job itself does not offer much growth, but it provided me with valuable experience for future positions.

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problems that interfere with your ability to do the things that are important to you. It can day starts with intervention in you Why did choose also prevent a problem or minimize its effects. to help with bathing, toileting, this career? g. Then outpatients are seen in The first reason is that I want to partment till about lunch time, Advice for people considering this part of the health care profession. ing activities might need to be career. Occupational therapy give me in. Sometimes splints will need to Visit as many different occupational the opportunity to be part of the in theatre eg for a burns injury. therapy settings as possible, so that you rehabilitation team that focus on ns are often taken up with clinics can experience the variety of services that independence inThis will also give you hritis, strokes, handsproviding or groupspeople eg this career can offer. find real solutions to real problems all activities of daily living after a lifeif occupational ts of children with cerebral palsy. an opportunity to see faced by real people. This entails This could from consistent thing in aaltering hospitalmoment. is therapy is the range right job for you. Although thinking out the box, advocacy, a brain birthuniversity to a hand injury often do not know what elseinjury you at the course can be challenging, becoming politically aware and active at work. The variation in specialisation to see on that specific day. there are many enlightening and and remembering that sometimes fields makes it attractive I can work rewardingas moments both as an solutions are long term goals. Also in a hospital for patients with physical undergraduate and qualified therapist. All o you enjoy most? thebox! OT students that work in the you have tounit, do is athink out of the joy embedded in a problems, marginalisedin a psychiatric community leave legacies behind that ty is trying to find real solutions school for children with special needs, born other fruit when taken up, oblems faced by real ofelderly, personor that wouldhave enjoy a people. nursingThis home Type for the even allowing the community to see the inking out the box, in advocacy, this kind of career? a broader community where general value of occupational therapy. Now g politically aware and active and As generic as it sounds, a person who occupational well-being is addressed. that is something I enjoy!!!!! ring that sometimes solutions genuinely wants to make a difference. This erm goals. Also theWhat OT students not be on a world scale, but doesmay your in the community job leave legacies occupational therapists can really give is meaningful What entail? hat have born other fruit when new perspective, whether it is and throughrewarding in your This can entail teaching a person who allowing the community to see daily function training, teaching coping position? has had a stroke how to roll in bed, sit of occupational therapy. Now strategies or providing childrenListening with to the narratives of disparate up, use the toilet or bath, or making mething I enjoy!!!!! important skills for everyday life. A person people, that make up our diverse a splint for a person with a tendon who chooses occupational therapy should country, from different walks of of the hand (temporary) or for a also be dedicated, willing to work meaningful and injury rewarding life,hard, socio-economic status and life person with quadriplegia (which could innovative and is able to work experiences in a team. position? and realising that there used throughout their lives e.g. to to the narratives ofbe disparate is a universality in our human hood. write.) Sport e.g.What for the person with do I need? hat make up our diverse country, qualifications OT allows me and I hope other OTs paraplegia - wheelchair erent walks of life, socio-economic You needbasketball, a Grade 12 with science and to transcend differences and work or for the lower limb amputee darts d life experiences and realising maths. This may vary at different

What I enjoy embedded in a marginalised community is trying to find real solutions to real problems faced by real people. This entails thinking out the box, advocacy, becoming politically aware ...

together towards solving individual, to improve skills like balance and collective and societal issues. wheelchair dexterity. Children with cerebral palsy are IN A WHAT I disabilities EN JO Ylike EMB ED D ED Career highlights? treated to enable development e.g. to RGIN AL ISED CO MMU N IT Y IS T RY IN G T O a difference in the lives of Making go to school. individuals/groups/people D REAL SO L UT IO N S T O R EA L P R O B L EMS

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the ward to help with bathing, toileting, and eating. Then outpatients are seen Good people skills, Perseverance, in the OT department till about lunch Patience time, when eating activities might need e is a universality in our human Universities, so it is best to contact each to be done again. Sometimes splints allows me and I hope other OTs University. will need to be made in theatre eg for a In 1 sentence, describe end differences and work your job? burns injury. Afternoons often taken towards solving individual, Does theare Industry (and your type of Occupational therapy helps to solve up with clinics eg for arthritis, strokes, and societal issues. position) that you are in, face the problems that interfere with hands or groupsgender eg for parents bias? of your ability to do the things that are children with cerebral palsy. than The men onlychoose to become highlights? More woman important to you. It can also prevent a consistent thing occupational in a hospitaltherapist. is that you difference in the lives of problem or minimize its effects. often do not know what else you will ls/groups/people need to see on that specific day. Is continuing education and further tant qualities that your studies important in your Advice type of for people considering this career. n requires career? What do you enjoy as many different occupational ople skills, Perseverance, Patience The Health Professions CouncilVisit of South most? as possible, so that Africa is our body andtherapy requiressettings us What I enjoy embedded in statutory a you can experience the variety of to do continuing education activities every tence, describe your job? marginalised community is trying to BECOMIN G PO L IT ICA L LY AWA R E ... requires

nal therapy helps to solve the

services that this career can offer. This will also give you an opportunity to see if occupational therapy is the right job for you. Although the university course can be challenging, there are many enlightening and rewarding moments both as an undergraduate and qualified therapist. All you have to do is think out of the box!

Type of person that would enjoy this kind of career?

As generic as it sounds, a person who genuinely wants to make a difference. This may not be on a world scale, but occupational therapists can really give new perspective, whether it is through daily function training, teaching coping strategies or providing children with important skills for everyday life. A person who chooses occupational therapy should also be dedicated, willing to work hard, innovative and is able to work in a team.

What qualifications do I need?

You need a Grade 12 with science and maths. This may vary at different Universities, so it is best to contact each University.

Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? More woman than men choose to become occupational therapist.

Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? The Health Professions Council of South Africa is our statutory body and requires us to do continuing education activities every year in order to register yearly. ■

year in order to register yearly.

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ith Stemmet wJean

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“ Why did you choose this career?

I retired from professional rugby in 2013, and took a career in Rugby coaching. Diamantveld High School gave me an opportunity to coach the 1st XV and be the Director of Rugby at the School. I have a passion for coaching and to develop young schoolboys with the right attitude, discipline and faith. I can share everything that I have been taught in my rugby career with these youngsters. Coaching also taught me a lot of how to approach and work with different types of people and their personalities.

What formal training did you undergo, and where?

The experience from my playing days gave me all the training I needed. Also in my playing days I started the Gemsbok Kidz rugby development program for youngsters between the ages 6 – 13 years which also prepared me for the big coaching job of Director of Rugby. I have also studied Marketing at Northlink TVET College that helped me to spread the word of Gemsbok Kidz and taught me the manner of how I not only approach but work with possible sponsors from the private sector.

What exactly does your job entail? I am the Director of Rugby Diamantveld High School.

I am responsible for every rugby player in our school and to develop and create opportunities for every school boy to play by

Play the sport for the passion, the A team does not matter. You learn the most from yourself when nobody rates you! organizing rugby days, various rugby games, trials and to give these boys the opportunity to test their skills against “big schools” in South Africa.

Career highlights to date?

Describe an average day at work?

11 Cravenweek u/18 Griqua players – 2015

Pre –season 04h15 – Alarm 04h45 – Open Gym 05h00 – Squad Training 1st XV Squad 06h30 – Office 07h00 – 13h30 Admin (Physio, doctors, organizing rugby games , sports days) 14h00 – U/14A Field session 15h00 – U/15A Field Session 16h00 – 18h00 – 1st XV Field session 20h00 – 21h00 – Preparing for next day (practice preparation)

What do you enjoy most about your job? When the teams walk off the field after a game and the smiles and chats. Tours with the scholars to various other schools are also on the list.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your current position?

To give normal school boys great opportunities; to see them develop to the next level not only in their ruby but personal lives too.

What is the least enjoyable duties of your job?

The pressure when the team is not performing that brings with it public criticism.

Won interschool against Northern Cape past 2years. 2014 -2015 Draw against Grey College 34 – 34

Waterkloof Prestige 7’s Champs 2014

important qualities that your position requires?

Discipline, Character and Faith

Experience vs Training: You need to wear the jersey before you hand it over, Training

Advice for grade 11 & 12 learners considering this career?

Play the sport with passion; Being part of the A team does not matter; Because you learn the most from yourself when nobody rates you!

Type of personality that would suite and enjoy this kind of career path?

Someone who believes in themselves; Is creative/different in their approach; Willing to take constructive criticism and able to handle pressure

Potential for growth - Where can your current position lead? “Big school” rugby structures; Provincial Rugby structures and Springbok Structure. ■

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Mechatronics and Robotics, I don’t tolerate mediocrity, if you find yourself Why did you choose aspects of your position? career. a classical day-inday- out work struggling you need to work through it. this career?I really love being involved inenjoy cutting edge Work hard, put in late nights when you

setting. It’s great to be so interested Expect greatness from yourself! It’s a research, in especially need to and stick to it. There will be tough I grew up very interested design in Mechatronics and and excited in my work – many people slippery I don’t enjoy a classical day-intimes along the way, but DON’T tolerateslope from tolerating that 51% and creative work,Robotics, but I also found can’t claim this. I enjoy being able to pass to failing courses… work setting. mediocrity, if you find yourself struggling that I had a knackday-out for science and It’s great to be so manage my ownyou time, PhD studies are it. Expect interested and excited in my work – many need to work through critical thinking. My artistic skills have pressured – I have to produce results It’s a slippery claim this. greatness from yourself! Type of person that never been up to people much, can’t so I went for I enjoy being able and writearepublishable papers regularly, to manage my own time, PhD studies slope from tolerating that 51%would pass to enjoy this the science side. Many people don’t I amand allowedfailing to work independently pressured – I have to producebut results courses… kind of career? realise how much creativity goes and keep write publishable papers regularly, but I my own hours. into research and novel design work am allowed to work independently and Type of person that wouldSomeone enjoy with an independent, and how satisfying and interesting inquisitive and keen mind, who is able keep my own hours. this kind of career? Career highlights? it is to be allowed to pursue original toinquisitive commit to working hard for months Someone with an independent, There are 3 thatand come tomind, mind,who is able to and research. I knew pretty on that I keen commit to Careerearly highlights? months towards a single goal. Winning the award for best year and months wanted to be involved working hardfinal for months There in aresomething 3 that comelike to mind, project Being awarded engineering and engineering research towards a single goal. Winning the award for best final year in my BEng; Potential for growth (with a partner) 2 patents for a highincareer? Mechatronics and Robotics was an project in my BEng; id you choose this Where can your current product wePotential developed; Being awarded (with a tech partner) 2 forBeing growth - Where can up very interested inevolution design andof that. position lead? awarded my MSc Engcurrent Cum Laude. patents for a high-tech product we work, but I also found that I had a your position lead? It could go in one of two directions. developed; or science and critical thinking. My could go in one The Cum LaudeItrecognition wasofatwo directions. What training did you Being awarded my MSchuge Eng Cum skills have never been up to much, Sticking to not academia can lead Sticking to research to academia can lead to highlight for me, it’s common undergo, and where? Laude. The Cum Laude recognition was a to be nt for the science side. chair positions highly respected for a degree awarded atand thata level research chair positions and a highly Afterhow highmuch school huge (Maritzburg highlightCollege for me, it’s notand common for the professorship. any people don’t realise Theinother is the after all hard work I put it optionrespected professorship. The other I did myawarded at that a degree to be level and ty goes into researchand andGrey novelHigh School) private sector, where a Doctor option of was rewarding. is the private sector, where a Bachelor (BEng) after all the hard work I put in it was work and how satisfying and of Engineering engineering can conduct highly advanced Doctor of engineering can conduct ing it is to be allowed pursue research in a well-funded company. in to Mechatronics atrewarding. NMMU in Port highly advanced research in a well3 important qualities research. Elizabeth. From there I joined UKZN in funded company. that your position knew pretty early onDurban, that I wanted 3 important qualities What qualifications do I need? where I finished my Master of that your requires volved in somethingScience like In order to be involved in Academic postposition requires in Engineering (MSc Eng) in ering and engineering research in graduate Engineering study you need a qualifications Intelligence, Discipline, Creativity in What Intelligence, Discipline, Creativity in Mechanical Engineering, Cum Laude. ronics and Robotics Since was anthen I’ve been Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering problem solving. do I need? problem solving. busy with Doctoral on of that. (BSc Eng) or an equivalent, like BEng (PhD) studies, still at UKZN. In order to be involved in Academic (sometimes special cases can be made for In 1 sentence, describe your job? In 1 sentence, describe postgraduate Engineering study you BTech and non-engineering BSc raining did you undergo, and I do cutting edge research into the your job? need Bachelor of Science degree What does your graduates). You also need to excel in a your artificiallyjob intelligent management of ? in Engineering (BSc Eng) or an I do cutting edge research into the entail? gh school (Maritzburg College and equivalent, like BEng (sometimes artificially intelligent management gh School) I did my Bachelor of I am primarily a researcher working special cases can be made for BTech ering (BEng) in Mechatronics at of highly advanced and automated towards my PhD, with some Ma ny peo pl e d o n’ t rea l ise h o w and non-engineering BSc graduates). in Port Elizabeth. From there I production environment as a PhD undergraduate lecturing thrown I Mu c h in. c reat iv it y g o es int o resea You rcalso h need to excel in your UKZN in Durban, where I finished student. am involved in unique research which ter of Science in Engineering (MSc a nd no v el d esign wo rk a nd h oBachelor’s w in order to secure a good has not been successfully tackled by Mechanical Engineering, Cum postgraduate position with enough sat isf ying a nd int erest ing it is Experience vs Training any other researcher in the world. I Since then I’ve been busy with funding. If you do very well in your my days readingtinternational o b e a l l oThis wed t o one… pu rsu o rig ina l is a tough To be e a rounded al (PhD) studies, still spend at UKZN. Master’s you could be accepted as a publications and working on original engineer you truly need resea rc h . both. For the PhD student. It’s a tough road, but it’s theories which I can test. My research researcher, training is more important, does your job entail? so satisfying and interesting! is focussed on Artificial Intelligence marily a researcher working you need an extensive theoretical

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automated advanced and automated s my PhD, with somefor advanced andhighly Bachelor’s to secure a good postbackground of your field. inInorder the general production environment PhD student. and raduate lecturing thrown in. I amsystems, graduate position with enough Does funding. Ifthe Industry (and production so I spend a lot as aMechatronics Robotics world, d in unique researchof which not you do very well in your Master’syour you could timehas programming and testing new type of position) to differentiate yourself, you need ccessfully tackled bysoftware. any otherAs a post be accepted as a PhD student. It’s a toughyou are in, face Experience vs Training background knowledge graduate student, that in order to her in the world. I spend my days to produce road, but it’s so satisfying This is a tough rounded I’m expected journalone… To be areally gender bias? understand some concepts, butand interesting! international publications and engineer truly need both.you Forcertainly the and conference papers toyou show my aren’t very useful until you Not at all. The student base for g on original theoriesresearch which I can researcher,world. training is more important, you the Industry (and your type of to the academic have real-world Does experience. Mechanical Engineering is still research is focussed on Artificial need an extensive theoretical background position) that you are in, face predominantly male, but I believe ence for advanced and automated of your field. In the general Mechatronics gender bias? What are the Advice forNot people is due to interest, not to tion systems, so I spend a lot of andmost Robotics world, to differentiate at all. The student base forthis Mechanical enjoyable aspects considering this career. ogramming and testing new yourself, you need background knowledge Engineering is still predominantly male, bias. Anyone with the right your e. As a post graduateof student, I’m position? in order to really understand Work some hard, put in butlate I believe is due to interest, not to capability and intellectual nightsthis when you d to produce journal and love beingconcepts, bias. Anyone commitment can make it I really involvedbut in you certainly aren’t needvery to and stick to it. Therewith willthe beright intellectual nce papers to show cutting my research to useful until you have real-world capability and commitment it in research. ■ inmake academic edge research, especially in tough times along the way, but DON’T can demic world. experience. academic research. 

SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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West Coast About the West Coast Fossil Park

It is situated in a rehabilitated phosphate mining area covering 716 ha

The Fossil Park is one of the few fossil sites in the world that allow for in situ viewing of fossil remains. Along with the “Cradle of Humankind” site at Sterkfontein in Gauteng, the Fossil Park forms part of a growing interest in palaeo-tourism in South Africa. The Park is comparable to international palaeontological sites such as Riversleigh in Australia, the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska, the La Brea Tarpits in Los Angeles, and The Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, USA.

There are no sites in South Africa that can compare to the Fossil Park with respect to abundance, age or species richness of fossils.

• •

We are the ancient home of the Fossil Big Six The fossil Park is one of the richest Fossil Sites in the world because we have the fossilized remains of animals from fresh water, terrestrial and marine environments which includes the fossils of the smaller vertebrates such as moles, mice, lizards, chameleon and snake, as well as fossils of invertebrates such as snails.

Where is the Fossil Park? The Fossil Park is situated at Langebaanweg, approximately 120 96

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km north of Cape Town, 10 km inland from Saldanha Bay. At the start of the spring tourist season, visitors flock to the area to see the wild flowers.

History of the Fossil Park The Fossil Park lies in an area that is thought to have been the estuary of the ancient Berg River 5million years ago. At that time the remains of over 280 species of animals that lived around the estuary were buried and preserved in the channel and floodplain sediments. Over time they became fossilized. Eventually, the sea level dropped to present levels and the coastline migrated seaward leaving the site of the ancient estuary about 10 km inland, in the area now known as Langebaanweg. In the 1950s, the Chemfos mining company started mining phosphate at Langebaanweg and in 1958 scientists were alerted to the first fossil remains that were discovered. Research on these remains was initiated by Prof Ronald Singer from UCT Medical School. Thereafter, expansion of the mining activities in the 1960’s exposed huge deposits of fossils and the South African Museum, under the leadership of Dr Brett Hendey, started an intensive research project on these deposits. Besides the main fossil assemblages from 5 million years ago, there were marine fossil deposits below that going back to about 10 million years ago.

Dr Hendey’s research has been continued by both local and international scientists and what this research has revealed is truly remarkable: 100 species of mammals including:

• • • • • • •

a bear three species of elephants a giant pig short-necked giraffes at least 87 species of birds, including four species of penguin, three species of parrots four species of owl, a woodpecker and a mousebird 15 species of frogs 8 species of reptiles


We offer:

Guided tours to the 5 million year old palaeontological site, our laboratory and on-site museum

• Educational Tours to school and student groups

• Tourist Tours to Tour Operators

• Walking Trails • Cycle Routes • Play Park for children under 12 years old

• Coffee shop which

sells the best Lemon Meringue Tart in the West, Carrot Banana Cake, wonderful filter coffee and a range of light meals, including Roosterkoek with a variety of fillings and fantastic Fossil Park Breakfasts

species of shark (identified • 16 from teeth) • 3 species of bony fish; • and species of marine • 60 invertebrates. Many of the species described are known only from Langebaanweg. We also have some understanding of the plants that grew at that time from analyzing preserved pollen and phytoliths. The composition of animal and plant species has contributed to a better understanding of the different environments that existed at that time.

With the halt in mining operations in 1993, it was decided not to follow the normal closure procedure that would have rehabilitated the mine for agricultural use, but rather to implement a programme that would ensure the preservation of the fossils of the area. Thus in 1996 the West Coast Fossil Park project commenced, in a joint venture between the mining company Samancor (the holding company for Chemfos) and the South African Museum (later part of Iziko Museums of South Africa). In 1998 the park was opened by the then Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr Pallo Jordan, and the Chairman

of Samancor, Mr Mike Salamon. In 2006, Iziko Museums and BHP Billiton (the holding company of Samancor) formed the West Coast Fossil Park Trust, which now owns the assets of the park and manages its operations. The entire park was given National Heritage Site status in 2014. ■

Contact Details Tel: 022 766 1606 General Tours: contact Nadia info@fossilpark.org.za Educational Tours and Group Tours: contact Wendy edu@fossilpark.org.za SCIENCE CAREERS SA

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with

FREDERIC IGORE BIKANDOU-NDOUMA

DIRECTOR at I & J ACCOUNTANTS Why did you choose this career? There were many influences that went into my decision to select this career field. One of my early mentors was my father who was also an accountant he encouraged me to explore opportunities in this field. He pointed me in the right direction by giving me some exposure in accounting field through accounting home work as well the role of an accountant in the business world. While being at school I took a class with a teacher I really liked, he used to explain accounting in a very interesting way that contributed for my decision to become an accountant.

What formal training did you undergo, and where? Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. (ACCA). I studied my qualification at Boston City Campus & Business College, to which I owe a large part of my success in my studies. It is an internationally accredited qualification.

What exactly does your job entail? Being in accounting may not be exciting to some, but I have a passion for this job! I use all aspects of accounting that I learned in my course at Boston. I manage staff, liaise with companies and work with teams. I also complete work on my own. So you have to be a people’s person as well as independent. I work with numbers, worksheets, documents and with people!

Describe an average day at work? Basically every day I consult 98

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with clients in different business industries regarding their challenges in tax and accounting. I then collect the required documents from them that will help me to solve those problems. After collecting the documents I have to give instructions to my employees to process the documents. It is my responsibility to oversee the whole process, and I have to give the final touch and check if the job is well done

What do you enjoy most about your job? I think I have my father’s blood in me! I enjoy compiling the financial statements because this gives me exposure to how the company is managed in detail. I can follow this trail until the results of the company at the end of the financial year - which could be Profit or loss depending on how the company was managed during the year.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your current position? Currently I am a director of a company which gives me authority to manage others. I like the fact that I give instruction to others and they execute my instruction which gives me in return a sense of leadership and achievement.

What is the least enjoyable duties of your job? The least enjoyable duties of my job are travelling the long distances. I hate driving long distances and my job requires a lot of travelling. Sometimes it will be to consult with a client, or to respond to a problem that needs immediate attention from management.

Frederic Igore Career highlights to date? Growing in my skills; Adding new companies to my client list; Becoming a director and managing staff.

3 important qualities that your position requires? Effectiveness, efficiency and economically minded.

Experience vs Training: My job would be impossible to complete without the training that I had at Boston. Some skills can be learned on the job – accounting is not one of them. You need a training institution with a good methodology, as becoming proficient in accounting is about understanding the concepts, and tons of practice! While it is possible to manage people without training, an understanding of the work they need to complete is essential in order to manage them fairly and effectively.

Advice for grade 11 & 12 learners considering this career? Study hard and be focused. Investigate your post school opportunities now, don’t wait until you have completed matric. Boston offers free careers counselling and a career compass assessment, that will give you your own vision for you future and provide a goal to work towards.

In ord succe must and in organ detail creati


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THE ESSENTIALS


How will SKA1 be bette than today's best radio Astronomers assess a telescope’s performance by looking at three factors. These are resolution, sensitivity, and survey speed. With its sheer size and large number of antennas, the SKA will provide a giant leap in all three compared to existing radio telescopes, enabling it to revolutionise our understanding of the Universe.

WITH THE SKA

WITH CURRENT RADIO TELESCOPES

LOFAR Netherlands

SKA1 LOW Australia

x1.2 SKA1 MID x4

SKA1 LOW

LOFAR NL

VLA

RESOLUTION Thanks to its size, the SKA will see smaller details, making radio images less blurry, like reading glasses help distinguish smaller letters.

SKA1 LOW

x

SKA1 MID

SURVEY

Thanks to its sensitivi larger area of the sky be able to observe m given time and so m


er telescopes? VLA

Very Large Array, USA

x135 D x60

SKA1 MID

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s largest radio telescope. It will be built in two phases - SKA1 and SKA2 - starting in 2018, with SKA1 representing a fraction of the full SKA. SKA1 will include two instruments - SKA1 MID and SKA1 LOW - observing the Universe at different frequencies.

WITH THE SKA

WITH CURRENT RADIO TELESCOPES

South Africa

LOFAR NL

VLA

Y SPEED

ty and ability to see a at once, the SKA will more of the sky in a map the sky faster.

x8 SKA1 MID x5

SKA1 LOW

LOFAR NL

VLA

SENSITIVITY Thanks to its many antennas, the SKA will see fainter details, like a long-exposure photograph at night reveals details the eye can't see.


SKA1 MID - the SKA’s mid-frequency instrument The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s largest radio telescope, revolutionising our understanding of the Universe. The SKA will be built in two phases - SKA1 and SKA2 starting in 2018, with SKA1 representing a fraction of the full SKA. SKA1 will include two instruments - SKA1 MID and SKA1 LOW - observing the Universe at different frequencies.

Frequency range:

350 MHz 14 GHz

Location: South Africa

to

197 dishes (including 64 MeerKAT dishes)

Total collecting surface:

32,000m2

or

123 tennis courts

Maximum distance between dishes:

150km

Total raw data output:

2 terabytes per second

62 exabytes per year

SKA1 MID

Enough to fill more than

340,000

x340,000

average laptops with content every day

Compared to the VLA, the current best similar instrument in the world:

4x the

resolution

5x more

sensitive

60x faster

at mapping the sky


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