Ss engineering issue 4

SCIENCESTARS ISSUE 04

THE POWER OF ENGINEERING

UPCOMING MAIN DST EVENTS IN 2014 • • • •

Scifest Budget Vote National Science Week Women In Science Awards

CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

5 8 1 1

FOREWORD Prof Azwinndini Muronga

Engineering Why not engineer dst African Astronomy

4

Science stARS

1

3

6

2 2 3 3 3

0 eskom expo For young Scientists 6 dst Algae based technology 0 SANRAL Building a future South Africa 2 Electrical engineering Meet Bramley Maetsa 8 Investec Promaths Matric learners

4

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

UJ Science Centre

scifest aFRICA Into the space

FOREWORD

the

FOREWORD Have a good festival As you enter the festivities of SciFest, Science Star magazine welcomes you to yet another special edition.

The science stars March issue’s theme is engineering. March is water month. Water is a basic necessity to sustain our lives. Which is why Mars Curiosity Rover is on the red planet in search for any signs of life. We all have our responsibilities to use water wisely.

In this issue you will find important information about different engineering degrees. You will also hear about moving stories of those who made it into engineering careers from humble beginnings.

I am the Director of UJ Soweto Science Centre. For the past three years the Centre has produced the best grade 10-12 results for Soweto. It continues to make a difference in the lives of residence of the Soweto community. I am also the Vice-Chairperson of Science-TUBE that takes science to the most rural parts of our country through an exhibition called “Science Beyond Borders Exhibition”.

Inside you will also find advetorials from CSIR, SANSA and SANRAL. I wish all of you a happy scifest festival.

Prof Azwinndini Muronga

Director of UJ Soweto Science Centre Vice-Chairperson of Science-Tube

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

5

ED’S NOTE

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

team Science Stars

Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga editorial@sciencestars.co.za

Art Director • Nkabanhle Mawala

The Engineer In You

Graphic Designer • Cinzia Joey Swartz

Welcome to our latest issue of Science Stars. This issues theme is Engineering.

We hope you will learn a lot of new things from this fabulous edition. We have really really enjoyed putting it together. We all know about Engineering but very few of us actually know what it is about. It is a very broad discipline that has so many other branches within it. Some of these are Aerospace Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering, Risk Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mining Engineering and even Software Engineering.

This is actually good news because it gives you such a wide variety of engineering disciplines to choose from. I hope you all read the cover story and find out more about this incredible discipline. Find out who is widely credited as the person who started engineering and just how far it has evolved. The career article also tells you more about where you can study and what you need to be an engineer.

Feature Writer • Unathi Kondile Chairman • Madambi Rambuda info@roswikamedia.co.za

Sales Executive • Siseko Siwali siseko@sciencestars.co.za

Ambassador • Azwindinni Muronga

Copyright 2014 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.

Science Stars is published by Roswika Media - a member of Shanduka Black Umbrellas.

You will also read a really touching story of Bramley Maetsa a boy who grew up at a farm but through hard work and education is now the big shot, head of Sharepoint at Saratoga Software; a specialised Information Technology company owned by the Sekunjalo group. This story really highlights what I always say; that with education everything is possible. Maetsa is a model of hard-work and perseverance.

Despite his humble beginnings he strived for success and he succeeded. Read it and be inspired!

Finally I hope some of you will be making your way to Grahamstown for the Science Festival. Am sure this year will even be more exciting and fulfilling than last year. I am personally expecting to have a really good time and hope to learn so many new things. Plus I would never pass the chance to hangout with all the cool science kids. Hope to see you there. Always remember; A set goal is the master of motivation!

Evans Nyasha Manyonga Managing Editor

6

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

31 Brickfield Road, Upper East Side, Unit 9B Cape Town 021 447 7197 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za

FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young graduates, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential.

Through a set of complementary programmes, Shanduka Foundation creates opportunities for educational development, career growth and the acquisition of entrepreneurial capabilities.

•

Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to adopt disadvantaged schools with the aim of improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.

•

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises vacation work in companies in the Shanduka Group.

•

The Shanduka internship programme provides experiential training for selected learners and job seekers within Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

•

Shanduka Black Umbrellas nurtures qualifying 100% black owned businesses by providing meaningful access to markets, networks and finance through its small enterprise incubators and online procurement portal.

Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.

To find out more about the work of the foundation and its programmes, visit

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

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ENGINEERING

WHY NOT ENGINEER..

Improving our world

8

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

ENGINEERING GALILEO

S

o we have all heard different stories

515BC he constructed the first man made

about engineering and Engineers.

canal which linked the River Nile to the

Apparently its so difficult and also

Red sea. The same great guy (Darius 1)

very financially rewarding. Apparently only

also built a great network of roads which

a select few of us are clever enough to be

even had a 2 000 royal road at its centre.

Engineers and apparently only the best

As time went on more and more engineer-

of the best can make it in the engineer-

ing aspects started to take shape from the

ing world. Well... So how true is it? We are

Romans to the Greek guys building roads

going to find out and tell you more about

to steam engines. One look at the great

the fascinating world of engineering.

pyramids of Egypt shows you what we can

What Is Engineering

achieve through engineering. They are a man made wonder of the world that was

Engineering is the practical application of

constructed through the power of engi-

science and math to solve problems, and

neering.

it is everywhere in the world around us.

From when we wake up to when we even

Disciplines

go to sleep each and everyday engineering

So the complex thing about engineering is

technologies improve the ways that we

the fact that there are so many disciplines

communicate, work, travel, eat, entertain

within the subject. Historically, mainstream

ourselves and even how we get to differ-

engineering was divided into four broad

ent places. You might not know it or even

disciplines these were chemical, civil, elec-

see it but engineering makes a lot of what

trical and mechanical engineering, with

we do even possible. And its all through

several branches within each discipline

the application of science and mathemat-

covering a whole lot of fields.

ics.

Today, we are seeing the emergence of

Engineers are problem-solvers whose

many new disciplines of engineering. Let

main aim is to make things work quickly,

us explore some of these various areas of

more reliably and less expensively.

expertise and disciplines:

Engineering is the main driver of our modern lifestyle, from the big shiny cars

Aerospace Engineering

we see to the life saving medical technol-

These are the guys who deal with all

ogy. Engineers have a wide range of study

things that are in the air. Aerospace

options and career paths that let them

Engineers design, construct and operate

design, build, and manage those different

aircraft, aerospace vehicles and propulsion

and practical ideas into reality.

systems. This includes planes, jets, helicopters, gliders, missiles and spacecraft.

History

These guys are also involved in research-

So were did it all start. Whose the guy

ing, developing and testing new materials,

who said we are now introducing engi-

engines, body shapes and structures that

neering as a study discipline? Was he

may increase the speed and strength of

European, Asian or African? Well the good

aircraft. They are also responsible for plan-

news is engineering actually started in

ning thorough maintenance programs for

Africa. The guy credited for being the first

aircraft and exercising strict safety and

Engineer was good old King Darius the

environmental controls while using their

first. He was a Persian king in the territory

knowledge of electrical, electronic and

that is now part of modern day Egypt. In

computer systems for automatic control

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

9

ENGINEERING

and communication systems for the opera-

more comfortable life by designing tools

metals. Often these processes are carried

tion of aircraft. Phew seems like a lot,

and facilities that can make their lives

out at big plants and factories. Safety is

but its not as difficult as it sounds if you

much better and easier to manage.

also a major part of chemical engineering

receive the proper training and education.

because it deals with many different ele-

In fact one of our friends here at Science

Building Services

Stars is an Aerospace Engineer. He pops

Building Services Engineers are involved

Chemical engineers are also involved in the

in once in a while to say hello and he

with designing heating, air-conditioning,

production of pharmaceutical products such

assures us that he believes his job is the

electric lighting and power, water and gas

as penicillin and shampoo and they also

best in the world, and no, he says its not

supply, plumbing and drainage systems.

make sure the elements used do not harm

too difficult.

Fire safety and security systems, phones,

the environment.

Agricultural Engineering These engineers are involved with conserving and developing our natural

faxes, intercoms, computers, lifts and esca-

ments that are risky and dangerous.

lators are all needed for a functional and

Structural Engineering

safe work environment.

Natural forces such as wind, waves and earthquakes and their effects all need to

resources such as soil, water, land, rivers

Chemical Engineering

and forests. So in other words they make

This is one of the most famous forms of

designed and built. Certain stresses caused

sure our environment is safe through

engineering. Chemical engineering has

by the modern environment, such as the

researching and developing solutions

more to do with the ways in which raw

traffic of both cars and people, also need to

to fix problems such as soil erosion and

materials are changed into useful and

be considered. Therefore my dear friends a

salinity. They are responsible for designing

commercial end products. Research of raw

structural engineer ensures that structures

better methods of farming and forestry,

materials and their properties, design and

are built in such a way that they stand up

improving the machinery used at our

development of equipment and the evalu-

to these forces. Innovative solutions to

farms and buildings and also in lessening

ation of operating processes are all part

these problems are researched, developed

the impact of humans on the environment.

of chemical engineering. These skills are

and tested by structural engineers.

Agricultural Engineers also make sure we

combined to extract raw materials which

Structural engineers often work with

can recycle and re-use products so that

can then be refined and manufactured to

architects, builders and those in mechani-

they don’t all just go to waste. Who knew

produce such things as food, petrol, plas-

cal, electrical and chemical engineering to

you could be an Agricultural Engineer one

tics, paints, paper, ceramics, minerals and

organise and supervise the construction

day huh!

Biomedical Engineering I personally like these guys. Biomedical Engineers work with doctors and medical scientists, researching and designing ways to improve health care and medical services. They may use microcomputers, lasers, and other materials to develop and improve medical research equipment that is used to diagnose health problems.

Sometimes these guys are also involved in the development of medical products and different types of equipment used to monitor and treat patients. Even more impressive they are involved in designing and improving
equipment for disabled people. They also come up with ways for people who have medical issues to have a 10

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

be taken into account when a structure is

ENGINEERING

vital importance in everyday communica-

how to build the virtual world. Fascinating

tion, defence, transport, civil aviation &

indeed.

medical equipment such as the bionic ear, pacemakers and life support systems.

This is a full list of Engineering disciplines including the ones that did not get a stron-

Industrial Engineering

ger explanation, go through them and look

This form of Engineering is concerned

at the ones you might find interesting:

with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of

- Aerospace Engineering

human resources, materials, equipment

- Building Services Engineering

and finance. It makes use of specialised

- Electrical Engineering

knowledge and skill in the mathematical,

- Marine Engineering

physical, physiological and social sciences

- Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering

together with the principles and methods

- Risk Engineering

of Engineering analysis and design to

- Agricultural Engineering

specify, predict and evaluate the results

- Civil Engineering

to be obtained from such systems and

- Chemical Engineering

measure achievement. This is a form of

- Environmental Engineering

engineering that cuts across a lot of other

- Materials Engineering

disciplines.

- Mining Engineering

of particular structures. Without the work

- Software Engineering

done by these guys most of the buildings

- Biomedical Engineering

would have come crushing right on top of

Mining Engineering

- Coastal and Ocean Engineering

us. Just imagine the FNB Stadium. Without

The beauty of engineering is the fact that

- Industrial Engineering

structural engineers we wouldn’t have the

these guys get to work with professionals

- Mechanical and Manufacturing

beautiful stadium.

from other disciplines. Take for example

Electronics And Telecommunications Engineering

Engineering

Mining Engineers. They work together with geologists to investigate and carry out

So what is the conclusion to all this infor-

the extraction of ore bodies and mineral

mation? Well for starters we now know

deposits, as well as the extraction of non-

what engineering is, and we also know that

Electronics engineering deals with devices

metallic ores and fuels such as coal and

its a very wide area. There are so many

and systems that use small amounts of

uranium. They are responsible for planning

streams of engineering. This is really good

electrical energy to analyse, transmit and

the safest and most cost effective way of

news because it means you are spoilt for

store information.

removing minerals from the ground, rivers

choice. You can simply choose the stream

Transmission of these electronic signals

or the sea bed. They may be involved with

you really love and study towards that. So it

forms the basis of communications and

designing, installing and supervising the

doesn’t really mean you need to be as clev-

the information technology industry, and

use of mining machinery and equipment

er as Einstein it just means you should love

includes the field of microelectronics and

and for inspecting the progress of mining

Science and Mathematics. It also means

the use of silicon chip technology. Various

operations. They are the guys who work

you should be someone who loves solv-

systems for communication between

with mining companies and also investi-

ing problems and can concentrate. And yes

people both nearby and on the other side

gate new areas for exploring minerals.

Engineers earn significantly more money

of the world have been developed and are

than most disciplines. So there you have it!

constantly being improved and refined.

Software Engineering

I hope sooner than later some of you will

This communication takes place using

These guys concentrate more on the inter-

be popping into our office to say hello and

satellite, telephone, optical fibres and

net and the new technology. These are

to tell us how the world of engineering is

computer systems. These systems are of

our modern day internet gurus who know

treating you!

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

11

COMPUTER SCIENCE CAREER

ENGINEERING

A Top Career

D

o you like solving technical prob-

Some Engineers work in testing, produc-

Sometimes a bachelor’s degree in physi-

tion and maintenance. These experts math? Do you love solving complex mostly supervise production in factories, problems? Well then you might consider find out the causes of breakdowns while

cal science or mathematics may be good

going into engineering. Engineers are

cipline of the field but they can also move

lems? Are you good at science and

also finding ways to fix the problems.

problem solvers who use their expertise in They also estimate the time it will take to science and math to do their job. complete projects and the cost. Engineers

enough but it all depends on the type of job. Engineers usually specialise in one disaround and change disciplines as long as they are related.

usually work in a team with other profes-

What Do Engineers Do? There are various disciplines of engineering. All these disciplines require different

sionals. So it is quite fun.

Engineering disciplines

Salary Expectation Engineers earn according to their discipline. So the salaries range between R10

skills and training. In general engineers

Aerospace

basically design, plan, and supervise the

Agricultural

even R20 000 entry level for other disci-

construction of buildings, highways, and

Biomedical

plines. Experienced Engineers generally

transit systems. They also develop and implement better ways of processing and using raw materials.

Chemical Civil

earn between R30 000 to even R150 000 a month!

Computer Hardware Electrical and Electronics

Engineers at times also analyse the

000 at entry level for some disciplines and

Environmental

Where to study You can study for engineering at all of the

impact of the different products and sys-

Industrial

top universities in South Africa. You just

tems they develop so they can make them

Materials

have to make sure your matric scores are

more efficient because as we know life

Mechanical

high in Mathematics and other Science

is always changing and our needs also

Mining and Geological

disciplines. Some of the institutions that

change. For example a bridge might be

Nuclear

built to accommodate 30 cars a day but

Petroleum

after 2 years there might be more cars

offer the degree are the University of Cape Town (UCT), Wits University, Stellenbosch University, Fort Hare University, UNISA,

on the road so engineers might have to

Educational Requirements

University of Johannesburg (UJ) among

improve the same bridge to be able to

To get an entry-level job you would need

many more.

accommodate 60 cars.

at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

So unleash the engineer in you!

12

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

ASTRONOMY

AFRICAN ASTRONOMY INITIATIVES ATTRACT

ATTENTION IN THE USA

T

he growing interest of American

(NRAO), Prof. Aaron Parsons of the

The South African astronomers who

astronomers in South Africa’s

University of California, Dr Joseph Lazio of

took part in the session included Dr Ted

astronomy capabilities was evi-

the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Prof.

Williams of the South African Astronomical

dent at the annual winter meeting of the

Andrew Baker of Rutgers University, and Dr

Observatory (SAAO), Dr Sarah Blyth of

American Astronomical Society (AAS),

John Mester of Associated Universities, Inc.

the University of Cape Town (UCT), Dr

which included a special session on

Ilani Loubser of North-West University, Dr Sheth made a presentation on the ini-

and Dr Jean-Christophe Mauduit of the

tiative to develop the next generation of

International Astronomical Union (IAU)

The 223rd AAS meeting took place at the

scientists through exchange programmes

Office for Astronomy Development.

Gaylord National Resort and Convention

between the USA and Africa.

Center in Maryland, from 5 to 9 January

Prof. Parsons talked about plans to build

The South African delegation talked about

2014.

the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array

the emergence of Africa as a hub for

The AAS is the major organisation for pro-

telescope in South Africa following the

astronomy, mentioning the SKA, the African

fessional astronomers in North America.

success of the Precision Array to Probe

Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network,

Its aim is to promote the advancement of

Epoch of Reionization (PAPER) experi-

the Southern African Large Telescope, and

astronomy and closely related branches of

ment in the Karoo. PAPER’s results, which

the High-Energy Stereoscopic System.

science, as well as enhancing astronomy

have led to the project expanding to 128

education and providing a political voice

antennae, are due partly to the merits of

In his closing remarks, Mr Nemaungani

for its members through lobbying activi-

the Karoo site and the technical assis-

invited US astronomers to partner with

ties.

tance offered by the South African Square

Africa in its efforts to build the human

Kilometre Array (SKA) Project Office.

capital and technological expertise needed

“Astronomy Across Africa: A New Dawn”.

The US has a strong astronomy base, with

to expand the astronomy base.

the highest number of astronomers in a

Takalani Nemaungani, Director: Global

single country. In fact, it has about a third

Projects, and a group of South African

The session was also attended by European

of the total number of astronomers in the

astronomers braved the extreme cold of

astronomers, including Dr Phil Diamond,

world.

the recent polar vortex to participate in

Director of the SKA Organisation, and Prof.

The session was organised and hosted by

the special AAS session, which was aimed

Tim de Zeeuw, Director General of the

US astronomers, namely, Dr Kartik Sheth of

at showcasing existing collaborations and

European Southern Observatory.

the National Radio Astronomy Observatory

forging new partnerships.

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

13

UJ SCIENCE

UJ SOWETO SCIENCE CENTRE

SCIENCE STARS

F

huluFhelo Tshituhutuhu (five dis-

day and to give motivation to learners,

South Africa had such a Science Centre?

tinctions, Matric 2013). Thabang

parents and everybody who was there!”

Where learners would pay aroun R800 per

Motloung (six distinctions, Matric

said Muronga.

year to take part and boost their maths and

2013). Oletilwe Shuping (seven distinc-

tions, Matric 2012).

science skills? We think it would be great.

The UJ Soweto Science Centre itself was

Perhaps, learners from across the country

established in 2010 to serve learners from

must make a plea to government for more

What do the above three learners have in

Soweto and the greater Johannesburg

of these Science Centres. At the very best

common? Beside the Matric distinctions?

metropolitan. It features learner pro-

they also prepare learners for university.

grammes, exhibitions, space labs, teachWell, they are proud products of the UJ

ers’ training programmes and more

Anyway, we were writing about the re-

Soweto Science Centre. They were award-

programmes. The centre has 35 staff

opening of the science centre this year; it

ed awards on the 18th of January this year,

members and approximately 821 learners

was a grand occasion that wet the appe-

at the official annual re-opening of the

this year.

tites of all for this years programmes at the

centre.

centre. Those who received awards were If you wonder who goes there? Well, it’s

obviously over the moon with excitement!

It was a day to remember as parents,

learners who are in Grade 10 to Grade 12.

The awards, which were certificates for

learners, past and prospective learners

These learners come to the centre every

those who passed Grade 12 really made

filled the venue to capacity. All to wit-

Friday afternoon from 14h30 till 17h00

them feel like achievers.

ness bright ‘science stars’ being awarded

– for tutorials, laboratory experiments, lec-

and motivated by the University of

tures on life orientation, career guidance

The next big step for the UJ Soweto Science

Johannesburg’s Faculty of Science Dean -

and motivational talks.

Centre is to now try and secure more spon-

Professor Annah Motete.

sorship for its programmes as well as find a

The Department of Science & Technology

Saturdays it’s 08h00 till 15h00 where they

way of getting tertiary education bursaries

(DST) was there.

do theory lessons and are taught Maths,

for them. Professor Muronga, is working

The South African Agency for Science &

Physics, chemistry, life sciences, English

day and night, to ensure this can one day

Technology Advancement (SAASTA) was

and computer training.

become a reality for the learners.

And so were many other stakeholders or

The programmes also run during the

Finally, to all who received awards on that

contributors to the science centre.

school vacation.

day, we say: “Shine! Shine on you Science

The director of the UJ Science Centre,

Professor Muronga concluded with the fol-

Professor Azwinndini Muronga, said he

lowing words: “Our vison really is to see a

For more information on the UJ Science

was particularly impressed by the calibre

culture of science in Soweto and the sur-

Centre, take your phone or school computer

of learners who received awards. “I was

ounding regions!”

and visit www.uj.ac.za and search for UJ

honoured to be a part of that re-opening

Wouldn’t it be great if each township in

Soweto Science Centre there.

there.

Stars!”

14

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

GET ALL THE ANSWERS AT THESE EXCITING EVENTS AT UJ From 2014 the UJ OPEN DAY format will be changing to give you, the learner, a valuable experience with us. Instead of one large OPEN DAY, we have put together a calendar filled with smaller focused interactions to offer you the best guidance for your future.

Booking is essential, so book today by visiting future.uj.mobi either on your phone or PC or click on the My Future UJ Learner Portal Banner on www.uj.ac.za. If you have problems booking please email learnerportal@uj.ac.za or call 011 559 6372.

DATE

EVENT

23 April 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

9 May 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

14 May 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

16 May 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

4 June 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

23 June 2014

Subject Choice Seminars – Grade 9

24 June 2014

Subject Choice Seminars – Grade 9

30 July 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

6 August 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 12

10 September 2014 Mini Open Day – Grade 11 17 October 2014

Mini Open Day – Grade 11

* Please note these dates may be subject to change.

Individuals, parents, teachers and all groups are welcome – proof of your booking must be presented on entrance.

Campus tours will take place on the last Friday of every month, unless there is a public holiday and must also be booked on future.uj.mobi.

Please look out for more information in the press and online regarding UJ’s winter schools and other helpful initiatives aimed at keeping you CLEAR about your future!

SMS the keyword ODays to 45813 for any further info on any of these events.* * Standard sms rates apply.

Choose the r

ight subjects in Gr 9 L earn well in G E arn the ma r 10 r you need in ks Gr 1 Apply on tim 1 e in Gr 12 Register to b e a UJ stude come nt once accepted t o UJ

SCIFEST

Scifest Africa 2014 Into the space

S

cifest Africa, South Africa’s National

From humble beginnings in Miami’s inner

Science Festival, will lift off in

city, Irving turned down a full football

Grahamstown on 12 March 2014,

scholarship to the University of Florida

taking visitors on a week-long, action

to complete a degree in Aeronautical

packed adventure into the great unknown.

Science at the Florida Memorial University, where he also earned his private, com-

Celebrating the theme “Into the space!”,

mercial pilot, and certified flight instructor

the 2014 festival programme will offer

licenses. In 2005 Barrington founded a

visitors over 500 events that will explore

non-profit company, Experience Aviation

spaces big and small, such as anatomy

Inc., which introduces the youth to careers

African astronomy and space sciences at

and the brain, astronomy, the atmosphere,

in aviation and aerospace.

the festival.”

versary of the Canadian Space Agency,

Scifest Africa Director, Anja Fourie, says the

The festival programme will see the return

geographical regions, nanotechnology,

theme was selected in support of celebra-

of popular events such as the DST Laser

psychology, underground and underwa-

tions to mark the installation of the first

Show, Kids Dig, Rhodes University Green

ter exploration, space sciences, the SKA,

of 64 radio telescope dishes in Carnarvon,

Fund Run and Soap Box Derby, but will

the universe, and any other space you

Northern Cape that will make up meerKAT,

also feature several new events including

can think of, including good old parking

the precursor to the Square Kilometre

a Paper Aeroplane Competition, Science in

spaces!

Array telescope. “South Africa’s geographi-

the Park, and Science Slam sponsored by

cal advantages, infrastructure and human

the German Embassy in South Africa.

architecture, biotechnology, the 50th anni-

A sure highlight will be appearances by

capital have allowed our country to

National Geographic Emerging Explorer,

become a place of major significance in

Sponsored by the Department of Science

Barrington Irving Jr, the youngest and first

the practice of astronomy and space sci-

and Technology (DST), Scifest Africa remains

black person to fly solo around the world.

ences, and we look forward to showing off

the largest festival of its kind on the African continent, welcoming over 65,000 visitors of all ages to Grahamstown in 2013. The festival will also host three parallel festivals during Scifest Africa 2014, namely the iRhini Township Festival, Scikids and Scifest Africa @ Nelson Mandela Bay Science Centre, Uitenhage.

Look out for the electronic programme available at www.scifest.org.za from 3 February 2014. Bookings open on 3 February 2014. Contact Scifest Africa on 046 603 1106 or info@scifest.org.za for more information.

16

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

Building on a solid foundation

3183

At SANRAL, we’re in the business of building for the future.

That doesn’t just mean roads and bridges, but people too. That’s why we’re pleased to sponsor the SOUTH AFRICAN MATHS OLYMPIAD being held on 13 March 2014 throughout the country.

We’re proud of those who achieve and we salute those who win.

You never know, they may just carry your future.

More than just roads Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

17

SOUTHERN AFRICAN SCIENCE LENS A photographic competition to celebrate science

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2013/2014 WINNERS Science As Art

Kim Van Zyl: Distortion

This paperclip is floating on the surface of glycerine, turning the effects of surface tension and the distortion of the surface caused by the paperclip into art.

Science Close-Up

Albe Carina Swanepoel: Starry Starry Night

These starry objects are human erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells. Red blood cells are usually biconcave with a smooth surface, but when these blood cells undergo stress their shape changes. Numerous spiky projections are formed when the cell membrane expands. Then they are referred to as echinocytes, which comes from the Greek word echinos, literally meaning “hedgehog”.

Science in Society

Morgan Trimble: Society’s Resources

One way scientists can support society is through recommendations for the management of natural resources. This photograph was taken during a scientific study of the structure of fisheries in the Bangweulu Wetlands of northern Zambia. In the project, researchers worked with local fishermen to measure the number and size of fish offtake of different species in the unique swamp fishery to better understand sustainability of the system.

International Year of Water Cooperation

Nicholas Cullinan: Solving the Problem of Polluted Mine Water Edward Peters, a postgraduate student in the Crystallisation and Precipitation Unit at the University of Cape Town uses an optical light to observe the state of the ice and salt crystals during a Eutectic Freeze Crystallization (EFC) process.

EFC is a technique that can be used to recover salt from industrial brine solutions and produce pure water.

Science in Action

Thomas Whitehead: Kelvin-Helmholtz

This phenomenon of wave-like clouds is created by a turbulence of two air layers lying close to each other which move with different speed and/or direction.

This is known as the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, which has even been observed in Saturn’s bands and Jupiter’s Red Spot. Kelvin-Helmholtz instability cloud structures are particularly rare and are considered by cloud enthusiasts as the Holy Grail.

To find out more about the science behind these images or to see more photos, visit www.saasta.ac.za.

The Southern African Science Lens Competition is run by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, a business unit of the National Research Foundation. The competition aims to encourage scientists to share their world through the medium of photography.

It’s what we build

3112

We all dream of a better future. For ourselves, our families and our country.

SANRAL, as part of the National Development Plan, is improving and expanding vital road infrastructure.

In the process we are creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans.

We are proud to be a part of the National Development Plan, because we know that roads are more than just roads, they pave the way to a better future.

More than just roads

WHC

WATER, HYGIENE, CONVENIENCE (WHC) Water is the Most Precious Commodity; Preservation is Our Priority

W

HC was founded by Paseka

Did you know

litres p/day, p/toilet, therefore saving 70%

Lesolang. His main focus is

A leaking toilet can waste +/-700L of

water. It is more cost effective than buying

to save water because it is a

water a day and over 250 000L per year

a new toilet and promotes eco-conscious-

scarce commodity that is quickly dimin-

and the best way to fix this problem is to

ness.

ishing. According to the World Health

get a new toilet. However many people

Organization (WHO), South Africa’s water

would rather ignore the problem or try

Benefits/value

consumption will exceed availability by

something else, than buy a new toilet

The benefits of changing the water system are: It saves households a lot of money

2025. WHO has also identified a direct link between HIV/AIDS and poor sanita-

The Solution

because it is water efficient, it is manufac-

tion. The recovery period for someone

According to Lesolang the solution is an

tured in different designs, its easy to install,

with advanced HIV who contracts a water-

enhancement of the standard toilet that

easy to use, applicable to all income levels,

borne disease is longer, and his health

tends to malfunction and harbours bacte-

is environmentally friendly, applicable for

outcomes could diminish. As a result,

ria on the flush handle and pot. “It saves

before-sales and after sales market

water, sanitation and hygiene education is

140L of water a day per house in an aver-

and it will also grant the user peace of

key to combatting HIV/AIDS, as is empow-

age family of 4. It releases a detergent

mind and a clear conscience.

ering communities to manage water and

with the flushed water, to eliminate the 12

sanitation.

water-borne bacteria in the pot. Bacteria

Looming Water Crises

found on flush handles give birth to dis-

Awards won by Lesolang and WHC

eases,” he says.

South Africa is a Semi-Arid Country

“Hence, via our solution users do not use

•2010 Entrepreneur of the Year – University

and 70% of our rain evaporates before

the flush handle. This approach eliminates

of Pretoria

reaching the surface and we are already

encountered pathogens enhancing the

•2010 Most Innovative Product – Maker

depending on other countries for water

hygiene practices. These hygiene features

Faire Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

which is the base of life!

are so adequate that if used effectively

•2010 One of 10 selected to represent SA

Our dams are drying due to economic

they can prolong the lifespan of an infect-

at TITIIC

growth, population growth, climate change

ed HIV/AIDS person,” he adds.

•One of 15 delegates at 2010 EXPO -

Retrofit able Product water consumption might actually exceed WHC’s Leak less valve toilet replaces the and inefficient use of water and by 2025 availability of water supply.

old ball valve and as a result saves +/- 500

Shanghai, China •2012 JCI Best Business Plan 1st Prize Winner – South Africa •2012 Unreasonable Fellow – Boulder, USA •2012 one of 100 selected for SOCAP – San Francisco, USA •2012 Innovative Social Entrepreneurship – SAB Foundation •2012 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneurship Award – Taipei, Taiwan

20

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

CHANGE THE

ACE OF

CIENCE

WIN YOURSELF A NINTENDO DS AND ADD SOME COLOR IN YOUR LIFE

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO - IS...

-LIKE OUR PAGE -SHARE OUR SCIENCE -GET AS MANY LIKES AS POSSIBLE

-WIN!!!

DST

PIONEERING ALGAE-BASED TECHNOLOGY CALLED

“COALGAE” UNVEILED Innovation

T

he Department of Science and

Zeelie said it had taken four years for the

cate that, at an appropriate scale, the pro-

Technology (DST) and the Nelson

project to get to this stage.

cess is financially viable. A full feasibility

Mandela Metropolitan University

Prof. Zeelie said that, following the devel-

study will be conducted in early 2014,” he

(NMMU) unveiled groundbreaking research

opment of the microalgae technologies

said.

in the area of late-generation biofuels.

over the last three years, a prefeasability

InnoVenton is also putting up a 15

The innovative algae technology was

engineering study had been completed

kW coal burner at its Gomery Avenue,

announced on 27 January 2014 at the

by Hatch Goba. The engineering study

Summerstrand, site in Port Elizabeth. “We

NMMU in the Eastern Cape. The NMMU

resulted in a robust and cost-effective

will burn the coal, producing sufficient

has developed and patented the growth

design for Coalgae production on a full

amounts of carbon dioxide to feed the

and blending of microalgae with coal

commercial scale.

algae [in InnoVenton’s own algae cultiva-

fines or discards. The coal fines or dis-

“Techno-economic studies of the Coalgae

tion system]. This will give us the data

cards, which constitute an environmental

process have been undertaken, and indi-

to make sure this process will work on a

nuisance, are mixed with the microalgae in an irreversible process that naturally excludes some of the mineral particles.

Currently South Africa has large quantities of discarded coal that accrue at a rate of about 60 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), with currently over one billion tonnes of discarded coal, which is an environmental nuisance.

This kind of research has been a focus area of NMMU’s internationally-recognised institute of chemical technology, InnoVenton. Researchers have found that the microalgae can be combined with coal and charcoal and acts as an excellent binder for fine coal. NMMU’s Prof. Ben

26

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST

bigger scale, i.e. using flue gas from power

In light of the introduction of biofuels,

by Cabinet in 2007, proposed that, while

stations to grow algae. We estimate that

the ability to combine the two feedstocks

other late or advanced generation tech-

this will reduce greenhouse gas emission

(coal fines and algae) into one product has

nologies were being developed, preference

from power stations by well over 20%. If

a substantial advantage in eliminating the

would be given to piloting proven biofuel

we can show we can do all this [at the

requirement for two separate processes.

technologies until 2013.

technical demonstration site], and we are

This holds promise for reducing the

The DST’s contribution to the national

confident we can, it will be a world stun-

capital investments that would have

Biofuels Industrial Development Strategy

ner. The biggest coal companies in the

been required for additional blending and

is through supporting research, develop-

world are extremely interested. The num-

distribution infrastructure, thus bringing

ment and innovation within the biofuels

ber of jobs opportunities this can create is

the realisation of a South African biofu-

field.

enormous.”

els industry much closer. It also enables

This is being done by delinking the bio-

the use of existing fuel transport infra-

fuels sector from the food industry, by

A second critical algae-to-energy project

structure to deliver a blended product at

exploiting South Africa’s rich biodiversity

is the production of aviation biofuel. “The

higher percentages than the mandatory

by using alternative feedstocks (including

government, through the Department of

2% blend.

waste materials), and using the techno-

Public Enterprises, has set a target for

By 2015, the government intends that all

logical heritage that the country has in

the production of 50% aviation biofuel by

transport fuels should be a blend, with

related sectors.

2020. We’ve made recommendations about

biofuels making up at least 2% of the

The DST supports a number of research

how to achieve that, using Coalgae, to pro-

blend. Coalgae exceeds this target.

teams and institutions, including the

duce the biofuel,” said Prof. Zeelie.

The Biofuels Industrial Strategy, adopted

NMMU.

Science Stars Magazine Issue 3 | www.sciencestars.co.za

27

CSIR

SO MANY CAREER POSSIBILITIES AT THE CSIR For your future

T

he Council for Scientific and

An idea becomes a product through

common droplet. Metallurgyical-, radio fre-

Industrial Research (CSIR) focuses

research and development and, subse-

quency, mining – any engineering profes-

its research efforts in diverse are-

quently, manufacturing. Systematic plan-

sional you can think of, apply their special

nas, which means that scientists, research-

ning, design, and arrangement of pro-

skills at the CSIR.

ers and engineers have a range of multi-

cessing methods and equipment involve

Here is what some of our engineers have

disciplinary fields in which they can vest

knowledge of equipment tool design,

to say about their work. Please meet

their interests.

operation sequencing, worker/machine

Thabang and Thanyani.

A computer scientist, for example, could

interaction, processing procedures, facili-

find him or herself applying their skills to

ties and plant layout.

Name and Position

research efforts in anything from design-

The career opportunities in the fields

Thabang Mashilwane - Software Engineer

ing aircraft; to collecting spatial data

of engineering, electrical technology,

under the Radar and Electronic Warfare

used in town planning; to developing

mechanical or civil technology at the

group.

algorithms for controlling the behaviour

CSIR are endless. It ranges from materials

of robots. At the CSIR, career paths are

handling systems, robotic systems to auto-

Which project are you working on?

seldom linear. As scientists are exposed

mated metrologywind engineering.

Batty Radar

to so many different opportunities, many

But these are only a few of the excit-

choose to grow in a whole new area of

ing CSIR career directions that involve

interest they had not considered before. A

engineering and technology. While CSIR

What is the impact in society of your project?

physicist working with condensed-matter,

aeronautical engineers are designing and

Radar systems are used to pinpoint loca-

for example, could discover he has an

testing aircraft, missiles, satellites and

tions, speed or type of objects. It can be

interest in nanotechnology, lasers or syn-

other systems; microfluidics engineers are

used to track anything from aircraft to

thetic biology and advance his career in

developing devices that can channel fluid

weather formations.

that direction.

flows a thousand times smaller than in a

In South Africa it is used in Missile guid-

28

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

CSIR

Thabang Mashilwane

Air traffic control and navigation in air-

A prototype ‘mine boot’ has been devel-

What would you need to study to work on such projects?

ports to ensure the safety of planes. This

oped by the CSIR. The intention is to

Mechanical Engineering or Biomedical

type of Radar detects the proximity of an

develop a boot that can prevent any

Engineering

aircraft and identifies the identity and

amputation in the event of small anti-

altitude of the plane. Weather sensing

personnel mine detonations as well as to

You are welcome to visit Thabang and

systems, to measure and locate precipita-

mitigate tissue and bone damage during

Thanyani at the CSIR exhibition stand for

tion, they can also measure wind direction

larger antipersonnel mine detonations.

more information. You are also welcome to

and speed.

The prototype mine boot is at the final

visit the CSIR website (www.csir.co.za) for

stages of testing and development.

updates on careers and bursaries.

ance systems in the Military environment.

What would you need study to work on such projects?

Which project are you working on?

At High school level Maths and Science

What is the impact in society of your project?

are paramount subjects and at Tertiary

The landmine has been branded as the

level you can study Engineering Degree

ultimate indiscriminate killer. Landmines

(Computer, Electronic or Electrical).

have claimed or impacted the lives of

Bio Engineering

many people in mine-affected countries throughout the world – regardless of age, gender or race. The mine boot will help

Name and position:

to reduce the injury mechanisms resulting

Thanyani Pandelani – Bio Engineer spe-

from the detonation of antipersonnel blast

cialising in Human Response Research

mines.

Thanyani Pandelani

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

29

SANRAL

BUILDING A FUTURE SOUTH

AFRICA – ROAD BY ROAD

S

ANRAL is about more than roads. It

post-school technical sector, up from the

For the past seven years SANRAL has

builds people. It builds communi-

current 650 000.

been offering bursaries to students for

ties; and it helps to build a future

State-owned companies such as SANRAL

undergraduate studies in civil engineering

South Africa with the capacity to meet the

will share the burden with the private sec-

and related disciplines in the built envi-

demands of a growing economy.

tor to train a skilled work-force to enable

ronment. Seventy bursaries were granted

Over the next 15 years the country will

the country to meet the growing economic

for a total investment by the company

invest almost R4-trillion in strategic

demands for modern new infrastructure

of almost R6-million. Nineteen SANRAL

infrastructure as part of a national devel-

and the maintenance of existing networks.

employees were awarded bursaries in the

opment initiative to support balanced

SANRAL is already contributing to the

last financial year amounting to an addi-

economic growth in all nine provinces. The

country’s national developmental objec-

tional half-a-million rand.

national and provincial road networks will

tives and intends to grow its contribution

Moreover, SANRAL provides internships

form the backbone on which 18 Strategic

in the years to come. This will be achieved

to engineering students and offers them

Infrastructure Projects will be delivered,

through continuous investment in skills

practical work experience during their

supplemented by a rejuvenated freight rail

development, bursaries, internships and

studies and upon completion of their

system.

talent management within an organisation

degrees.

The planning and implementation of

that currently has a staff complement of

The agency has strong ties with a number

these infrastructure initiatives will place

only 238 people.

of tertiary education institutions. It spon-

huge demands on South Africa’s abil-

It starts at high school level where the

sors a Chair in Pavement Engineering

ity to provide skilled human resources.

road agency has a scholarship programme

at the University of Stellenbosch and

The National Development Plan, which

in place to identify and develop talent in

another one in Transport Planning at the

provides the blueprint for the country’s

the scarce fields of mathematics, science

University of Cape Town.

economic growth path over the next two

and technology. At present 179 learners in

SANRAL cooperates with the University of

decades, has set a target for the country

all nine provinces benefit from this pro-

the Witwatersrand in supporting some 200

to produce 30 000 artisans a year. By 2030

gramme aimed to guide promising learn-

academically talented learners from socio-

there should be 2.5 million people in the

ers towards a future career in engineering.

economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

30

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

SANRAL

It aims to increase their academic, social and psychological preparation for admission to and success at local universities.

A similar programme is in place at the University of the Free State to enable and encourage more learners and students to enter into science-related studies.

Internally SANRAL has a talent management and succession planning process in place to identify potential, attract new skills into the company and ensure a transfer of skills from senior, experience staff to the next generation of leadership in the fields of engineering, finance, people management, administration and technical skills.

Through these initiatives SANRAL is contributing to the broader needs of a future South Africa which will require more skilled human resources, more scientists, engineers, artisans and people with postschool technical qualifications.

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

31

INSPIRATION

MEET BRAMLEY MAETSA Rural to enterpreneural

L

et’s imagine you come from a strug-

is a platform which you can programme

the class there. There he met smarter and

gling poor family and you are offered

to do a whole lot of things. For instance

more passionate learners. When he first

an opportunity to go work at a farm

most companies use it to store docu-

got there he was shocked when he didn’t

or maybe a local shop in your village. The

ments; document management. Some

come first, in class. He came in at 8th

catch is you would have to quit school. To

schools – kids collaborate on programmes

place but by December he was at Number

go work. So that you can make money for

and you want to work on documents at

2. By Grade 11 he was competing with a

the family and be able to get yourself that

the same time. You check out a document

friend for first place. It was always either

cool cellphone and fancy label clothes.

and give it to the next member and they

him or the friend. Whilst this was great he

can see how. See how Facebook works?

did feel a bit uneasy about it:

Would you take the job?

Social collaboration. Big Platform.

Sharepoint if owned by Microsoft.

“I was always number 1 at school. And I was very uncomfortable with this feeling

Some learners do. They quit high school and go work – saying they want to make

So, who exactly is Bramley Maetsa?

of being number 1. I was uncomfortable

money to look after their families.

The young boy who refused to let go of

with the jealousy that came with it” said

school?

Bramley, who then told us the following story about succeeding in school:

But, one 15-year old learner, named Bramley Maetsa, decided “no, let me stick

He comes from the rural village of

to school,” even though his mother was a

Gantata, in the Queen Modjadji area of

“In Mashao I had to work hard! After

struggling farmworker at a tea plantation

Tzaneen. His mother gave birth to him at

school we would go home, eat and others

in Sapekoe, just outside of Tzaneen. They

the farm she worked at and so he began

would go look for the cows. But after all of

had no father, he left when they were very

crèche on the farm. “I think that it was

that we would meet as group of learners

young and so Bramley and his siblings

that crèche that instilled some kind of

– we had our own Science group of about

lived from one relative to the next relative

school culture in me from a very early age

11 learners in it. We worked as a unit. If

in different villages.

in my life,” he told us.

a friend bought a study guide they would

It was tough.

To Bramley, education was the only thing

We worked together, motivated each other,

that could take people out of poverty.

shared books and study guides. There

then share it with the rest of the group.

were very little textbooks in those days.

But, 15 years later, Bramley Maetsa succeeded in life. Today he holds a BSc

After crèche he went on to Pipa Primary

Electrical Engineering (from the University

School where he had to walk about 2 kilo-

“We wanted to be top of the class! Wanted

of Cape Town) and is the head of

metres to get there. There were between

to be seen! The raving of the teachers!

Sharepoint* at Saratoga Software in Cape

100 to 200 kids in per class. After Grade

The pride of the teachers. And people

Town.

1 at Pipa, he went on to Khutsong, then

know you as this science kid! And being a

Mashao and then Mphuma High School.

science kid was being a celebrity!

within IT – leader within the portal space.

Now Mphuma, which was in the

“Junior science students looked up to you.

For companies that want to build intranets

Gamamaila village, is the school he reck-

We didn’t even think we are going to be

(internet within companies). Sharepoint

ons really shaped him well. He matriculat-

engineers and make money. It was about

ed in 1996 and was almost always top of

being a celebrity in your school!”

*Sharepoint is a collaboration platform

32

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

INSPIRATION

When he looks back he realises that: “The biggest challenge that rural kids struggle with is not the education, it’s not the academics at a university; but it is the social life. The social life at university is the biggest challenge for rural kids to succeed! You meet a lot of different cultures and people and you have to adjust.”

What really helped Bramley to cope well with university is that he didn’t enter the university alone. A university can be a very lonely place in your first year. He saw many kids from Mpumalanga and other

BRAMLEY MAETSA

provinces dropping out of university in their first year because they could not

One of the things Bramley says is impor-

/ bursary applications. By the end of that

tant for rural children is that they must

year he had four scholarships to choose

understand the value of school. People

from.

money to send a child to school, must

But instead of going to university he took

never give up:

up a Denel Scholarship, which started him out in a bridging school first. The bridging

“Not having money must never stop you

school was really to prepare learners for

from succeeding and dreaming. Money

tertiary.

learners from his school group. So they

They stuck together, studied together, went to labs together and passed together.

That’s how it’s done!

“You want to cope at university? Find like-

cannot be something that will block you The bridging school was run by Denel Aerospace Systems – a company that In order for a learner to succeed and

builds missiles and state of the art mili-

be able to get into university, Bramley

tary equipment. So Denel had a college

reckons that YOU must strive to become

for kids from rural areas where they can

Number 1 in their class so that YOU can

improve their maths and science as well

get a scholarship.

as improve their English. Before going to university.

minded people. If you are from the same school that is even better. Find a group that will accept you as you are, so that you can cope. Many people struggle to adjust because they can’t mix socially at school and in workplaces,” added Bramley.

Today he heads up Sharepoint at Saratoga Software; a specialised Information

“We knew that our families would not be able to afford tertiary education. So, if you

In 1999, he had the scholarship, and went

want to go to university, be the top of your

off to study Computer Engineering at the

class!” he says.

University of Pretoria. He spent two years in Pretoria then moved to the University of

After high school he took a gap year and

of Pretoria he came with a group of other continued to support one another.

who come from families that do not have

from school!”

cope. When Bramley went to the University

Cape Town.

Technology company owned by the Sekunjalo group. Some of the things he does include looking after a forensic system which they built for Old Mutual, going out to do business development for various clients like PetroSA and customer

moved to an uncle’s place in Mokopane (formerly known as Potgietersrus). There

After three years at UCT, he completed his

he got himself a job as a packer at Score

BSc Electrical Engineering and immediate-

Supermarket. He was 18 years old then.

ly got a job at Denel as a Junior Software

He would then use the money he earned

Engineer.

engagements among othet things.

Before working at Sharepoint he also spent a number of years in America.

to buy newspapers to look for scholarship

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

33

INSPIRATION

One day, he saw an advertisement on “Career Junction” in South Africa – the advert wanted a developer to go and work overseas. He applied and got the job. Whilst there he did many things and even started his own company.

America for him was very inspiring, in the sense that he saw people working very hard and he was inspired to build his own platform when he got back to South Africa. He is building a platform to unearth African Thought Leaders. It is an

BRAMLEY MAETSA

African project, called JamiiShare* – an online forum where they get Africans to participate, blogs and sell apps and gen- background does not limit you or it does

events, play sport and listen to your par-

erally take part in the bigger Information not determine how far you can go! When

ents.”

Technology world worldwide..

you think about an idea or going to a particular school, do not think about money

*Sharepoint is a collaboration platform

*Jamii is Swahili – It means community

or how you will get money to follow that

within IT – a leader within the portal

or society of a group of people working

idea or go to that school. You can’t think

space. For companies that want to build

together to achieve something.

like that!

intranets (internet within companies).

What you should be thinking about is,

Sharepoint is a platform which you can

‘how do I become the leader of the pack?’

programme to do a whole lot of things.

because everywhere you go, people rec-

For instance most companies use it to

ognise leaders of the pack, winners. If

store documents; document management.

you are a leader of the pack you will get

Some schools – kids collaborate on pro-

scholarships and funding. People are look-

grammes and you want to work on docu-

Quick Q&A with Bramley Maetsa:

SS: So what can one study to be you or a ing for talent”

ments at the same time. You check out a

mega Information Technology (IT) profes-

document and give it to the next member

sional?

SS: One major tip for rural-based kids?

and they can see how. See how Facebook works? Social collaboration. Big Platform.

Bramley: There are a lot of degrees

Bramley: Stay at school. Bottom line!”

Sharepoint if owned by Microsoft.

that can lead into IT. IT is not just about programming; we even have business

SS: Besides the Science Study Group you

analysts – you can get a degree in

had, what else do you think helped you

Infomatics, Engineering Degree or just a

through school?

Wise Words •

pure Information Technology degree or

“Always strive to be better than the rest. Be the leader of the pack!”

diploma. Er, Computer Science is also key, Bramley: As kids we did three things; we •

“To be nerdy is to be cool. The billion-

as a distinct degree. Electronics can get

went to school, looked after the cows

you in. Business Informatics. There are

and we would play sport. And I have seen

aires of today in this world are the

lots of things one can study.

rural kids of today - there is no culture

nerds. You have to see science as the

of sports! Taking part in school athletics,

cool subject!”

SS: Does growing up poor on not having

being involved in choir communities… that

money affect how far one can go in life?

actually takes you off the streets. Oh, and

is more money for maths and science

forget about girlfriends and boyfriends for

scholarships here in South Africa and

a while! Focus. Take part in community

across the world!”

Bramley: I think the key thing is; your 34

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

•

“Science has more bursaries! There

THE BIG BANG THEORY DST

THOUSANDS OF PUPILS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW

LIBRARY IN PIET RETIEF Knowledge is power

S

chools and the community of Piet

Handing over the library, Deputy Minister,

ity as they seek to improve their knowl-

Retief in Mpumalanga welcomed

Michael Masutha, urged school pupils in

edge and understanding of maths and

the opening of the Mondi Science,

the area to maintain passion, drive and

science.

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

excitement in their mathematics and sci-

(Mostem) Library on 22 February.

ence studies, saying these were the three

The Deputy Minister explained why it was

Built on the grounds of the Mondi Science

most important ingredients for success.

important for him to visit areas such as

Centre, with a R560 000 contribution from

the Gert Sibande District Municipality:

the Department of Science and Technology

“It does not matter where you come from

“Unless we motivate people like you to

(DST), the library specialises in science,

and you do not need money to succeed. All

study science to be able to operate huge

technology, engineering and mathemat-

you need is passion, passion and passion,”

scientific projects in South Africa, such as

ics information – benefiting learners and

he said, adding that the right attitude

the Square Kilometre Array, the future is

teachers from foundation to secondary

towards life was adopting an attitude of

doomed.”

level.

non-failure.

He added it was important for govern-

The 122 m2 Mostem Library, located

The handover is part of the DST’s cam-

ment to ensure that the support it offered

in the province’s Gert Sibande District

paign to promote mathematics and sci-

to learners and students in the country

Municipality, complements the ser-

ence education in the country. Over 18

guaranteed a future and a solid career, so

vices offered at the science centre, which

000 learners in this district municipality

that a better story would told tomorrow

include science career guidance and fur-

who visit the science centre each year

than the story that can be told today. He

ther education and training.

stand to benefit massively from this facil-

also acknowledged efforts by the private

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

35

DST

sector to help improve the image of the

She added: “The Department of Education

science lab that the DST had donated

province, citing improved teacher and

reiterates its commitment to making

to the science centre in 2010 were

learner school performance.

education enterprise everybody’s busi-

enhancing learner performance in the

ness. This donation encourages innovative

area, particularly in mathematics, sci-

The District Director of Education,

thinking, and promotes open-mindedness

ence and technology. Previously there

Nokuthula Mthethwa, said the library

and humility among our learners, who

had been no laboratories to conduct sci-

would have a positive impact on the lives should continuously assess their goals and explore solutions to educational chalof the ordinary people of Piet Retief and

ence experiments.

surrounding areas. She also acknowledged lenges.”

A Grade 12 learner at the Piet

the Deputy Minister’s exemplary commit-

Retief Combined School, Mthokozisi

ment to issues of education.

She said the library and the mobile

Madonsela, welcomed the donation, saying the library had played a very positive role in his mathematics, physical science and life sciences studies. It had not only improved his results, but stimulated his interest in the subjects.

“Through such assistance from government, Mpumalanga will change for the better. The province will be able to produce more doctors, engineers and scientists to benefit the country as a whole,” he said.

36

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST

MEERKAT FOUNDATIONS

COMPLETE Engineering at its best through DST

T

he final foundation for the MeerKAT

years, but are delivering high-quality work

To meet these stability requirements, each

telescope antennae was poured

and making good progress.

foundation consists of eight steel-rein-

on Wednesday, 12 February 2014,

forced concrete piles at depths of between

at South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array

Close to 5 000 m3 of concrete and more

5 to 10 m, depending on the local soil

(SKA) site in the Karoo. There is now a

than 570 tons of steel were used to con-

conditions. A square slab of concrete (5,2

bed of concrete and steel for each of the

struct the foundations over the past nine

m x 5,2 m, and 1,25 m thick) rests on top

MeerKAT’s 64 antennae.

months. Stability was an important factor

of the piles to add further stability. The 32

in the construction.

“holding down” bolts are pre-assembled

The MeerKAT is the South African precur-

in a circle to form a steel ring cage, or so-

sor to the SKA telescope, which is to be

Tracy Cheetham, general manager for

called “bird’s nest”, into which the concrete

built in Africa and in Australia. The SKA

infrastructure and site operations at SKA

is cast.

Project is an international enterprise to

South Africa, explains: “The foundations

build the largest radio telescope in the

were constructed to stringent specifica-

All other MeerKAT infrastructure should

world.

tions to ensure that the antennae would

be complete by the end of March this year.

be exceptionally stable.

Finishing touches are under way in the

The completion of the foundations is a

Karoo Array Processing Building (KAPB)

major milestone in the construction of the

Even at wind gusts of up to 69 km/h sci-

MeerKAT, which will become an integral

entists must be able to point the dishes

part of the SKA project. The scientists and

at distant celestial objects in an exact

The primary focus for the next two

engineers working on the MeerKAT face

manner, and the antennae must be able to

months will be on verifying that all

a challenging schedule over the next two

survive wind speeds of up to 144 km/h.”

infrastructure functions according to the

and the power facility.

required specifications. Testing involves cold and hot commissioning. Cheetham explains: “During cold commissioning the power is connected without switching on the equipment. During hot commissioning the machines are turned on and tested for a period of time.”

The ducting for the fibre-optic cable has been completed, so all that is left now is for the contractor to pull the cable through and connect it.

38

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

25 YEARS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TCTA is a state-owned liability management entity responsible for bulk raw water infrastructure development

TCTA Career Opportunities The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is proud to contribute towards a system which aims to deliver a sustainable water supply across Southern Africa.

Our specialist skills, from sourcing project finance to planning, design and construction, place TCTA in the ideal position to facilitate development of bulk raw water infrastructure.

From an initial single project, TCTA now manages a portfolio of nine. These are the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1; the Berg Water Project (Western Cape); the Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga); the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme Phase 2 (KZN Midlands); the Olifants River Water Resource Development Project Phase 2 (Limpopo); the Mokolo-Crocodile (West) Water Augmentation Project (Limpopo); the Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga) and, more recently, the Acid Mine Drainage Project (Gauteng) and the Metsi Bophelo Borehole Project (across six provinces).

TCTA is also expected to play a key role in the funding of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, the implementation of which was announced in a joint statement issued in August 2011 by the Governments of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa.

I

“TCTA launched Project Naledi in 2005 with the expressed aim of recruiting, funding and employing youths from previously disadvantaged areas, with particular focus on rural areas.”

This was contrived as a contribution to the government’s transformation agenda of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA), the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) and the National Human Resource Strategy. The JIPSA framework broadly identified developing scarce skills in the following high priority areas: • • •

Engineering and planning skills for jobs in transport, communications and energy; Engineering projects for cities and towns, to meet the needs of municipalities; Management and planning skills in education, health and municipalities.

The project intends to: • • • • •

Identify deserving and capable students from disadvantaged communities; Recruit candidates into engineering, project management, finance and accounting disciplines; Support the candidates throughout their studies by providing academic tutoring and mentoring; Provide specific and on-going support to the students that enter into accounting and engineering fields through regular follow-up sessions; and Develop a model for increasing participation of youth into the scarce skills category

All the above services are in support of government’s developmental agenda to make a better life for all. TCTA is committed to assisting government to achieve its socio-economic objectives.

For more information on TCTA visit: www.tcta.co.za or call +2712 6831200

INVESTEC

INVESTEC Celebrating the perfomance of Promaths Matric learners

P

romaths, run in partnership with the

extra lessons over the last three years, they

Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science

have also acquired an amazing work ethic

and Technology, is Investec’s leading

which will stand them in good stead, both

academic programme for learners in grades 10,

in their studies and professional careers.

11 and 12. The programme saw its tenth year

Congratulations to the Promaths class of

of operation begin with awards ceremonies

2013, they have done us proud and we

held in QwaQwa on Friday 24 January and

look forward to maintaining our relation-

in Sandton on Tuesday 28 January. The cer-

ship with them.”

emony celebrated the exceptional performance of 2013 matric learners. Launched in 2005,

With the recent release of the matric

Promaths continues to support the secondary

results, the quality of passes in the sub-

schooling system by providing intensive addi-

jects of Maths and Physical Science has

tional tuition to students studying Pure Maths

once again come to the fore. Commenting

and Physical Science.

on this, Tumelo Mabitsela, managing director of Kutlwanong said, “Realising the

Of the 268 Promaths learners who wrote the

urgency around this issue and the impact

matric Maths exam last year, over 100 achieved

it is likely to have on the current skills’

distinctions. 226 learners wrote Physical

shortage South Africa faces, we launched

Science and 100 received distinctions.

four new centres in different provinces to increase the provincial footprint of the

Setlogane Manchidi, head of Social Investment

programme. This expansion and its poten-

at Investec, said that with such excellent pass-

tial is something we are very proud of.”

es in Maths and Science, Promaths learners had not only increased their range of career

“With more than 80 percent of school leav-

choices but were now better positioned to gain

ers obtaining matric results ranging from

entry into universities and to access the much

50 to 100 percent in Maths and Science,

needed bursaries and scholarships.

Kutlwanong Centres are becoming a beacon of hope to the entire nation of South

“Having set aside much of their weekends for

42

Africa through its Promaths programme,”

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

THE BIG BANG THEORY INVESTECT

INVESTEC

Investec aims to extend the benefits of Promaths beyond the number of schools that any one company can reach.

Head of Investec Social Investment, Setlogane Manchidi in his address to the 2013 matriculants said that the Promaths awards ceremony is a major celebration, a celebration of realised potential – many of the learners who started the programme in Grade 10 started with a pass of 40% for Maths & as matrics achieved no less than a 90% pass rate for the subject. To both past and present learners on the programme, he also emphasised that in order

Stephen Kosef

to achieve success, they should let go of old failures & apply a process of bigger picture thinking.

concluded Tumelo Mabitsela.

into mentorship, tertiary bursary and work readiness initiatives to ensure that high-

At the ceremonies, merit awards valued

potential students have every opportunity

at R15 000 were presented to each of top

to excel.

learners to use towards tertiary education.

Recipients were those who achieved an

Partnerships are a critical success factor in

80% overall aggregate as well as receiv-

Promaths which has benefited immeasur-

ing 90% and above in Maths. A total of

ably from the combined input and exper-

R540 000 in merit awards was awarded

tise of the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths,

to the programme’s top achievers from

Science and Technology, the Department

Dobsonville and QwaQwa.

of Education, and the principals and

About Promaths

Echoing his words, Siyabulela Xuza a young South African Scientist & keynote speaker at the Awards Ceremony said that the essence of Promaths – discipline & endurance – is the story of his life and he reiterated that it was often his failures that brought him closer to his dreams.

the educators of the schools involved.

Promaths uses peer-competition to drive

The Investec Promaths programme

students’ Maths performances whereby

encourages high potential learners in

students are streamed into classes with

Grades 10, 11 and 12 to apply for extra

peers of a similar academic ability. Top

lessons in Mathematics, Accounting and

performing students receive rewards for

Science. Lessons are delivered by quali-

their periodic Maths performances (e.g.

fied and experienced teachers to students

special Promaths dinners) which motivate

from a cluster of schools within a selected

their performance for the next term and

community. Investec has invested in the

Investec hosts a prestigious Promaths

programme since 2005 and sees it consis-

awards ceremony in January every year to

tently meeting the objective of producing

recognise and reward outstanding Maths

ambitious high school graduates who are

performers.

equipped to undertake tertiary studies and empowered with the necessary skills to

The driving objective behind Promaths

pursue rewarding careers. The initiative

has always been to develop a model that

is part of an ongoing Investec education

can be successfully replicated and spon-

strategy which extends beyond Promaths

sored by other corporates. In this way,

44

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

Setlogane Manchidi

DST

NOKIA'S FREE MATHS SERVICE Easy learning

N

okia and the Department of

this very helpful tool.

Science and Technology (DST) launched the Nokia Mobile

MoMaths was piloted in 2009, and after

Mathematics (MoMaths). So what exactly

five years of making sure it met students

is this MoMaths thing: well it’s a mobile

needs it is now officially available to the

phone service that helps learners from

public. Who says we can’t make even bet-

grades 10 to 12 to understand mathemat-

ter use of today’s available technology

ics better.

huh!

improve your different science related subjects through the use of technology. I hope

So any student with a data-enabled

The new service is fully browser-based

you are not scared because its all so easy

mobile phone (a phone that can access

and works on any phone, tablet or PC

and the more you learn about it the more

the internet) can now make use of more

without needing to download an app.

exciting and useful it is.

than 10 000 exercises that are at different

After a quick sign-up process, students

difficulty levels and also work with other

can practise problems in a number of

“In addition, the department has a dedi-

people comparing their achievements.

categories like finance, trigonometry, cal-

cated programme to collaborate with

Students will also be able to get guidance

culus and statistics. So in other words you

multinational ICT companies that have

on how to progress.

don’t need a smartphone to be able to use

operational presence in SA, such as Nokia,”

MoMaths.

says Morwane.

nering with South African mobile opera-

While working on questions, learners can

There are different types of questions

tors Cell C and MTN to zero rate the data

read background theory, see examples of

and these include multiple-choice; true of

for MoMaths. The service will therefore

solved problems and engage with oth-

false; open-ended and step-by-step (to test

be free for students. So we won’t have to

ers. Points are awarded for successfully

understanding the steps of solving an exer-

worry about having any airtime to access

completed exercises and a learner can

cise as opposed to learning by heart). The

compete with other students and even

questions are randomised and start at level

share points!

1 (easy) and become a bit more challenging

To make it all even easier, Nokia is part-

as it moves on.

Jeanette Morwane, DST director for ICT and services industry, says the department

So there you have it. Yet another super

will do even more to increase public and

present from DST. Pass on the word and tell

private investment in the Information

everyone about this wonderful service. And

technology sector. What this means to

above all make sure you make use of it. It

you the student is simply that DST will

will definitely help you with your studies.

be doing more to make sure you have all the tools necessary for you to practise and 46

Science Stars Magazine Issue 4 | www.sciencestars.co.za

Just go to (www.momaths.nokia/za).