Post Matric, KZN 2012

POST L AZULU-NATA 2012 | KW

atric

•INSIGHTS •STUDY TIPS •IDEAS •GUIDANCE •FINANCE

fresh inspiration career ideas inside

a word from the ed

Our Team

EDITOR

Samantha Collins

onwards and upwards

sam@yesmedia.co.za ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER

Stephanie Loy stephloy@gmail.com PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

ursula Munnik ursula@yesmedia.co.za COPY EDITOR

Olivia Main CONTRIBUTORS

Neil Gardiner, Robbie Stammers, Christina Kennedy, Rachael Sheriffs, Kim Maxwell, Shaheda Bassier PROJECT SALES MANAGER

Charlton Peters charlton@yesmedia.co.za ADVERTISING SALES

Priscilla September, Shakier Groenewald, Ibtesaam Sasman, Brian Hearne, Cheryl Pinter TEL 021 761 7906 FAX 021 761 9524 E-MAIL info@yesmedia.co.za POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 44383,

Claremont 7735, South Africa www.yesmedia.co.za

WEBSITE

PUBLISHER Yes! Media CEO Deon Muller WEB DESIGN re-Fresh

Design www.re-freshdesign.co.za

PRINTED BY

Tandym Print

Post Matric is published by Yes!Media. All copyright in material appearing in this magazine belongs to Yes!Media and/or the individual contributors. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or Yes!Media.

No responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions in the contents of the magazine.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

Post Matric ISSN number 2074-4412

OuR COvER • 2010 | limpopo

a mpumulang

post tal 2012 | kwazulu-na

• north west

atric

Sam Collins

•insights •study tips •ideas •guidance •finance

fresh inspiration career ideas inside

If you were given this magazine at school, most likely you are in your final year and two things are taking centre stage right now (aside from dreaming about the matric dance), namely: how best do I get through and pass this year and, what on earth shall I do next year?

Even though school has been hard at times, with tests, exams and endless piles of homework, the one thing you may not have had to think about much is, what next? Back in the day the answer was simple, go back to school and carry on. But at the end of this year, everything changes.

From now on it’s your choice as to what you will do with your life and this can be quite daunting. So what is the right decision for you?

While some of you are fortunate enough to have decided long ago, others may have no idea. If that describes you, don’t worry. The good news is that it is far from too late. In fact, even if you have decided already, a career is a lifelong project and there is almost unlimited opportunity to rethink things and change direction. I know I have, many times!

In the pages of this magazine you will find ideas on a variety of career directions, as well as information and contact details for many educational institutions. If you think you don’t have the money to study further, check out ‘Funding made Easy’ on page 25, you may be surprised at what is available to deserving students. For those of you who know you won’t be going to varsity, explore the alternatives – and there are many – in ‘No Varsity, no Cry’ on page 25. The world is a fast-changing place, and more and more people are making a success of their lives through attending colleges and private institutions or undertaking apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Whatever route you decide to take, we wish you well on the exciting journey that lies ahead.

cover credits jo spies

EDITOR: POST MATRIC post matric 2012

// 05

contents 36

20 12

features

12

The Fresh Drive

DJ Fresh speaks about making a career out of something you love.

20

Matric Mantra for Success

p h oto s :

p h oto

l a b o r ato r y;

i s to c k p h oto / c h r i s

f u tc h e r ;

J o

s p i e s

Top tips on how on how to study effectively and cruise those exams.

25

Funding Made Easy

Where to turn if you can’t afford tertiary education.

30

Inspirational Noma

Former Business Women of the Year and founder of one of SA’s most dynamic SMEs on entrepreneurship.

36 The Perfect Fit

Work out what ‘type’ of career potentially suits your personality.

43

No Varsity, No Cry

Internships, private colleges and onthe-job training in the spotlight.

46 Life’s What You Make It

The rags-to-riches story of media production mogul Faizel Cook.

post matric 2012

// 07

competition

sms

contents &

win R1000 in

aiRtime on the netwoRk of

youR

choice one of thRee pRizes available

career junction

51

Q&As

Here’s food for thought: The inside scoop on 21 different professions.

competition rules: Cost per SMS is R2. Free SMS’s do not apply. Competition closes 30 June 2012. You may enter as many times as you like. By entering the competition you consent to receiving electronic information regarding Post Matric or other further education or career offerings.

08 // post matric 2011

Get your hands on the latest games, gadgets and gimmicks.

94

First-Year Survival Guide Advice on surviving your first year of tertiary education.

96

Post-traumatic Dress Disorder A tongue-in-cheek look at what life’s like for parents of teenagers, and teenagers of parents.

r u d d e n

eXAmple: ‘KWAZULU NATAL 18 KLOOF HIGH’.

If you did not get your copy from school, SMS the relationship of the person from whom you got your copy – for example, ‘KWAZULU NATAL 15 BROTHER’ or ‘KWAZULU NATAL 17 FRIEND’.

11

Must-Have Gadgets

p e t e r

SMS the name of the province you live in, followed by your age, followed by the name of the school and where you got your copy of Post Matric to 34009.

entertain yourself

p h oto s :

how to enteR

57 Travel Consultant 58 Wine Sommelier 59 Optometrist 61 Musician 63 Electrician 65 Horticulturist 68 Bureau Manager 71 Podiatrist 73 Museum Curator 75 Concierge 77 Tax Consultant 78 Zoologist 79 Social Worker 81 Small Business Owner 83 Magazine Editor 85 Advocate 87 Food Technologist 89 Art Director 90 Retail Managers 91 Florist 92 Teacher

cool collectables

camera caNoN S100

Toy Parrot ar.DroNe Try justify it to your folks that you should own a toy quadrocopter. It won’t be easy, till you show your dad how it hovers automatically, indoors or out, and is controlled using an iPhone, iPod Touch or Android phone. Tactical war games, tagging your mates or viewing a party from above using the on-board camera. R2999, www.ardrone.parrot.com

Phone cameras are fine, until you want ultimate control for pro results (many pros use these as backup). The ring around the lens can be assigned to different functions, like aperture, ISO or exposure control, plus the larger 12 megapixel sensor copes brilliantly in low light. +/- R4500, www.ormsdirect.co.za

Gotta have Tech whizz Neil Gardiner sniffs out the latest and greatest gadgets guaranteed to put a smile on your dial... phone htc chacha This phone is not made

by Facebook, but is one of the best ways to use it.

It rocks the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system with a 5MP camera on the back and a VGA camera on the front for selfportraits. Press the blue button when viewing and it’ll prepare to upload, or when browsing and you’ll be taken to Facebook places.

Easy! www.leaf.co.za

headgear SkullcaNDy roc Nation aviator: Chuck your iPod earphones in the bin – time for decent cans. They sound phenomenal, especially acoustic tunes, and have a volume controller and track advancer / call answerer for smart phones.

R1450

p h oto s : s u p p l i e d

game GearS of war 3 the long-awaited third in the trilogy does not disappoint.

Get reacquainted with the Delta Squad and save the world in this third-person shoot’em up with rich storyline, visceral gameplay and beautiful landscapes.

R489, www.kalahari.com

post matric 2012

// 11

inspirational people

the

Fresh drive He’s driven, passionate about radio and a likeable guy. DJ Fresh speaks about making a career out of something you love. By Kim Maxwell. Photos by Jo Spies.

I

f you’re a radio listener in South Africa, DJ Fresh of 5FM epitomizes cool. He greets call-in listeners with a perky ‘Five, hi’ and has an addictive throaty laugh while keeping his audience entertained and in conversation on their journeys home. Fresh hosts ‘The Drive Time’ on weekdays during the 4pm to 7pm time slot, and 'The Power Night' on Wednesday evenings. His trendy music, comedy inserts and chitchat appeals to 5FM’s core listeners, the under 25s. They have a cross-genre of musical tastes, are technologically savvy, fashion-forward and positive about South Africa’s future.

Much like Fresh for that matter.

12 //

post matric 2012

Thato Sikwane is DJ Fresh, a disc jockey born and raised in Gaborone, Botswana. He moved to South Africa in 1994 to study, and 17 years later he’s a household name.

Radio broadcasting is a family occupation, because Fresh met his wife Thabiso Sikwane on the job – she was reading news on his show when they both worked for YFM. Today Thabiso hosts a talk show on Kaya FM. Like many radio deejays, Fresh loved music as a teen and laid the groundwork for his future career by spinning the decks at social events for his peers. Gaining experience while doing what you love is a good

post matric 2012

// 13

fresh advic e

iff you have passion and drive, nothing can stop you.

doing what you ingg experience while inin gaain tegy. stra eer car d goo a love is

Setting Solid, olid, realiStic tic goalS helpS you Stay inSpired. pired.

Ma ximise t he good . you c a n do

Being able to express yourself is very important. practice public speaking and build confidence.

14 //

post matric 2012

ou Even if y t n le ta have ut o g in z o o rs, a e r of you ou y re o m the e th , y stud more at tage an advan . you are

career strategy.

‘At 13 I started deejaying at one of the socials at boarding school in Botswana. They needed a DJ at short notice and the entertainment officer at the school knew I collected music,’ he explains. Fresh secured his first radio show in Botswana at age 18.

In South Africa Fresh developed a following for his breakfast slot on YFM, joining the broadcaster in 1997 and hosting a show for eight years. His fan club has expanded further during his past five years at 5FM. He won both ‘best daytime’ presenter and ‘best night-time’ presenter at the 2011 MTN Radio Awards.

Business ventures on the side keep him busy too – he’s released 25 house music albums to date, has shared the DJ booth with a number of international artists, and is a sought-after personality for promotional events and music gigs in clubs around South Africa. He manages all this work through his own production company Big Dawg Productions.

A music career wouldn’t have happened if Fresh had followed his original career path.

O

ne of his many dreams growing up was to be a high-powered lawyer.

Conveniently, this overlapped with his father’s aspirations.

‘The thing is, music was a hobby that was happening already. So by the time I got into law school at the University of Botswana, I’d already been on radio as a deejay. In my first year I lost interest in law quickly,’ he says. Ultimately radio won out. ‘I spent one year trying to study and stay interested, at the same time doing gigs on the sly because my dad wanted me to be a lawyer. He insisted I repeat my first year, so the only way out was to ensure I failed so badly that they kicked me out!

So basically my second year of “studying” was literally spent in my room playing TV games and videos. The only class I attended was political science ‘cause I love politics’.

‘The radio station was giving me more and more time on air, which didn’t help my dad’s cause,’ he continues. ‘And it was decent money for a 19 year-old so I wasn’t complaining.’ He signed up for a Media Studies diploma at Boston Media House

inspirational people

in Johannesburg, majoring in journalism and advertising.

‘When I told my dad I’d been accepted he wanted to know how he could be sure I wouldn’t fail this too,’ laughs Fresh.

‘But I graduated eventually. In my third year YFM radio had started up and I began working there. I completed my diploma exams but took my time with the dissertations.’ Fresh remains interested in law, and wouldn’t mind finishing his legal degree at some point.

S

Hob-nobbing with top celebrities, masses of public appearances and rock-the-house gigs attended by thousands of fans – it’s all in a day’s work for 5FM’s DJ Fresh.

p h oto s :

s u p p l i e d

o is studying necessary for a radio deejay? Not necessarily. ‘For radio generally you either have a knack or you don’t. Much as you can train a good broadcaster,

I don’t think any degree will guarantee that you will be a good one,’ says Fresh. ‘Anyone can learn to play guitar but not everyone will be supremely talented. But having said that, even if you have talent oozing out of your ears, the more you study, the more at an advantage you are.’

Yet good communication skills are crucial. ‘Depending on the type of radio format you want to work in, being able to express yourself is very important,’ says Fresh.

He recommends that aspirant deejays join the debating club or take drama classes to practice public speaking and build confidence. Specialised music knowledge isn’t essential.

post matric 2012

// 15

inspirational people

‘What is important is having the passion and drive to make it work in the first place, else those degrees won’t help much,’ he adds.

F

16 //

post matric 2012

✱ I’m a family man with a daughter aged 17 from a previous relationship. I also have a son of nine and a three-year-old daughter with my wife Thabiso. ✱ I’m a sucker for lamb chops. It doesn’t matter where on the planet I am, it’s the first thing I’ll check for on the menu! ✱ As with any trip, it’s the destination that counts because otherwise you won’t know when you’ve arrived. ✱ I played a lot of sport in high school – soccer, basketball, tennis, table tennis and baseball. It gave me some sort of gym ethic. ✱ I won’t lie: every weekend for the last 15 years I’ve had gigs. Some weekends I’m literally doing eight gigs – the last few weekends were like that. So it gets that crazy, but in time you can control how busy you get. ✱ I collect movies and TV series. But thanks to my iPad I can carry books and movies and get the best of both worlds. ✱ Sometimes after a heavy weekend of burning the candle at both ends my larynx has taken a beating. I’ve had tonsillitis, laryngitis, you name it.

s p i e s

seriously

j o

did you know?

p h oto :

resh is refreshingly grounded, and genuinely connected with the wider community that listens to him.

‘If as a listener you’re touched by something, then our job is done,’ he says. Through the DJ Fresh Foundation, he’s actively involved in educating a few deserving young people – previously disadvantaged kids are prioritised. They are enrolled annually in post-matric study scholarships at Boston Media House, Rosebank College or Monash South Africa. ‘The challenge in radio is to respect the power of the media. For a lot of radio deejays, once they’re in there, they forget it’s a powerful tool that can be an instrument of change. We need to maximise the good we can do,’ he smiles.

Of course it’s easy to be charitable when there is food on the table. For most broadcasters, income earned as a presenter is the tip of the iceberg. Fresh learnt this valuable lesson on a radio course shortly after moving to SA. ‘The one thing they drummed into us: your radio salary should be a quarter of your monthly income. That’s because there are so many spinoffs from being on a platform, from appearances to gigs to MC to motivational speaking,’ he explains. ‘The sky is the limit: you can write your own pay cheque, depending on how hard you work, and if you have a good manager or agent. In the radio business, if you have passion and drive, nothing can stop you!'

study guide

Matric Mantra for Success You know you can do it and we do too!

Use these study tips and techniques and make the most of the precious months leading up to your Matric exams.

20 //

post matric 2012

5

More

than likely there is one thing that is dominating your mind right now as your Matric exams loom closer.

The key to obtaining good Matric results lies in getting the balance right, so whilst it is imperative that you put in the essential study hours, you need to build in time for relaxation too. Of course you’re not going to breeze through the year without any stress at all, but if you look after yourself and plan well you’re sure to rise to the challenge that awaits you.

Eat well, sleep well and exercise! Gautengbased educational psychologist and former school counsellor Ken Resnick recommends studying for two to three hours a day during the week and four to five hours a day over weekends.

However, remember to factor in some relaxation time such as socialising with friends.

‘I exercised frequently and made sure I stayed off the junk food. I would also hang out with friends and chill,’ said Wayne Fredericks, who was the top Matric pupil in KZN in 2007.

Nicole Lester of Hershel Girls School, the top Matric pupil in the Cape, said she completed all her projects on time, studied for all tests and took every opportunity to learn, but she did not neglect spending time with friends and family.

It’s important not to become too anxious leading up to the exams. Durban psychologists have some good advice for pupils to keep the anxiety monsters at bay: ensure adequate sleep and take

breaks to clear the mind and de-stress. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing combined with muscular tensing. Massage and meditation may also help your mind and body unwind.

Work on feeling better about yourself. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

However, if the stress becomes unbearable and concentration is affected then it is important to seek professional counselling such as the SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) helpline or Lifeline.

p h oto :

i s to c k p h oto.c o m / L a s e r 2 2 2

EvEry sEtback is a sEtup for a comEback READY TO ROLL Plan well, start early, work consistently and you’re well on the path to success. There will be many obstacles to overcome but your determination will ensure that you will reach your goal. ‘Every setback is a setup for a comeback,’ said Wayne.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses and try to remedy them. If you know you have a problem with time management, make a note of the number of hours you study every day and gradually increase your study time.

Exceed your own expectations!

‘At the end of every term I’d look back at my results and aim to improve on them, so I would never compete against anyone else. If I did come first, then so be it. I was just trying to be the best I could be,’ said Wayne.

Sticking to a study routine is not always easy, but don’t give up! The end result will be well

sTEps TO A bETTER ROuTinE Plan the journey Make a study timetable.

Sort out your notes, take each subject and divide the work into manageable chunks, then diarise study periods. Resnick advises students to take regular breaks: ‘Normally the brain can’t concentrate for longer than 40 minutes, so it’s best to study in one hour bites broken up into 40 minutes of study, a 10 minute break and 10 minutes revision.’ and rePeat 2 revise Read your notes after every lecture and highlight pertinent or difficult areas. Look at the headings and sub-headings to help you to memorise the work.

Compile questions and answers. great notes 3 Make Be sure to understand what you write down. If not, make a note of questions and ask your teacher or another student to help you to understand. Don’t be satisfied until you have grasped the concept. Condense your notes to help you to refresh your memory before exams. to the grouP 4 strength A study group can help you to tackle problems. It will assist in you covering more work in a shorter time. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Group members can also provide emotional and motivational support when the going is tough! sort your study sPace 5 Find a good place to study.

Make sure that you are well positioned physically to work – find a quiet place, open the window and adjust the lighting.

Switch off that cellphone!

1

post matric 2012

// 21

study guide Don’t get bogged down by trying to do too much at one time, break your studying up into bite-size chunks. worth it. Here is a five-step guide to refer to:

DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER Learn to love your studies and make the experience meaningful. Explore, research, review, refresh. Read out loud and repeat until you know the material off by heart.

Mind maps, spider maps, mnemonics and visualisation are useful techniques that will help you make the most of that grey matter. Let’s break it down: Mind Maps The brain remembers information through concepts and mind maps present a twodimensional structure that aids memory. At a glance, you have an informative snapshot. This is a great way of classifying ideas, organising facts, summarising and problem solving.

Start off with your main idea in a large circle or whatever shape/image you prefer for your focal point, and work your way from here. One can think of main ideas stemming from the central point in the form of branches, further details coming off the branches as twigs and so on. In this way you associate ideas and make connections.

You can continuously add fresh information to your mind map.

Use different shapes, images and colours – whatever appeals to you and grabs your attention. spider Maps This is a similar concept to a mind map, where the main concept is written in a circle and then four lines are drawn from this. Details are written on the lines. The end of the line

22 //

post matric 2012

may link up with other circles expanding on the information. It is important to be creative, use images and colours and draw links connecting facts. No one else needs to understand the information except you!

MneMonics Memorise the first letters of words to prompt your memory into action. Create a new sentence using the first letters of the words you need to memorise, for example to remember the order of operations for maths – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, and Subtract – a mnemonic is Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.

Visualisation This is a fun way to memorise material! By linking information with visual images it becomes

easier to remember. Paul Tosio in his Juno study course (www. junostudycourse.com) gives a good example of a story about a ball of mercury, Venus Williams, a Mars bar and Pluto the dog! Without going into the details, you can see how you’ll remember the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto.

You’ll find some interesting information on various visualisation techniques at website www.visual-literacy.org.

BACKPACK ON...

Well, now you’ve packed your bag of goodies containing your study timetable, motivation, memory aids, healthy diet and adequate sleep; pick up the pace, start jogging and keep on going so that you cruise past the Matric mark with ease.

find funding

g n i d n u F made easy Bright but broke?

Ambitious but penniless? Here’s the good news – financial aid is on hand to set serious students on the path to greatness.

i l l u s t r at i o n s : dÁnh cho

Picture

it: you’ve scored good marks in your exams, and are all fired up and raring to study… but your pockets are depressingly empty.

Don’t just shrug and say, ‘Well, that’s life’ – get out there and start looking for funding!

The costs of studying at university or private college can be exorbitant, so make sure you are serious about your field of study before committing thousands of rands to your tertiary education. You could end up making a costly mistake.

But once you’ve firmly set your sights on your dream career path, it would be tragic to let an obstacle like a shortage of funds stand in your way.

The first thing to remember is to apply for bursaries, grants and other types of funding

several months before you write your Matric exams.

Even if you don’t have access to the internet at home or school, go to the local library or find a coffee shop with free wi-fi access, and start googling away.

Phone, e-mail or write letters to institutions that may be able to offer you financial assistance.

Rejection is a part of life, so remember: DON’T GIVE UP HOPE. If you are turned down by one sponsor, apply elsewhere. But if you start feeling that door after door is closing in your face, reassess your situation. Are you applying for the correct field of study to suit your capabilities? Should you consider rewriting some Matric subjects, to improve your marks and your chances of securing financial aid? post matric 2012

// 25

1

reality check

rose to 70.2%, and The 2011 national Matric pass rate entrance. rsity unive ned 24.3% of those obtai NOT guarantee you But remember, a university pass does s matrics obtained year’ last of 000 85 than More a place at a university. mmodate a acco only can s rsitie exemption, but the country’s unive at the University of pede stam The level. year firstat fraction of those er g which a prospective student’s moth Johannesburg in early 2012, durin died, tragically illustrated this fact. ent rate is about 23.9%. For In South Africa, the overall unemploym 5%. For those with a Matric 36.9 to ckets those without Grade 12, it skyro is only slightly lower – 32.35%. certificate, the unemployment rate ation, 12% are jobless. But educ ic Matr postFor those with some degree, the unemployment rate is rsity among South Africans with a unive an excellent chance of getting a job only 4.46%. In other words, you have on. ficati if you obtain a tertiary quali 000 and R45 000 for your first You can expect to pay between R15 Ouch! and that’s just the tuition . study uate rgrad unde year of full-time ution where you intend to study instit the of fees! Check out the bona fides t. so you don’t fall prey to a fly-by-nigh

2

tips for clever bursaryhunting

The subjects you choose in Grade 10 are vitally important. You don’t want to find out when you get to Matric that a particular field of study is closed to you because you took the wrong subjects.

Find out the minimum entrance requirements for admission to your chosen degree, diploma or certificate course well in advance.

Then make sure you don’t just meet those requirements, but exceed them. Even if you get enough entrance points, a course may be oversubscribed and you could fail to secure a place if your marks aren’t brilliant.

Determine what the requirements are for applying for a bursary. Again, try to attain far higher marks than the minimum required. This will significantly improve your chances.

Attend the open day(s) of your desired universities or institutions, and gather info on funding options. ★ Apply early! Send in your funding applications while you’re still in Matric. The closing date for

26 //

post matric 2012

some institutions’ bursary schemes can be as early as the June of the year before you plan to study.

Pay careful attention to your CV, ensuring it is well written, free of errors and attractively presented.

It should include a compelling motivation why you should be considered for the bursary.

Have certified copies made of your school report (your Grade 11 and prelim results, if available) and your ID document. This can be done at your local police station.

A useful handbook to snap up is The Bursary Register, which will help you to compile a CV, apply for bursaries, scholarships and loans, and advise how to conduct yourself at an interview. Find it at bookshops, libraries and tertiary institutions’ financial aid offices.

Alternatively, phone Riva Levin at (011) 672 6559 or e-mail rlevin@mweb.co.za.

A handy online resource is www. gal.co.za – aka Get a Life – where you’ll find listings of almost 2000 bursaries available in South Africa.

Also check out the Go Study website sa.gostudy.info or www. gostudy.mobi – a great one-stop information shop.

3

What are your options?

TerTiary insTiTuTions Apply for a bursary at the university or college where you intend to study. Visit, e-mail or phone their financial aid office well in advance to find out more.

Many of these bursaries are dependent on you being a South African citizen.

Once you are enrolled at university, you may also qualify for an academic merit award based on your academic results during your first year of study.

Some universities – like the University of the Free State – also offer partial bursaries for art, cultural, sporting or leadership achievements at school.

Remember that some overseas universities, especially from the UK and Australia, also operate in South Africa.

The privaTe secTor Many companies award bursaries, usually with conditions such as: You have to pass your subjects – otherwise you must pay for the courses you fail; You will be contractually bounded to work at the company for a specified number of years after completing your studies; and You will be required to study in a field specified by the company (e.g. BCom Accounting, BSc Engineering).

Companies that award bursaries include: Spoornet, Transnet, Sasol, Absa, Anglo American, Gold Fields, Anglo Platinum, Eskom, Sasol, Iscor, De Beers, Edgars, SA Breweries, Harmony, Mintek, AECI, Engen, Group 5, Murray & Roberts, PPC and Old Mutual.

Eduloan is a private company that provides loans to students whose parents are permanently employed. Visit website www.eduloan.co.za.

find funding

TerTiary insTiTuTions The privaTe secTor GovernmenT insTiTuTions seTas and The naTional skills Fund Bank loans

GovernmenT insTiTuTions Approach your local municipality, or the provincial or national government department relevant to your studies – they often have a number of bursaries up for grabs.

The naTional sTudenT Financial aid scheme (nsFas) The Department of Higher Education’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme helps South African students who are academically deserving and financially needy.

It provides study loans at a low interest rate (currently 5.2%), and you only have to begin your repayments once you are earning a salary of R30 000 or more a year.

Funds are made available for studies at universities or further education and training (FET) colleges, but not private colleges.

In 2009, more than 138 000 students received funding, with R3.1 billion being made available for loans and bursaries.

As an incentive to excel in your studies, a NSFAS loan has a builtin bursary option that works to the benefit of academic achievers. If you study hard and pass all your

courses, you could qualify for a 40% bursary. But if you drop out, you’ll have to repay the entire loan.

The NSFAS also administers four bursary funds (some conditional on employment in the relevant sector afterwards): the Funza Lushaka bursary programme for aspiring teachers, bursaries for social work students, the National Skills Fund (for students whose study focus is in a scarce skills area), and FET college bursaries.

Contact the NSFAS at (021) 763 3232, SMS 32261, e-mail info@ nsfas.org.za, visit www.nsfas.org. za or write to Private Bag X1, Plumstead 7801, South Africa. seTas and The naTional skills Fund Did you know that if you go straight from school into the workplace, your employer might be able to pay for your studies?

Larger employers have to pay a skills development levy, which goes to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Skills Development Fund to finance the training of the contributing companies’ own employees.

Employers can claim a SARS

Once you know what you want, set your sights high. Apply and keep on applying until you find the funder that’s right for you.

Remember the saying: where there’s a will, there’s a way.

refund if they train their workers.

In other words, you may be able to enrol for certain courses or qualifications through the workplace – as long as it is related to your job – and your fees will be paid by your boss.

Bank loans All South Africa’s major banks offer student loans, to be repaid over a fixed term at a predetermined interest rate. You will need someone to sign surety.

Non-South Africans with valid study permits can also apply for these study loans, which can be taken out for studies at a university, FET college or SA Qualifications Authority-accredited private institution.

Standard Bank Call centre: 0860 123 000, www.standardbank.co.za First National Bank Call centre: 0860 100 762, www.fnb.co.za ABSA Call centre: 0860 100 372, www.absa.co.za Nedbank Call centre: 0860 555 111, www.nedbank.co.za post matric 2012

// 27

advertorial

GETTING AHEAD IN THE PROPERTY GAME Discover an ever-changing career path as an Estate Agent in the South African Property Industry.

A

n estate agency career is not only interestingbut alsodiverse. Estate agents operate in avariety of differentiated areas including: 1) Residential sales: where agents are requiredto coordinate the sale of residential property.

The sellingof flats andapartments (known as sectional title units) also falls under residential sales but requires additional skills, knowledge andcompetencies.

2) CommErCiAl/industriAl sAlEs: usually done at avery high level andincludes the sale of offices, warehouses, shopping centres, factories andso forth.

3) rEsidEntiAl lEttings: the agent finds suitable tenants for properties; draws uplease agreements; arranges collection of rentals and, frequently, deals with the financial or maintenance issues that arise.

4) CommErCiAl/industriAl lEtting: the lettingof commercial/ industrial premises.

5) AuCtionEEring: some estate agents are involvedin auctioneeringwhere immovable property is marketedfor sale.

6) BusinEss Broking: where estate agents attendto the sale of businesses as goingconcerns.

EntrY rEQuirEmEnts 1) non-principal Agents: All newestate agents enteringthe profession for the first time must

first serve acompulsory one-year internshipperiod. Duringthis time the intern agent works under the active supervision of aprincipal agent, or afull status estate agent, who has heldavalidFidelity Fund Certificate for at least three years.

Amentor-protégé relationshipis thus created. The intern estate agent will also be obligedto maintain andkeepalogbook (sometimes referredto as an intern Portfolio of Evidence) that reflects the activities that have been undertaken duringthe internship period.

As with non-principal estate agents (or estate agents in the service of an estate agency enterprise), the intern agent is requiredto complete the Further

Education andTrainingCertificate: Real Estate. This is intendedto enhance the provision of entry-level service andto provide the required knowledge andskills. The intern estate agent may be certificated against the qualification after undergoingtrainingthrough an accreditededucation provider.

Once the intern has completedthe qualification andservedthe twelve month internshipperiod, they will gain full status – although not yet professional status – as an estate agent.

2) Principal Estate Agents: Newentrants who wish to act as principal estate agents (or run their own enterprises) must be certificatedagainst the National

Certificate: Real Estate. This qualification adds value to the understandingof the property and real estate sector andenhances their appreciation of the practical functionalities occurringwithin the workplace. The qualification builds on the skills that were gainedwhen qualifyingfor the Further Education andTrainingCertificate.

p h oto :

m a r i n a

n i s i

3) Professional Designation Examination: The completion of the Further Education andTrainingCertificate: Real Estate, or the National Certificate: Real Estate, constitutes aprerequisite for admission to the Professional Designation Examination (PDE). The PDE is a practical andintegratedtest of knowledge andis conductedby the Estate Agency Affairs Board. This the final test of the estate agent’s ability to implement andapply the learningthey have achieved.

No person can be registeredas afull status estate agent prior to successful completion of the PDE. Anon-principal agent who successfully completes the PDE is awardedthe designation Professional Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRE), while aprincipal estate agent is awardedthe designation of Master Practitioner in Real Estate (MPRE).

4) Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Acontinuingprofessional development requirement is soon to be implementedin accordance with current best practice requirements in most worldwide

real estate regulatory jurisdictions.

All registeredestate agents will be requiredto earn aprescribed minimumnumber of CPD points over athree year rollingcycle.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS All estate agents are requiredto register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board, the statutory regulator of the estate agency profession. Upon registration, estate agents are issuedwith a Fidelity FundCertificate. Illegally operatingestate agents are not allowedto earn any commission or remuneration for estate agency acts performedwhile they were not in receipt of avalidFidelity Fund Certificate.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS The correct personality traits, such as excellent communication and negotiation skills, the ability to manage relationships with clients andstakeholders andto obtain their trust, andafocus on achieving targets, are, amongst other qualities, extremely important. It goes without sayingthat honesty, integrity andthe highest ethical values are all distinguishing characteristics of successful estate agents.

REMUNERATION Estate agents do not, generally, earn asalary. They are paida commission, calculatedas a percentage of the value of the property sold, or the value of estate agency services rendered.

Although residential estate agents earn acommission when

asale agreement is concluded, that commission is only paid upon registration of transfer of the property sold. This process can take anythingfromafew months to an extremely longtime.

Therefore agents needto carefully budget their finances andcash flow. For this reason many people prefer to enter the profession in an administrative capacity by assistingwith the preparation of property details, sittingat show houses andengagingin simple correspondence.

It is preferable that estate agents are computer literate, own their own motor vehicle andhave a cellular telephone.

OPPORTUNITIES Many opportunities exist in this stimulatingfieldandthe role of an estate agent is an exciting and variedone with no two days being the same.

30 //

post matric 2012

inspirational people

I dreamed a dream…

w o r d s :

c h r i s t i n a

k e n n e dy;

p h oto s :

j o

s p i e s

Nomahlubi Simamane, the founder of one of SA’s most dynamic SMEs, believes entrepreneurship will be the country's saving grace.

Before you can become an entrepreneur, you first need to put in the hard yards, be patient and work your tail off. But it’s even more important to have a dream and then go all out to acquire the skills and knowledge to pluck that dream out of the sky and plant it in the real world.

It’s good advice, coming from someone who is living proof that it works – Nomahlubi Simamane, CEO and founder of South African company Zanusi Brand Solutions.

As the recipient of several industry awards – including being named businesswoman of the year by Black Business Quarterly magazine and Topco Media – Simamane’s knack for business and strategy saw her climb the

corporate ladder before starting her integrated branding agency in Johannesburg 11 years ago.

Emphasising the value of entrepreneurship in South Africa, she believes that ‘the formal economy is not currently fulfilling the requirements of the unemployed in this country. There are vast opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – in fact, the economy is driven by small operations, and there are millions of families who depend on these for their livelihoods.’

She studied biochemistry and went on to enjoy a stellar career in building brands for Unilever, British American Tobacco and BLGK Bates, including stints working in the USA and Kenya. post matric 2012

// 31

inspirational people

money, When your only motivation is it very often happens that When the money is not there, the motivation is not there eit her

Her star was undoubtedly on the rise in the corporate world, but slowly a seed started germinating in her mind: a yearning to run her own business.

‘From my studies I had learned to be a logical and analytical thinker, and to build a case, which proved useful in the business world. I had built up experience as a marketing director, but needed to understand more about communications,’ she relates.

With this in mind, when Simamane was offered a lucrative and high-powered position at a major multinational, she instead opted to turn it down to gain experience in communications at

an advertising agency– albeit at a much lower salary.

But it was a strategic move that would eventually pay rich dividends.

Simamane was brimming with ideas, having noticed how brands were not investing in their future to ensure their sustainability, taking into account changing consumer dynamics. And at the turn of the millennium, the time felt ripe for a major leap of faith. ‘All the signs were there – I had to put my stake in the ground and state what I wanted to do.’

So, she took money out of her bond to open her own brandbuilding agency. And so Zanusi – which originates from the Zulu word for the high priest or priestess of sangomas – was born.

‘Zanusis are very much rooted in Africa,’ she explains. ‘When

you go to one, in order to foretell your future and put your life on the right path, they will look at your history and at your current situation. Based on that, they will project your future. Basically, zanusis bridges yesterday, today and tomorrow – and that’s what we do at our agency: migrating brands for future profits.’

Starting up a new business was a risk, but it has paid off handsomely. Simamane drew up a a ‘wish list’ of clients – and ended up securing business from an amazing 60% of them!

Today she runs a successful small business that is 100% black-owned, employs a number of staff and has branched out into Africa. She currently has blue-chip clients such as BP, Medscheme medical aid and Nedbank. Her SME is regarded as an influential player in the branding arena.

Among their recent projects were the City of Johannesburg’s Arts Alive International Festival, the Newtown public viewing area

Tips to ace that dream career ★ Be clear in your mind about what you want to do with your life. ★ Don’t ‘faff’ around. ★ Don’t stick with a particular study or career path if you know it’s wrong for you, even if you risk disappointing mummy and daddy. ★ Once you have embarked with confidence on your dream career, have staying

power – you’ll experience up days and down days, but need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and soldier on. ★ Don’t job-hop. Gain all the skills you need in a particular job before moving on. ★ Self-confidence is essential: your mantra must be ‘I believe in myself and my abilities’. ★ If you don’t have the

necessary capabilities to fulfill your career dreams, then make a plan to acquire them. ★ You have to be selfdriven and self-motivated to succeed – don’t expect others to do it for you. ★ Money is not the beall and end-all. Keep reminding yourself why you are doing what you are doing, and keep reigniting that flame.

★ It’s OK to make mistakes. It’s also OK to go backwards for the benefit of your longerterm vision. ★ Always be excited about what you do. ★ Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up. ★ Be patient – once you have the basic foundations, the world is your oyster! post matric 2012

// 33

inspirational people

during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Airports Company of South Africa’s brand repositioning.

The agency also helped launch the first Pick n Pay Hyper in a township – the Maponya Pick n Pay in Soweto – while developing a blueprint to roll out stores in other townships as well.

This trailblazer’s advice for young people heading out into the world is simple: ‘You need to get a sense of what you love doing, and that dream, that seed will already be planted in your mind when you go about collecting the skills base to move towards the achievement of that goal,’ she says.

She strongly recommends devoting enough time to studying, on-the-job training or doing an apprenticeship in your chosen field before heading out into the big, bad world of entrepreneurship, guns blazing because in your eager naiveté you may get blinded by the stars in your eyes, and become easily disillusioned.

‘There are so many people who want to set up businesses, but lack the skills base. You really need that strong foundation to be able to set out on your own.’

Simamane calls this ‘paying your school fees’: taking the time to learn about your profession and steadily working your way through the ranks. If necessary, go and intern somewhere – even if you offer your services for free.

When the time is right and the planets are aligned, strike out on your own – but do so with your eyes open, she warns. ‘Even though our economy is driven

by SMEs, the environment is overregulated, complicated and squeezed. Funding is also a big issue – it’s not easy to get loans.’

So many school-leavers are stepping out into the job market with dollar signs glinting in their eyes, but Simamane cautions against becoming too materialistic.

‘When your only motivation is money, it very often happens that when the money is not there, the motivation is not either,’ she says.

She believes that the saying ‘bigger is better’ does not always apply. As a small agency, Zanusi is lean and hungry, regularly competing – and winning – on the same playing field as the big boys.

‘We may be small as a business, but we bite!’ she confides.

advice for budding entrepreneurs Do your homework and approach them with your proposals – you have nothing to lose!

Identify opportunities that exist in the marketplace 34 //

post matric 2012

Compile a basic business plan

Draw up a list of target clients

noma in a nutshell Favourite indulgence Once it was red wine, but now that I’m trying to live a healthier lifestyle it’s being pampered at a spa.

What book are you reading? I read a whole lot of books at the same time, but at the moment I’m focusing on different forms of spirituality and am reading a book by CT Msimang about African spiritual traditions.

What’s on your ipod?I love jazz fusion and South African artists such as Jabu Khanyile, Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya.

Who inspires you? No one person, really. It’s those who have less than me, yet remain motivated. It’s the rural woman who has to carry water from the river every day, yet still has a smile on her face. It’s people like my late mother, who raised and educated a family on a small schoolteacher’s salary.

Favourite saying or motto?

‘You’re only as good as your last project’ and ‘Don’t rest on your laurels’. You need to be the best you can be every time you do something – even the little things. I’ve found people have very short memories.

What do you love about south aFrica? The different people, the opportunities that are available, the sunshine and blue skies, the countryside…

Whenever I go hiking I marvel at the fact that there is beauty wherever you go, from the people to the landscapes. pet hates Corruption, and the fact that many of our politicians seem to have forgotten who pays their salaries.

perfecT

The

36 //

post matric 2012

p h oTo p h oTo S : S h e R i f f S ; R a c h a e l T e x T:

Are you a do-er, a thinker, a creator, a helper, a persuader or an organiser? Find out which category you fall into based on your personality, interests and skills, and choose your career.

l a b o R aTo R y

fiT

aptitude testing

A career

decision is a personal choice that reflects your individual interests, the skills that you have acquired, and the way that your personality fits into the world of work. If all these things converge into a good career match, then working in the area you choose should bring you pleasure and fulfilment.

T e x T:

R a c h a e l

S h e R i f f S ;

p h oTo S :

p h oTo

l a b o R aTo R y

the holland Career Codes A useful way of thinking about careers is to group them into areas of interest and skill that reflect common personality types, and to decide which of these groups describes you most accurately. Psychologist Dr John Holland created a theory of careers and vocational choice. He found that he could predict with accuracy the type of work that people would enjoy doing and be good at based on this model. The official name for the test is the Self Directed Searchã. Not everyone has the opportunity to take the full test, but by reading through these descriptions of the six different fields, you will most probably find that you can decide for yourself which areas fit best.

Read each of the descriptions and ask yourself if the work involved interests you. Picture yourself doing it every day – would it hold your interest longterm. Think about whether you have the types of skills listed. If not, could you learn them? Now look at the types of personality that fit. Can you see yourself?

Perhaps this area describes part of you and another area describes another part. For most people there is a clear first option out of the six, followed by two other areas of interest.

the six Career types realIstIc (the ‘Do-ers’) People who prefer to work with objects, tools, machines, plants or animals; have athletic or mechanical ability; and, often prefer to work outdoors in the natural environment.

Personality Honest, hardworking, reliable, practical, down to earth, frank, sensible, reserved, direct, stable, uncomplicated, value nature, independent, ambitious, persistent, straightforward, systematic and curious about the physical world. skills Physically capable, good with their hands, machinery and tool skills, visuospatial, able to

look after plants and animals. examPles of realistic careers

Engineering, agriculture, air traffic controller, optician, athlete, personal trainer, sports team coach, mechanic, carpenter, game ranger, paramedic, industrial, arts teacher, cook, animal rescue officer, landscaper, forestry, electrician, plumber, builder.

InvestIgatIve (the ‘thInkers’) People who are curious about how things work; who may work in a scientific or mathematical field; and, are often involved in research of some kind. They like to learn, observe, analyse, evaluate and solve problems.

Personality Curious, intellectual, precise, accurate, reserved, analytical, methodical, rational, observant, driven to seek knowledge, careful, introverted, independent, logical, confident, complex, questioning, cautious, open-minded and enjoys a good challenge. skills Mathematical abilities; an understanding of scientific method and theory; able to think abstractly, solve complex problems, hypothesise, interpret data and create formulas; able to use microscopes and computers; able to concentrate for long hours, read and understand scientific and/or technical journals. examPles of investigative careers

Actuary, biochemist, ecologist, economist, mathematician, surgeon, laboratory technician, geologist, pharmacist, general practitioner, computer programmer, chemical engineer, anthropologist, horticulturalist, meteorologist.

post matric 2012

// 37

Interfacing African Modern Sciences BACHELOR OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (B.IKS) B.IKS is a multi-disciplinary qualification which has been designed to prepare learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and values relating to Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). The qualification is based on a holistic approach to understanding IKS and lays a solid foundation for learners to gain academic and practical competencies.

■ Promote understanding of IKS globally including

The Bachelor of IKS aImS To:

Four year Degree Programme (480 credits)

■ Affirm African cultural values and integrate IKS

into the formal educational system.

■ Promote cooperation between educational

institutions, business, industry and local communities.

■ Contribute to sustainable livelihoods and development through utilizing IKS as a resource in innovation.

affirmation of indigenous knowledge holders.

admISSIon requIremenTS Matriculation with Exemption and/or Advanced Level Certificate

duraTIon of The Programme JoB oPPorTunITIeS

Public and private sector, within and outside South Africa. The fields include: health, education, tourism, environment, agriculture, rural development, science and technology etc.

fInancIal aId Students can apply for bursaries and educational loans from various financial institutions such as: National Research Foundation (NRF), National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office (NIKSO), National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Thuthuka, Fundza Lushaka, Edu Loan, Eskom, Telkom etc.

for more InformaTIon conTacT The followIng InSTITuTIonS: ■ University of North West: (018) 389 2294 ■ University of Limpopo: (015) 268 3133 ■ University of Venda: (015) 962 8131 ■ Department of Science and

Technology: (012) 843 6314 Alternatively visit the following link/website for detailed information on a qualification: http://reggs.saqa.org.za and use the following qualification ID 63429 to search for B.IKS

images courtesy of mediaclubs outhafrica.com/hannelie coetzee

aptitude testing

arTiSTic (The ‘creaTorS’) People who like to use their imagination, creativity and intuition in their work, usually in an unstructured environment. This may be through writing, poetry, drama, dance, drawing, painting, photography, craftwork, pottery, sculpture, fashion or interior design.

Personality Creative, intuitive, imaginative, unconventional, original, inventive, independent, sensitive, emotional, passionate, romantic, complicated, open-minded, resourceful, innovative, introspective, contemplative, idealistic and courageous. skills Able to write, draw, sketch, paint, dance, act, sing, play an instrument, think up a story, improvise, create beauty, work independently, visualise the end product in the raw materials, able to draw inspiration from their physical and social environment, and to express their inner world. examPles of artistic careers Actor, artist, photographer, interior designer, fashion designer, writer, dancer, choreographer, journalist, drama teacher, literature teacher, desktop publisher, furniture designer, graphic designer, cartoonist, illustrator, architect, music teacher, advertising art director.

Social (The ‘helperS’) These are people who have a desire to work with other people in a caring, guiding, treating, healing, protecting, training or teaching role.

p h oto :

s t u d i o

c i

a r t

Personality Empathic, kind, caring, genuine, patient, helpful, friendly, idealistic,

dedicated, sensitive, perceptive, intuitive, courageous, optimistic, honest, compassionate, fair, sociable, understanding, cooperative, generous, responsive, open, insightful, outgoing, persuasive, positive about human nature, and non-judgmental. skills Able to bring out the best in people, listen to others attentively, express yourself clearly, understand another’s point of view, build new relationships, lead group discussions, lobby for people’s rights, plan and supervise group activities, manage conflict, cooperate well with others, teach or train, help people to solve problems, give advice, work as a team, sensitive to people’s needs, serve others. examPles of social careers Sociologist, psychologist, pre-school/primary/high school teacher, lecturer, social worker, sports coach, occupational therapist, police officer, politician, social lobbyist, geriatric carer, nurse, midwife, librarian, medical assistant, hospital administrator, hair stylist, personnel recruiter, rehab counsellor, physiotherapist, social welfare officer, speech pathologist.

post matric 2012

// 39

aptitude testing enterprising (‘the persuaders’)

40 //

post matric 2012

Thinking abouT your career code You may find that one of these in particular jumps out at you, but that you also see yourself in about two of the others. The first letter of each career type when put in your order of preference will give you a career code, e.g. ASE (Artistic, Social, Enterprising). Every career has at least three aspects to it. For example, the work of a high school teacher primarily involves interacting with learners and helping them through teaching (S). The work of a teacher also involves being creative in the way that you give a lesson (A).

Thirdly, a teacher tries to influence and lead learners (E). For the careers that you are interested in try to work out the influence of each area on the job.

When you have worked out your own three letter code perhaps you will be able to see more clearly which aspects a job needs to have to fit well with your interests, your skills and your personality. Then given the right opportunities, you will be able to find the kind of work that will make you happy. All the best in your career search!

l a b o r ato r y

or business owner, lawyer, politician, personnel recruiter, hotel manager, health/social services manager, educational administrator, flight attendant, sales rep, marketing manager, university dean, real estate agent, stockbroker, tax accountant, travel agent, town planner, judge.

p h oto

examPles of enterPrising Careers Banker, entrepreneur

Conventional (‘the organisers’) These are people who enjoy work that involves organising or filing data of various kinds within a structured work environment and carry out the instructions of others.

Personality Organised, methodical, good attention to detail, systematic, efficient, logical, controlled, prepared, likes structure and routine, disciplined, precise, orderly, meticulous, cautious, prefers facts over theory, conscientious, reliable, diligent, punctual, hard-working, attentive, polite, obedient, conforming, ambitious, honest. skills Numerical ability, IT skills, typing, shorthand, practical skills, economical with time and money, concentrate on figures and data for long periods of time, work accurately in a pressured environment, pick up mistakes in documents, have a good understanding of business systems and company structure, visualise and devise effective filing systems, accurate record keeping, time management and organisational skills, write good, accurate business letters, happy to receive instructions, respond well to authority. examPles of Conventional Careers Accountant, bookkeeper, building inspector, editorial assistant, investment analyst, mortgage processor, medical aid processor, payroll clerk, website editor, bank teller, business teacher, cashier, customs inspector, filing clerk, financial analyst, auditor, librarian, administrative assistant, personal assistant, secretary, insurance underwriter, medical secretary, safety inspector, data processor, telephone operator.

p h oto s :

People who are interested in the world of business, in managing, influencing or persuading others towards their way of thinking for economic or organisational goals.

Personality Extroverted, sociable, persuasive, energetic, enthusiastic, bold, persistent, ambitious, influential, assertive, hard-working, independent, adventurous, popular, optimistic, talkative, confident, motivated, risk-taking, visionary, financially motivated. skills Leadership skills, teamwork, conflict resolution skills, able to communicate ideas and persuade others to carry out your ideas, pitch a sale, numerical skills, economic knowledge, knowledge of the law, have initiative, public speaking, organise a group activity, confidently make decisions, network with important people, campaign for political results.

explore the options

p h oto : m e d i a c l u b .c o m / s a s o l

no

There’s no need to fret if you haven’t cracked a university place – here are some options to get you superskilled and job-ready.

Varsity no cry post matric 2012

// 43

The

44 //

post matric 2012

workforce must acquire the right skills to enable our economy to compete, innovate and flourish.

These in-demand skills will not only come from university graduates. There is a mistaken belief that any tertiary education other than a degree is inferior, and this is simply not true. Extremely valuable skills can be learned at private and FET colleges, or through apprenticeships and onthe-job workplace training.

Remember that some of the country’s most successful people have no degree hanging on their wall. Musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse has achieved great things in his musical career, but has now gone back to school to obtain his matric. DJ Fresh studied at a private college, and has since scaled great heights.

So, what’s the solution to the post-matric dilemma? Be openminded – here are some options:

InternshIps, learnershIps and on-the-job traInIng

Several college and university courses have a workplace experience component. This is extremely valuable, as it means students are placed in an employment situation for a defined period – often for free, or at a reduced wage – and can

thereby shore up valuable experience.

Because that’s the first thing a potential boss will ask you: ‘What experience do you have?’ Well, interning is a win-win solution: the company gets the benefit of your labour, often at a bargainbasement rate, and you get to insert a job reference on your CV. And if you really knock their socks off, well, they may just ask you to hang around permanently!

Even if you aren’t enrolled for any qualification, it’s worthwhile approaching a business where you’d like to work and ask if they have any ‘skivvy’ work for you – even if it’s emptying dustbins or making coffee. Chances are, if you work hard and display a good attitude, you’ll end up rising through the ranks, learning the ropes as you go.

Alternatively, consider volunteering your services – working for mahala – to gain experience that money can’t buy.

That’s the biggest challenge for the thousands of unemployed matriculants out there: just getting a foot in the door.

The value of education is immense, but in many cases there’s no substitute for good, oldfashioned on-the-job training. If you are enthusiastic and willing to soak up knowledge and skills like a sponge, and are lucky enough to have an encouraging mentor, so much the better.

Some companies also offer learnerships, providing you with the opportunity to work while

m e d i a c l u b .c o m / s a s o l

By undertaking an apprenticeship or internship you can gain valuable skills and exposure in your chosen field of work, maybe even securing a job at the end.

p h oto :

tragic stampede at the University of Johannesburg in early 2012 brought into sharp focus the fact that there are not enough first-year university places available for matriculants with university entrance.

President Jacob Zuma has subsequently announced plans to build two new universities – one in Mpumalanga and another in the Northern Cape – to try and cater for the massive demand.

But the strain on our universities is unlikely to ease any time soon, especially with increasing numbers of matriculants obtaining university entrance. The harsh reality is that tens of thousands of matriculants will have to look at alternatives if they wish to study further. The fact is, varsity is not for everyone – and shouldn’t be seen as the be-all and end-all of higher learning.

Here’s a sobering fact: the Human Sciences Research Council estimates that only 15% of South African university students who start a degree end up finishing it.

And of the dropouts, 40% quit in their first year – mainly because they’ve failed, chosen unsuitable courses or had financial difficulties (and, sometimes, because they’ve partied too much…)

Clearly, not everyone can be part of that 15% elite – especially given the rocketing cost of tuition. Plus, what about the school-leavers who did not obtain exemption? Are they doomed to become yet another unemployment statistic?

Not necessarily. Consider this: the World Bank says that countries with higher skill levels are better equipped to face new challenges and master technological discoveries, but points out that Sub-Saharan Africa’s needs are not currently being met by its available workers.

This critical skills shortage means that South Africa’s

explore the options

studying and training towards your chosen qualification.

p h oto :

m e d i a c l u b .c o m / s a s o l

Private colleges

Academically speaking, private colleges are positioned between high school and university level, and the entrance requirements are not as stringent as they are for university programmes.

There are several independentlyrun colleges dedicated to, for example, nursing, fitness, business or media studies, while others offer broader and more general fields of study. A potential minus is that some charge rather steep fees – but this is because they are not subsidised from the public purse.

Some of the better-known private colleges include Boston, Damelin, City Varsity and Midrand Campus.

It is critically important to check that the college is accredited

by Umalusi on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training. This means that its courses have been approved and comply with industry standards.

Also, be sure to check the NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level of your prospective qualification against the requirements of the marketplace. An NQF-registered grading means it is a nationally recognised qualification.

As of 2011, there were 452 registered private colleges (including private FET colleges) in South Africa. But there will always be some dodgy operators trying to make a quick buck, so first do your homework – or you may end up saddled with a diploma or certificate that’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.

Says Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of the Independent Institute of Education: ‘If the institution cannot easily answer your questions or substantiate their status, you should walk away.’

Fet colleges/ vocational training

Rather unfairly, vocational training is often seen as the ugly stepsister of South African higher learning.

Yet this form of study is a highly feasible option that should be seriously considered.

There are a number of further education and training colleges in South Africa, often referred to as technical colleges. Many are public colleges, but there are also scores of private institutions offering specialised education and skills geared towards a particular career.

Some of these colleges require only a Grade 9 or Grade 10 certificate, making them accessible to the average student.

At FET colleges, students will receive job-specific or occupational training, and will obtain a certificate in their particular chosen field that makes them highly employable.

Interestingly, only private FET colleges have to apply to be accredited by Umalusi. Public colleges are automatically accredited – which has perhaps given rise to the widespread misperception that FET training is in some way inferior.

Some FET students may qualify for admission to a university of technology to continue their studies, making this a valuable stepping stone or bridge for those who still dream of going to varsity.

aPPrenticeshiPs

Because of South Africa’s shortage of skilled tradespeople, ‘appies’ are in high demand and can command high salaries. So this option is not to be sneezed at!

According to the Careers Portal website (www.thecareersportal. co.za), a trade apprenticeship combines workplace and formal learning, and is based on an

agreement between the individual who wants to learn the skill and the employer who needs a skilled worker – another win-win situation.

An apprenticeship can last between two and four years.

Most of it involves the apprentice learning practical skills on-site under the close supervision of a qualified tradesman. The remainder entails learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the chosen trade.

There are several pluses to this option: you earn a salary while learning, you are taught valuable skills in a practical environment, and you are virtually assured of a job at the end of it.

college checklist Choosing a college should not be undertaken lightly. Cobus Potgieter, managing director of MSC Business College, has some tips for prospective college students: Is it accredited and can it produce a registration number?

Does it offer diplomas and/ or certificates, and at what NQF level?

What are the cost implications, and are there flexible payment options available?

Are there any hidden costs, such as study materials and registration fees?

Does the college offer extracurricular activities to enhance your student life?

What study resources – such as libraries, computers and internet – are available to students?

Does it have a good reputation in the job market?

Check out www.colleges. co.za for a list of accredited and recommended colleges.

Also try the South African Qualifications Authority website for info and careers advice – www.saqa.org.za post matric 2012

// 45

Life’s what

you make it

46 //

post matric 2012

inspirational people

Sometimes a glimpse into someone else’s life can be like looking through a window; a window onto a world where you are the success story and the sky’s the limit. tylish, suave and ultra successful, one would never imagine that Faizel Cook hails from a background of gang wars and poverty. Now the co-owner of a thriving television production company, Faizel jumped at the opportunity of telling his story in Post Matric with the hope of inspiring young South Africans to grab life with both hands, no matter how challenging life's circumstances may be.

‘I grew up in Kensington in Cape Town, one of three boys.

My dad worked as a bus driver, and then later, he worked for the city council. He worked shifts, so as kids we didn’t see very much of him. He worked extra shifts all the time, just to make ends meet. Usually, they didn’t, and my mom would knit, crochet and cook to bring in the extra money we needed to survive.

For the first few years of my life, we all lived in a single room in the front of my grandmother’s house. We’d wash and bath in a bucket – but somehow we never ‘felt’

poor. We could always rely on our neighbours and our family.

Back then there was a very strong sense of community and no-one went to bed hungry if someone else in the street had food on their table.

We didn’t play sport, I remember not being able to afford the 25c subscription fee required to play for the Tiger’s – our local soccer team.

I must have been twelve when I became a part of the local street gang. My father would have killed me if he had found out, but as naïve kids we thought it was pretty cool. I carried a knife to class during primary school already, and remember spending the last day of school in standard four in a gang-fight at De Havilland field, carrying a baseball bat that was taller than I was.

I kept my grades up, but by the time I went to high school, gang-life was becoming increasingly dangerous. We all carried weapons to school, and quite often, we got ‘moered’ silly. We’d sometimes have to bunk school to avoid an ambush (The Ugly Americans would wait outside the main gates armed with pangas and knives). My cousin was stabbed in his head and back outside the school, and gang-fights became

post matric 2012

// 47

inspirational people

the order of the day. Luckily, my parents had the foresight to enroll me in a better school in the city. Going to school in town had its own problems. I took a train to town and had to walk through the American’s turf. They ran the station and I always had to be on the lookout to make sure they didn’t spot me. Many an afternoon was spent walking all the way from Thornton station because I had spotted my old enemies at Mutual station. arold Cressy was a fantastic school. I was in standard seven when I spoke to a white person for the first time. His name was Mr Ackerman – a liberal who had chosen to teach at a coloured school. I also met ‘rich’ coloured folks for the first time.

Most of the kids at the school were from Woodstock and BoKaap and in relation to my environment, these kids were really well off. I managed to get out of the gang, thankfully. Many of those childhood friends have either died or became criminals and drug addicts.

Unlike Kensington High, at Harold Cressy High School every child was expected to go on to study. In my matric year, I applied to study law and also journalism, largely because I excelled at languages (and nothing else). UCT was out; we

simply couldn’t afford it.

I got into law school at UWC, and was also accepted at Pentech’s Journalism School.

I wish I could say I had a journalistic calling, but in the end it was about the money.

Pentech was cheaper and since I was going to pay for it myself, I took what looked like the easier option. I received a bursary for R1000 from Samwu, the union my father belonged to. The rest was paid for through hard graft.

Both my parents worked really hard to send us to study. My mom made roeties and

Faizel and some of his team members work on Cut to Black’s latest production from their Parktown headquarters. koeksisters to order, my dad kept up his weekend shifts. I also did my bit and remember holding down three part-time jobs in my first year. At the end of that year, my whole family pitched in to help me buy my first car! By then I’d had my first taste of journalism. I was in town covering a protest for our campus newspaper

when it turned nasty. The rush of adrenalin as I tried to photograph shops being looted stayed with me for hours and I could hardly sleep that night.

We worked into the wee hours of the morning getting the layout just right. At the time it felt like we were doing the most glamorous job in world! did my practical training at SABC TV News in Johannesburg. I did my first on-air piece when I was 19 years old. It was a helluva trip! I was fortunate to be there at a time of great change in South Africa. I got to work with great journalists like Allister Sparks, Joe Thloeloe and Phil Molefe and I did some amazing work under their guidance. I worked as a business reporter, but quickly moved to crime reporting, where I had some of my most incredible work experiences.

I moved to eTV soon after it started, but after two years I got quite bored! I had the opportunity to travel and covered really big global news events, but while it was thrilling to be on the road, it played havoc with my home life.

One of my friends had suggested starting a television production company. The idea was very appealing. It was right about the time when government was introducing BEE legislation and I thought it would be a great boost to get into an industry that was completely dominated by white people at the time.

The rest, as they say, is history. I started Cut to Black

post matric 2012

// 49

inspirational people

Media with my business partner Lesley Hudson. For the first three months I didn’t draw a salary. We shared a desk and I used the laptop I got as a prize in the CNN Journalist of the Year competition. e’ve come a long way since then. I still have a photograph of the first cheque I signed for more than a million rand. Today, we own a phenomenal house that’s been converted into office space in Parktown, and I have an office that’s bigger than the room my whole family shared.

We employ twenty-odd people, and have some fantastic clients.

Owning a business is incredibly empowering. You get to make decisions that have a very real impact on people’s lives, and you have the opportunity to give back.

The downside is that you can never really take your eye off the ball. You always have to be on the lookout for new opportunities, and of course you have many people whose livelihoods depend on you, so it’s a big responsibility.

Giving back to society is important to me. We’ve awarded two full bursaries to very deserving students in the last three years. Nundi comes from Manenburg in Cape Town and is studying to become a chartered accountant.

She has shown remarkable fortitude and has risen above her circumstances to become the first person in her family to graduate from university. S’bu is from Diepsloot and is studying accounting. He’s a great kid and will do very well. We also run a

learnership programme at Cut to Black Media and have had dozens of eager young people come through our doors. That’s probably the most rewarding part of my job. Many of the interns who started here have gone on to have successful professional careers and I’m proud of the fact that I played a

a business certificate at UCT’s Graduate School of Business, and the knowledge I gained there was invaluable.

It was an amazing experience to graduate from such a prestigious institution. As a child I would never have dreamed of standing in front of Jameson Hall. I also had the opportunity to do another post-graduate degree at Wits, which was a lot of fun. I think once you’ve spent some time working, studying takes on a different perspective and it’s a lot more enjoyable than when you are straight out of school!

As the global economy changes, employment patterns will change, and working for a big company no longer means a job for life as it did in our parent’s time. When you run your own business, you’re in control of those decisions. Who knows?

You may be the next Mark Shuttleworth. oney isn’t everything.

The older you get the more you realise this. I’ve also realised that you have to look after your body; no amount of money in the world will help you if your body starts to fail you. I exercise at least five times a week and make time to take my son to soccer practice. I’m fortunate to be able to travel overseas on holiday every year, and really make the most of this time to give my mind and body a break.

Having said that, I always come back refreshed and brimming with ideas. I’m still a big reader, and enjoy nothing more than reading a really good book.’

50 //

post matric 2012

c r i s p i n p h oto s :

part in this – in the same way that others helped me.

Owning my business has also allowed me to grow, both personally and professionally.

They say adversity builds character – and anyone starting a business develops character by the bucket load. Running your own business isn’t for everyone. Its stressful and a lot of hard work, but then again, nothing worth having comes easily. Small businesses like ours are the engine that drives the South African economy, and our country definitely needs more entrepreneurs. There’s a lot of support for people who want to start their own businesses. I got a bursary from the Services Seta to complete

s to p f o r t h

Today I have an offIce ThaT’s bIgger Than The room my whole famIly shared

career junction turn over to discover a world of possibilities

travel industry

making dreams come true Why the travel industry?

From a young age I wanted to travel, and visiting every country on earth was my dream. Initially I thought about being an air hostess or a tour guide, but life took me in a slightly different direction and I ended up working for Beachcomber Tours, a wholesale tour operator.

What exactly do you do?

I deal solely with travel agents. We put together tailor-made packages to Mauritius and Seychelles with air tickets, airport transfers and hotel accommodation.

p h oto :

s u p p l i e d

What training did you do?

I started off doing a three-year diploma at a Technikon but I didn’t finish my third year. At the time some of the subjects seemed to have little relevance to what I wanted to do, although if I had to study those today I’d find them far more interesting as I would be able to apply them to my daily life/work.

I then did a one-year diploma through Damelin. The subjects were more condensed and I felt they were focused on working in a travel agency or operator, or even at an airline. I would also recommend a course in airline reservation systems like Galileo or Amadeus to those wanting to get ahead in the travel industry.

Karen Botes

ReseRvations ManageR BeachcomBer Tours

What do you enjoy most?

The holidays! We go to Mauritius once a year for a refresher.

anything you don’t like?

Unhappy clients – we don’t have many but it is a fact of life that things can go wrong. Some people are understanding, but others aren’t and they will blame you for anything and everything.

hurdles you’ve overcome?

Learning to see the bigger picture.

It’s important to figure out which battles are worth fighting and which ones aren’t, and also not to take things too personally. It’s hard to remove yourself emotionally when clients are upset as you try so hard every day to deliver the best service you can.

career highlight to date?

It’s an ongoing highlight.

experience or training?

Depends on which avenue you choose as there are different requirements for each. For our line of work, I believe a one-year (max two year) travel diploma is sufficient to give you a foot in the door. Experience is key – you learn 90% of the job on the job. A good grounding in the basics will help.

Which traits are required?

Someone with a lot of patience.

You must have a deep desire to make other people happy; remember that they are putting their dreams and a lot of money and trust in your hands and this is not something to be taken lightly. If can see the bright side in almost every situation, you are goal orientated and an accurate worker who can foresee problems before they arise, this would be a challenging and satisfying career.

desire to You must have a deep make other people happy post matric 2012

// 57

hospitality

a taste of things to come Luvo Ntezo

Wine Sommelier The One&Only Cape TOwn

career highlights so far?

Being awarded South Africa Young Sommelier of the Year 2008, and coming fourth in the world.

A combination of a complex love for viticulture, people and diversity in the culture of wine and service.

Where did you study?

Through Getsmarter. I completed a course in Wine Evaluation under the University of Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Viticulture and Oenology, and completed a Tasting Diploma at UCT Graduate School of Business under Michael Friedjohn, as well as a certificate with the Cape Wine Academy.

describe a day on the job

Doing this interview; going through appointments with winemakers,

58 //

post matric 2012

What do you love most about your Work?

Everything about my job is a constant pleasure. Perhaps if computers were nonexistent, my job would be the best in the world!

so What don’t you like?

The aforementioned computers, and bad-smelling people.

hurdles you’ve overcome...

Having not been born in the world of wine, I had to work much harder on both the academic side and theoretical aspect of wines. With the Western Cape being the heart of wines, I had to make a tough decision to be based there while my family live in Durban.

your future plans?

I don’t want to spoil the occasion, but I have massive and concrete plans for the future!

hoW does experience compare to training?

Academics play a very important role, while experience makes one seamlessly handle any situation.

describe a ‘successful’ sommelier

You have to be passionate about lifestyle and healthy living. You have to have love and patience for people and not be snobbish about what you know, and you absolutely have to be very well groomed… ‘a cheap-looking person will never sell me anything’.

advice for youngsters...

You’ll need patience, determination and a passion for lifestyle.

Remember that in the end, wine is a beverage that contains alcohol and those that have a love for wine will never abuse it.

r u d d e n

What is required?

suppliers, etc, and making sure all the wines are available as advertised with their correct vintages; doing wine training with staff; getting on with wine service and making sure all diners get the very best service out of me and my team – which is my main goal.

p e t e r

Well, simply put it’s all about aesthetic analysis of wine; being able to pair wine with food while brushing aside all the complications, and being able to explain and recommend wines to guests without coming across as arrogant or snobbish.

p h oto :

What does a sommelier do?

optometry

focus on your future Deidre

OpTIcal DIspener Bauer OptOmetrist

Why did you decide to Work in this field?

My mom started wearing spectacles when I was in high school about ten years ago. The profession fascinated me to such an extent that I took it up.

What does an optical dispenser do?

Dispensing, essentially, is sitting the patient down and explaining the different types of lenses, coatings and frames that best suit the prescription.

What did you study?

My studies included two years of theory at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and a one-year internship at Bauer Optometrist.

describe your average day

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

I start off with a strong cup of coffee, then spend a fair amount of time on the phone with laboratories checking that the spectacle orders are on track. I spend time with patients helping them look for a frame, and sit them down to explain what they are going to get in their lenses. Repairs, adjustments and ordering of spectacles fill the rest of my day.

What do you enjoy most?

The fact that I interact with different people every day, and the little stories that come with them. I enjoy a challenge, so I like doing tricky repairs.

particular traits required...

your feet, focusing and being accurate. You need to be a people person, hardworking and able to separate personal life from work.

What makes your day?

A difficult patient who is very happy and satisfied at the end of the day.

share your future goals

To take my studies further, and to open up my own practice one day.

experience versus formal training?

Experience is very important. You need to know how to approach and address a patient’s problems accordingly. As they say, practice makes perfect.

any advice for neWcomers?

Be patient and listen – listen to your patient and then think before you act.

your job in three Words

Love, passion and perseverance.

I enjoy a challenge, so I like doing tricky repairs

Multitasking is very important, thinking fast and on post matric 2012

// 59

make your dreams come true with an

arcelormittal south africa Engineeringbursary

Grade 12 plus N3/NCV4 if no applicable technical subjects in Grade 12 as well as applicable trade theory.

Bursary Entails

Trainingcosts.

Monthly bursary allowance.

Bursary agrEEmEnt

Abursary agreement is applicable MERSETAcontract.

Engineers

Engineeringbursaries are grantedfor a four year B Engdegree at anominated South African University.

Technicians

Bursaries are grantedfor the Work IntegratedLearningpart of the National Diploma.

EnginEEringdisciplinEs

EnginEEringdisciplinEs

Mechanical, electrical, chemical, metallurgical andindustrial.

Mechanical, electrical (heavy current), chemical, metallurgical, instrumentation andcontrol andindustrial.

WhoqualifiEs â—? Candidates currently in Grade 12

WhoqualifiEs

who have obtainedat least a60% or 70% (dependingon the university requirements) in Grade 11 for both Mathematics andPhysical Science.

An aggregate of at least a60% is also requiredfor the rest of the Grade 11 subjects. â—? Candidates who have completed Grade 12 with the minimumsymbols as above.

Candidates who have successfully completedthe theoretical part (S4) of the National Diploma

Bursary Entails

duration of training

Full registration, tuition andresidence fees includingmeals.

Acash amount for miscellaneous expenses.

Apersonal computer allowance is providedin the first academicyear.

One year.

Bursary agrEEmEnt

Abursary agreement is applicable.

Applications are acceptedthroughout the year. application

Complete CVwith Grade 12 certificates andID.

Production Learnership

Bursaries are grantedto complete a Production Learnership.

WhoqualifiEs

Grade 12 with Mathematics andEnglish.

Physical Science wouldbe an advantage.

Bursary agrEEmEnt

Bursary Entails

Abursary agreement is applicable.

Trainingcosts.

Monthly bursary allowance. duration of training

Forty weeks. closingdatE for applications

Annually on 31 May and31 October.

closingdatE for applications

application

Applications are acceptedthroughout the year.

Complete CVwith official academic recordfromthe tertiary institution andID.

application

Artisans

Complete CVwith certifiedcopies of certification andID.

closingdatE for applications

tradEs

Annually, on 28 February.

Millwright, electrician, instrument mechanician, fitter andturner, fitter, turner, boilermaker, welder and refractory bricklayer.

Acomplete CVwith Grade 11/12 results andID.

closingdatE for applications

Trainingcosts.

Monthly bursary allowance.

Bursaries are grantedto complete an apprenticeship.

application

Eighty weeks.

Bursary Entails

Four years.

duration of training

duration of training

WhoqualifiEs

Grade 12 with applicable technical subjects.

To apply for any of our bursary opporTuniTes please forward your applicaTion To:

The resourcing officer, arcelorMittal south africa, po box 2, Vanderbijlpark, 1900 fax: 016 889 3300 or e-mail: recruitmentsa@ arcelormittal.com

music industry

Hitting a HigH note What do you do, in a nutshell?

Neil Potgieter

I perform, write, produce and play music.

Professional Musician / MeMber: Macstanley

Why music?

I’ve loved music from a young age and somehow couldn’t get away from it no matter what I did, so figured it was the right thing to do.

What training did you undergo?

I did a year of music theory at MIT in Los Angeles and the rest is self-taught using books, internet and, very importantly, my fellow musicians.

p h oto :

s u p p l i e d

describe a typical day in your World

It depends what gig I’m on or what stage of the process I’m involved in. For writing, it would mean just sitting and capturing ideas as they come and then working them until I’m happy with the result. For studio, when tracking for an album, getting in early and laying down the music with the right feel is vital, so no sleepy heads normally helps.

Touring means early rises, lots of travelling, sound checks, the actual performance, packing up, travelling again and then hopefully getting some sleep.

aspects you love…

It’s very fulfilling. It gives me great pleasure and I think that somehow that pleasure is transferred to the people listening, so it’s a win-win situation.

any dislikes?

The activity when music is not played – the business end. This needs to be dealt with diligently and can take up a lot of time, which, in short, frustrates me a little, because, well, we could be playing something!

hurdles overcome?

Ha ha! Many. All three of them: drugs, sex and Rock n’ Roll!

career highlights include…

Hearing my music on the radio, especially when it

hits Top Ten or Number One! Playing for 35 000 people. Touring Germany.

Having a European label sign you based on a song you wrote. Simply just playing the guitar! It’s all good, but I must say that seeing people get off to your music is always the highlight for me. Then I know my work is done!

future goals…

Start a side blues/ rock project; learn to sing better; write and produce in other genres; keep learning guitar; get Macstanley’s third studio album out, then win a SAMA for it, and get a couple of hits both locally and abroad.

training versus experience?

Well, you can’t learn

experience, but getting a good education in music won’t hurt, depending where you get it.

What makes a successful muso?

Don’t get caught in the hype of light! Stay away from the party scene if you find that you have an addictive personality.

Write from the heart, perform from the heart, and be completely honest with yourself.

advice for neWcomers?

Practice, practice and practice some more. Whatever it is you are aiming for, get in that groove and keep chugging away at it until you feel that you’ve got it. Persevere and believe in yourself. post matric 2012

// 61

tradesmanship

Plugged in and switched on Ilunga Jean Paul Muambayi ElEctrician

ElEctro SurgEon

Why did you choose this profession?

have there been hurdles to overcome?

What training did you undergo and Where did you do it?

career highlights?

I did an apprenticeship section 28 with ECA and Train All training centre in Cape Town.

When I resolve the problem by giving satisfaction to the ones in need and I can look back and be proud of how much experience I have gained.

describe a typical day on the job

your future goals are…

I enjoy working with people and prefer being on the road than in an office. There is always work available for electricians because it’s one of the most common trades, and there is always a lot of growth potential when you work for a well-known company.

We mainly work on maintenance on electrical work in houses and small buildings – like plug points, light fittings, earth leakages, etc. Every day there is something different and we are always needed.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

What are the best parts?

I enjoy a good team spirit, and when a client is happy with my work.

What don’t you like?

I don’t like it when sometimes a client thinks they know what is wrong and overrun my decisions when I’m fixing a problem, in the end realising that I did intend to do the right thing. This is why you need lots of patience and good social skills!

I have found that in this industry you have to keep your focus and be positive because when I started it was not easy. I did not get a lot of help and not many companies wanted to hire me because I hardly had any experience.

To find myself managing a big electrical company.

hoW does experience Weigh up against formal training?

The more experience you get, the better equipped you are mentally and physically.

What makes a ‘good’ electrician?

An electrician needs dedication, passion and a hard working ethos.

any advice for someone starting out in your career?

Always be willing to learn and take on new opportunities. Never give up.

post matric 2012

// 63

competition

sms

&

win

r1000

in

#

airtime

the

on network how to enter

SMS the name of the province you live in, followed by your age, followed by the name of the school and where you got your copy of Post Matric to 34009.

EXAMPLE: ‘KWAZULU NATAL 18 KLOOF HIGH’.

If you did not get your copy from school, SMS the relationship of the person from whom you got your copy – for example, ‘KWAZULU NATAL 15 BROTHER’ or ‘KWAZULU NATAL 17 FRIEND’.

of

your

choice one of three prizes available

competition rules: Cost per SMS is R2. Free SMS’s do not apply. Competition closes 30 June 2012. You may enter as many times as you like. By entering the competition you consent to receiving electronic information regarding Post Matric or other further education or career offerings.

horticulture

for the love of nature Why did you choose this profession?

I love the natural environment and making a meaningful contribution to its conservation.

What training did you undergo?

I completed a National Diploma in Horticulture.

is there a type of personality best suited to be a horticulturist?

Horticulture best suits a person who enjoys the outdoors, and who seeks a balance between that and office work.

in your line of Work, is experience as important as formal training?

Phakamani Xaba

SpecialiSt HorticulturiSt Kirstenbosch botanical Gardens

Which aspects of your Work are you least enthusiastic about?

Administration!

share a career highlight With us

I believe that they are both equally important and have One was improving the seed viability of a Critically their place in this profession.

Endangered cycad, Encephalartos latifrons.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

describe a typical day at Work

What are your goals for the future?

I do about two hours office work, four hours working I want to share my knowledge and inspire young in the garden and nursery, and two hours working with professionals in my field. student and the general public.

What do you enjoy the most about your line of Work?

I like working with plants and people. I also really enjoy the field trips.

advice for budding horticulturists?

Choose a group of plants to specialise in.

describe your job in three Words Challenging • Satisfying • Specialised

advertorial

Back to our future Southern Africa is not only the cradle of humankind, but offers some of the world’s greatest geological, biological, climatic and oceanographic diversity.

ACCESS is a community of scientists andstudents workingin a range of related science fields in our globally recognizednatural laboratory. The focus is on the study of earth systems andtheir dynamics in an eraof rapidchange, major environmental challenges andopportunities.

ACCESS is amultidisciplinary programme – apartnershipamong southern African universities and research agencies. As an NRF Centre of Excellence, ACCESS aims to deliver a newscale of intervention in earth systems science within the scope of the Dept of Science andTechnology’s Global Change GrandChallenge.

ACCESS supports anew generation of scientists to deliver outcomes of global significance andderive skills that contribute towards aknowledge economy. Access offers subprogrammes in: ★ Earth Systems Modelling & Biochemical Cycles ★ Seasonal/Inter-annual Climate Predictability ★ Water Resources Dynamics ★ Urban & Rural LandCover & Use ★ EcosystemServices & Livelihoods ★ Long-termClimate & Impacts ★ Marine & Coastal, Estuarine Systems.

In addition to bursaries andscholarships offered to support earth systems science students, ACCESS facilitates the holistic development of students’ andyoungprofessionals’ research by working across institutions with arange of innovative activities designedto buildan integrated earth systems science community. ACCESS has also developed relationships within the southern African region, as well as the rest of the African continent. education & training portfolio ACCESS facilitates education to: ★ Students, fromschool to post-doctoral level ★ Expandresearch capacity andsupervision ★ Increase graduation levels in global change study fields ★ Strengthen global change knowledge, capacity andlearning. research & services portfolio

Through its partnerships, ACCESS can conduct research andcreate services that: ★ Will deliver aplatform of unprecedentedscale for scientists andstudents to produce work of global significance ★ Are applicable to agencies of government andcivil society ★ Will contribute to the sustainable development of southern Africa. approach ACCESS’ approach to the above-mentioned portfolios is basedon transformation by: ★ Developingand expandingscientificfields in southern Africa ★ Addressingthe challenges and opportunities posed by global change environmental drivers ★ Contributingto the transformation of southern Africato aknowledgebasedeconomy ★ Reachingand supportingabroader pool of undergraduates and researchers ★ Actively engaging partners at historically

Pretoriatel: +27 (0) 12 841 4781 CaPe town tel: +27 (0) 21 658 3992 Website: www.access.ac.za email: info@access.ac.za

disadvantaged institutions, augmenting existingor introducing newprogrammes and academicpartnerships.

Partner with ACCESS as it works towards: ★ Developing, expanding andtransformingearth systems science in southern Africaand producingglobally significant scientific outcomes ★ Addressingthe challenges and opportunities posed by global change environmental drivers ★ Producingoutputs that contribute to the goal of transforming southern Africatowarda more knowledge-based economy ★ Changingthe scale andscope of earth systems science in the region anddoubling the current number of earth systems science graduates ★ Inspiringanew generation of emerging African researchers; and Integratingsouthern Africa’s approach to the Global Change Grand Challenge.

Habitable Planet Programme Lectures formakey part of the workshop andin these we aimto explain why Planet Earth is habitable. To make this acontrolled experiment we only change one variable at atime andobserve the result – that with this purely physical model, we still cannot explain why the planet is habitable. To do this we need to introduce biology, evolution, photosynthesis andbiogeochemical cycles.

However, this staticpicture

is still not enough to explain the planet’s present habitability, andtherefore a paleontological perspective is also needed. Lastly, in light of the human induced problems we currently findourselves embroiled with, an understandingof social science andpolitics is required. In this light, the programwill engage students to think across the humanities-science divide; the complexity of the Earth andits components is nowthe interest of politicians, sociologists, and economists. Only by gaining an appreciation of all of these different areas can we begin to truly understand why our planet is so special.

With four Habitable Planets Workshops beingrun every year, there is always time to apply for the next one. For more information contact Dr Carl Palmer on cpalmer@ access.ac.za

The ACCESS Habitable Planet Programme is a series of ten day student workshops which aimto introduce thirdandfourth year undergraduates to the emergingdiscipline of the Earth SystemSciences. The course is run all around Southern African four times ayear andfocusses on the concept of an African perspective on climate change.

accounting

the queen bee me, but like everything else, I find ways to work around it.

career highlight?

I have to mention the bureau’s month-long coverage of the 2010 Soccer World Cup as an event all of us will remember. It was really hard work for all concerned, the logistics proved to be a nightmare.

The coverage was brilliant.

your future goals?

What training did you undergo?

I completed Practical Accounting & Accounting I & II at Damelin.

I have also completed various accounting-related refresher courses since.

What is it that you do?

My primary task is that of being the accountant, and all related financial responsibilities. I must make sure all suppliers are paid timeously. I’m always on the lookout for competitive pricing for services. The second half of my job title means that the entire admin responsibility falls under my

68 //

post matric 2012

portfolio: anything from arranging a driver, to following up on travel arrangements with the travel agent to arranging visas at very short notice. I am faced with anything that needs to be done to ensure the bureau runs smoothly and the staff have the resources. to function efficiently.

favourite parts...

I will NEVER be bored. I enjoy the fact that I have no idea what my day will be like and that I must always be prepared to face the challenge as it surfaces.

anything you don’t like?

I often find myself in a situation where I am unable to finalise a job because I need third party input.

This becomes really frustrating for

I will never be bored

experience or training?

Experience is definitely more important than formal training. No amount of training can ever teach you about handling stress, having patience when you feel like you don’t have any, and being tolerant under very tense conditions. I have learnt a great deal from our Bureau Chief, who has been in the industry for over 25 years.

What defines a ‘good’ accountant?

You must be very flexible. Also, irrespective of what position you hold in an office, all levels of respect are very important. There are some situations that require me to play very hard ball.

advice for neWcomers?

Be prepared for hard work. You have got to accept that you win some and you lose some, but you must never lose sight of what your purpose is. Always do your best.

m c c a r t h y

My favourite subjects in school were Mathematics, Accountancy and Biology. We tend to excel at the things we enjoy doing so I kind of knew that I would be crunching figures for a living. Either that or living out my parents’ dream of me becoming a nurse!

CNN, JohaNNesburg bureau

d i a n e

Why did you choose this profession?

AccountAnt & BureAu MAnAger

p h oto :

Marlene Pillay

I want to complete my BCom Degree. Also our bureau is growing at a very healthy pace and a growing office comes with the obvious growth in admin. I am working on streamlining processes to ensure smooth operation.

beauty industry

fancy footwork Why did you choose to Work With feet?

After a ski accident! I was taking part in a competition and broke my cross ligaments. I had an operation and underwent physiotherapy for six months, then met a podiatrist who created insoles for my ski boots to rebalance my feet.

The following season I won the competition. This man changed my life! After three years, I got my license to practice podiatry. At 23, I opened a medical office and very quickly was very busy (20 clients a day, six days a week, bookings one month in advance). At 25, I sold it and created my concept of pedicure - the true pedi-cure: cure the nail (natural shine), cure the skin (medical knowledge), cure the mobility (strong massage). I started in a luxury spa in Paris and quickly developed a client base in New York and London. Before long I was moving between the three.

What practical training did you undergo?

A medical license in pedicure (three years training in France).

characteristics required…

Someone who wants to help, to travel, to invest lots of time and energy in order to reach perfection.

p h oto :

s u p p l i e d

hoW do training and experience interplay?

I myself started with only a French podiatrists license. Since opening in Cape Town I’ve realised that you can have amazing results with anybody who is really keen to learn. Now we have young

Bastien Gonzalez

Podiatrist / Pedicurist President BGAcorP And Pedicure

Never stop focusing on doing your best staff undergoing education in our PediManiCure Studios worldwide.

describe a typical day in your World

I start the morning with checking and answering e-mail, and then try to find some time to do some sport to help fight off jetlag (I’m travelling every three days).

My appointments start at 8am and usually finish around 9pm.

Somewhere I try and find time to meet with my PA.

your career highlights include…

Helping people walk on air with no pain and, as a director, seeing my staff learning and growing and finding their way with me.

What turns you off?

Clients coming back with a problem that is not being fixed.

What are you Working on currently?

Opening a school to train pedicurists on the real way to do it. My first school will be in South Africa. The wish to travel and to learn seduced me into opening in Cape Town before any other place!

your future goals…

To have a few schools and 100 studios around the world so that all the main cities have a contact point for a good pedicure.

advice for someone starting out?

Be a perfectionist and never stop focusing on doing the best you can in your treatment for your clients.

your job in three Words

Perfection • Service • Education post matric 2012

// 71

geology

decoding the past Why did you choosE to bE a palaEontologist?

It was my honours year at UCT and I was still uncertain as to which field in geology I would pursue. Geology provides various sub-disciplines; invertebrate palaeontology is one of them. My honours project required me to study the remains of small, strange little marine organisms called foraminifera. I was intrigued and immediately developed a keen interest in the study of creatures that lived millions of years ago.

What training did you do?

I completed my Honours degree in Geology two years ago from the University of Cape Town and am currently doing my Masters degree.

is thErE a typE of pErsonality bEst-suitEd to this Work?

ExpEriEncE vErsus formal training?

Palaeontology is a very handson profession. Formal training provides the foundation on which experience is built.

What’s bEEn thE highlight of your carEEr thus far?

When my research output proved to be valuable to an offshore mining company.

What arE your goals for thE futurE? My immediate goals are to complete my MSc and

Palaeontologists are passionate about fossils

PhD degrees. I envisage the establishment and expansion of invertebrate palaeontology at certain universities to encourage and expose students to it. I would also like to see and be actively involved in an exhibit on the evolution of invertebrate animals through time.

What advicE Would you givE to somEonE starting out in your fiEld? Invertebrate palaeontology is not a monotonous career. It can be used in various fields of study such as geology, entomology, zoology, etc.

In this line of work you will grow in what you do; every day is about learning something different.

your job in thrEE Words Fascinating • Rewarding • Inter-disciplinary

Palaeontologists are passionate about fossils. Our work requires dedication and seeks to answer questions about animals and extinct species that lived millions of years ago.

r u d d e n

What do you Enjoy most?

p h oto :

Few days are the same and this is also what makes this profession interesting. I look through the fossil collections – seeing they are updated, do work in the laboratory, present lectures to students, and consult on fossils that members of the public have made enquiries about. Certain days also require that I undertake fieldwork.

p e t e r

dEscribE a typical day at thE musEum

Unravelling the secrets of a fossil that have been kept hidden throughout millions of years.

Eugene Bergh

(AssistAnt) CurAtor of invertebrAte PAlAeontology And geology IzIko South AfrIcAn MuSeuM post matric 2012

// 73

hospitality

at your service Why did you choose the hospitality sector?

I love helping guests to get the most from their holiday.

As the Concierge I have daily opportunities to share the best aspects of the hotel and the city with visitors.

What training did you do?

I’ve had a ‘mixed journey’ to get to my current position. I started off in the scullery at eMakhosini Boutique Hotel in Durban, and was then promoted to waitron, Barman Supervisor, Receptionist and finally Night Audit. I started in Night Audit at The Oyster Box hotel and was recently promoted to the Assistant Concierge position.

describe a typical day on the job

p h oto :

s u p p l i e d

My days start early, as guests want to plan their outings first thing in the morning. I do all the bookings and arrangements to meet their various requirements. This means I have to be very organised, as I often have quite a few different things to arrange at the same time. My relationships with people at local restaurants and attractions are also very important.

Sometimes I have to rely on these connections to meet the needs of my guest. The job is very dynamic and no day is ever the same.

What do you enjoy most?

The guests! I love interacting with different people from all parts of the world… every single day. I never get bored with the job.

Tony Cele

AssistAnt ConCierge The OysTer BOx hOTel, DurBan

anything you don’t like?

People interfering in my arrangements. There are many people in the hotel environment all dealing with customer service and sometimes our paths overlap, which can cause confusion!

any hurdles you’ve had to overcome?

Because I am pretty young and I am also very small in size, I found managing staff very challenging.

I have recently undergone management training and I feel much more confident now.

career highlights include

Working with different characters and different cultures. An occupation in hospitality gives you the chance to have a worldwide experience, wherever you work.

your future goals?

To get my Concierge Keys and become one of the most well-

known and respected concierges in the world.

experience or training?

Formal training is very important to provide a good foundation for your career, but there are things you can’t be taught that come only with experience.

What makes a concierge?

You have to be a people person and be outgoing; be adaptable and willing to learn new things.

advice for school-leavers?

You must be familiar with your environment; be prepared to go the extra mile to get information that you didn’t have; you can’t be a ‘clock-watcher’; you must be able to communicate with different personalities and cultures; be well organized; and you mustn’t be afraid to take risks.

your Work in three Words Dynamic • Passionate • Focused post matric 2012

// 75

finance

L’Amour Penderis

Senior Tax ConSulTanT Tax MoniTor

Why did you choose to Work in finance?

After doing some training in England and coming back to South Africa about six years ago, I got offered a job at South African Revenue Services. From there, my knowledge in the tax field just grew and my interest was sparked.

What training did you undergo?

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

I started with on-the-job training, but soon noted that would not be enough and did a Higher National Certificate in Taxation through University of Stellenbosch.

I soon continued with further development in Taxation and Accounting through Unisa.

describe a typical day on the job

It all depends on what time of year it is – the start, the middle, or even the end of a financial year.

But most average days start with e-mails and planning the day. Then

number crunching

it’s onto the calculations of income and expenses, checking which of your clients are making profits and which are running at losses.

best parts of your job?

Starting with a client’s income, working your way through all the business expenses and then ending up with a totally different end perspective.

What hurdles have you had to overcome?

The biggest objective was not knowing the answer to the question, as you want to know all the answers all the time. But you first need the knowledge and the training to be able to answer the questions. Taxation is a large and important field in South Africa.

career highlight so far?

Moving from South African Revenue Services – the receiver, to the direct opposite – the private sector (us – the taxpayer). With

this perspective I have learnt both sides of the tax and accounting field, which gives you a very unique outlook on the way the tax field works.

What makes or breaks a tax consultant?

You need to be a people person; to be able to connect with your client and through that build a good business relationship. By knowing your client you are able to assist them in the best way to benefit them, and you, in their tax and accounting needs.

any useful advice for neWcomers?

Get the training and the knowledge when you start your first job, then you are able to answer the questions from day one. Also, be patient, as tax is a very large field and all the knowledge will not be gained in one day, or one month, but with a lot of time and patience, it will happen. post matric 2012

// 77

zoology

all creatures great and small

Why did you choose zoology?

Animals are my passion: big, small, wild and domestic. Africa is home to some of the greatest diversities and spectacles of animal life in the world.

I love the outdoors and this profession gives me the opportunity to work with what I love and have a passion for, and to help preserve one aspect of Africa’s rich heritage.

What training did you undergo?

I completed an undergraduate degree at King’s College, London and, soon after, a Masters degree at the University of Nairobi. After that I worked for four years in Kenya as the Wildlife Officer at a local wildlife park. I am currently doing my PhD at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, a Centre of Excellence at UCT.

is there a type of personality best suited to zoology?

Sharon Okanga

Zoology PhD StuDent Percy FitzPatrick institute oF

Working outdoors can be challenging at times, so aFrican ornithology, uct it helps to have an appreciation for the outdoors into the field – this can be challenging, no matter how beforehand. Persistence and focus are important, so much you love your job! a self-motivated character will do well.

describe a typical day at Work

In the office, I am mainly occupied with looking down the microscope, trying to identify various things from my field data. In the field, it’s an early start at dawn or before – my research involves counting, catching (and release) of birds, so we do this for most of the day.

your favourite parts of the job?

I’m always learning. There is always an opportunity to discover new things about the natural world, both in the field and in the lab.

Which aspects aren’t you too keen on?

Getting up at 4am on a cold winter’s day to go out

78 //

post matric 2012

During my time as a wildlife officer, I organised teams to conduct wildlife translocations – moving animals from one place to another. These operations are often risky and involve intense planning and practise, so it is always satisfying when they go well. My personal highlight came when we successfully managed to move two hippos into an enclosure we had specially designed for them. Seeing them thrive and get to know each other in the enclosure was very gratifying.

Meeting David Attenborough recently was wonderful.

any advice for neWcomers to the field?

Follow your passion. To enjoy it, you need to love it.

describe your job in three Words Surprising • Innovative • Challenging

persistence and focus are important

s u p p l i e d

Although formal training has substantial benefits, I believe experience can sometimes be even better.

When it comes to nature, some things can only be learnt through direct experience.

What’s been the highlight of your career?

p h oto ;

hoW does experience Weigh up With formal training?

social work

Yeukai Chideya

Social Worker / Project leader Victim EmpowErmEnt for childrEn projEct

supporting role Why social Work?

I have always had a passion to help people overcome their emotional and psychological challenges, and also to assist those who come from a disadvantaged background to acquire what they lack.

Explain What you do

I am a Clinical Social Worker at the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture. We work with people who have experienced severe trauma such as torture and sexual violence.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

What training did you undErgo?

I studied at the University of Cape Town where I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work in 2006 and then completed my Honours in 2007.

I finally graduated with a Masters of Social Science in Clinical Social Work in 2010. I also did a number of internships as part of my study requirements.

dEscribE a typical day

Each working day is different. I see individual clients for counselling

and also do group/family counselling. I work in schools with learners, their parents and teachers. At times I may facilitate workshops and have meetings with stakeholders in the community.

What do you Enjoy most?

I enjoy building relationships with my clients and witnessing their growth and development.

any dislikEs?

Not being able to help everyone because there are limits to what you can do to help a client.

What hurdlEs havE you had to ovErcomE?

Sometimes I become overwhelmed by the challenges that my clients face. I have had to learn to separate work from my personal life by putting boundaries in place because the nature of my work can be emotionally draining.

What’s bEEn thE highlight of your carEEr so far?

Taking a group of clients from a disadvantaged background for a leadership camp at a resort; seeing

how much they appreciated the experience and the impact the workshops had on them.

is ExpEriEncE as important as formal training?

Both are equally important as a lack in one may result in a poor or ineffective intervention.

What traits should a ‘good’ social WorkEr havE?

Anyone who wants to become a social worker should at least enjoy working with people. They must be versatile, have a passion to help others, be emotionally stable and a good listener.

advicE for somEonE starting out?

Being a social worker can be quite stressful and emotionally draining, hence you need to prioritise self care; to look after your wellbeing.

You have to take good care of yourself in order for you to be able to help your clients effectively. Live a healthy lifestyle!

your job in thrEE Words A rewarding experience.

post matric 2012

// 79

catering

the icing on the cake Explain what you do for a living

I am one of the owners of our family-owned business Charly’s Bakery, established in 1989. I’m also a cast member of reality TV show Charly’s Cake Angels.

why did you choosE this profEssion?

My dad is the Charly in Charly’s. He and my mom Jacqui started the bakery when my sister and I were young. I started working at the bakery on weekends and fell in love with the business and the passion my parents had for it. I decided that taking over the family legacy was where I could see myself.

did you undErgo formal training?

I have no formal training in the baking industry, but growing up in my parents’ business has trained me well and taught me to ‘play’ while learning. My parents have allowed me to teach myself new and fun ways of being in what used to be a ‘traditional’ industry.

dEscribE a typical day in thE bakEry

I arrive at work and immediately check up on all the orders for cakes, petit fours, etc. I then check that all areas of the bakery are running on time, e.g. the bakers in the oven section, the confectioners in the icing section, the decorators in the front of shop.

Throughout the day I update our order lists as each order comes in. At the end of the day I do numerous checks for placing orders with suppliers, make sure that everything for the next day is on track and deal with staff issues, wages and administration.

bEst part of thE job?

Being able to work in a creative space, connecting with creative people and coming up with new and innovative designs within the baking industry. There’s also nothing as awesome as seeing a person’s face when they come to collect their dream cake, or getting a phone call or e-mail a few days later to say how much they loved the cake… it’s priceless.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

thE worsE part?

The long hours, as well as dealing with difficult customers; people believing that the customer is ALWAYS right (often not the case). We do our absolute

I love being able to work in a creative space

Alexandra Biess

Baker and Owner Charly’s Bakery CC

best to try and accommodate everyone’s needs and desires, but sometimes we need to be treated like human beings that also make the odd mistake.

thE highlight thus far?

Filming season one of our 13-episode TV show ‘Charly’s Cake Angels’. This was an incredible highlight and really allowed us to showcase to the world what we are able to achieve in the Mother City at the foot of Africa. We start filming season two later this year.

how doEs onE survivE in thE industry?

Anyone who is willing to work really hard, is creative and good at teamwork will make it. The baking/service industry is not a 9-5 job and people need to be willing to put in the extra time and effort for the end result.

advicE for wannabE bakErs…

Surround yourself with (A) People who love you (B) Hard working people (C) Creative people (D) All of the above and (E) most importantly, be prepared to WORK your business yourself; don’t expect any manager to run or love your business as well as you would. post matric 2012

// 81

publishing

David Mwanambuyu Editor

Black Business Quarterly

writing the headlines why DiD you choose to be an eDitor?

It came naturally. Since my teenage days I always wanted to know what was happening around me and read just about everything that came my way. I love words and that was obviously a major factor in my decision.

what training DiD you unDergo?

I studied journalism with the Writers Bureau College of Journalism, Manchester, United Kingdom.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

is there a type of personality best suiteD to this work?

A passion for people and an unquenchable quest for knowledge are key traits.

is experience as important as formal training?

In my view, experience sets one apart, it gives you the confidence to explore any subject under the sun. That’s why it’s very

important for graduates to do a bit of writing on a freelance basis prior to seeking a full time job.

It’s a very competitive profession, as such editors usually prefer dealing with the tried and tested.

So, get your byline out there for all to see.

what Don’t you like?

Describe a typical Day in your working life

I would love to go into media ownership one day.

It’s frenetic. I check my diary first then edit freelance copy, read the business press, research ideas, then put pen to paper.

what Do you like the most about being an eDitor?

The interaction with people from all walks of life, the constant flow of information at my disposal and the art of turning bare facts into a readable story. That is artistic!

The perennial deadlines.

what’s been the highlight of your career?

Editing Black Business Quarterly.

what are your goals for the future?

what aDvice woulD you give to someone starting out in the meDia inDustry?

The industry is not as glamorous as it is made out to be; it’s hard work as you need to be prepared to go the extra mile at all times.

Describe your job in three worDs A bookworm’s paradise.

the industry is not as

glamorous as it is made out to be post matric 2012

// 83

legal services

state your case Why did you choose to be an advocate?

At school I had a girlfriend whose father had spent many years practising as an advocate before becoming a judge.

I was fascinated by the stories he told about the work of an advocate and immediately knew that I wanted to be one.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

What training did you do?

I studied for six years doing two degrees at UCT (BA and LLB) and then two years articles to become an attorney, which I was for a short time before doing the training required by the advocates’ profession (called pupillage) for six months. Although I chose to do so, it is not necessary to be an attorney beforehand.

What is the difference betWeen an attorney and an advocate?

Attorneys are the lawyers that clients see first with their problems and they give general advice in the law. Advocates get briefed to take on cases by attorneys when a specialist skill is needed in court or in research into the law. Attorneys work at law firms while advocates are completely independent and do not work for a firm at all, though for convenience they share offices (called chambers) with other advocates.

is there a type of personality best suited to the job?

I think so. Because advocates appear in court, the ultimate

Donovan Baguley AdvocAte

responsibility for the case rests with them.

Whether or not the client is successful often depends on how well you have presented a case and not everyone is comfortable with that responsibility. In my experience advocates who lack confidence tend to be less effective than those who are confident (but not arrogant).

What do you enjoy the most about your Work?

For me there are few better experiences than arguing a case well before a judge and persuading him or her that your client has the better case on the facts and the law. With the stress that comes with the responsibility of the case also comes the

satisfaction when it goes well (and misery when it goes badly!)

What aspects are you least keen on?

The night before a big case is not great‌

hoW does Work experience compare With formal training?

In my opinion, experience is far more important than training and I am sometimes amazed at how much better one becomes at being an advocate the longer one does it.

What advice Would you give someone starting out in your field?

Always do what you know is right, even if it is the harder thing to do.

post matric 2012

// 85

food technology

quality assurred What is it that you do?

I work as a quality coordinator. I deal with internal audits, investigation of customer complaints, training, quality checks, verification of equipment and consumables.

Why did you choose this profession?

I was accepted to study BCom and Food Technology.

I did further research about both career options and felt that Food Technology would be more interesting and challenging. The microbiology component also intrigued me. Food Technology is a versatile career.

One can work in a chemical or microbiology lab as a product developer where you would develop new products, match existing products or reduce costs of an existing product without compromising taste and quality, or on the production floor where you are expected to manage the production line or work as a quality controller.

What training did you undergo?

I did Food Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

describe a typical day

High pressure and challenging. Planning is key.

In the morning, I verify that the equipment is in operating order, that the temperature is in spec and may be used. Thereafter I check that the media used to analyze products has passed its quality sterility indicators – that’s standard every day. Then there are other duties like spot checks and audits, investigation of non-conformances, training, etc.

What do you enjoy most?

Each day is different and presents new challenges.

You always have to think out of the box.

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

anything you don’t like?

Long hours. Whether you work in a lab or production, your work hours are not always set. If there is a problem on the production line or in the lab you need to ensure that the problem is fixed. You can’t fix it the following day. Products need to be produced for customers to consume. If you are analyzing products, the client always wants the results ASAP.

What hurdles have you overcome?

Self-discipline. I recall my lecturer saying that

Naqsha Savahl

Quality Coordinator Swift Micro laboratorieS

Food Technology is one of the busiest courses at the campus. You have to focus and study while everybody else on campus is playing dominoes and shooting pool. It was all worth it though.

the highlight of your career so far?

When Swift won the SADC Quality Award for Service of the Year. The award system was established by government through the Department of Trade and Industry with an aim to promote and raise awareness about the need for quality assurance, quality management and the different methods on how to achieve such quality standards. The award reflects commitment to local production and quality.

experience versus training: Who Wins?

You really start learning when you start working. I would recommend studying at a university that offers experiential learning as part of the course. That time spent can also help you decide which field of Food Technology you should pursue.

a food technologist is...

Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, to operate with a team, as well as independently. They must have a big dose of patience and understanding, and a passion for the task at hand. post matric 2012

// 87

graphic design

out the

Thinking box Why did you choose this profession?

From a young age, I was primed for a BSC (Behind Shop Counter), but being surrounded by labels of various products, especially groceries like tinned baked beans, matches, soaps, tobacco, hair products, etc, I was a lot more interested in the pretty colours than in the profit margins. I also thought the ads running on the ‘kassie’ (telly) were boring and dull and someone had to do something about it. Not too long into my teenage days, I heard a glamorous sounding phrase, ‘graphic design’. In my research on this intriguing walk of life, I found the visual image starts here, even though I had no formal art training, I took the plunge. Fortunately for me, I successfully completed the course (cum laude) and haven’t regretted this stimulating career choice.

What training did you undergo?

I graduated from NMMU (previously known as a technikon), specialising in theory and practical tuition. The course is divided into an undergraduate and a postgraduate programme. The first three years is your basic training and on successful completion, you extend it to a fourth year, graduating with a BTech degree. To qualify for the postgraduate programme, it is vital to have a minimum of two year’s work experience, before you can submit a proposal to research a postgraduate thesis.

describe a ‘good’ designer

They must enjoy problem-solving and making things (tangible objects or experiences) better.

They must have the stamina to work hard, and love colour, shapes and numbers. It helps if you’re decisive, organised and a self-starter. It’s a visually stimulating environment, so if you don’t enjoy having fun while working hard, then this isn’t for you.

p h oto :

g e o r g e

r e e d

experience versus formal training?

Experience is important because you put what you’ve learnt in theory to practice. The more you do something, the faster you think of solutions.

describe a typical day on the job

Most times I work on project-based jobs, each day is different depending on what stage I’m at. At the beginning it’s researching target audiences, what colour and type of fonts might suit them, what the

Stephanie Loy

art director/visual communicator competitors are doing, and meeting with the printers to discuss final shape of the artwork. In the middle of a project I’ll be setting up shoots or sourcing images.

If I’m working with a copywriter or editor I’ll find myself discussing headlines or new names for new products. At the end of the project, it’s putting all these elements together and setting it up to present to client. Once approved, it’s final tweaking.

What do you enjoy the most?

It’s thought-provoking, visually stimulating and I like making people happy.

anything you don’t like?

Deadlines, extended deadlines and unreasonable times set for deadlines.

What’s been a career highlight?

Having worked with great teams on the country’s top magazines and commercial brands, and now being my own boss as a freelancer.

any advice for young designers?

Bite the bullet. Have fun. Be humble, there’s no place for big egos, they just get in the way of having fun.

describe your job in three Words 100% visual communication

be prepared to work in a high pressure environment post matric 2012

// 89

retail management

Johnny Telo & Miguel Alves Managers

Vredehoek kwikspar & kwikspar on kloof

life – to ensure work problems don’t cross over.

What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

What training did you undergo and Where?

What don’t you like?

johnny: Well, fishing is my passion, but I wasn’t sure about managing a fish shop! miguel: My family are in food retail. I began packing shelves in my father’s shop during school holidays when I was seven.

johnny: Behind the Shop Counter! miguel: I learnt everything on the job. It was only in the last couple of years that Unisa started offering a BCom in Retail. Spar introduced an in-house course a couple of year’s back, which has now become accredited.

describe a typical day

johnny: My day starts early (5am) and goes on until late. There is an emphasis on the financial side (cash ups, paying accounts) and, or course, a focus on direction – to steer the store.

90 //

post matric 2012

johnny: Getting it right, before the time. miguel: Everything – it’s a complete package: sweet and sour.

You are dealing with people and if you enjoy this – and I do – then every day is good.

johnny: Nothing! I promised myself that the day I get up and don’t want to go to work is the day I retire. But retail is not for the faint-hearted and you will be under constant pressure. Everything that goes wrong is your fault!

hurdles to overcome...

johnny: Lack of capital and cash flow weakness. miguel: Staff problems – because of the nature of the work and the long hours staff are often leaving.

This leads to paperwork and training. I also have to keep staff motivated, and balance my family

What maketh a manager?

johnny: A people person with the ability to concentrate on an issue until it is resolved. The ability to multitask and handle pressure.

The ability to work with people from different cultures and various types of people.

What advice Would you give to someone starting out?

johnny: If you have no common sense, this is a bad career choice.

Don’t go into retail if you don’t like: people, stress, long hours, shift work, working on weekends, being loved today and hated tomorrow. miguel: Retail is like a duck swimming in a pond: on the surface it looks smooth and calm, but under the water those little feet are paddling furiously!

describe your job in three Words

johnny: Common sense • Work miguel: People • Perseverance • Standards.

r u d d e n

What do you enjoy most?

johnny: To win the national Kwikspar of the Year. miguel: Winning Kwikspar of the Year regional.

p e t e r

Why did you choose retail?

future goals?

p h oto :

running a tight ship

johnny: Winning Kwikspar of the Year, year on year. This has never been done before. miguel: Becoming a partner in Kwikspar on Kloof.

floristry

a rose by any other name why did you choose this profession?

My grandmothers were florists and I always felt I needed to do something creative and work with my hands. Flowers have a profound effect on one.

where did you train?

I studied part-time at The Soanesbury School of Floristy whilst I was working full-time for a fashion designer, Malcolm Kluk. I completed a number of courses before starting on my own from my spare room in my home with only a small amount of money, a telephone and an old hand-me-down computer.

describe a typical day

Ordering and buying of fresh flowers, taking orders and briefs, arranging flowers, working out quotes, conceptualising and sourcing materials, meeting with clients and viewing venues.

good people skills in order to understand different individual’s needs.

any advice for a budding florist (excuse the pun!)?

To first work as an assistant at an established florist.

This will give you a good understanding of what it is really about. People have a misconception that working with flowers is peaceful and serene. It is this, but there is a lot more to it.

describe your job in three words Creative, unpredictable and rewarding.

Flowers stimulate all the senses

what do you enjoy most?

The beauty of our creations – flowers stimulate all the senses!

anything you don’t like?

The stress of receiving poor quality flowers on the day of a wedding and the suppliers letting us down at the last minute. Having to tell a bride that her favourite flower (which she has been dreaming about since she was a little girl) didn’t arrive in time is a very unfortunate position to be in!

career highlights include…

Working on high-profile weddings and making people smile.

your future career goals?

p h oto :

p e t e r

r u d d e n

To keep pushing the boundaries creatively and to maintain our business as the success it is today.

experience versus formal training?

Experience is key in this field – there is a lot to be learnt technically and this can only be achieved by getting stuck in and getting your hands dirty.

what makes a ‘good’ florist?

Natalie Haarhoff

Florist and Co-owner Aspen And Co Flowers

You definitely need to be creative and to be able ‘to think outside of the box’. It’s also important to have post matric 2012

// 91

teaching

educating

our future industry leaders

Mr Niam Jaffar

Grade 7 Teacher Virginia PreParatory School

according to the timetable. We have a lunch and tea break during the academic day. Then our extramural programme begins, when we coach sport or are involved in arts and cultural activities.

Where did you study?

I did a four-year Higher Diploma in Education at Bechet College of Education. It involved formal theoretical training and practical teaching at various schools.

is experience as important as training?

Yes, definitely. When starting out you should learn as much as you can from experienced teachers.

What characteristics should a teacher possess?

They should be a people person, someone who is comfortable with

92 //

post matric 2012

What do you like the most about your Work?

I like the idea that every day is different. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I’m playing a role in shaping the lives of our youths.

What don’t you like?

Administration!

describe your typical day It starts with a staff briefing to discuss the day ahead, then the teachers head to the classrooms where we administer work, teaching our class the subjects

career highlight?

The letters I receive at the end of the year from the learners and parents thanking me for the wonderful year.

What do you do When you’re not teaching?

Trail running, roof gardening, interior design and up-cycling second-hand furniture. I like to try my hand at DIY!

advice for neWbies?

Never stop learning! Surround yourself with positive people who are inspiring and share your enjoyment for what you do.

describe your job in three Words Interesting • Fulfilling • Challenging

I’m playing a role in shaping the lives of our youths

s u p p l i e d

Not only did I come from a family of teachers, I started coaching karate at a very young age at my own club. I was very passionate about it and really enjoyed it. It was inevitable that I would end up following this path.

others and enjoys interacting with young and old alike. You need to be caring, and possess patience and understanding.

p h oto :

Why did you choose teaching?

choice words ‘forget you ever went to high school; you will love it if you leave your preconceptions Behind.’ Jeremey Carver, Animation, City Varsity ‘surround yourself with the right people. have fun, But put studying first, and don’t smoKe pot.’

Kyla Philander, Acting/ Performance Art, City Varsity ‘rememBer to Be an individual; Be yourself. taKe in as much as possiBle.’ Colette Molomo, Environmental Management, CPUT

‘asK for guidance from the people who have Been around the BlocK.’ Monde Phangwa, Internal Auditing B-Tech, CPUT

first-year survival Strategic advice on making the most of first-year at college or varsity from those who have bravely gone before you…

‘Keep tracK of what is expected from you.’ Sisonke, Management, Marketing and Enterpreneurship, CPUT ‘Keep your eye on the prize.’

Elizabeth Pretorius, Journalism, City Varsity

‘only party on a friday night, don’t carry on into the weeKend.’

Siphesande, and ‘always have your study material with you.’ Xolani, Management, Marketing and Enterpreneurship, CPUT

‘Be open to anything that life throws at you.’

Danica Corelse, Acting and Performance Art, City Varsity

94 //

post matric 2012

‘don’t forget to relax. it’s not worth getting worKed up aBout stuff.’ Roxanne Plait, Jewellery Design, CPUT

‘Balance your social, spiritual and worK life.’

Vee Buthelezi Chemical Engineering, CPUT

‘Don’t rock up expecting soMething because when you get here it’s nothing like what you expecteD.’ Jamie Freeman, Acting and Performance Art, City Varsity

‘Make use of the setas that are available. Don’t sit at hoMe because you have no Money.’ Gavin Daniels, Journalism, City Varsity

‘there is tiMe for everything, but only if you Manage your tiMe. clubs anD partying will always be there.’ Leanne George, Fashion Design, CPUT

‘work froM Day one anD attenD 80% of your classes. every Day is an opportunity to learn soMething new.’ Melissa Notshe, Fashion Design, CPUT

‘this is not like Matric. be prepareD to work harDer. stay up to Date or the work will pile up.’ Stephen Victor, Multi-Media Design, City Varsity

‘Don’t get pulleD in with the crowDs; there are lots of parties in first-year.’

Sintetemba Nkukwana, Engineering B-Tech, CPUT

‘take a gap year before starting. believe in yourself; your DreaMs are achievable.’ Lizelle Jafta, Journalism, City Varsity

‘if you neeD extra help with acaDeMics there are resources out there – search engines, Different institutions. expanD your horizons. put your social life on holD, you can have fun at a later stage.’

Sibongile Kotela, Environmental Management, CPUT

‘a lot of people fail first-year because they are unfocusseD. tiMe ManageMent is super iMportant.’ Stefanie Ludwig, Multi-Media Design and Development, City Varsity

soso

‘Make as Many frienDs as you can, but stay away froM politics as you will only get in trouble. learn about the Different cultures.’ Jason Bernardo, Marketing, CPUT

25 l e a r n

post matric 2012

// 95

for a laugh

A

t a recent family gathering, the women in my life got to talking about ‘the good old days’ and their matric dances.

Of course it wasn’t long before the conversation moved onto THE matric gown, and at this point my girlfriend squealed in delight and dashed out of the room.

She returned a few minutes later with dishevelled hair and what looked like mothballs clinging to her jersey. Held aloft for all to see she triumphantly displayed the prize, her matric dance dress!

The ladies coo-ed and aah-ed in unison, then took turns in stroking the dress, as if it were a gift presented by the gods.

Now as a lowly male, I don’t expect to understand why you would want to hold onto a dress for all these years, especially one that you’ll probably only wear once in your entire life, but it turns out I don’t know the half of it.

In my day, the most exciting thing about a matric dance was seeing how many dances you could get invited to. What you wore paled in comparison. Pathetic, but I’m being honest. For the girls of my day, the event was very special, but after speaking to the moms at

96 //

post matric 2012

my office, who have recently been through this with their offspring, those days don’t come close to today’s matric dance status.

The term ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ is defined as a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that resulted in psychological trauma.

Well I have termed a new phrase: ‘post-traumatic dress disorder’ – something your parents will undoubtedly be experiencing soon.

Now, I don’t deny that you can text 80 words within 60 seconds on your cell, but that does not equate to a comprehensive understanding of the number of green notes that accompany your ‘needs’ for prom night.

Let’s starting tallying it up… The days of Aunty Constance whipping out the Singer (that’s a sewing machine FYI, guys) and putting together a dress are loooong gone.

Now only a lavish, marked-up-todeath ballgown will do. Cha-ching – we’re looking at hundreds already.

Then you simply HAVE to have THOSE shoes because, ‘Mum, surely you don’t want my archenemy Carol to upstage your schnookums?’ No, heaven forbid.

So we’re heading for the thousands

and the folks are on the phone, begging to the bank manager.

Then, of course, an outfit would be nothing without accessories – bring on the jewellery and accompanying handbag. And ugly feet in beautiful shoes simply won’t do. A mani-pedi is essential, as are highlights/extensions and a professional make-up artist.

Now all the poor folks need to fork out for is the fancy car and the actual price for the matric dance ticket itself. And you wonder why mum is hitting the bottle, while dad is sobbing and continually turning over his empty wallet – post-traumatic dress disorder.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand this is a rite of passage and your end of school celebration is a biggie, but shouldn’t your last soiree as a scholar be about having the time of your life with your friends? Shouldn’t you remember whom you partied with and how special they were over the fact that Carol had the same colour ballgown and matching clutch bag!

But alas, I know I am going to have to go through the same thing soon with my own kids, so I cling to the hope that there’s one thing that definitely will happen: you will wear THE dress, love it, tuck it away safely for the next ten years, and then haul it out again, dust it off and wear it to your wedding!

i l l u s t r at i o n :

Robbie Stammers urges you to consider what your poor, dear parents go through in order to keep up with your matric dance expenses.

zc o o l

Dress DisorDer