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PAF CAREER GUIDE FIRST EDITION Funding Options S REER IN ng, i r e ine R g n O E L ine , c P i e X d c E mer s & Me m o IT, C manitie Hu E CA Young Professionals Profiled PLAN N THE I NG FOR FUT URE How to qualify to further your studies at Higher Education institutions CHOOSING THE RIGHT NPO 116-901 foundation There’s a Bright Future Ahead of You SUBJEC TS IN GRADE 10 i Contact Details | P O Box 291 341 | Melville JHB | 2019 Email: [email protected] | Facebook: Professional Aiders Foundation | Twitter: @profaiders12 ii Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................2 Introduction ...............................................................................3 The Points System............................................................................................. 9 Some of the Accredited South African Institutions of Higher Learning......................................................................................... 10 Funding Options .............................................................. 10 Bursaries............................................................................................................ 10 Planning for the future ...........................................................4 Knowing yourself.......................................................................................................4 Finding information.................................................................................................4 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) ................11 Choosing the right subjects in Grade 10 .........................5 Study Loans from Banks ................................................................................... 12 Post-School Study Options ...................................................6 Further Education and Training Collages (FET)..................................6 Programmes offered at FET Colleges offer............................................6 Young Professionals Profiles .............................................. 13 Appendices ................................................................................................................42 Apprenticeship Route and Nated Courses........................................... 7 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)......7 Higher Education through Universities or Universities of Technology (Institutions of Higher Learner)..............8 How to qualify to further your studies at Institutions of Higher Learning? .................................................................................................8 1 Acknowledgements The Professional Aiders Foundation (PAF) would like to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following organisations and people in no order of importance: • The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for allowing the PAF to use some of the content from Khetha Booklet. • Vusi Maupa for the editorial work of this publication. • Keolopile Makgamathe, Isaah Mhlanga, Lindokuhle B Nkanyane, George Sepeng, Sinethemba Cele, Tsheko Kopong, John Maseko, Manoko Phalane, Zama Matsibi, Kagiso Motlhasedi, Ndiphiwe Dlomo, Tiyiselani Ntimbane, Rethabile Mashale and Weaven Ngobeni for making yourselves available and providing the PAF with your success stories for the guide. • Thebado Consulting, our auditors, words cannot express our • All Members of the PAF for your consistent support and contribution to • Last, but not least the management of PAF; Lassy Mathebula, Isaah appreciation for your professionalism and excellent services. the success of the organisation. Mhlanga and Prudence Makhubele thank you for your leadership and support. These are the people that have made it possible for this career guide to be issued. PAF is very proud to have worked with them on this project. foundation There’s a Bright Future Ahead of You 2 Introduction T he PAF has compiled this career guide for the readers’ have no funding, the booklet also outlines the funding options benefits, learners in particular. We hope the guide will be available for learners. Lastly you will read the profiles of young informative and help you in making a decision about the professionals sharing their success stories in the various disciplines career you would like to pursue. The purpose of the guide is to provide that we have covered. important information needed by learners at secondary school level in making future plans about their careers. We aim to reach out to all It’s time for young people to empower themselves with education. learners but our focus is on learners are schooling in the previously No matter what happens in life, education is the one thing that disadvantage areas as they lack the necessary information on career no one can take away from you. Like Mahatma Gandhi once said guidance. At times these learners find themselves wasting valuable “live as if we were to die tomorrow and learn as if we were to live time pursuing careers incompatible with their skills, knowledge and forever”, I encourage you to make the best use of the opportunities interests amongst others. provided to you by this booklet. In this book we have tried to give you guidance that will help you Learners need to make it a priority to understand why they are choose the field of study. We believe that it is very important to going to school and always aspire to be something great in life. choose a field that you are passionate about i.e. a field that you love, In today’s socio-economic world it is tough to survive without a field that interests you the most, a field that brings excitement education. For example, without education it is difficult to land a when you or someone else talks about it. This is the key to success decent job which will enable one to afford a basic start of living such in your studies. At times learners are confused or unsure about what as decent shelter and sustainable provision for the family. Education to study when they finish grade 12. So they are often influenced by not only helps one to improve your life, but it also improves the factors like friends, family, money, etc. in choosing a field of study. lives of those around you. Let your passion, love, interest and future plans be your guide in choosing a field of study. I urge the youth of South Africa to stand and make a change in their lives and communities. Let us start by being the nation that sees The booklet among other things encourages learners to know and value in education. There are so many opportunities waiting for the understand their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes in youth. Don’t waste time, be the change you want to see. making career decisions. The understanding of such personality traits is an important cornerstone for a successful career future. Learners need to allow their passion to drive them towards their dreams, since passion is a vital motivator for one to succeed. As you read the individual success stories later in the booklet, you will realise that most of the persons profiled, including myself, talk Mr Charles Basheer Cele about passion they have for their career/profession and how it Chairperson of the Professional Aiders Foundation helped them succeed. The booklet also gives guidance on the various post school study options i.e. FET Colleges, Universities and Universities of Technology and also outlining the entry requirements for these tertiary institutions. At times learners qualify for tertiary studies but 3 1 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE oung people must take it upon themselves to ensure that Y booklet: they receive the highest education possible so that they can “I loved analysis, investigating, having to solve riddles and solving represent us well in future as future leaders.” Nelson Mandela problems with unconventional thinking methods sometimes even There are many careers out there to choose from, you can become numbers and write stories based on the numbers backed up by Policy an accountant, a doctor, chef, investment banker, pilot, musician, understanding.” George Sepeng (B.Com Economics, Budget Analyst at stage performer, journalist, author, nurse and police official to National Treasury). undocumented. My job is not restrictive and allows me to work with mention just a few. It is all up to you, with so many options making a choice on something you imagine yourself doing. So it all starts “At a young age, I had this overwhelming fascination with technology with you taking that first step in deciding your career path. Do not and gadgets. At the age of 10, I would set up television stations for my allow your current circumstances define who you are but let them neighbours, configure cell phone settings and download content from encourage you to greatness. the internet before kids my age even knew what the internet is. From that time, it became clear to me my career lied within the technology As part of your planning you need to do research on the career space” Tiyiselani Ntimbane; Business Analyst – Eskom Group IT you want to take, find people you can talk to, ask questions, and seek advice. This will help in shaping your career, keeping focus at Next, you need to think about your aspirations, and visualise yourself tertiary will save you money and time. So the first thing is knowing in life (i.e. where do u see yourself at the age of 35), e.g. do you see yourself first! yourself as a Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer of a big company, businessman, doctor, highly rated performer, etc. The 1.1 Knowing Yourself As emphasised in the preceding section, an important step in your planning process for the future is to understand yourself. You need to ask yourself: what is it about the field of study and the work that interests you? I recommend you take some time to think about your interests, strengths and weaknesses (make a list of these things), example if you want to be a pilot but have poor eyesight ’that cannot be corrected (i.e. by having an operation or wearing glasses) that can make your dream virtually impossible to achieve. Be realistic and honest with yourself when you ask yourself common mistake that we do when choosing careers is that we look at the money or monthly salary you will get from the profession. As a result you end up with the job you do not enjoy. It is likely that you will spend most of your life at you work place, so it is very important that you enjoy what you do over the money that you get from what you do. Finding a meaningful job can add great value and satisfaction to your life. What is it that you are passionate about? What would you like to achieve in life. 1.2 Finding information the sell-introspecting questions such as; what am I good at? Am I Making a decision about your career can be a challenging task, by creative? Am I good at problem solving? Which of my skills need now you should have reflected on your future career. Before making improvement? Do I prefer the outdoors rather than the indoors? a big decision in life it is always good to seek advice and to look for Do I enjoy working with people? You can think of more questions as much information as you possibly can get. A good place to start that can help you in knowing yourself. If you are finding it hard in looking for information is the library, internet (if you have access), answering these questions talk to your teacher, family member or bookshops, newspapers and community members. Below are friends that are close to you and you trust and respect. useful online sources of information; www.careerhelp.org.za, ncap. careerhelp.org.za, www.skillsportal.co.za, www.careerplanet.co.za Take for example an abstract from two persons profiled in this 4 and www.sacareerfocus.co.za 2 N CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBJECTS IN GRADE 10 ow that you have completed your introspection it is time to look at the subject choices you have made or going to make for grade 10. It is very important to understand that the combinations of subjects you choose for grade 10 are aligned with your intended field of study at tertiary. These are the subjects you will matriculate, apply for tertiary studies and funding (bursaries or study loans) with. If you are unsure as to what you are going study it is advisable to take subjects that will give you a wide variety of options rather than limit you. It is good to have options than limitations, e.g. if you would like to go to university and study a degree in engineering or commerce or law you must at least have done pure Maths and English at school. If you have taken Maths Literacy your available option will be limited. For all those students that would like to further their studies at university level please take note that Maths Literacy can limit your chances of applying at such institutions. Please consult the various universities for their entry requirements for more information. For you to be considered you need to have successfully completed the National Senior Certificate. Once again speak to family member, teacher or anybody in the field you intend to study to give you advice especially whist you are in grade 9 with regards to the subjects you need to take in Grade 10. But it must be emphasised that your subject choices, just like your career, must be linked to your strengths, qualities and ability to comprehend. Because your next challenge will be to pass the subjects you have chosen and it will be required that you pass with good grades. 5 3 POSTSCHOOL STUDY OPTIONS T here are various options available to further one’s FET Colleges offer programmes that combine both theoretical and study after secondary school. But it all depends on the practical elements of fields of study, equip leaners with skills for the qualification one leaves school with. See below for school workplace or further learning. There are about 50 official public FET leaving options. Colleges in South Africa and over 500 private ones to date. For a full list please visit www.careerhelp.org.za (click on Education tab then In South Africa one is allowed to leave school after completing choose Further Education Training Collage). grade 9 or grade 12. So if you have successfully completed grade 9 you can only further your studies at a Further Education and Training College (FET). Whilst if you have successfully completed your grade 12 and have obtained your National Senior Certificate. Then you can go further and apply at universities provided you meet the entry requirements of the field of study. 3.1 Further Education and Training Collage (FET) Programmes offered at FET Colleges Should you decide to take this route after successfully completed grade 9 you will have to choose a specialisation field from a possible list of 17 below: 1. Civil Engineering and Building 9. Management Construction An FET College is an institution that offers vocational training 2. Drawing Office Practice 10. Marketing (education based on occupation or employment) (also known 3. Education and Development 11. Mechatronics as vocational education and training or VET). It is education that 4. Electrical Infrastructure Construction 12. Office Administration prepares people for specific trades, crafts and careers at various 5. Engineering and related design levels from a trade, a craft, technician, or a professional position in 6. Finance, Economics and Accounting 14. Process Instrumentation technical, accountancy, nursing, medicine, architecture, pharmacy, law etc. Craft vocations are usually based on manual or practical activities (non-academic) related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation and occupational qualification such as the National Certificate: Vocational – NC(V) as well as Nated (N) courses. These qualification and courses are offered to various levels to study for learners who have completed grade 9 or 12. FET Colleges also offers apprenticeship programmes. This is a combination of theory, practical and workplace practice in a chosen field of trade. In the case of listed trades such as; boiler making, welding, carpentry and many others, learners are required to pass trade tests to qualify as artisans. Non-list trades include qualifications in health care, early childhood development, music etc. 6 3.1.1 13. Primary Agriculture 7. Hospitality 15. Process Plant Operation 8. Information Technology and 16. Safety in Society Computer Science Once you have chosen your specialisation, you then need to choose specific subjects in order to complete a NC (V). You are required to complete seven subjects, including three compulsory fundamental subjects. So you will have three compulsory subjects and four specialisation subjects. Three of four specialisation subjects are also compulsory (as defined in the area of specialisation) whilst the fourth subject is optional. 3 POSTSCHOOL STUDY OPTIONS 3 Compulsory Fundamental 4 Specialisation Subjects Engineering, while N4 to N6 are certificates in Business Studies, Subjects Engineering Studies and Non-Engineering Studies. (See Appendix A Language – Home Language Compulsory Specialisation for FET contact details) Specialisation 3.2 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) Specialisation In South Africa, SETAs encourage skills development in specific Subject 1 Maths or Maths Literacy Compulsory Subject 2 Life Orientation Compulsory Subject 3 economic sectors like agriculture, banking and finance, arts and Specialisation Subject (of your culture, construction, chemical industry, education and training, choice) energy and water, food and beverage industry, health and welfare, local government, engineering and manufacturing, media and Please note: if you are planning to continue with studies at a higher advertising, mining, safety and security, wholesale and retail, public education institution (like university), it is advisable to choose Pure services, etc. Maths and English. Currently there are 21 SETAs that focus on promoting skills 3.1.2 Apprenticeship Route and Nated Courses Should a learner decide to take this route and become a qualified artisan in one of the listed trades he/she will need, to complete a workplace training and theoretical component at an FET College. To become a qualified artisan, a learner is required to complete a Skills Education Training Authorities (SETA) (section to follow) qualification or an N course when the learner is doing an apprenticeship. What is an Artisan? An artisan is a person that is skilled in a specialised trade. South Africa always has a great need for highly development in their respective sectors. SETAs focus on providing skills development and training to people employed or seeking employment in a particular sector. They are tasked in developing skills in response to a skills shortage of a particular sector. So once you have chosen work of a particular sector that you are interested in, you can visit SETA’s website or contact their offices to get more information. They can also help you in to find funding options and avenues to gain skills while you are working. (See Appendix C at the back of the book for more details) 3.2.1 Vocational (Workplace) Route skilled artisans and there is a huge shortage of such people in A learner can also pursue a vocational route by means of a the country. learnership. He/she can work and study a SETA learnership that leads to an NQF-accredited qualification. A learnership is a All artisan trade-related apprenticeships require the following; structured learning programme that is managed by SETAs. They • Maths and Engineering Science were introduced by the government to help skill the nation and • Engineering Drawing or Industrial Electronics or other relevant to prepare learners for workplace. They are work-based learning subjects depending on the particular trade requirements programmes and are directly related to occupation or field of A relevant artisan Trade Theory subject (e.g. Electrical Trade Theory) work. They help learners gain the necessary skills and workplace • The N courses are offered at an FET Colleges and a learner is experience while opening up employment opportunities. required to have completed between 18 to 24 months of relevant How do Learnerships work? practical application in the workplace. N1 to N3 are certificates in Learnerships require you to complete a theoretical course as well 7 3 POSTSCHOOL STUDY OPTIONS as a practical training which is done at work place, in order to graduate. The workplace component of the qualification involves hands-on, practical training under the guide of a mentor, while the theoretical component is provided by the education and training provider. Together they form an integrated and comprehensive learning programme. The entry requirements differ from learnership to learnership, therefore it advisable to consult/contact the learnership provider for full details on the specific entry requirements of the learnership. For most learnerships the minimum entry requirement is a National Senior Certificate (Matric) of National Certificate: Vocational, but there are many more subject or even skills requirements such as computer literacy. Learnerships are available to young people that have completed school, college or any other learning/training institution. You must be between the ages 16 and 35 years to be eligible for selection. Unemployed South African youth can only participate in a learnership if there is an employer prepared to provide the required work experience. 3.3. Higher education through Universities or Universities of Technology (Higher Learning Institutions). Universities: these are traditionally academic universities that mainly offer qualifications such higher certificate, advanced diplomas and degrees in disciplines of knowledge. Universities of technology: these are institutions that offer qualifications such higher certificate, advanced certificate, diplomas and advanced diplomas and degrees oriented to particular areas of work. Should you decide to go to a university or university of technology, you will mainly be learning in an academic environment (mainly theoretical). These institutions of higher learning also offer options for advancing your studies and further specialisations through post graduate diplomas and degrees, masters and doctoral degrees. 3.3.1 How to qualify to further you studies in Higher Learning Institutions? When applying to further your studies at a university it is important A learnership is dependent on a contract which legally binds the to read the university brochure as entry requirements vary from learner, employer and training provider. This contract requires university to university and also depended on the chosen field of the learner to be employed for the duration of the learnership. A study. learner is paid an allowance (not a salary) whilst in the learnership programme, this is just to cover expenses like food and travelling Nevertheless for one to qualify they must have successfully costs. Once the learnership programme is complete, the employer completed their matric, this is the primary requirement irrespective can decide on whether to continue to employ the learner or not. of what field you have chosen. The following steps will help you However, the skills and training a learner receives should place him/ qualify to study the chosen field for example BCom (Accounting), her in a better place to get employment should the employer end BSc (electrical engineering). the employment contract after learnership programme. Most universities require learners to write a National Benchmark The entry requirements differ from learnership to learnership. Please Test (NBT), these results together with your matric results will contact the learnership provider for full details on the specific entry determine whether you qualify to study at a particular university. requirements of the learnerships. (See Appendix C at the back of Below is information on NBT; the book for more details) • There are two tests, the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and the Mathematics (MAT). The AQL is written in a 8 3 POSTSCHOOL STUDY OPTIONS • three hour morning session. The MAT is written on the same academic support that may be required for successful completion day in a three hour afternoon session. of programmes. Results are also used by universities in course Each university and faculty determines which tests must be development, programme planning and placement decisions. written and the deadline to receive results. (Please check with university if you have to write this test to qualify for admission and for more information go to http://www.nbt.ac.za/). • The schedule of NBT National Test Sites is routinely updated to reflect changes in sites and number of seats available. Four The other important thing to be on the lookout in terms of meeting weeks prior to a test date, sites may be closed or additional the minimum requirements is your subject choice. For some course ones opened due to demand. you will be denied entry if you have Maths Literacy instead of Maths, You must be at the check-in desk by 7:30 AM on your so please be on the lookout for this, university brochure will give scheduled test date. you more guidance. • A Friday or Sunday session is offered each month at major test 3.3.2 The Points System • You are not allowed to write the AQL test on one day and the • sites to accommodate learners that cannot write on Saturday. MAT test on another. Once you have met the above minimum requirements it is important to see whether you meet the requirement to pursue your intended career, in terms of the Academic Performance Score (APS). These institutions use this system in selecting prospective • You must use your name as printed on your official ID when registering and when writing. Your ID will be checked before you are allowed to write on test day. • Registration dates and site specific; learners that do not report as scheduled must re-schedule and pay for the make-up test students. The preference of selection is from highest to lowest amount of points. So if it happens that your score is above the minimum points required but still find yourself not being selected which means that there are more people with a score higher than yours that have been selected. session. The NBTs were commissioned by Higher Education South Africa (HESA) with the task of assessing academic readiness of first year university students as a supplement to secondary school reports on learning achieved in content specific courses. Universities and universities of technology use the APS based on the Grade 12 results for final admission. Your grade 11 final results are normally used for provisional admission. Each institution uses its own discretion when award points. APS points are calculated using a scale from 1 to 7 see the allocation below; The NBTs assess the ability to combine aspects of prior learning in competency areas - Academic Literacy (AL), Quantitative Literacy (QL) and Mathematics (MAT) - that directly impact on success of first year university students. AL and QL are combined in the AQL test and written in a three hour morning session; the MAT is written in a three hour afternoon session. Both are administered under standardized testing conditions at sites across South Africa on designated ‘national’ test dates. The NBT reports results on a scale of 10-99 and by Benchmarks to better inform learners and universities about the level of 9 4 FUNDING OPTIONS U nfortunately in South Africa one has to pay to further Points Percentages 7 80 - 100 6 70 – 79 5 60 - 69 4 0 - 59 3 40 - 49 2 30 -39 Most companies and other organisations that offer bursaries use 1 0 - 29 the internet, newspapers and other print or electronic publications his/her studies at a higher learning institution. However, there are many funding options available such as bursaries, study loans and scholarships. 4.1.1 Bursaries in SA to advertise; so always be on the lookout. At time companies visits Example of Results Percentage Obtained APS Score English (First Language) 55% 4 Swati (Home Language) 70% 6 Accounting 60% 5 visit for bursaries; http://www.sabursaries.com/, www.careerwise. Maths 65% 5 co.za, www.puffandpass.co.za, http://careerhelp.org.za/ or www. Physical Science 55% 4 careersportal.co.za. Computer Studies 54% 4 Life Orientation 90% Total Score schools to issue bursary forms. We, as PAF, download the forms from the internet and send them to the schools we have on our database for distribution. Here are some of the website you can 0 Please also be on the lookout for bursaries from government 28 institutions and departments like Department of Labour, Agriculture, Health, Education, the National Treasury, etc. or So the above learner would have an APS score of 28. Please note Provincial Departments. The government normally uses its that Life Orientation is not included when calculating the APS score. provincial departments to issue bursaries, e.g. if you are from KZN the KZN Provincial Government will issue all information 3.3.3 Accredited South African Higher Education Institution. There are currently 23 public universities in South Africa. During the 2013 year the Minister of Higher Education announced two more universities to be established in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape. Accordingly, there will be 25 public universities. (See Appendix B for contact details) regarding bursaries. Now just like universities, there are requirements for one to qualify for a bursary, each bursary sponsor has its own . It’s important to know the requirements before applying. The good thing about a bursary is that there is no obligation to pay back the money and some bursary sponsors offer employment once you completed your studies. Among other requirements for you to qualify for a Check with the university of your choice for entry requirements and bursary you must have good and qualifying grades. if you require to write an NBT test. It’s advisable to start early when searching for bursaries ideally from February of the year before your tertiary studies, and you can apply to different bursary sponsors provided you meet the requirements. 10 4 FUNDING OPTIONS 4.1.2 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was set-up by government to help academically deserving and financially needy South African leaners to further their studies at public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges, Universities, and Universities of Technology. A NSFAS study loan or bursary is for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and / or cannot access bank Source NSFAS website, contact the NSFAS Call Centre on 021 763 3232 for more information. When applying for a NSFAS study loan at a university or university of technology, you’ll need to take the following documents with you: • Grade 12 certificate (or grade 11 results in case you are • Official identity document with barcode • Proof of parents’ latest income (e.g. pay slip, pension, grant or currently in grade 12). affidavit if the parents are unemployed) • registered for studies or at school) if they live in the same funding, study loans or bursaries. household If you’re: • still at school and figuring out how to fund further studies; • currently studying and needing funds to continue or further your studies; • a young adult wanting to study further but needing financial assistance; and • An employer who would like to find a way for his or her employees’ children to have brighter futures, then this. NSFAS does not allocate funds directly to students but here’s the plan: • First, apply at the educational institution where you are planning to study. Some institutions will issue you with an application for study together with an application for financial aid. You need to enquire from the institution about their processes and deadlines for both. Normally you must first apply and be accepted to study at thetertiary institution of your choice, thereafter apply for funding from NSFAS through the Financial Aid Office found at all University campuses. • Proof of registration of siblings (i.e. brothers, sisters who have Submit both applications to the institution and if you have any questions contact the Financial Aid Office (FAO) on campus who will: a. Evaluate your ability to succeed in your chosen study direction. b. Advise you about study loans and help you with the student loan application. c. Explain how you’ll access the money and repay your student loan d. Importantly, decide whether you qualify as a financially needy student who can be eligible for a study loan. • If you are disabled, you will need a letter from your medical • Letter of acceptance from institution (university, university of doctor showing proof of permanent disability technology.) Payments Terms for NSFAS You only start repaying the study loan once you start earning a salary. The repayments will be very affordable for you. Repayments of your study loan are based on the salary that you earn; starting only once your salary is R30 000 or more per year. Your payments start at 3% of your annual salary, increasing to a maximum of 8%when your salary reaches R59 300 or more. The reason for the study and the repayment is for student that have benefited from NSFAS to make funds available for other learners. Should you perform well at varsity a portion of the loan will be converted into a bursary that does not need to be repaid. Up to 40% of the loan may be converted into a bursary, depending on your year end results, which are re-evaluated every year after your first year of tertiary study. If you are unemployed after you have completed your studies you’ll need to provide written proof (in the form of an affidavit, valid for 3 months) to the NSFAS head office. A telephone call is not good enough. It is important to know that NSFAS will continue charging 11 4 FUNDING OPTIONS interest (very low) on outstanding balances so that we can preserve You must first apply, be accepted to study at the tertiary institution the original value of the loan. It is very important to start repaying of your choice, register at the institution thereafter can apply for your loan as soon as possible. Please stay in contact with NSFAS, funding from NSFAS. Whilst this is not the requirement for any making sure that information such as employment status, personal appropriate funding source i.e. bursaries or study loans. details such as address and telephone numbers etc. are up to date. The sections above ware included to help you understand the road For more information on NSFAS please visit http://www.nsfas.org.za. ahead and how to go about planning for it. We hope they were helpful and now you have an idea of what lies ahead of you. The NSFAS also administers bursaries for qualifications undertaken at an following section is aimed at sharing success stories of people that FET College. Bursaries for the Nated Certificate: Vocational and for have the same or similar background as you. This information was certain Nated (N) courses are available for qualifying learners. These collected from young people that have had the taste of success bursaries are awarded by FET Colleges and there is no employment which they received through education. Some of these young men conditions attached to them. Learners must apply for funding and women are from your communities. Some studied through through the FET College’s Student Support Centre) SSC. bursaries, some through NSFAS and others through both. It’s time to prove yourself so others can take comfort in making your dreams 4.1.3 Study Loans from Banks Most major South African banks grant loans to qualifying learners who want to further their studies. Please visit a branch of your local bank for more information. Before the bank grants you funding it will perform a credit check and will require your parents/guardian or older family member to stand surety meaning to guarantee that the loan will be repaid when u have completed your studies. Please take note that banks charge interest which is higher than what NSFAS charges. This will cause the initial amount you have 12 become a reality. “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.” Nelson Mandela 5. Young Professionals Profiled. borrowed to significantly increase. Always make sure that you and The following section includes young professionals whom have your parent/guardian fully understand the terms and conditions of been successful in their respective field of study. These professionals the loan before taking it. Never borrow money from unregistered share their success, trials and tribulations, they also share very financial service provides, or loan sharks/ mashonisa to fund your important information on their careers. Please take time to read the studies. The interest they charge is very high and could land you in relevant career section that you are interested in. The profiled fields huge financial problems. of study are; Commerce, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine and IT. CAREERS IN COMMERCE CHARLES B CELE CA (SA) P lace of birth: Port Shepstone (KZN South Coast) so I cannot pin point any challenges but I missed my family big High school: Marburg Secondary School time, I couldn’t visit them when I wanted to due to studying far Background: I had always dreamt of being a Chartered from home. Account (CA) since I was in grade 10. My challenge was that I had no finance but that didn’t deter me for achieving this dream. I come Memorable moment in your career: studying in Johannesburg and from a family of five siblings. My dad past away in 1998 and my BCom Accounting made me realize the endless opportunities that lied mother was unemployed by the time I was in grade 12. We were ahead of me. During my articles I met a lot of important and influential mainly supported by religious organizations. I was never going to people like Victor Sekese (CEO of SizweNtsalubaGobodo), Lesetsa give up on my dream so whilst I was in grade 12 I made bursary Kganyogo (former DG of National Treasury, now Deputy Governor of applications to various business organizations that offered financial the South African Reserve Bank) and lastly walking on the stage during support for student pursuing the CA career. I was fortunate to be my graduation to collect my degree was very memorable. funded by Thuthuka Bursary Fund for all my years of studying. This was a once in a life time opportunity so I made sure that I Advice on the profession/career: There is no easy way in life and completed my studies in record time. My fourth year of studying one must have direction, passion and self-motivation to achieve was the toughest, but I didn’t give up, I motivated myself and kept whatever he/she have set out for themself. Studying BCom going strong. The best thing about Thuthuka was the extra support Accounting is not easy thus one must work hard, your desire to I got other than money i.e. academic and life skills support. From succeed and passion for the profession must be more than that the time I completed my studies I never looked back and right now of financial reward. Let your career choice be driven by passion. In I’m enjoying the pleasures of being a CA. your final year of studies you will have to sacrifice a lot of things for you to pass since this is the most challenging and demanding year, Current job: Operations and Financial Manager: Jurgens Ci (Pty) Ltd so 95% of your time will be spent studying. Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BCom Why did you choose this career path? I loved working with money (Accounting -2007) & BCom (Accounting Honours- 2008) all at the and also working in the business environment. One day I want to University of Johannesburg be self-employed thus I knew that this career will make it easy for me to achieve this. I am very good at analysing financial statements Challenges during academic life: I was a very disciplined student and providing strategic advice on improving and maintaining 13 CAREERS IN COMMERCE operations. Lastly when I was at school I was very passionate about Management all these subjects are at entry level and one accounting and business management or what you may know as must strive to pass them at first attempt. Some on them are business economics. semester courses. 2. Information on the profession: For you to study for this degree you must have passed matric with an exemption or equivalent with Maths and English. Studying to become a CA takes seven Second year; Accounting, Financial Management with Costing Management, Auditing and Taxation. 3. Third year; same as above (Note subject structure may vary from university to university) years; three years of undergraduate that is for the degree, one year of honours degree, and three year of articles that is the practical Once you have completed your degree you will be required to training in a business environment. During the articles one has to complete your Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA). This write two national qualification exams set by the South African course focuses on Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Financial Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). The first exam is written Management. The course takes a minimum of one year and must in January of the first year of article and the second exam written in be completed at a SAICA accredited university. November the following year. Upon completion of the training and passing the two exams one is then a qualified CA. The degree is normally three years, depending on the institution you register each year is structured as following; 1. First year you will do, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Commercial Law, Financial Management and Business 14 CAREERS IN COMMERCE Isaah MHLANGA ECONOMIST P lace of birth: Limpopo University; therefore I had to encounter every university experience High school: Matseliso Secondary (Meadowlands, Soweto) first-hand. Second, the abundance of freedom to do almost Background: I completed my high school in 2005 at anything without anybody guarding me meant I had to manage Matseliso secondary in Meadowlands, Soweto, with distinctions my study time effectively on my own. Third, the volume of work was in Mathematics, Physical Science, English, Biology, Geography and way too much compared to high school experience. I managed to Xitsonga. I had no finance to further my studies, however, due get through all these because I was determined, first, to complete to good results I was offered a bursary to study at the University my studies so that I can be financially independent; second, to of Johannesburg. I enrolled for Economics and Econometrics in complete a university degree for just my personal satisfaction to be 2006 and completed the degree in 2008. I went on to study for an part of the ‘elite gang’. honours degree in Econometrics in 2009. In 2010, I started reading for a Masters in Financial Economics which I completed in 2012. Memorable moment in your career: I developed a deep love for econometrics and financial economics as I progressed in my In the movie the Great Debaters, Denzel Washington said “we do studies. I worked as a tutor for various subjects from first year to what we have to do in order to do what we want to do”, and when third year, a research assistant, and a part-time lecturer during my one stop learning, they die! Death is not my friend and I always studies. However, the highlights of my career were coming third in wanted to do mathematics, so currently I am studying for a Bsc the national Old Mutual and Nedbank budget speech completion - (Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science). I have which entitled me to attend the budget presentation in parliament always loved mathematics not only as a tool, but for the beauty in Cape Town, and getting my first professional job as an economist that it is. It is simply wonderful and awesome! at the IMF. I loved every minute I spent there, quite an eye opener on global economic issues. Current job: Economist at ABSA Capital. Advice on the profession/career: Economics has evolved to be Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BCom more quantitative driven these days. One must study mathematics (Economics and Econometrics) BCom (Econometrics) & MCom at least up to second year in addition to all the various economics (Maters in Financial Economics); all at the University of Johannesburg. courses such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, labour economics, and public policy. One can also major in Econometrics Challenges during academic life: I had a number of challenges which is an application of mathematical and statistical techniques during my study years. First, I was the first in my family to study at in analysing economic issues. 15 CAREERS IN COMMERCE A personal opinion for those aspiring to be an economist is that 2. Second year; Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, they must study Mathematics, Statistics, and Econometrics in their Development economics, Econometrics and other elective undergraduate. For those that enjoy technical work, computer science courses like investment management, accounting, and business management can also compliment their econometric modelling skills. Sure, I did not mention economics here, simply because when you have the right tools (Mathematics, econometrics and statistics) it is far easier to study 3. Third year; International Trade, Monetary Economics, Financial Economics, and Econometrics and understand economics at post graduate level. In honour’s, students can choose to major in Econometrics, Trade Information on the profession: For you to study for this degree you and Finance, Monetary and Financial Economics, Development must have passed matric with an exemption or equivalent with Maths economics or general economics. In masters, one can major in and English. Studying to become an economist takes about 7 years, Econometrics, Financial economics, or Economics. Masters studies 3 years for undergraduate degree, one year honours degree and two involve course work and a minor dissertation (original piece of year of master’s degree. There is no professional body for economists, research) or purely dissertation based. To be really an expert in a as such; there is no set academic requirement for economists, and particular area of economics or econometrics, one would do a PhD however, a master’s degree is the minimum qualification that prepares in either economics or econometrics, and this take a minimum of one to practise as an economist. three years doing original research that will make up a thesis. The degree is three years, and students take the following subjects: 1. First year you will do Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Commercial Law, Financial Management and Business Management all these subjects are at entry level and one must strive to pass them at first attempt. Some on them are semester courses. 16 CAREERS IN COMMERCE LINDOKUHLE B NKANYANE Careers In Commerce P lace of birth: Benoni (Daveyton Gauteng) High school: Willowmoore High School Background: I grew up in the dusty streets of Daveyton, with my dad unemployed and my mom being the bread winner on a teacher’s salary. It was not easy, but I told myself I would make something out of my life so I can live a better life than my parents. This vision of mine started as early as Grade 7 when I became a prefect and realised that being a hard worker truly pays off. I became a star in my parents’ eyes and to the broader community because of how I carried myself as a young girl. I paid no attention to alcohol and sex, which was the inthing once you got to high school. I was one of those who were labelled as “boring” but I had a vision, and that kept me going. No, I was not a perfect child but I was definitely a child who respected the elders and believed in God. I spent a lot of time reading the Bible at a young age and that is where I grasped this truth “where there is no vision, people perish”. So my vision was “I will live better than my parents” and I am happy to say that I am now 27 years old and I am definitely living better than my parents. My formula was Have a vision. Respect and Listen to your elders. Work hard, pay less attention on things that are not aligned to your vision. Rather be called boring”. Have something to believe in- I believe in God. I completed Matric in 2004, I started University in 2005- studied BCom Finance. After completing my degree in 2007, I was employed on the 2008 Standard Bank Graduate Programme. From there I became a Product Analyst and was promoted to Product Manager in Consumer cards, in March 2010. I worked at Standard Bank till October 2011. In November 2011 I started as a Product Manager in Corporate Cards at Nedbank and I love it. Current job: I am a Product Manager at Nedbank Head Office. I own a number of Products in the bank. Owning them means running them like a business, so I am involved in the Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Pricing, Sales and the Legal/Compliance activities of running these products. Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BCom Finance- UJ (2007), Programme in Business Management- UNISA (2012) and Masters in Business Leadership- UNISA SBL (Current) Challenges during academic life: It was not easy because for the first time I had to be responsible. Mommy and daddy were not there anymore so I had to learn to be responsible. Make decisions on my own. Be responsible with the little money that I received from home. The actual school work was not that difficult but it was a lot of work so it was all about managing your time wisely. When you get to tertiary you meet all kinds of people, so be careful who you befriend. Also, it’s okay to have fun but make sure you remember what you are there for, or else you may find yourself lost and time flying past you. Memorable moment in your career: A memorable moment for me was when I was promoted to manager at Standard Bank Head Office. 17 CAREERS IN COMMERCE Advice on the profession/career: Product Management is for those individuals who do not like specialised roles and those who can easily adapt to change as it constantly requires you to be innovative, and ahead of competitors. It is advisable to have a financial background because you also need to be analytical and understand financial statements. People skills are also quiet key because Relationship Management is one of your main roles as you interact with both internal and external clients of the bank. Why did you choose this career path: I chose it because I get bored quickly- I cannot do the same thing, the same way, every day. This means I am very good with general management and I am kind of a “jack of all trades”. I enjoy marketing, just as much as I enjoy analysing financial statements, so Product Management gives me exactly that. It is definitely not for people who like stable environments, as things are done differently all the time. Also I love people and I build excellent relationships quickly and easily. Information on the profession: I majored in the following subjects at varsity undergraduate level for the Degree; Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Investment Management and Financial Planning. Whilst for postgraduate (honours level); Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Credit Management, Strategic Management, Marketing and Human Resources Product Management cannot be entirely looked at as a profession on its own, because you must have some sort of background in order to understand the Product Management world. For example, 18 you must have studied Finance, Marketing, or Strategy to make it easier in your experience. It is one of those professions you cannot really pin-point a specific route that you need to follow, because it is a profession which is very general. What is important is that you must be a fast learner because you need to understand a company’s products quiet quickly. Product Management is for people who are also very entrepreneurial because once a portfolio is given to you, you run with it from beginning to end. It’s not easy to get into Product Management, straight from school but it is one of those roles that require you to prove yourself as an “all-rounder” once you are in a company. Product Management is found in almost all companies, because almost all companies exist because of a product they offer to clients. So there must be somebody who manages the product line. Examples of products in different companies: Banks: Credit Cards, Home Loans, Vehicle Finance are each products Telecommunications: Cell phones, Tablets, Network packages are all products Insurance Companies: Life Cover, Disability Cover, Investment Accounts are each products. These are just a few examples of products, but there are as many as the companies that exist in this world. CAREERS IN COMMERCE GEORGE SEPENG BUDGET ANALYST P lace of birth: Mamelodi (GP Pretoria) found a job for writing textbooks for economics once the book was High school: Vlakfontein Technical High School published I paid my own fees in the final year of studies. Background: I am from Mamelodi East (Gauteng) from a family of six. I did both my primary and secondary schooling in Memorable moment in your career: Studying a foreign subject Mamelodi. I completed my secondary schooling at Vlakfontein never got me thinking about being an Author one day and today Technical High school. I’ve always thought and dreamed of being a I am a published author of Economic Environment Student book Pilot when I was in grade 10. My challenge was that I had no finance FET NQF Level 4. This gave leverage in the current Job, wherein I but that didn’t deter me. I was never going to give up on my dream advise ministers of finance on economic matters on specific sector so whilst I was in grade 10 I learned all about the profession but no I work on. My most memorable moment was my first advise to one would fund my studies I made bursary applications to various the minister as an intern and the minister took action exactly as business organizations that offered financial support for students I advised based on research I did, this gave me a lot of credibility pursuing Engineering degrees. I was fortunate to be accepted in in the company and earned me the respect of my colleagues as a University however on condition that I do a commercial degree a result I was given a permanent job shortly after the news hit the funded by NSFAS Bursary for all my years of studying, I then Newspapers from the Minister. completed my degree in Economics. This was a once in a life time opportunity so I made sure that I complete my studies in record Advice on the profession/career: The only way you can enjoy time. My third year of studying was the toughest but I didn’t give any type of wealth is to work hard for it, once you have it just work up; I motivated myself and kept going strong. smarter to be the best and stay the best in whatever you do. Current job: Budget Analyst (National Treasury) Why did you choose this career path: I love analysis, investigating, solving riddles and problems with unconventional thinking Academic qualification and institution where obtained: B.Com methods sometimes even undocumented, the job is not restrictive (Economics 2009) at the University of Pretoria (UP) “tuks” or “tukkies” and allows me to work with numbers and write stories based on the numbers backed up by Policy understanding. When I completed Challenges during academic life: studying subjects that I did not my studies I knew I would want to change policies and improve the specialise in at high school and studying in general, finding finance South African legislation where I can, the Job gives the opportunity (money) for rewriting subjects I had failed as my bursar would to that. I am very good with mathematics and numbers this forms a not pay for these. This motivated me to look for a Job; I eventually big part of the Job and I enjoy it a lot. 19 CAREERS IN COMMERCE Information on the profession: For you to study the B.Com degree 2. you must have passed matric with an exemption or equivalent 2nd year: Mathematical Statistics, Economics theory and practical and Supply Chain management. with maths (60%) and English. Please note only pure mathematics and not maths literacy will gain you entrance. Studying for B.com Economics degree takes 3 years that is undergraduate qualification.. 3. 3rd year: Economics, Statistics and (Strategic Management OR Financial Management) To gain direct access to the analyst post you must be good at Microsoft excel and other analyses programmes and basically have Normally the undergraduate year is easy if one works hard, stays head for numbers and problem solving skills. Additional special focused and dedicated to the books, however some students training is also offered once in the professional environment as struggle especially at 2nd and 3rd year level. I must stress that it is there are different tools and material used to do your work. utmost important to stay focused at these levels. To pursue a career as a general economist you will need to enrol Once you have completed your degree you will be have the option for a B Com Economics degree at a South African University or any to continue to do an Honours degree of various specializations international University around the world. either in Statistics OR Economics theory or more computational economics. The degree is 3 years in South Africa and the subject’s breakdown is as follows: 1. 1st year: Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Commercial Law, Business Ethics, Business Management all these subjects are at entry level and one must strive to pass them at first attempt. Some of them are semester courses. 20 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING SINETHEMBA CELE METALLURGISTS P lace of birth: Ezingolweni (KZN Port Shepstone) Current job: Metallurgist (Anglo American Platinum) High School: Marburg secondary school This is science that deals with procedures and processes used in Background: I come from Ezingolweni, which is in a rural extracting metals from their ores, purifying and alloying metals, town of Port Shepstone, from a family of five. I did my primary and and creating useful objects from metals. Metallurgy is the study of secondary studies in Port Shepstone. I was not sure what I wanted metals, their properties and processes that can be used to change/ to have as a career up until I chose Physics. Our Physics teacher alter metal properties in bulk and at the atomic level. always said Chemical Engineers earn decent salaries. That inspired me to be a chemical engineer one day. My challenge was that I Academic qualification and institution where obtained: National was not that good in my studies; I was just an average student. This Diploma (Chemical Engineering-2007, DUT), BTech Chemical did not stop me from having a dream; I completed my matric and Engineering (2009, DUT), Advanced Graduate Program certificate got an opportunity to study chemical engineering at the Durban (2012) University of Technology. During my tertiary years, I had another dream of working for Anglo American, since they are were the Challenge during academic life: The challenge was taking the first mining giant, I wanted to become part of a significant organisation. step towards independence, gaining freedom and also at the same I have always wanted to have noticeable impact on what I do. time being expected to deliver on your studies. When I had completed my diploma Anglo American Platinum offered me in-service training and also gave me a bursary to do Memorable moment in your career: my memorable moment in my BTech degree,with a condition that after completion of my my career was in 2011, when we as a team made an improvement studies I had to work for them for the same number of years they at work, which increased revenue by close to a billion rand. had sponsored my studies. I completed my BTech degree at the Durban University of Technology and got enrolled in the Advanced Advice on the profession/career: The most important thing is to Graduate Program, which is offered through the collaboration look at your values, and choose a career which is in line with your between Anglo American Platinum and University of Cape Town. highest value. What is highest on your values you will be inspired After completion of the Advanced Graduate Program which was from within to do, whatever is lowest on your values you will need three years, I got appointed as a Metallurgist/Process Engineer. It motivation to do. Choose a career which is your play, so that it will has been a roller coast ride. never be a job to you but you will always be playing and having 21 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING SINETHEMBA CELE METALLURGISTS fun. When chilling out you will be doing exactly what you do, when Physical metallurgists study the behaviour of metals under stress you are on fire. Do not choose a career based on the salary it pays. and changes in temperature. They: • Why did you choose this career path? To be honest I chose this analyse the composition and structure of metals and their reaction to processes such as heat treatment career path for the wrong reasons, I looked at the lucrative salaries • run product and process development trials and didn’t look at my values. It is a great career with lot of challenges • help to investigate accidents, such as air crashes, where it is and rewards but it’s definitely not something I would want to do the rest of my life. It’s not my play but just a job. suspected that metallurgical failure could be a cause • produce reports on research, tests and investigations Process metallurgists who are concerned with: Information on the profession: Metallurgists study the properties and • shaping and joining metals performance of metals, such as iron and steel, and nonferrous metals, • selecting the best metal to use for a particular application such as aluminium, copper, lead, tin and zinc. Non-ferrous metals are • designing metal components - ranging from support those metals that do not contain iron. They are not magnetic and are structures for huge buildings such as airports, to tiny parts for usually more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals. Metallurgists may be: use in medical science • Chemical metallurgists deal with the extraction of metals from ores, 22 interpreting design drawings and working to precise specifications and investigate metal corrosion and fatigue (mainly working for a • mining company). They: Metallurgists work in areas such as research and development, • develop, improve and monitor the manufacturing process of design and manufacture, production management and quality steel and other metals control. They work in teams with other technical staff, as well as • develop ways to make metal better, stronger and more colleagues from areas such as finance, sales, marketing, and quality adaptable control and production management. They may also manage staff • devise methods to recycle waste metals and liaise with clients. A metallurgist’s role can vary enormously • use destructive or non-destructive testing to check that according to the needs of his or her employer. products and components meet quality and safety standards Source: http://growingambitions.tes.co.uk/printpdf/2695 advising on new products and designing prototypes CAREERS IN ENGINEERING TSHEKO KOPONG SYSTEM ENGINEER P lace of birth: Thembisa Memorable moment in your career: I enjoyed the campus High school: Tembisa High School environment, it was very peaceful. I was staying outside of campus Background: I was born and bred in Tembisa, one of the so I didn’t get to enjoy most of the campus activities, couldn’t join biggest township in South Africa. I did my primary and high school group societies but it wasn’t a big deal. I had my friends to socialize in this township. What motivated me throughout my school days with. The best moment would be the day I graduated with my was my participation in educational competitions held various parent’s watching me on stage being honoured. university institutions. In 2003 while I was in grade 11 I was awarded the best student of the year. I completed my Matric in 2004 and Advice on the profession/career: I urge students to know about passed with merit. I was fortunate to be awarded East Rand Youth subject choices they make at school level. I urge pupils to read or Trust bursary amongst other top students. listen as much as they could about what’s life after high school. I was always motivated about the life changing stories from people Current job: I’m working as a Broadcast System Engineer at who finished school before me. Pupils should visit high education Multichoice SA Pty (Ltd), the company that owns Dstv, Dstv Mobile, institution (universities, colleges, technikons, etc.) to get a feel of DTT amongst others. It’s my first permanent job in my career. My what’s happening there. hopes and dreams are to work as an engineering manager for a company that has an influence in South African international affairs. My profession is under the telecommunication industry. It can broaden from broadcasting, cellular communication, air traffic Academic qualification and institution where obtained: I studied control and providing bandwidth for real-time data transmission. One BSc Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University Of has to think about the vast opportunities that come with his choice of Johannesburg and completed in 2009. Currently studying my career. It is also not a bad idea to join an industry that still has a lot of Master’s in Engineering Management due to complete in 2013. room for growth (e.g. recycling and renewable energy, etc.) Challenges during academic life: My challenges were just personal, Why did you choose this career path: While studying electrical I lacked motivation at times. I was poor at time management. My engineering at varsity which was very broad, I developed an work was disorganized but I knew I had passion for what I was understanding about the concept of telecommunication and studying. Lack of co-operation amongst us as engineering students signal processing. I did my final year project on telecommunication resulted in work mismanagement. and did very well then decided to pursue a career in this field. 23 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING Information on the profession: Primary duties and responsibilities amongst others: There are internet sources to look at for this field of study- UJ site • (http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Faculties/engineering/departments/eeesci/ equipment in a Microsoft Windows environment to the coursesandprogrammes/Pages/BIng.aspx) this particular field takes four years to complete so it’s an honours degree. From there onwards Complete configuration, installation and support of specifications of client proposals • Troubleshoot and resolve computer and telephony related you can continue with a Master’s program while submitting reports issues when contacted by clients by providing both on-site to ECSA to become an accredited professional engineer. To become a and remote support Professional Engineer it takes 7 years prior first year of study. • Maintaining software applications, operating systems and regular maintenance. A Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting equipment • in a Microsoft Windows environment, from design through implementation and support. A System Engineer performs a deliver services in accordance with established objectives. • wide variety of installation, configuration and upgrading of investigation, diagnostic testing and repair/resolution of system, hardware, software and infrastructure. 24 Responding to inquiries from staff, administrators, service providers, site personnel and outside vendors and etc. to workstations, servers and related hardware and software in a LAN, WAN and stand-alone environment. A System Engineer provides Managing assigned projects and program components to provide technical assistance and support. • Supervising the administration of systems and servers related network to ensure availability of services to authorized users. CAREERS IN ENGINEERING JOHN MASEKO MECHANICAL ENGINEER P lace of birth: Daveyton (East Rand Johannesburg Gauteng) High school: Dinoto Technical Secondary Background: I grew up in Kwa-Thema, completed my primary education at Job Maseko Primary School, and then relocated to Daveyton where I continued my studies at the above mentioned School. Given the technical nature of the school, of the trades offered I chose motor mechanics as I then found no interest in neither electrical nor civil engineering. Seeing that I was more sports driven, my father hooked me up with a motor mechanic friend of his to limit my sporting activities, just for controls as we now know it. Amid my disapproval of my father’s intervention, I found myself in fathomless interest to dig deep into the science behind the impetus of a motor vehicle. That being the case, Mechanical Engineering was an easy choice. Having matriculated in 2005, I was one of the 11 fortunate scholars to have received a bursary from the East Rand Youth Trust (now called the Peermont Education Trust) sponsored by Emperors Palace to pursue a B.Eng (Mechanical) Engineering degree. After a plethora of sleepless nights, study-induced weight loss and exam inflicted doubt of self, I can now safely say, black child it’s possible. Current job: Mechanical Engineer, Sasol Synfuels Academic qualification and institution where obtained: B.Eng (Mechanical), UJ Challenges during academic life: I got sick during my 2nd year and failed a number of courses. I was however fortunate enough to be given another. The bursary administrators decided to give me a rare chance to redeem myself, and to my credit I did. Memorable moment in your career: seeing my design being actually implemented (in my previous job) and realising how big a structure I had developed was something to cheer about. I designed a lower mantle transport jig for an electrode to be transported to India for installation. It took me about 2 months to design the jig working alone, but consulting with senior engineers whenever I needed help. Advice on the profession/career: Working hard is the winning formula in most, if not all courses, and engineering is no exception. A mentor could also be a much needed catalyst. You tend to work even harder when you’ve got a person whom whose success brings about a burning desire in you to outdo yourself and emulate their success and more. Why did you choose this career path? I’ve always been fascinated by the function of the engine and how the sub-components thereof synchronise to produce enough power to move a structure bigger than itself. Doing Motor Mechanics at school and being largely exposed to the practical side of it made me realise I wouldn’t fit anywhere else but in engineering science. Information on the profession: C symbols for both Maths and Science. A better grade offers a better chance. It’s a 4 year degree but 5 is a norm. Mechanical Engineering encompasses a wide variety of applications amongst which design, manufacturing, maintenance, and project management are options. Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is not mandatory but is a common practice within many industries. Information regarding such registration can be found at www.ecsa.co.za 25 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING CORNELIA MANOKO PHALANE PROCESS ENGINEER P lace of birth: Polokwane, Limpopo Province Academic qualification and institution where obtained: B-Tech in High school: Flora Park Comprehensive High School Chemical Engineering, obtained at the University of Johannesburg. Background: I grew up in one of the townships around Polokwane called Seshego. I attended my primary school at Challenges during academic life: Well, gosh... I was never really a Boiketlo primary school in that township. Upon passing my grade party person and I believed in being true to myself. So I guess the 7, I went on to attend my High school at Flora Park Comprehensive most challenging thing about my varsity life was time management High School. Growing up, I did not know what I wanted to be. and prioritising. With a lot of stuff to be done all at once, one had to But I was fortunate enough to be in high school in an area where set their priorities in order and manage their time well. opportunities such as career guidance sessions where facilitated. No one was obliged to attend those, it was rather a personal choice Memorable mom ent in your career: One of my memorable that would see me grow and better myself. Going to varsity must moments has to be being involved and acquiring projects worth have been the scariest thing I ever had to do. Leaving home (my millions from mining companies such as Anglo Platinum. It always parents and siblings) and heading to a peculiar place where I was brings great joy when your efforts pay off when working on unfamiliar with anything or anyone but I knew the purpose of my certain projects and against so many advanced companies as your going there. First year I depended on my parents salaries for my competitors. tuition and accommodation fees as well as other necessities such as food and clothing. But it got too much because my siblings were Advice on the profession/career: It is not about where you come in tertiary as well. In my third year I applied for Edu-loan and was from but where you are heading. It’s about having dreams and accepted and that’s how I got to pay for my second year fees. Third seeing those dreams unfold before your eyes because of your year, I did my training with Anglo platinum I had to go back to passion, determination and self-motivation. school the following year for my fourth year to do my BTech. I got a Information on the profession: Chemical engineering is involved sponsor in that particular year. with the chemical exchanges that occur between substances in order for raw materials to be turned into products. Current job: Process Engineer-in-training at Outotec South Africa 26 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING Chemical engineering technicians and technologists focus on Typical job functions involve analyzing raw materials and final the chemical processes used in industry. They are therefore products, quality assurance, research and development, technical employed across a wide range of manufacturing environments sales and service, and production or process control. such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, iron and steel, food and beverages, and water and wastewater. Chemical engineering graduates can also focus their work on environmental management, as many of the processes that prevent In these industries, they investigate the nature of chemical releases into – and remove pollutants from – the environment are reactions, and are involved in process and equipment optimization chemical processes. commissioning and design, troubleshooting and problem-solving. 27 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING ZAMA MGAGA GEOLOGIST P lace of birth: Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape Challenges during academic life: I left home when I was 10 years High school: Marburg Secondary School (Port Shepstone, old to go study elsewhere. My mom was always adamant that we KZN) get a good education. Living away from home was never easy but Background: I was born into a big family. I have 3 brothers and 1 it was a great preparation for varsity. I learnt at an early age not to sister. My mom was a teacher and my dad sold insurance. I grew succumb to peer pressure, learnt to prioritise and most importantly, up comfortable but far from luxurious. I never knew what career I I learnt to choose friends that have the same ambitions as me. wanted but I knew I wanted to have many options. I worked hard throughout high school. I have very smart friends, it drove me to The thing that was most challenging in my academic life is keeping always give more and try harder. I matriculated with a distinction. focus. At times I would be easily defeated. Having had little I turned down a bursary from SAICA because I knew (after a SAICA knowledge of the subject growing up, it was difficult to adjust to sponsored winter school in grade 12) that I didn’t want to be an some of the concepts being taught. Taking the time to research accountant. Wits offered me a scholarship to study Electrical things and my refusal to fail drove me to give my best efforts. Engineering. To take the financial pressure off my parents, I jumped at the chance. Only 6 months into 2005 (my first year), I knew I Memorable moment in your career: The most memorable moment hated it. I spent the three months researching alternative careers in my career was being nominated for a position at out London in science (I knew I liked that). I eventually turned down an Eskom head offices. Though I eventually turned down the opportunity due bursary to start my 1st year in Geology in 2006. By the end of that to personal reasons, it was comforting and rewarding to know that year (through hard work and constantly applying) I had signed a my seniors noticed my work and were rewarding me for it. bursary contract with Anglo Platinum. Though without difficulty, it Advice on the profession/career: There are many fields of geology has been a great journey to get to where I am now. Being able to and many things to learn about it. Take the time to research what support myself and help my family is by far, my greatest success. best suits you and your personality. Love it so that you do not get bored. And if you do, find a way to evolve. Things are always Current job: Mine Geologist (Anglo American Platinum) changing; keep up to date with the trends. • Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BSc Scientist. Geology (Wits); BSc (Hons) Applied Geology (UWC) 28 Join professional organisations (e.g. Geological Society of South Africa, SACNASP etc.) to become a recognised Natural • Mentorship is vital • Find a coach that inspires you to learn CAREERS IN ENGINEERING • Always ask questions, it’s the only way to extract knowledge Information on the profession: Geology is the science comprising and wisdom from others the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history Why did you choose this career path: Growing up I have of the Earth, as it provides the primary (scientific) evidence for plate always wanted to explore a technical career with prospects for tectonics (movement of the earth’s crust) the evolutionary history of specialisation. I was fortunate to be in university at a time where life, and past climates. few black women were venturing into the mining industry. I opted for geology as it offered me the opportunity to be in the mining In modern times, geology is commercially important for industry, add value and still allow for me to explore it without • mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and restricting me to production activities only. • for evaluating water resources; • is publicly important for the prediction and understanding of Right now I work on underground (production geology) doing mapping of reef horizons and grade control. I also manage the mine’s natural hazards, the remediation of environmental problems, and • providing insights into past climate change; geological/drilling database. A well-managed database is essential for grade modelling. Our grade models are used to estimate and Geology plays a role in geotechnical engineering; and is a major declare the value of mining still left in our mine. It is therefore used academic discipline. in mine planning (design & scheduling). Modelling of geological disturbances also helps us to ascertain which portions of our mine have reasonable prospect of eventual economic extraction. 29 CAREERS IN ENGINEERING KAGISO MOTLHASEDI ENVIRONMENTAL P lace of birth: Segwaelane Brits (North West) High school: Thaba-Morula High School Background: I am from a small village 27 km from Brits, I attended my Primary school at Segwaelane primary and completed my matric in 2007 at Thaba-Morula high school. My mother was a domestic worker and my father has been unemployed since I was in Grade four, my mother always told us that though she was a domestic worker she did not want any of her children to be domestic workers and encouraged us to work hard at school, I applied for financial aid (NFSAS) and started my degree in Life and environmental sciences which I majored in Geology and geography at the University of Johannesburg in 2008 and completed in 2011. Although it was hard as I could not have all the things that every student would love to have, my background kept me going I knew where I came from and I knew where I was going and would not let my financial conditions get in the way of my success. It was not easy I could only afford to buy clothes once a year nevertheless I held on. I received a bursary in 2012 and started my honours degree in environmental sciences at UNISA. One thing I have learned is that your background does not define you as an individual, you can be whatever you want to be regardless of where you come from; I did it so can you! 30 Current job: Environmental compliance officer (WasteXpress) Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BSc in life and environmental sciences with specialization in geology and geography (2011) at the University of Johannesburg. Currently doing my BSC honors degree in environmental sciences at UNISA. Challenges during academic life: I could not afford to buy a lot of things, I could only buy those which were needed and could not even afford to go to the movies or out for fun. Memorable moment in your career: I met the most amazing people, we were like family, and geology fieldworks were so amazing, I got exposed to different environments and travelled a lot which was very exciting for me. Advice on the profession/career: you need to be passionate, driven and a hard worker, most people drop out of school not because they are dumb but because they get to the new environment lose discipline and fail to keep their eyes on their goals. The student life is fun but patience, diligence and discipline are the key characteristics. I would also advise you to do your honours degree it is difficult to get a job in the geology field if you do not have an honours or studying through a bursary. Do not specialize; companies nowadays would rather have someone who can do various roles than hire a specialist particularly in environmental management, being versatile enhances your chances of employment. Bursaries in geology or environmental management can be obtained from companies like Lonmin platinum, Anglo Platinum, Mintek, Eskom, PHB Billiton etc. Also apply for voluntary jobs during school holidays this will help you acquire more skills and experience and thus enhancing your chances of employment. Why did you choose this career path? I have always been an environmental person, a conservationist; I am one person who believes that we need to take care of the environment so that it can take care of us. Environmental science is the best academic choice that I have ever made. Each development whether good or bad will have to some degree an impact on the environment it is up to us to make sure that the choices we make today does not compromise the future generations. I believe that it is my calling; I could not have chosen any other path but this one. CAREERS IN ENGINEERING Information on the profession: Geology: Geologists are scientists who study the matter that makes up the Earth. They also study the Earth’s history and the processes that have formed it. Geologists apply chemistry, biology, physics and other sciences to their work in the field and research in laboratories. Important subjects related to geology include physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics and computer science. Higher level courses related to geology include mineralogy, hydrogeology, sedimentology, palaeontology, physical geology and structural geology. Geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping skills are also important to geologists. Geologists are usually logical thinkers, good problem solvers and enjoy working outdoors. Those who choose geology as a career may work for private firms, non-profit organizations, academic institutions or governments. There are a large variety of disciplines geologists may specialize in including marine geology, pedology, volcanology, metamorphic petrology, geochemistry and geophysics. Geologists may study the behaviour of rocks, magnetic principles, rock formations, groundwater, the ocean floor, fossils, oil exploration, volcanoes etc. one needs to do Mathematics and Physical sciences in matric and obtain at least 60% in order to be able to get University entrance. Environmental Scientists: On a typical day an environmental scientist’s tasks might include: Environmental scientist collects environmental data, for example pollution emission measurements or water samples. Analyse data to determine its quality and scientific significance, and looks for correlations between human activities and environmental effects. Reviews environmental policies, regulations and guidelines to make sure they meet appropriate requirements. They are involved in Planning and conducting research into the physical and biological nature of the environment. Other Tasks includes: • Undertaking laboratory work. • Monitoring the environmental impacts of development activities. • Conducting research and prepare proposals to minimize the impact of industrial, agricultural and urban processes on the environment. • Developing conservation plans. • Investigating and reporting on breaches of environmental guidelines. • Running community education programs. • Assisting with environmental emergencies, such as chemical spills and accidents. • Analyzing pollutants, identifying their sources and assessing their effects on the environment • Monitoring the effects of pollution and land degradation, and recommending ways of prevention and control. • Rehabilitating land, water and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation or pollution • Researching matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments and communities, such as the impact of land clearing on native animals and the impact of waste products on waterways • Negotiating with, and providing advices to, industry, government and the public on environmental matters, such as the management, re-use or disposal of hazardous materials • Assisting in developing environmental policies, strategies and codes of practice • Conducting environmental audits. One needs to do Mathematics and Physical sciences in matric and obtain at least 60% in order to be able to get University entrance. 31 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROFILED RETHABILE MASHALE PROGRAMME OFFICER P lace of birth: Matatiele, Eastern Cape able to use computers to produce essays and submit work online. High school: Constantia Waldorf School, Cape Town Background: I was born in Matatiele and grew up in Memorable moment in your career: Getting my first thank you Khayelitsha, Cape Town. I was fortune enough to have parents who letter from a client I had counselled when I was in second year to really cared about the quality of my education and who sacrificed thank me for shaping the woman she had become. everything for me to attend private schools. For my primary education I went to Micheal Oak Waldorf School and then did my Advice on the profession/career: Studying Social Work is high schooling at Constantia Waldorf School, both in Cape Town. I demanding both in terms of time and emotional resources. No then went on to pursue a BSocSc in Social Work at the University of one tells you that you have field practicums from first year and that Cape Town. I now hold an MSoSc in Policy and Management with you have to write 20 page process reports for each client, as well as a focus in Monitoring and Evaluation of development projects. I still attend all classes and tutorials, submit the essays and tutorial was fortunate enough to not have to seek funding for my studies materials. It is taxing on any individual and I wish I had been better as my parents had saved ample money to pay for my tuition for prepared. my undergraduate degree but have had to source funding for my postgraduates degrees. I was fortunate as I had bursaries obtained Why did you choose this career path? I have a deep passion for for academic merit for my Honours and Masters as well as a people and an interest in community development. I knew that if I developmental scholarship from the university. wanted to make a difference, I needed to study a career path that gave me statutory rights as well as being diverse enough for me to Current job: Programme Officer, The Learning Trust work in any field I desired. Academic qualification and institution where obtained: an Information on the profession: In accordance with current South MSoSc in Policy and Management, University of Cape Town African practice, professional Social Work education and training is offered through a four-year generic curriculum. 32 Challenges during academic life: There are numerous challenges The four (4) year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree complies faced by first time students at higher education institutions. My with the requirements of the Council for Higher Education (CHE) main challenges were the style of teaching was incredibly different and the South African Council for Social Service Professions. All to what I was used to, the way lecturers/tutors interact with students social work methods are taught. In addition, attention is paid to was foreign to me. There were also issues around access and being social research, social legislation, administration and management, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROFILED social development and social policy and planning. of social service agencies, both statutory and voluntary. More Special emphasis is placed on meeting South African and more broadly information about requirements and courses can be found on African wide social development needs. The teaching of theory is page 32 of http://www.humanities.uct.ac.za/usr/humanities/apply/ augmented by a comprehensive series of field instruction programmes. undergrad/2012UG_%20handbk9a_final.pdf These programmes operate in close conjunction with a large number 33 CAREERS IN HUMANITIES Weaven NGOBENI CANDIDATE ATTORNEY P lace of birth: Tzaneen (Limpopo Tzaneen) man, I was involved in politics and my involvements brought a High school: Mbhekwani High School lot of popularity and at the same time got me into trouble. Peer Background: I was born and bred in Tzaneen. I did pressure, alcohol and woman were my other challenges. my primary at Favasi Primary, Secondary at Lwandlamuni and Matriculated at Mbhekwani High School in 2007. Growing up, I Memorable moment in your career: Open day organised by the was very much a copycat, I wanted to be a policeman, the next university which they invited Mother Body Black Lawyers Association. thing I wanted to be is a Teacher, but all that changed when I was Nationally along with Magistrates, Judges and Prosecutors to come and doing my grade 11, because, back in the villages, I witnessed acts of share what’s happening outside University. That was an eye opener for injustice time and again and did not know what to do given the fact me as I got to hear what I will be doing once I’m out of varsity. that I knew nothing about how our justice system works. Advice on the profession/career: 90% of being a lawyer is writing God answered my prayers I passed my Matric with exemption, but contracts, briefs, proposals and settlement offers. Being an effective I hadn’t applied at university, so was forced to go to UJ and studied writer makes you a better attorney. I must put it clear that life as Sociology but something kept bugging me, that ‘Weaven, this is a practicing attorney is nothing like what you see on television. not what you supposed to be doing’. In 2009 I enrolled for a LLB There are so many misconceptions about what attorneys do. On degree with the University of Limpopo, God answered again, they television the attorneys are in the courtroom most of the time, and accepted me. During my four years of doing LLB, I was determined it’s all very exciting. In reality, even if you’re a litigator, you’re not in and eager to learn, I joined several organisations effective from my court that often. Most of the time you are sitting at your desk. first level, including BLAsc amongst others, where I even served as So those considering a career in law should spend time at a law firm Secretary General of Black Lawyers Association student Chapter and talk with attorneys to find out what their life is really like. during 2011 until my final year. This is an all-consuming profession. The demands are very strong, particularly early on. You need to schedule time for a vacation, Current job: Candidate Attorney (Silinda Mokoena Attorneys). schedule time with your family. You need to find that balance, and the only person who can do that for you is yourself. Academic qualification and institution where obtained: LLB (LAW You need to think hard and make sure it’s what you want to do. If -2012) University of Limpopo “Turf loop Campus”. you’re really interested, go for it. You don’t have to practice law, you can go into other areas ¬— a law degree can open doors. Challenges during academic life: I was a very mischievous young 34 CAREERS IN HUMANITIES Why did you choose this career path? I liked to argue and I like The Degree is 4 years, doing the following courses; writing so law seemed like an appropriate choice. After a lifetime 1. First year you will do, African Law, Law of persons, Legal of struggling, I wanted the struggle to stop. I want to financially communication A, History of South African Law A and B, support myself and my family. My dad actually wanted me to be Introduction of South African Law A and B, Family Law, Legal an astronaut but I was too short to enter the program. Since I liked Communication B, Monitoring and evaluation , and all these to argue, people said I should become a lawyer. In middle-school I subjects are at entry level and one must strive to pass them at decided to become a lawyer. first attempt. 5 per semester, 10 all in all. Information on the profession: For you to study the Baccalaureus 2. Second year; Contract A and B first and Second Semester, Legum “LLB” Degree you must have passed Matric with an Business Entities, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Criminal exemption or equivalent with (60%) English. To be in a possession of Law Procedure, Constitutional Law, Law of Property, and African Law B, Labour Law and Administrative Law Law Degree, it takes 4 years, after which you either go to Law School “that’s Practical Legal Training” for six months to enable you to find 3. Third year; Interpretation of Statutes, Law of Evidence A and B, Tax Law, Articles in time, by virtue of being in possession of Law School Certificate, simply saying you will serve articles for one year and sit for your Attorneys Admission Exam, “Board Exam” set by Law Society Law of Insurance, Law of Delict, Law of Succession, Negotiable of South Africa, after your Board Exam then you can be Admitted as Instruments, Law of Insolvency “Bankruptcy” and Civil an Attorney, Alternatively after you’ve completed your LLB Degree, Procedure A and B. you can serve your articles for two years and write your Board Exam without going to Law School, note the difference, if you go to law 4. Fourth level; Administration of Estates, Banking Law, school, you’ll serve Articles for one year but if not you’ll have to Jurisprudence A and B, serve for two years. If you to become an Advocate you, have your Social security, Mining and Environmental Law, Commercial LLB Degree, you go serve Pupillage with Advocate for a period of a disputes Resolutions, Conflict of Laws, Practical Legal course A one year and sit for BAR Exam for Advocates, after you a qualified as and B, Research it’s a year course, and Advanced Labour Law. an Advocate, and as for Prosecutor, with your LLB Degree, you can apply to the National Prosecuting Authority, train for 8 months, then (Note this was the structure adopted by University of you become a Junior Prosecutor. Limpopo). 35 CAREERS IN MEDICINE KEOLOPILE MAKGAMATHE MEDICAL DOCTOR P lace of birth: Mafikeng celebrations and life-changing events. You will work long hours and High school: International School of South Africa days. You will work nights and weekends and public holidays. You Background I am the youngest of 6 children and from the will do things called “calls” – which in most hospitals/clinics means small and dusty town of Mafikeng. I am very fortunate in that my that you work all day and night and might only get to go home the parents placed giving my siblings and I a proper education above next afternoon. everything and they supported me fully throughout my studies. I choose to study medicine because I believe that getting our nation You will never stop learning. New diseases are discovered and healthy is one of the key ways to build this country into a great new treatments are made so you always need to be studying and African powerhouse. reading to keep up to date. You will work hard not only because of the type of work you do but because our health system is battling. Current job: Medical Doctor at One Military Hospital You will get frustrated by policies and lack of resources. You will have days where you really wonder why you do the work you do Academic qualification and institution where obtained: MB ChB and there will be days you want to stop. (2011) – University of Cape Town And then every now and then a patient will thank you for taking Challenges during academic life: Being far from home and having the time to listen and help. Every now and then a patient you saw to adjust to life in Cape Town. Having good friends helped a great months ago will stop you in the street and thank you for helping deal – so choose your friends wisely. them, you won’t recognise them because they will look much better than when you first met them...but they will remember you. Memorable moment in your career: Seeing a patient that I helped 36 care for, walk out of hospital looking like a picture of health after Those good moments will make this job worthwhile because they will surviving a very serious illness. help you remember that you make a difference in people’s lives every day. Advice on the profession/career: This is nothing like Grey’s If you can, spend a few weeks in a clinic or hospital with doctor or Anatomy or House or anything you see on TV. Medicine is an all- nurses to see if this is the time of work that you would want to do. consuming profession. You will give up many things during your Also talk to your GP or any doctors you know to get information and studies and your career. You need to be very certain before you start advice – don’t be afraid to ask questions. that it is really what you want to do. You will miss family and friends’ CAREERS IN MEDICINE Information on the profession: For you to study medicine, you After you have finished community service you can apply to any need to have done Math, English and Physical Science in Grade 12. medical school to train as a specialist – this means that you focus It is also an advantage to have been involved in sports, arts and on only one part of medicine. The training to become a specialist culture or community service but it is not a requirement. takes 4 -6 years depending on what you want to do. After the initial specialist training, you can then go further to do a super-specialty You need to apply early. The universities close their applications for where you focus on a particular aspect of what you trained in for medical degrees around June. If you do not get into medicine in those 4-6 years. When you specialize or super-specialize you are your matric year, you can re-apply after starting or finishing another working and studying at the same time. degree. The medical degree in South Africa is the MB Chb or MBBch – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Example: Tumi decides to do medicine at UCT in 2015. She studies for 6 years in Cape Town and gets her MBChB. After graduation, she works at There are currently 8 medical schools in South Africa namely; UCT, for 2 years as an intern and 2 years as a community service doctor. Tumi Wits, Stellenbosch, WSU and UP offer 6 year programs. Medunsa, then decides she wants to train to be a doctor for only children, so she UKZN and University of the Free State (UOFS) offer 5 year programs. trains for another 4 years to be a Paediatrician (specialist doctor who It does not matter which medical school you go to as internship looks after children). After qualifying as a Paediatrician, Tumi decides and community service will even out any differences and will be she wants to focus on only the heart; she then trains for 1-2 years as the time to identify your weaknesses and work on them. a Paediatric Cardiologist (specialist doctor who focuses on children’s hearts). She can then work also as a normal doctor or a Paediatrician or Once you graduate from medical school, you have to do two Paediatric Cardiologist. years of internship and one year of community service. During those three years you can only work in the public sector under the supervision of senior doctors at certain hospitals. After community service you are free to work wherever you wish. Community service could be extended to two years starting from 2015. 37 CAREERS IN IT NDIPHIWE DLOMO SYSTEM DEVELOPER P lace of birth: Murchiso Port Shepstone KZN Academic qualification and institution where obtained: BSc High school: Nkonka High School Computer Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Background: Together with my cousins we were a raised Challenges during academic life: Apart from a lack of strong by my grandmother, whom we were very fortunate to have. She financial support, I may have had a love for computers but my was the head of uMdlazi Primary School so we were fortunate to knowledge for computers and my education background could have a strong hand forcing us not only to go to school, but to also not have prepared me for this programme. By its nature Computer love school. Lot of expectations were upon us to pass and do well, Science is a highly technical programme which introduces students which we did. Murchison is a semi-rural place and my school was as to computer architecture, programming, networking, databases under resourced like the rest, we were forced to work very hard and and mathematics. I managed to pass my matric with exemption which guaranteed me entry to any University in South Africa. I battled through each module but the zeal and ambition to do well prevailed and I managed to pass with good scores to average just I must point it out that I did grade 11 and 12 with no guardian above 60% from computer modules alone excluding mathematics or elderly supervision whatsoever, my grandmother retired and from where I had failed some modules, which I went on complete moved to the Eastern Cape (Bizana) before I completed my well on my fifth year. I did lack key resources and study materials in schooling. I managed through by the grace of God to lead me and the form of prescribed books, had to rely mostly on lecture notes. push myself to do well at school. Financially I was well supported Due to my financial challenge I never manage to get the best whilst at high school. available accommodation (for study purposes) so I had to settle for whatever the university could find for me. Having developed the love for computers I was determined to further my studies so I enrolled at University of Durban Westville Memorable moment in your career: My career has been largely in (now UKZN) and was accepted for Bachelor’s Degree in Computer the consulting space, which by its nature allows one to travel, be Science. Finances for university were a different story, the university exposed to different client environments. The thrill is to be able to assisted me in completing my studies and I will forever be grateful go to a new place and be confronted with a new challenge and be for this. able to reason and map the best solution for the client. Advice on the profession/career: The challenge with these highly 38 Current job: System Developer specializing in Oracle JD Edwards specialised IT sectors such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Development Business Intelligence tend to be vendor biased, because they are CAREERS IN IT based on systems developed and licensed by a specific vendor, as a service and found Alliance ERP Consulting. I sent through my as such no public institution or school is able to provide training CV and they contacted me back and offered me a position of ERP on these. Our education can only give fundamentals and basics developer, Oracle JD Edwards Developer to be specific. to which these systems comply to. It is therefore important from the beginning for a person when thinking of an IT programme to I have been with this company since late 2008 and this has exposed research and be advised accordingly to be able to choose modules me even to more products offering by Oracle. or short courses accordingly. On top of that a person will then Information on the profession: Without knowledge of these have to hunt down companies that are either providing certified software giant’s such Oracle, SAP, Microsoft and etc., it’s almost training to these systems, or those offering consulting services then near impossible for anyone to choose a career on his own, except a person can have exposure. through applying with a university certificate with hope to get a job. Then be at the mercy of the employer where exactly one is It’s hard to find companies that are using these systems as opposed placed. If one is lucky they will get opportunities from companies to selling and consulting on them. that are either using or consulting on these systems. Why did you choose this career path: I started my career as an But once one is in, it is important to move with the flow because Educator, then IT Helpdesk Support consultant and I quickly technology is not standing still. Hence software must adjust realised that was not for me, and took it upon myself to see what with times. As more technologies are developed by leaders of career opportunities are out there for IT graduates. In my searches these industries those working in this sector should take it upon I came across a requirement for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) themselves to acquire skills so to remain highly marketable. It is also knowledge. I then took my search up to read up about ERP and this very important to stay in one product for a long period as this will became more appealing for a career to me than what I was doing. make one become an expert and this will eventually rewarded well. I then went on to search for companies providing ERP consulting 39 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CAREERS IN IT PROFILED TIYISELANI NTIMBANE BUSINESS ANALYST P lace of birth: Mavele Village (Tzaneen Limpopo) University of Technology, BTech Degree: I.T Software Engineering High school: Vasasele High School – Tshwane University of Technology and Post-Graduate Certificate Background: I was born in Mavele, just a normal village (NQF-7): Business Analysis - Rhodes University boy who went through all activities typical to all village boys. These included herding goats and cattle for my father. Started primary Challenges during academic life: Coming from a poor background school in 1994 at Mavele Primary School, progressed to Makhanani was the biggest challenge as friend expected that I live up to their and then to the old Sevengwani Secondary School at the age of 12. standard of living. At this time I started to become fascinated about technology and what it does to improve people’s lives. By the time I matriculated at Memorable moment in your career: The most memorable moment Vasasele High School, I knew my career lied within the Technology of my career was walking down the stage on my graduation day space. I went to University to do my first qualification in Information and see the happiness in my mother’s eyes because she could Technology and Computer Sciences. Coming from a poor foresee the bright future I had having obtained that degree. background my parents could not afford to pay for my studies. But I always believed that where there is a will, there is a way; I am a Advice on the profession/career: You can become anything that testimony to that because I completed my studies with no money. you want to be by using the law of attraction and working towards I got accepted because of the good marks I attained at matric level your goal. It starts with what you are currently doing now, is must and I was given a study loan by NSFAS for the first year. I passed be aligned to what you want to become tomorrow. my first year extremely well and the University gave me a Dean’s commendation award, which paid for my studies for my 2nd year. I Why did you choose this career path? At a young age, I had this completed my qualification in record time and was given a bursary overwhelming fascination with technology and gadgets. At the age by Eskom to further my studies to a post-graduate level which I also of 10, I would set up television stations for my neighbours, configure completed in record time. From a poor family to where I am now, cell phone settings and download content from the internet before it was not because of my strength, but because I had a will and my kids my age even knew what the internet is. From that time, it God created the way. became clear to me my career lied within the technology space and to get a career in that competitive space, I had to get a solid Current job: Business Analyst – Eskom Group IT educational foundation. Academic qualification and institution where obtained: 40 National Diploma: I.T Software Engineering – Mangosuthu Information on the profession: The career I am in is very broad. In CAREERS IN IT IT alone, there are more than 10 different types of roles a person can Sciences. Requirements for the Diplomas are a pass in Matric with at pursue. It is a matter of choosing what part of IT fascinates you more. least a Diploma plus an above average pass in Mathematics. Consult There are technical elements in IT for those that love logic, there are university prospectus/website for specific information. artistic elements in IT for those who like drawings and diagrams, there complex aspects of IT for those who love IT, there are business elements Qualifications to enrol for and institutions: in IT for those who prefer non-technical work. Wherever you may fit in, • a career in IT is always fascinating and challenging at the same time. BSc Degree in Computer Science, National Diploma in ITBCom, Degree in IT or Information Systems and BCom Degree in Some of the qualifications and career prospects in IT listed below: Informatics • Possible careers: Software Developer/ Programmer, Database Below is a list of courses to enroll for in order to get a solid foundation Administrator, Business Analyst, Software Tester, Field Service for a career in IT, Software Engineering and Computer Sciences. The Engineer, minimum entry requirements for the degrees are a Matric pass with Information Officer (CIO), IT Auditor, etc…. Enterprise Architect, System Analyst, Chief Bachelor plus an above average pass in Mathematics and / Physical 41 APPENDIX A FET COLLEGES IN SOUTH AFRICA COLLEGE NAME ADDRESS CONTACT Cnr Lukin Road & King Street Telephone: (043) 722 5453 Selborne East London Fax: (043) 743 0116 Eastern Cape Buffalo City FET College Email: [email protected] website: www.bccollege.co.za/index East Cape Midlands FET College Cnr Cuyler & Durban Street Telephone: (041) 995 2000 Uitenhage (041) 995 2008 website: www.emcol.co.za Ikhala FET College Crn Robinson Road & Zeiler Street Telephone: (047) 873 8835 Queenstown Fax: (047) 873 8844 website: www.ikhalacollege.co.za Ingwe FET College Cancele Road Mt Frere Eastern Cape Telephone: (039) 255 0346 Fax: (039) 355 0532 King Hintsa FET College Factory No 1234 Acrytex Building Telephone: (047) 401 400 Crane Road Butterworth Fax: (047) 491 3730 King Sabatha Dalindyebo FET Engcobo Road c/n Cicira, Eastern Telephone: (047) 505 1001/2 College Cape Fax: (047) 531 3297 Lovedale FET College Amatola Row, King William’s Town Telephone: (043) 604 0705 Fax: (043) 643 3838 website: www.lovedalecollege.co.za Port Elizabeth FET College 139 Russell Road Port Elizabeth Telephone: (041) 481 2171 Fax: (041) 481 7111 website: www.pecollege.edu.za Free State Flavius Mareka FET College Cnr Hertzog Road & Fraser Street Telephone: (016) 976 0829 Sasolburg Free State Fax: (016) 973 1618 Goldfields FET College 36 Buren Street Flamingo Park Telephone: (057) 910 6000 Welkom Fax: (057) 392 1082 Email: [email protected] website: www.gfc.za.net Maluti FET College Motheo FET College Mampoi Street Phuthaditjhaba Telephone: (058) 713 3048 Qwa-Qwa Fax: (058) 713 6492 73 Douglas Street Bloemfontein Telephone: (051) 411 2000 Fax: (051) 406 9340 / 0340 42 APPENDIX A FET COLLEGES IN SOUTH AFRICA Kwazulu-Natal Coastal KZN FET College No 50051 Old main Road Telephone: (031) 905 7000/1 Kwamathutha Fax: (031) 905 1399 Email: [email protected] website: ww.coastalkzn.co.za Elangeni FET College 15 Portsmouth Road Pinetown Telephone: (031) 716 6700 Fax: (031) 716 6777 Email: [email protected] website: www.efet.co.za Esayidi FET College Lot 462 Nelson Mandela Drive Port Telephone: 039 684 0110 Shepstone Fax: 039 684 0280 Email: [email protected] website: www.esayidifet.co.za Majuba FET College 83 Allen Street Newcastle Telephone: (034) 326 4888 / 326 4596 Fax: (034) 326 4889 / 4855 website: www.majuba.edu.za Mnambithi FET College 77 Murchison Street Ladysmith Telephone: (036) 637 4782 Fax: (036) 631 4146 Mthashana FET College 266 South Street Vryheid Telephone: (034) 980 1010 Fax: (034) 980 1012 Thekwini FET College 262 Daintree Avenue Asherville Telephone: (031) 250 8200/ 250 8400 Fax: (031) 250 8244 / 261 8522 website: www.thekwinicollege.co.za Umfolozi FET College Naboomnek Arboretum Telephone: (035) 902 9501 Richardsbay Fax: (035) 789 2585 Email: [email protected] website: www.umfolozicollege.co.za Umgungundlovu FET College 44 Burger Street Pietermaritzburg Telephone: (033) 341 2100 Fax: (033) 345 9893 / 086 631 3657 Email: [email protected] website: www.ufetcollege.co.za Limpopo Capricorn FET College Cnr Dort & College Street Polokwane Telephone: (015) 291 3115/8 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]< /a> www.capricorncollege.co.za 43 APPENDIX A FET COLLEGES IN SOUTH AFRICA Lephalale FET College Letaba FET College Cnr Nelson Mandela & Ramatlhodi Telephone: (014) 763 2242 Street Onverwacht website:www.lephalalefetcollege.co.za No 1 Claude Wheatley Street Telephone: (015) 307 4438 / 5440 Fax: (015) 307 2204 Tzaneen Email: centraloffi[email protected] website: www.letabafet.co.za Mopani South East FET College Sekhukhune FET College Cnr Combretium & Haarlem Telephone: (015) 781 1377/ 5721/5 Fax: (015) 781 Phalaborwa 5346 Stand no 676 Motetema Telephone: (013) 269 0278 Fax: (013) 269 0450 Email: [email protected] website: www.sekfetcol.org Vhembe FET College 203 Sibasa Unit A Sibasa Telephone: (015) 963 3156 Fax: (015) 963 3154 / 3157 Email: [email protected] / admission@ vhembefet.org.za website: www.vhembfet.org.za Waterberg FET College 36 Hooge Street Mokopane Telephone: (015) 633 6770 / 1/2/3/ 491 8581/8602 Fax: (015 ) 491 8579 / 633 6589 Email: [email protected] website: www.waterbergcollege.co.za Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni FET College 29 Bell Street Nelspruit Telephone: (013) 752 7105/741 3016/7 Fax: (013) 752 4902 website: www.ehlanzenifet.co.za Gert Sibande FET College 18a Dr. Beyers Naude Street Telephone: (017) 712 9040 /58 Standerton Fax: (017) 712 9059 Email: [email protected] website: www.gscollege.co.za Nkangala FET College Cnr Haig & Northey Streets Witbank Telephone: (013) 690 1430 / 3824 Fax: (013) 690 1450 Email: [email protected] website: www.nkangalafet.edu.za Gauteng Central JHB FET College 5 Ubla Street Parktown Telephone: (011) 484 1388 Fax: (011) 642 7358 Ekurhuleni East FET College Sam Ngema Road Kwa- Thema Telephone: (011) 730 6600 / 736 4400 Fax: (011) 736 Springs 1489 / 9909 Email: [email protected] website: www.cjc.co.za website: www.eec.co.za 44 APPENDIX A FET COLLEGES IN SOUTH AFRICA Ekurhuleni West FET College Crn Driendek Street & Sol Road Telephone: (086) 139 2111 Germiston Fax: (011) 323 1601 Email: [email protected] website: www.ewc.edu.za Sedibeng FET College 37 Voortrekker Street Vereeniging Telephone: (016) 422 6645/8 Fax: (016) 422 6930/6646 Email: [email protected] website: www.sedcol.co.za South West Gauteng FET College Crn Klip Valley and Union Road Kliptown Soweto Telephone: (011) 984 1260 Fax: (011) 945 1881 / 984 1262 Email: callcentre@ swgc.co.za website: www.swgc.co.za Tshwane North FET College Cnr Potgieter & Pretorius Street Telephone: (012) 401 1600 / 1941 Fax: (012) 323 8683 Pretoria Email: [email protected] website: www.tnc4fet. co.za Tshwane South FET College Western College for FET Lyttleton Tekbase College Street Telephone: (086) 144 1111 Fax: 012 664 8358 / 386 Centurion 1245 Email: [email protected] website: www.tsc.edu.za 42 Johnstone Street Randfontein Telephone: (011) 692 4082 Fax: (011) 692 3404 Email: [email protected] website: www.westcol.co.za Northern Cape Northern Cape Rural FET College Steve Naude Street Upington Telephone: (054) 331 3836 Email: [email protected] website: www.ncrfet.co.za Northern Cape Urban FET College Jan Smuts Avenue Kimberley Telephone: (053) 690 839 2063/2060 Fax: (0053) 839 2068 Email:[email protected] North West Orbit FET College Bosch c/n Fatima Bhayat Street Telephone: (014) 592 4147 / 086 100 0305 Rustenburg Fax: (014) 592 3164 Email: [email protected] website: www. orbitcollege.co.za Taletso FET College Kgora Building Dr Albert Luthuli Telephone: (018) 384 2346/50 Drive Next to SABC Mmabatho Fax: (018) 363 3884 Email: [email protected] website: www. taletsofetcollege.co.za Vuselela FET College C/o John Orr & Oliver Tambo Street Telephone: (018) 465 3133 / 464 0300/ 484 1151 Klerksdorp Fax: (018) 465 6507 / 462 9879 / 484 1200 website: www.vuselelacollege.co.za 45 APPENDIX A FET COLLEGES IN SOUTH AFRICA Western Cape Boland FET College 85 Bird Street Stellenbosch Telephone: (021) 886 7111/2 Fax: (021) 886 8260 Email: [email protected] website: www. bolandcollege.com College of Cape Town 334 Albert Road Salt River Cape Telephone: (021) 404 6700 / 086 010 3682 Town Fax: (021) 404 67091 Email: [email protected] website: www.cct.edu.za False Bay FET College Crn Main and Atlantic Roads Tele: 021 003 0600 Muizenberg Fax: (021) 788 2533 website: www.falsebaycollege.co.za Northlink FET College 80 Voortrekker Road Bellville Telephone: (086) 006 5465 Fax: (021) 970 9063 website: www.northlink.co.za South Cape FET College 125 Mitchell Street George Telephone: (044) 884 0359 Fax: (044) 884 0361 Email: [email protected] website: www.swcollege.co.za West Coast FET College 48 Voortrekker Road 1st Floor Clicks Telephone: (022) 482 1143 Building Malmesbury Email:[email protected] website: www.westcoastcollege.co.za 46 APPENDIX B CONTACT DETAILS OF UNIVERSITIES NAME OF UNIVERSITY CONTACTS WEB ADDRESS EASTERN CAPE Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Tel: 041 504 1111 University Fax: 041 504 2574 Tel: 046 603 8148 Rhodes University Fax: 046 622 8444 University of Fort Hare Tel: 040 602 2016 Fax: 040 653 1338 Water Sisulu University of Tel: 047 502 2200 Technology Fax: 047 502 2970 www.nmmu.ac.za www.ru.ac.za www.ufh.ac.za www.wsu.ac.za FREE STATE Central University of Tel: 051 507 3911 Technology Fax: 051 507 3310 University of the Free State Tel: 051 401 2114 Fax: 051 401 3669 www.cut.ac.za www.ufs.ac.za GAUTENG Tel: 012 420 4111 Fax:012 420 4530 Tel: 012 429 3111 University of South Africa Fax: 012 429 2565 Tshwane University of Tel: 012 382 5911 Technology Fax: 012 382 5422 Tel: 011 717 1102 University of Witwatersrand Fax: 011 339 8215 Tel: 016 950 9214/5 Vaal University of Technology Fax: 016 950 9800 Tel: 011 489 3000 University of Johannesburg Fax: 011 489 2260 University of Pretoria www.up.ac.za www.unisa.ac.za www.tut.ac.za www.wits.ac.za www.vut.ac.za www.uj.ac.za KWAZULU NATAL Durban University Technology of Tel: 031 373 2411 Fax: 031 373 2011 Tel: 031 260 2227 University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Fax: 031 262 2192 Mangosuthu University of Tel: 031 907 7111 Technology Fax: 031 906 5470 www.dut.ac.za www.ukzn.ac.za www.mut.ac.za 47 APPENDIX B CONTACT DETAILS OF UNIVERSITIES University of Zululand Tel: 035 902 6624 Fax: 035 902 6601 www.unizul.ac.za Tel: 015 568 2140 Fax: 015 267 0142 Tel: 015 962 8000 Fax: 015 962 4742 www.ul.ac.za Tel: 018 299 2601 Fax: 018 299 2603 www.nwu.ac.za LIMPOPO University of Limpopo University of Venda www.univen.ac.za NORTH WEST North West University WESTERN CAPE Tel: 021 808 4654 Fax: 021 808 3714 Tel: 021 650 2105/6 University of Cape Town Fax: 021 650 5100 Tel: 021 959 2911 University of the Western Cape Fax: 021 959 2973 University of Stellenbosch 48 www.sun.ac.za www.uct.ac.za www.uwc.ac.za APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS OF SETAs Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority AGRI SETA www.agriseta.co.za Phone: 012 301 5611 Enabling Skills Development in the Banking and Microfinance Sector. BANK SETA www.bankseta.org.za Phone: 0861 020 002 Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority CHIETA www.chieta.org.za Phone: 011 726 4026 Construction Education and Training Authority CETA www.cita.org.za Phone: 011 265 5900 49 APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS OF SETAs Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports, Sector CATHS SETA www.cathsseta.org.za Phone: 0861100 221 Education, Training and Development (ETD) sector ETDP SETA www.etdpseta.org.za Phone: 011 372 3300 Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority EW SETA www.eseta.org.za Phone: 011 274 4700 The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA FP&MSETA www.fpmseta.org.za Phone: 011 234 2311 50 APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS OF SETAs SETA for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other Financial FASSET Services www.fasset.org.za Phone: 011 476 8570 Food and Beverage SETA FOODBEV www.foodbev.co.za Phone: 011 253 7300 Health and Welfare Sector Educational Training Authority HWSETA www.hwseta.org.za Phone: 011 607 6907 Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority INSETA www.inseta.org.za Phone: 011 544 2000 51 APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS OF SETAs Local Government Sector Education & Training Authority LGSETA www.lgseta.co.za Phone: 011 456 8579 Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and MERSETA Training Authority www.merseta.co.za Phone: 010 219 3000 Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector and Training MICTSETA Authority www.mict.org.za Phone: 011 805 5115 Mining Qualifications Authority MQA www.mqa.org.za Phone: 011 630 3500 The Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority PSETA www.pseta.gov.za Phone: 012 423 5700 52 APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS OF SETAs Safety and Security SASSETA www.sasseta.org.za Phone: 0861 102 477 SERVICES SETA The Services Sector Education and Training Authority www.serviceseta.org.za Phone: 011 276 9600 Transport Education & Training Authority TETA www.teta.org.za Phone: 011 781 1280 Wholesale and Retail SETA W&R SETA www.wrseta.org.za Phone: 012 622 9500 53 54