Career Stories

Name: Busisiwe Dumezweni
Age: 22
Hometown: Durban
Qualification: BSc Environmental Sciences
Institution: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Hobbies: Volunteering, sports, Performing Arts and reading

Busisiwe is a young lady, born and raised in Umlazi, Durban. Coming from a large family and raised by a single mother, Busisiwe knew that hard work was the key to change her personal circumstances. She attended Qondokuhle and Manzolwandle Primary Schools then went to King Shaka High School where she matriculated in 2014. Her excellent matric results earned her a Grindrod bursary, which is administered by the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, to study towards a BSc in Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Busisiwe describes herself as diligent, self-motivated, dedicated, trustworthy, open minded and a loving person who enjoys working with and around people. She always strives for excellence and discourages mediocrity. In each of the schools she has attended, she received a best learner certificate and attributes this to her diligence and perseverance. In her first year at university, Busisiwe received a Golden Key International Honour Society Award for outstanding academic performance.
Busisiwe appreciates living the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) ethos of giving back. She is active in her community as a mentor and role model to young girls who come from disadvantaged families.
She has also developed her work skills by spending time doing vocational work on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm in Limpopo. She is fanatical about the environment and hopes to be a leader in environmental science one day.

Name and Surname: Landiwe Zondi
Qualification Details: Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science
Birthplace: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Current location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Occupation and organisation: Citizenship Manager at Italtile Ceramics Pty Ltd
Quote that motivates you at work: “I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.” –  Jana Stanfield

QUESTIONS:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   When I was younger I wanted to become a doctor. From a young age, I have always wanted to be in a profession where I could be of service to others and being a doctor was how I thought I could achieve that.
2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   High School:
   My mother sadly passed away when I was in matric. While this event was highly traumatic, it motivated me to work hard to achieve everything my mother and I had planned even though she wouldn’t be around to see it. This event also pushed me hard to think about my future and possible career paths. For the first time in my schooling career I actually looked at options beyond the health sciences. Conversations with the school guidance counsellor helped broaden my understanding of other career paths open to me.

   University:
   After completing matric, I ended up at Rhodes University studying a Bachelor of Science degree without a clear major. Thankfully, during registration the lecturers from the Faculty of Science sat down with us helping to select subjects for the duration of our degree. It was during this interaction that I realised something I thought was just a personal interest (nature and the environment) could potentially be a career path. During this process, it was important for me to choose a career that would allow me to be self-sustainable and independent but equally important to be in a career that still allow me to serve a greater good. This led me to choosing geography and environmental science as a major in my second year. During my studies I was particularly drawn to the interaction between society and the environment. I recognised the importance of looking after our precious natural resources and biodiversity but this was clear that this could not be tackled in isolation but needed to be addressed in parallel to societal challenges.

   Workplace:
   Upon completion of my Honours degree, I had initially wanted to work as an environmental consultant helping developers reduce the impact of their projects on the environment. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a job as a consultant, which left me disappointed because I did not end up where I thought I would. I had naively thought that passing my Honours with good marks would open up doors to which ever job I wanted, but that sadly wasn’t the case. Instead I was offered a job as a project officer for a non-profit organisation focused on driving human capital development in the biodiversity sector. I was given the task of driving a programme aimed at providing holistic personal and professional development to graduates and young professionals. I had to make the conscious decision to take the opportunity given to me and use it to develop myself. After communicating my career aspirations with my manager, she made it a point to expose me to opportunities that would help me grow as a young professional. After a year I was promoted to the project coordinator of this development programme, and by my third year at the company I was the full project manager. This first job taught me many critical skills that I believe helped me get to where I am today. I was lucky to have a manager who took time to teach me basic skills such as communicating professionally with colleagues and all related stakeholders, manage finances, write reports and efficiently and effectively manage projects. This is where I realised my passion for managing projects and decided to do a short course on project management basics which helped me do better in my job. After 3 years in this role, I was given an opportunity to work as an environmental consultant. While I was able to further fine tune my project management skills, I realised the job I had initially thought I wanted was not a good fit. This led me to applying for my current job.

3. Did you know about this career when you were younger?
   No, I was not aware of this career. Growing up, the only careers I was aware of was: nurse; doctor; policeman; social worker; accountant; lawyer, doctor or engineer. I was very close to being a doctor or engineer purely because they were the only careers I knew about. I was grateful to our guidance teacher for trying to expose us. I do however feel career guidance should be started at an earlier age, so you have a longer period to explore potential career paths
4. Describe a typical work day?
   A typical work day would consist of me coming into the office attending to emails and any outstanding issues from the previous day. I then draft a list of what I need to achieve that day and then work on each item. Items on my checklist are all informed by my implementation plan which is drafted at the start of each financial year and updated mid-way through the year. I reflect on the implementation plan once week to make sure I am doing activities reflected in the plan and to determine if any projects are falling behind in terms of timeline. I also go into the field a couple of times a week to monitor local projects on the ground. I visit long distance projects every couple of months and rely on our project officers on the ground for feedback on day-to day-activities.
5. What makes your work exciting?
   Nothing makes me happier than handing over newly renovated bathrooms to a school that desperately needs them or successfully planning a sports event for hundreds of school children from disadvantaged schools. It makes all the stress and hard work worth it when you see a child smile as a result of something you have spent months working on. Seeing the company slowly reduce its negative impacts on the environment is also exciting, it is good to know that the company you are working for is making an effort to be conscious of its environmental impacts. Being at the forefront of a business changing processes in an effort to be more sustainable is definitely very exciting and rewarding.
6. What makes your work challenging?
   Due to bad experiences in the past, some communities have become very untrusting of corporate companies who come into their space wanting to implement projects. Therefore, we sometimes are not met with a warm reception when we approach a community and request to work in their space. At times, there will be corrupt individuals within these needy communities who want to direct benefits towards themselves as opposed to the community in need. Such situations make work very difficult.
7. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?
   A defining moment is my career was definitely starting work in my current role as a Citizenship Manager. I felt like it was the perfect job for me to utilise my academic training as well as the experience gained in previous jobs.
8. When did you know for sure this career is for you?
   I knew this was the career for me when I started enjoying my work and was up for any challenge that came my way. I also knew it was for me when I started planning for a future in that career saw potential for growth in the space I work.
9. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?
   I wish I knew that I could speak up more in the work place. In my early work career, I have always felt lucky to have a job so much that I was afraid to speak up for my own needs. If I could do things differently I would have spoken up more for my career development needs and ask for more opportunities to grow myself.
10. How does your current role fit into your career goals?
    My current role fits my career goals because of the following:

• I enjoy the work
• I am constantly learning
• It challenges me
• I have the opportunity to test new ideas

11. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?
    I still want to network more with other professionals in my field, learn best practices and learn how to tackle different issues. I would also like to find a mentor in my line of work who can help provide guidance and assist with ongoing learning and career growth.
12. What career advice would you give to a young person?
    When trying to choose a career, I would advise a young person to find what they love then try see how they can turn that love into a career. We spend a lot of time at work so it’s important to wake up and go do something you love. I would also advise young professionals to think carefully about their goals and aspirations and to voice these out to their managers. Don’t get comfortable, always look for ways to grow. Lastly, if you end up in a job you don’t like, don’t get demotivated think about where you want to be and how your current circumstance can help you get there. There is always something you can take from your current situation that will help you get to where you want to be.

Name and Surname: Jamil Khan
Qualification details: BSc Human Life Sciences, BSc Honours Psychology (Stell), MA Critical Diversity Studies, PhD Candidate Critical Diversity Studies (Wits)
Birthplace: Kraaifontein, Cape Town
Current location: Johannesburg
What are you currently doing: I am currently a full time PhD candidate at the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies, I am also a writer and a poet
Quote that motivates your work: “Transience is not wandering. Diversity is not dilution.” – Eduoard Glissant

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   When I was growing up, most people were encouraged to get stable and respectable jobs which either meant getting an office job and working your way up, or becoming a doctor, lawyer, chartered accountant or engineer. I think I wanted to become each of those at some point in my childhood. It was about earning lots of money and having nice things, not necessarily about being happy. That’s the world I come from.

2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   By the time I reached Grade 11, I was already starting to think about a career. I was always interested in going to university and I had gone through a number of choices based on status. I applied for law, physiotherapy and Human Life Sciences (with the plan of becoming a clinical psychologist) at Stellenbosch University. When I got to my honours I realised that I am not cut out for Clinical Psychology. I then did an MA in Research Psychology, but it did not fulfill me. I then discontinued my studies and moved to Johannesburg where I started a very messy career path, some would say.
   I was the assistant to a politician, the PA to a fashion designer, assistant to the same politician. Then through someone I met while working in fashion, I started writing for his organisation which was a non-profit entity that helped under resourced youth in New York get into the fashion industry. Based on that writing portfolio, I got a job as a news reporter and later features and entertainment writer for a daily newspaper. I realised that I am actually a writer and storyteller. With that realisation, I decided to go back to school with the aim of becoming an informed writer and author with a focus on social justice.

3. What influenced your career choice?  Did you know about this career when you were younger?
   My lived experiences influenced my career choice. I never thought I would be a writer, since it is not considered a stable career, nor did I have any guidance on how to become one if I wanted to. Every decision I’ve made to break the mold and follow my passions have led me to this place. Also, existing in a marginalised body has alerted me to the real injustices of history and the present and how much work needs to be done to tell the stories that were left out of the history books. One of my favourite writers, Toni Morrison said: If there is a book that you would like to read but it has not been written yet, then you must write it.” So that’s what I’m doing.

4. Describe a typical work day?
   Generally, my day is made up of lots of reading and some writing (guilty laugh). I am currently in the proposal stage of my research which means I have to absorb as much literature as I can to refine my own ideas and thoughts on my research which aims to explore the diversity within Coloured people’s lives and histories. It also involves a lot of thinking and making sense of the world around me in order to navigate it better but also to navigate my own understandings of society and the contribution I want to make to social justice.

5. What makes your work exciting?
   For me, the prospect of learning something new and creating new knowledge out of that is always exciting. As a country and as a global community of marginalised people there is a lot of knowledge about us that was destroyed and deliberately kept away from us to facilitate our oppression and we are unapologetically rewriting our stories with facts and fire. I find that exciting.

6. What makes your work challenging?
   Well, a lot of my work entails uncovering concealed truths, bringing marginalised experiences to light, challenging power and threatening the status quo. We know the world we live in was not built on fairness and honesty and that dishonesty benefits a powerful minority that doesn’t want it to change. I have developed a thick skin to the attacks, the threats, the dehumanisation and the dismissals, but it has in the past touched me. I do think no matter how tough I become, the kind of hostility I and people like me experience has the power to deplete one if you don’t take care of myself. So, I would say, the challenge is to find a balance between being, keeping my fist raised and making sure I rest my arm when it gets tired. Self-care is the challenge.

7. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?
   I don’t think it has come yet, nor do I think I will see it as such when it comes. I see every day as a defining moment in the quest for knowledge. Every interaction that leaves me more informed, even if I am being informed that we have regressed as a society, is defining for me. I see my path as a series of tiny steps which are equally important and infinite, rather than a destination in the form of a defining moment.

8. When did you know for sure this career is for you?
   Simply, when I realised that I am willing to sacrifice many comforts and conveniences, if it means that I can contribute to the larger project of undoing historical injustice. When I realised I am willing to forgo all of that and I can still find happiness within the discomfort because of what it could achieve, I knew this is my place.

9. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?
   That exploration is valid, and that uncertainty leads to creativity. I wish I knew that dreaming a different dream to the one set for you is possible. I wish I knew that the people who stand to benefit from what I’m trying to do will fight me the hardest, that all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk.

10. How does your current role fit into your career goals?
    I plan to turn my PhD into an accessible book, so my career as a writer is dependent on my current work.

11. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?
    The PhD will take about 2 and a half years, so that is the next step. In the meantime, I am hoping to start publishing other works I’ve been working on like poetry, a memoir, academic journal articles. Publishing is the next step in a nutshell.

12. What advice would you give to a young person?
    I mean, I’m not sure, being a young person myself (Hahahaha)… Jokes! I think as young Black people our dreams are stifled by the expectation of correcting a history of systemic disadvantage in our families. As hard as it is to ignore, and I do believe we should give back because many sacrifices were made for us to even have a chance, we must take care of ourselves first. Capitalism will tell you to sacrifice yourself in the name hard work, but there are ways to achieve success without burning out before the age of 30. There is nothing noble about self-sacrifice to the point of near death. Explore your passions, try different things, take calculated risks, call on those who have gone before you for guidance. Rest when you need to, it does not mean you are lazy. Don’t give up, but don’t beg for a seat at tables that do not want you – there are many places that need and appreciate your work. Find family wherever you find yourself, blood ties are hardly worth the veins they flow through. Don’t be afraid to dream. Know your worth and   ask for it, but make sure to refine your skills so that they reflect the worth you believe in. Standing up against exploitation is not entitlement, you don’t owe anybody your soul to prove you are worthy of dignity. Where you succeed make it easier for those coming after you. Respect is often used as a weapon to oppress and dismiss you, discern between respect and obedience. Lastly, remember that besides your talents you are within systems that oppress and propel you in different ways, everything is not as organic as you think it is so don’t get caught up in your own hype and open the path when you have passed.

13. Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?
    Yes. I am Jamil Khan on Facebook and @JamilFarouk on Twitter and Instagram.

Name and Surname: Craig Alexander
Birthplace: Strandfontein, Cape Town
Current location: Johannesburg
Position and team: Fast bowler, Highveld Lions
Quote that motivates you: I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me!!!

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   To be totally honest I had no clue, all I wanted to do was live one day at a time. I think sport was my not my only option, but it was what I loved doing, it didn’t really matter what sport it was, cricket, soccer, athletics etc.
2. Were there sporting opportunities at the schools you attended?
   Yes, there was. Maybe not at the scale of other schools.
3. How did you get into cricket?
   Cricket was always my second option after soccer. I started playing cricket at the same age but my love for the game grew at a later stage when I started understanding it, and I realised that I can actually pursue a career in it.
4. What is your first cricketing memory?
   I have many but the one that really stands out is playing in the streets of Strandfontein with all my friends. I think that’s where it all began and where I started loving the game.
5. When did you realize you had cricketing talent?
   At the age of about 11, I started realising I had a talent to play cricket and that I was slightly ahead of my age category.
6. Tell us about your sporting career. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   I really think the journey is slightly different for everyone. Clearly, because we all come from different backgrounds and families. My walk with cricket was a tough one, from schools to club searching for the breakthrough and never finding it. Until I realized that it’s going to take a lot of sacrifice and hard work. At that point, I had to give up a lot of time with friends, family etc. But cricket was on my mind. My weekends was not a casual weekend with friends and having fun, but with sleeping early and getting to nets with my dad to work on my faults to be better in my next match. I always had the talent, but my hard work was second to none. Now I am reaping the rewards, but it doesn’t get easier, as you still have to work hard. It’s a never ending story because I have to repeat what I did yesterday but at a better intensity because you never know who is next in line waiting to take your spot. I always work hard behind closed doors to stay ahead of myself.
7. Were there any role models who inspired or pushed you?
   My role model and inspiration is my DAD. He made it easy for me and if it wasn’t for him, my walk would’ve been totally different. His help and knowledge will never go unnoticed .
8. When did you know for sure that you could make a career from playing cricket?
   At the age of about 15, I personally realised that I can make it.
9. What was a career highlight for you and against which team?
   The best moment for me was playing for my country u/19 World Cup and also playing in the SA A-side. I was selected in 30-man squad before the Australia test as well, which was also one of my career highlights.

10. What sacrifices did you make to get where you are?
    There’s a lot, as I said time with friends and family was really a tough one. I basically gave up my teenage life to play the game I loved. Up to this day there are times where I have to make tough choices but it’s all in the nature of a professional sportsman.

11. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?
    You will never be happy with what you have and always want more. I still have dreams to play for my country and that’s my next step which I want to achieve. It’s a work in progress and I’m on my way there

12. If you could give the younger you advise, what would it be?
    Work hard and smart, ask questions and learn from others who did it before you! You can achieve anything you want to achieve, it all stems down to how much you want it as a person, I truly believe that with hard work and dedication and with God by your side everything is possible🙏

13. What is your advice for kids like you, who are growing up in the communities you did, and wish to pursue a sporting career?
    It doesn’t matter where you come from and how much money you have, it all starts with a dream and fire that start deep down in your heart. The rest is up to how much you want it.

14. Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?
    Facebook – Craig john alexander, Twitter – @craigalexander8 and Instagram – craigalexandergog

Name and Surname: Naadhira Ndukuya
Qualification Details: BA Honours
Birthplace: Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Current location: Gauteng
Occupation and Organisation: Country Manager, OneSight South Africa
Quote that motivates you at work: What you share with the world, is what it keeps of you.

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   A Veterinarian
2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   I worked in various sectors of both the natural environment and public health sector mainly in community development. I worked from being an intern and volunteering and using my time available to gain experience. Through experience and using mentors for guidance and knowledge and their teachings and also criticism helped to shape my way to my current role.
3. What influenced your career choice?
   What influenced my choice, is seeing the growth and confidence in one individual when they’re helped to just begin a journey and then watch them continue on their own. Volunteerism and the immense need for community development – lending a helping hand to help someone get back on their feet and be able to make their own way. The “each one, teach one” way of life is what I chose in order to help individuals and communities be able to continue on their own path without the constant need of a hand out.
4. Did you know about this career when you were younger?
   No. It isn’t a career one is easily aware off, it isn’t an easy career to be in either. It isn’t a popular choice for a way of life, so nobody spoke about community development or even Non-profit work during career days in my earlier school life.
5. Describe a typical work day?
   Well I guess it all depends if I am in the office or in the field. My days include managing eye clinics both globally and locally, working with government to build sustainable models of eye care programs in South Africa, I could be managing events, working with our much-loved partners or completing a WHOLE lot of admin!
6. What makes your work exciting?
   Working with great partners that believe in the need for the programs and working to develop the ideal programs that work in my country to make eye care an accessible part of health care for even those who cannot afford access to spectacles.
7. What makes your work challenging?
   What makes it exciting, is also what makes it challenge too. There is no real “one size fits all” kind of solution and this is a challenge. Sustainability is key but developing the models for this long-lasting change in eye care is a huge challenge.
8. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?
   Putting a pair of spectacles on a child’s face, who was considered naughty because he wouldn’t be still in class. His smile and his exclamation of being able to see clearly set it up for me to continue down this road and make greater strides for many more children and adults in need.
9. When did you know for sure this career is for you?
   When I first began working in the non-profit space many many years ago and in public health specifically I knew this is the career I would not be able to give up easily. It can be a lot of hard work, but the rewards of change and creating access to care for individuals and communities definitely adds value to my life both professionally and personally I feel this is the career I am meant for.
10. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?
    I wish I knew more people in the field, I wish I had more guidance and more opportunities when I was still in school to volunteer. I think it is highly important that learners get involved in community work to open their eyes to the world around them and what value they can bring to others, and how volunteering can also impact on them personally and also help to shape their lives.
11. How does your current role fit into your career goals?
    My current role allows me to create the strategies and implement these with my partners in my country. With my mentor and continuing to develop my skills and knowledge in the field and growing my mind to develop the ideal program models and strategy I hope to be able to do this on a larger scale globally in future.
12. What career advice would you give to a young person?
    Find the opportunities to volunteer, find opportunities to job shadow, talk to adults around you, find out what makes them enjoy their careers and find our own by observing other

Tell us about you:

Name and Surname: Laurenda van Breda
Qualification Details:  National Diploma – Nature Conservation
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Current location:  Goodwood, Cape Town, South Africa
Occupation and Organisation:  Environmental Education and Research Officer at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, University of the Western Cape.
Level:  10
Quote that motivates you at work:  This motivates me in all aspects of my life…
‘Positive thoughts generate positive feelings which create positive life experiences’.

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?
   A veterinarian.  I knew from a young age I wanted to work with animals and help them in some way and a Veterinarian was the only option I knew of that fit this category.  In high school I volunteered at the AACL (Animal Anti Cruelty League) during my holidays.
   
   
2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?
   I decided to study at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology); a variety of exciting ‘animal’ options were presented to me and Zoology was my first choice.  My lack of maths and science at school affected this choice including my second choice, Marine biology.  I settled on Nature Conservation and never regretted my decision.  I worked at various nature reserves, a game reserve (which taught me the tourism side of conservation), even as a junior graphic designer helping with nature book projects, then at UCT’s Animal Demography Unit which sent me travelling throughout South Africa and Kenya, at Iziko Museum’s entomology department and to my current job working at UWC’s Nature Reserve Unit for the past seven years throughout which I’ve been doing various courses beneficial to my career.
   
   
3. What influenced your career choice?
   My love of animals and nature in general, my parent’s support of my career choice and essentially my lack of maths and science at school…you can’t be good at everything.
   
   
4. Did you know about this career when you were younger?
   I did not know about Nature Conservation at school.  It was not a career choice given to us.
   
   
5. Describe a typical work day?
   It varies from day to day.  Anything from photographing fauna and flora in the reserve and identifying them for species lists, taking schools and other groups on educational programmes and guided walks, awareness talks, designing marketing material, managing our social media platforms, creating resources, callouts for snakes and other animals and of cause some admin work.  I am based at UWC which is a tertiary institution where students always comes first.  
   
   
6. What makes your work exciting?
   Finding new additions to our species lists! Working with schools/organizations/students and seeing their enthusiasm for nature.
   
   
7. What makes your work challenging?
   That many schools do not have the finances to visit nature reserves as in previous years. Getting people to know that the small Cape Flats Nature Reserve exists and that the responsibility lies with us to take care of it for future generations.
   
   
8. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?
   The moment I had to choose between a job working in nature, outdoors and being creative vs a job that paid double in salary at the time.  My decision was made by the thought that “if you are going to work 90% of your life, at least let it make you happy”.  I went for happiness over salary and eventually worked towards a better salary.
   
   
9. When did you know for sure this career is for you?
   There’s no specific time in my career that made me think this is definitely for me.  But I suppose if I felt that after a year of hard physical work during my practical year was not for me, I would have not have continued. I’ve been working in this career for twelve years and still not tired of it.  It still excites me and I still see myself doing this for a very long time.
   
   
10. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?
    I wish I knew that this was a career choice starting high school so my subject choices could have been better.   
    
    
11. How does your current role fit into your career goals?
    My career goals would be in the tourism industry creating awareness about nature through guided walks, photography and articles.  My current role entertains this idea where part of my job is to do guided walks with various types of groups, create awareness about nature through photography, graphic design work, social media marketing and blog writing.
    
    
12. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?
    Currently on my list of ‘next steps’ is a Writing Course to advance my skills and abilities in my current job which will help in my future career goals.  I would also like to do volunteer work overseas within the conservation and environmental education field to gain international experience, broaden my knowledge within my field and see if what we are doing is on par with international standards.
    
    
13. What career advice would you give to a young person?
    • Choose a career that makes you happy.  If you are going to work 90% of your life, let it be a good one.  
    • Grab opportunities if they are presented
    • Take pride in everything you do, people do notice your work ethic.
    • Keep growing and developing yourself as a person and within your field.
      
      
14. Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?
    Yes, on Facebook @LaurendaVanBreda and @uwcnaturereserve
    Instagram @laurenda_van_breda
    Website:  www.uwc.ac.za – Faculty of Natural Sciences – UWC Nature Reserve Unit

Name and Surname: Nelisiwe Vundla
Qualification Details: MSc Environmental Management
Birthplace: Durban, KwaMashu
Current location: Cape Town
Occupation and Organisation: Wildlife Programme: Community Development and Learning Lead, World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA)
Quote that motivates you at work: “Do what you love so you can love what you do”

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?

Like every child, I wanted to be everything; “the sky is the limit” was my philosophy. At some point I wanted to be in the South African Navy – the uniform is spectacular. Then I wanted to be a paratrooper in the military taken by the thrill of flying. Then a psychologist just because I knew a big word that many kids in class couldn’t spell. In high school my love for the environment through geography studies developed a soft spot in my heart. I initially went to University with the idea of becoming a climatologist and eventually a meteorologist. But somehow through my journey, I was challenged to see people as being part of the environment and how that relationship needed to be restored. Together with my Geography and Environmental Management modules, I took sociology, economic history and philosophy which landed me where I am today as person working to develop people and the environment.

1. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?

Youth employment in the country is a very complex issue as graduate constantly find themselves without employment or doing odd jobs that have nothing to do with their qualification. Prior to completing my degree, I took up various job at the university to build my resume. I was a mentor for three years, tutor and demonstrator for two years. Thereafter I landed my first internship after my honours with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to work in the Community and Conservation Unit. My responsibilities included facilitating co-management agreements between the land owners (communities) and Ezemvelo.  My role also included rhino poaching awareness raising, implementing the National People and Parks Programme.

The following year, I joined WWF’s then Rhino Programme now Wildlife Programme as an intern to test the Community Based Natural Resource Management model in South Africa and Mozambique to; 1) Improve community livelihoods and generate income from sustainable wildlife use; 2) facilitate governance training to ensure transparent and equitable benefit sharing; and 3) Train the community to become involved in natural resource management to ensure sustainability of the business model.

After 18 months, I received my first employment contract as a Community Projects Officer tasked with managing the three projects we had working with communities. Thereafter, I grew in my work to being the Community Development and Learning Lead with added responsibilities in media communications, research, training and skills transfer through lecturing amongst others.

1. What influenced your career choice?

During my third year at University we had to do a case study research and my group decided we would “Investigate the Impacts of Bisasa Landfill Site on the Neighbouring Community”. The findings were shocking and that’s when I realised that my goal to improve the quality of the environment should be to the benefit of the people living in that environment. The environment is about the people too.

1. Did you know about this career when you were younger?

No clue… But I never believed there are limits to what I wanted to be. At some point playing with my siblings at home, I was a bus driver, with the best current popular music. Dreams have no boundaries, but life experience will shape your career.

1. Describe a typical work day?

I spend 20% of my time reading, researching and looking for new lessons. About 10% is spend doing media and communications such as television interviews, radio, TED Talks, Newspaper and Magazine article, speaking at conferences, being in parliament etc. 30% is spent doing administrative work, processing contracts and ensure field staff have the necessary resources to do their work. 20% is spent in the field and working with the people on the ground. The final 20% is spent writing funding proposals, managing donor relationships and meeting addressing their needs as they enable all the work we are doing. Ad hoc work also includes assisting University and high school students with their research questions and queries, participating in job shadows.

1. What makes your work exciting?

Being able to make a difference in someone’s life knowing they are never going to be able to repay you. I wake up with challenges, work through challenges the entire day, but I sleep with contentment that I have contributed to make a difference in someone’s life. This has grown me as a human to be able to love and care for people and the environment. This also includes teaching other people who do not understand challenges experienced by other people in the environmental space because of social, economic and cultural difference. Being able to share my knowledge and being able to learn from other people makes every day purposeful.

1. What makes your work challenging?

My work involves a lot of travelling which takes me away from my family. While travelling all over the world is exciting, seeing and experiencing places beyond my imagination is amazing, but my son needs me too. I cannot give my time to the world and not my son. Finding the balance between work and family is different especially while I’m trying to build my career and reputation.

1. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?

My first television appearance in November 2016 which resulted in a request from the SABC for the second time reassured me that I am sitting with valued information that I need to share with people. I knew then that I need to start sharing more about my work and my lessons. As young people, I think we need that reassurance that we have valuable information.

1. When did you know for sure this career is for you?

August 2017 while collecting data for my research in Mozambique is when the deal was sealed. I interviewed many people about what they think are the socio-economic drivers of illegal wildlife trade in their community. The responses showed me that the world doesn’t know the impacts of illegal wildlife trade on communities. I made it my responsibility to give people a voice, to be heard and not only tell the stories that conservation wants to tell.

1. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?

This job is dangerous. We are working in communities where criminal syndicates have captured governance. The extent of intimidation has broken families, divided people, paralysed dreams. I’m working with more than issues of environment and law enforcement, its people with individual dreams and aspiration who want to make it out alive.

1. How does your current role fit into your career goals?

I have no set institution or organisation, but I want to continue being involved in rural development with a strong focus on youth development. We need to prepare for the future, today.

1. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?

I would like to complete my PhD in the next five years. I still need to find my research topic that will give a voice to the people.

1. What career advice would you give to a young person?

There is nothing wrong with trying everything that comes your way. It’s the only way to find out what you love and what you do not. Strive to learn something new every day.

1. Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?

@Nelisiwe Lynette Vundla (Facebook).

Name and Surname: Naledi Itsweng
Qualification Details: National Diploma: Nature Conservation, BTECH: Nature Conservation, currently doing my PGCE, and have applied for a Masters in Environmental Education with UNISA.
Birthplace: Soshanguve, Pretoria
Current location: Bryanston, Johannesburg
Occupation and Organization: Project Coordinator – WESSA
Quote that motivates you at work: “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” – Roger Staubach

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?

When I was younger, I wanted to be lot of things… every career I discovered fascinated me. From an astronaut, singer, actor, chef, game show host, pilot, air hostess, doctor, teacher, hairdresser, child minder.

2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?

I never imagined myself in this career path, it was something that I was never exposed to or knew about, only when I was in matric, I came across my cousin’s nature conservation textbooks and read a lot of interesting things and thought mmmmh …this could be a thing. After receiving my matric results, I went to Tshwane University of Technology and Nature Conservation was among the remaining qualifications for the year and I went for it, knowing I had someone to assist me with it. By my Second Year I realized I love Environmental Education more than all my other subjects. I did my experiential learning at Addo Elephant National Park. When I completed my National Diploma, I enrolled to do the BTECH: Nature Conservation for better opportunities. I became an Environmental Educator/Camp Facilitator for Ubungani Wilderness Experience. Two years down the line I joined SANBI as Biodiversity Environmental Educator. Today I am A Project Coordinator at WESSA.

3. What influenced your career choice?

A task we had to do during my National Diploma – second year, where we had to adopt a Primary School and visit them once a week to conduct an EE programme. Since  then, I realized that educating kids was somewhat of a passion I needed to explore.

4. Did you know about this career when you were younger?

No, I did not.

5. Describe a typical work day?

Each day is different depending if my office is indoors or outdoors. Being indoors consist of researching potential funders, development resources, planning for visits and workshops. Outdoor office means teaching people about the environment and helping them to understand the issues facing the natural world. The ultimate aim of this is to help people alter their actions and reduce their detrimental impact on the environment… this is done, by guided walks, planting trees, interactive workshops for children and educators, teaching formal lessons in classrooms, also give presentations or talks at environmental conferences or events.

6. What makes your work exciting?

Being able to work with children and knowing that I am making an impact in other people’s lives. You make a difference in the lives of young people – even when you don’t even realize it. You might not know how many kids have taken your words of wisdom to heart. Constantly learning new skills. There is always laughter when kids are around. Working and knowing that you are doing good for others, is beyond heartwarming.

7. What makes your work challenging?

Lack of resources, we must adapt at doing more with less, the effectiveness cannot help but be limited when we are not afforded the necessary resources to do the job effectively. Funding limits the amount of people to reach and raising awareness at a broader scale. Changing attitudes and values is also a challenging aspect of this sector.

9. When did you know for sure this career is for you?

I wouldn’t really say, I’m sure about it, lol…. there is a lot more to explore, and being in the environmental sector you need to have the passion. And it’s definitely there, just needs to be channeled into the right path and to keep challenging myself even more.

10. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?

It is not easy, like everything else you need to apply yourself. Get yourself out there and be known. Most of my classmates that I come across in the field refer to me as the ancestor/fossil of Environmental Education. They have bumped into me at all these different environmental education Centres from, SANPARKS, SANBI, WESSA, Lapalala Wildeness School, Ubungani Wilderness Experience, UNISA and TUT, because I put myself out there. And even with all of this experience and network I found myself unemployed for 2 years, but that didn’t stop me. I volunteered where I could until there was no volunteering left in me lol…is that even a thing.

11. How does your current role fit into your career goals?

It is a stepping stone into greater things, I’m involved with a lot of schools (learners and teachers) and community members. My network just keeps growing and hopefully for the better.

12. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?

Doing my master’s in environmental education and completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

13. What career advice would you give to a young person?

Be patient and keep pushing yourself. Strive for progress. Your race is your own and nobody else’s, set your own pace. Failure doesn’t mean the ed, start over and do better.

14. Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?

Facebook: Naledi Itsweng

Name and Surname: Lumka Madolo
Qualification Details: National Diploma, Bachelor of Technology and Masters in Environmental Management
Birthplace: Eastern Cape, Lady Frere in Machubeni
Current location: Cape Town
Occupation and Organisation: Freshwater Restoration Mentee at WWF-SA
Quote that motivates you at work:
“Work hard, be kind and amazing things will happen”

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?

I didn’t know exactly what I’d become but I knew I want to become something or do something different to other people.

2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?

I didn’t go to university straight after matric; I stayed home 3 years because of finance problems. My parents couldn’t afford university because they were both not working. I remember like it was yesterday, I went to look for work at the wholesale nursery in Kuilsriver. When I got there I gave the owner of the nursery my documents and he told looked at my matric certificate then look at me and said “what do you want here? I want you to go and study at university” I said that is why I am here to work and have money then go to university. After that he laughed at me and told me to go home he will call me. His office called me the following day to come and start working.  It wasn’t easy to save money because it wasn’t enough, and it took me longer than I planned. It is where I had a chance of researching and I met people who advised me and got a lot of information about environmental sciences. I then applied with my first choice of Environmental Management, second choice of Nature Conservation and third choice of Horticulture and I got accepted for national diploma in my first choice.  Three painful consecutive years of not going home to Eastern Cape because I had to work during June and December holidays until I finished my diploma.  Three years of being at home was a blessing in disguise, I had enough time to learn about myself, research my career and I met people who guided me.

3. What influenced your career choice?

I am a curious person, always ask or have questions and search for answers and I love science and nature. These are the things that influenced my career path, it gives me the freedom of searching answers I have in my mind and come up with new idea.

4. Did you know about this career when you were younger?

No. Where I grew up, in rural areas we were not exposed to any career information nor have resources to search for them. LOL, I didn’t even know there is such thing called career exhibition. I only became aware about this career after I finished matric in Mfuleni, Cape Town.

5. Describe a typical work day?

It depends whether I am in field or at the office or maybe in a workshop or meeting. I might be in field doing mapping, restoration planning, plants propagation or site inspection or verification. If I am at the office, I might be doing desktop mapping, desktop restoration planning, writing reports and research.

6. What makes your work exciting?

My work is science based and it always has challenges that need solutions. It allows me to think, ask questions, and come up with new ideas to solve those challenges.  Doing field work, connect with nature, and knowing that people benefit to what I do at the end of the day it’s incredible. As well as working with different interesting people.

7. What makes your work challenging?

Everything about my work is challenging but exciting at the same time. Restoration ecology requires a diverse set of skills and abilities and it is complex. Whether its river, wetland or terrestrial restoration, it is changing every time. We also live in a world that is changing every day, making this kind of work challenging do to. You plan differently for every site and if the nature decides to do its own thing like have droughts or floods you need to change the plan or delay the implementation.

8. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?

A defining moment in my career was when I received a call, early in the morning in 2013 from Lameez Eksteen (LOL), telling me I have been accepted for a 2 and half year internship at WWF-SA. And when I decided to purse for a master’s degree while working. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy doing both, but I also didn’t want to lose working experience.

9. When did you know for sure this career is for you?

I knew before I went to university because I did research about the environmental sciences but in my 3^rd year I knew for sure my interest in the environmental sector.

10. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?

I wish I knew how challenging it is to be a woman in this field, especially to be a black young woman.

11. How does your current role fit into your career goals?

In my current role I do river, wetland and sometimes terrestrial restoration work. I have gained technical skills, experience and knowledge through my work and my master’s research that had focus on riparian areas. These are all suitable to my career goals, in future when the time is right to have my own company, it will be definitely focus on restoration work.

12. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?

Mmmmmmh!! My next step is to join a small company.  Applying the technical skills and the knowledge that I gained in my current work to grow the company. Preparing myself to have my own company in future.  I still need to learn and be mentored for business and have all the necessary business skills for my future company.

13. What career advice would you give to a young person?

I will advise a young person to do the research before choosing a career based on what it is important to the person, what the person is passionate about and what the person want to do the most. Choose the career that you will be happy with it. Please always remember that your background doesn’t determine your future.

Would you be willing to share your feature on all your social media platforms? If yes, which handles can we use to tag you?

Yes, Facebook.

Name and Surname: Tlou Masehela
Qualification Details: PhD, Entomology (Stellenbosch University)
Birthplace: Makotopong Village, Limpopo Province
Current location: Cape Town
Occupation and Organisation: Scientist, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Level: Junior

Quote that motivates you at work: – there are a few, but mostly favour those that have a strong link to positive thinking/attitude, good use of time, being kind and helpful to others. If I were to choose, I would refer to these two:

• “The past is my experience, the present is my responsibility and the future my challenge” – Joseph Forkpah
• “What you do in life…echoes in eternity” – a quote by “Maximus” (Russell Crowe) from the Movie Gladiator

Questions:

1. When you were younger, what did you think you’d become?

I cannot recall much, but I was always reminded that I wanted to become a taxi driver. However, during my high school years I was very passionate about being a paramedic.

2. Tell us about your career path. What steps did you take to get where you are?

My journey started with my BSc degree at University of Limpopo where I majored in Botany and Zoology. I went on to do my honours and masters in Botany. The later, my PhD in Entomology. In between my study years, like most students I worked part time as a practical assistant for Biological Sciences, Zoology and Botany. One of my highlights, I would say, was when I was selected to attend the 2^nd Biodiversity Conservation Academy week in 2008. This was a joint venture between the DST/NRF Centres of Excellence in Invasion Biology (CIB) and Birds as Keys to Biodiversity Conservation at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute. This was a full week programme and I think it was after this opportunity that I knew for sure where I wanted to go/do career wise. Later in 2008 (November) I joined SANBI as an intern under Ecosystem Services. Well, the rest is history as they say…but it was in 2014 that I was appointed on full time basis to lead the Genetically Modifies Organisms work programme at SANBI.

Through my work at SANBI I also maintained a strong link and involvement with the beekeeping industry due to my PhD work. And in 2016, I was co-opted onto the Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) to provide guidance on honey bee related research matters for the Western Cape. In 2017, I was officially elected onto the committee and went on to be the elected chairman in 2018. This was a proud moment for me, and a historic one for the association as I became the first black chairman in the association’s 106 year history.

3. What influenced your career choice?

The admiration for nature in general. At the time, I just loved and appreciated nature. I had no specific idea of what specifically I would like to do in the broad sector of environmental sciences, conservation or biodiversity management. However, at some point (3^rd year of by BSc) I became very much fond of plant ecology and taxonomy, hence I went on to do both my honours and masters in botany. They both had a strong focus on vegetation surveys. During my internship (end 2007), I got introduced to ecosystem services as a science discipline. My mentors then were involved in various research that covered insect crop pollination – this had an agriculture aspect. And that’s when I got introduced to the world of crop pollination. With time, honey bees became a big part of my work when it came to this field. Hence my PhD focused on honey bees. Looking at their forage needs, pollination of different crops and other beekeeping related activities. A strong connection between my love for plants and now insects was now evident. At times confusing to define whether I was in natural/conservation sciences or in agriculture. But the two complemented each other very well. I now find myself in another field of sciences, a bit of agriculture, biosafety and conservation. Because my job is on assessments, research and monitoring of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) impacts on the environment. At the moment, the focus is only on Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated in South Africa – as unlike some parts of the world, we do not have GM animals (e.g. GM fish)

4. Did you know about this career when you were younger?

Not at all.

5. Describe a typical work day?

It really differs from day to day. From dealing with information request queries, sourcing and synthesising data, lots of writing involved as well – from reports to scientific papers, sourcing and applying for funding, assisting various stakeholders and sister government institutions in various aspects of work, there is also an element of field work for two of the projects were currently running, providing guidance and training for my intern and students. There is no fixed way of doing things from day to day. As a result, you get a mix bag of a day, weeks or even an entire month. From joyful to challenging ones.

6. What makes your work exciting?

it’s always when one comes up with a new or more efficient way of answering questions related to the work. At times, even just being able to assist someone or provide some form of education on the subject matter. It’s all about the learning process for me and improving skills. The other aspect is when you are able to provide inputs/advice that instil positive change – from just general operations, to key decisions of management and policy.

7. What makes your work challenging?

The GMOs field is a bit complex, from the technology itself, how it’s applied or used. This creates a further problem when the respective products are commercialised. There are various interpretations of their benefits and risks. In particular, for human health and the environment. For my work in the environmental side of things there are a lot of interpretations that lead to uncertainties, if not confusion. This makes it challenging in how one plans and tackles different aspects of our assessments, research and monitoring. More so, how findings would be communicated – especially with the non-scientific audience.

8. If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would that be?

There are really a few that come to mind. But I can point to two that I regard as really great ones. The first being the Educational Documentary on honey bees that highlighted the significance of insect pollinators for food production and security; and emphasising the need to manage and conserve these pollinators within our landscapes. This was in 2013. This documentary was supplemented by different education material on the subject matter,  and went on to be adopted by various schools and colleges for their teaching. The Iziko Museum, Cape Town, later put together an exhibition to create awareness and education on the importance of honey bees for pollination. Secondly, in December 2016, I got an opportunity to be part of the South African Delegation with the Department of Environmental affairs (DEA) to COP 13 (Conference of the Parties) in Cancun, Mexico. This was my first ever COP attendance. As most would know, COP is a meeting under the Convention of Biological Diversity. It is a big stage for discussion and decisions on biodiversity and conservation issues at an international level. It has a mixture of scientific, political, and ethical to tradition debates on various issues relating to biodiversity and the environment. This is because there are many different interested and affected parties – represented under various institutions, associations, parties and governments. I have since went on to attend my second COP in 2018, held at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

9. When did you know for sure this career is for you?

I cannot fully say that there was a point where I was 100% sure about this, but there were really good moments where I felt grounded and confident that I am in the correct career path. And I have already mentioned some of these. The world of science in general is constantly changing, because it’s influenced by various interactions and global developments, challenges and questions that need answers to better help us shape, plan and adapt to our daily challenges. So, I need to do the same in this career line.

10. What do you wish you knew, before you started on this career path?

Well, that there is “no knock off time” …hahhahaha. On a serious note, this is one career path that is not set in stone on how things are done. There is a huge investment on time. From reading, writing (funding proposals, papers, reports), training (yourself and students) and many others. But yeah, it’s really not an “8-4 kind of career”.

11. How does your current role fit into your career goals?

Very well so far. I do feel I am within the right circles, networks etc. And making good contribution in the right areas. One can only grow from here…

12. What are your next steps? What do you still need to do to achieve your ideal work situation?

I have a strong passion for training and education, so would really love to contribute in Academia at some point.

13. What career advice would you give to a young person?

I feel there is not really adequate advice that one can give because situations and opportunities are different among individuals. Also, we live in a space where things are forever evolving – at a very rapid pace. So, I would say that it’s important not to be stagnant. Improve your knowledge and skills all the time – if you can. In that way you remain ‘relevant’ in your capability to adapt to the needs of your career path, space of interaction and the influence/contribution you are able to make. Try put yourself in a space where opportunities find you ready, if not super ready, because at times, these opportunities would not wait for you to adapt but to fit well to within them.

Facebook: Tlou Masehela; Instagram: Tlou Masehela