Exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects in high school has brought about a gap between higher and tertiary education. Not many young South Africans are being exposed to STEM subjects therefore not many are entering STEM field-related careers. These five South Africans have made their mark, continuing to make history in South Africa, paving a wave of success.
Astrophysicist Dr Kenda Knowles made history by becoming one of two UKZN PhD students who made a pioneering discovery into how we measure the galaxy. Her fascination with stars is what made her a success in the astrophysics industry.
Germiston pilot Asnath Mahapa gives back to her community by assisting young students a chance to spread their wings through her college, the African College of Aviation.
“If you want to succeed you need to love what you do and have passion.” “My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? First, find friends and mentors that inspire, improve, and motivate you. Second, don’t ever give up!” Those are the wise words from entrepreneur Rupert Bryant.
Chief executive officer of mLab, Derrick Kotze, believes that Africa’s technological problems will be solved by young coders. A Tuks IT graduate, Kotze started the company with a strong focus to provide entrepreneurs and developers with support in developing innovative applications and services.
An engineering graduate, Mayenzeke Baza has no experience in the film and television industry. Yet he was determined by produce a product aimed at rural and informal areas that allow people access to the internet.
“If you want to succeed you need to stay humble and always look out for new opportunities,” Baza stated.
For more information on this tech-savvy innovators, find their stories on The Young Independents site under Mzansi 100.