News release
The transition from high school to university life can be a challenging journey, often requiring several months for students to fully adapt to their new academic environment. Research has shown that this transition is a crucial phase of personal development, even though it can be fraught with difficulties. Many students embarking on higher education courses lack the coping skills necessary for a smooth transition.
On 11 September 2023, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosted NSTF-South32 Award winners to engage with the students of the 2023 NSTF Brilliants Programme. The virtual gathering was aimed at informing and motivating students in their studies and for their future careers.
The six distinguished speakers made a lasting impact on the students’ lives as they presented the following thought-provoking talks:
- Access to opportunities for impact and leadership in STEM: Prof Usisipho Feleni, Associate Professor and Thematic Area Leader: Applied Electrochemistry, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa (UNISA); and 2023 TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher winner. In her compelling talk, she emphasised the importance of proactive research involvement, collaboration, and seizing opportunities. Prof Feleni contended: “Early engagement in leadership roles and continuous learning are crucial for shaping the next generation of STEM leaders”.
- Outliers, living with success: Prof Salome Maswime, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Head: Global Surgery, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT); and 2023 NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award winner. She urged students to remain authentic and true to themselves. Prof Maswime highlighted the significance of surrounding oneself with inspirational individuals who can contribute positively to your academic and career journey. She also cautioned against becoming complacent with success, encouraging a growth mindset over a fixed one. Prof Maswime emphasised, “As you progress in this world, consider altering your social circle. Surround yourself with individuals with whom you can engage in meaningful discussions and mutually guide each other towards the right path.“
- Attributes required to be successful in the 4IR era: Prof Nosipho Moloto, DSI/NRF/Nedbank SARChI Chair in Energy Materials; and Research Professor: Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand; and 2023 NSTF-South32 Engineering Research Capacity Development Award winner. She hails from Kwa-Mashu, a township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Prof Moloto recounted her experiences of initially grappling with culture shock and imposter syndrome when commencing her studies at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). She stated: “These challenges ultimately fostered my appreciation for diversity and self-belief”. Her journey led her to nanoscience, a field where she made significant contributions, including publications and collaborations with research institutions.
- Starting a business with a scientific idea: Mr Tshepo Mangoele, Chief Executive Officer and Founder: LignOrganic; and 2023 NSTF-South32 Innovation Award: SMME winner. Mr Mangoele advised seeking funding from diverse sources and utilising tools like Udemy, ChatGPT, and Opportunity Desk to build a robust business model. He argued: “It is essential to pinpoint a societal issue, develop a viable solution, and then endeavour to promote it in order to establish a science-based business”.
- What is the difference between being educated and being trained? Prof Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor: Education; and President: Academy of Science of South Africa; and 2023 NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award winner. He highlighted the prevalence of training-oriented approaches in early tertiary education, leading to students who prioritise memorisation for grades, resulting in a lack of originality and depth of understanding. Prof Jansen underscored the importance of fostering a genuine passion for learning and pursuing multidisciplinary knowledge. He encouraged students to embrace a comparative mindset, explore various fields of study, and leverage travel experiences to broaden their perspectives. Prof Jansen concluded: “An educated person will stretch himself or herself intellectually to do more than is required”.
- The National System of Innovation and how YOU are part of it: Dr Philemon Mjwara, Director-General: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); and 2023 NSTF Ukhozi Awardee. One of the DSI functions is to generate and dispense knowledge for socio-economic impact while including indigenous knowledge systems. Dr Mjwara said: “The DSI has laid out its priorities in a white paper and decadal plan for 2021-2031, focusing on building a robust science and innovation system, utilising knowledge for improvement, and fostering a secular and digital economy”. He concluded key initiatives include the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, such as mining, health, and agriculture, as well as a district development model to enhance the quality of life in communities across the country.
About the NSTF Brilliants Programme: The Brilliants Programme is a youth outreach project of the NSTF. It recognises at least 18 first-year students who achieved 90 percent or more in Grade 12 physical science and mathematics, and chose to follow a career in the science, medicine and engineering fields.
A young man and woman are chosen from each of the nine provinces based on their marks in physical science and mathematics in the previous year’s (2022) National Senior Certificate Examinations (Grade 12). This year 8 more students are recognised due to ties in high marks in several provinces, resulting in a group total of 26 Brilliants students!
The NSTF Brilliants Programme is sponsored by the DSI and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
For a more in-depth exploration of motivational and inspirational conversations with award winners and their interactions with Brilliants students, be sure to visit the NSTF YouTube channel.
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