Post Matric, Western Cape 2014

make no bones about it

atricPOST2014 | WES

TERN CAPE

its yourfuturemake no bones about it

www. pos tmatr i c . c o. za

Inspiration Central

Find your dream career here...

www. pos tmatr i c . c o. za

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Sam CollinsEDITOR: POST MATRIC

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Post Matric is published by Yes!Media. All copyright in material appearing in this magazine belongs

to Yes!Media and/or the individual contributors.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the

editor or Yes!Media. No responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions in the contents of the

magazine.

Post Matric ISSN number 2074-4412

The times, they are a-changin, crooned someone with a gravelly voice whose name starts with Bob and who you may, or may not, remember. And he wasnt wrong. Seems that as soon as one gets abreast of them, they up and shoot off, leaving one swimming upstream in a bid to keep up.

We at the Post Matric team HQ have been doing our fair share of keeping up with the times, sniffing out the latest facts and interesting findings that we hope will assist you when it comes to those all-important decisions you are grappling with; life-changers that will ultimately shape your future.

Those of you preparing to write your big, bad Matric exams might find the article on pg 24 useful; a modern and pragmatic approach to successful studying that should help you stay on track right through to the finish line. (Think less frills, more drills!)

If youre desperately seeking finance to take your studies further after schools out, look no further than page 40, where our bursary -hunting fairy uses her sparkle to put the fun back into funding.

And to help you stay switched on to the awesome options available to you once your matric year ends, and the prom is just a dusty dance floor in the distance, see No Degree? No Problem! on pg 30. There are plenty of options out there, and while a varsity degree is obviously desirable, it is no longer the be-all and end-all that it was once thought to be.

We hope you enjoy reading our inspirational stories, and gain some insight by peering through the many different career windows open to you thanks to our Q&A contributors. Even now, in the fifth year of editing this magazine, I am sometimes amazed to discover a whole new career path or job that Id never even heard of, let alone considered.

Round off your read by having a good giggle at us, the not-that-old-but-not-exactly-young-anymore generation. Yep, your parents. Because, although we love to remind ourselves that we have years of invaluable experience that you dont have, there is no denying that we cant possibly keep up with you when it comes to technology, gadgets and modern-day wizardry in general. You win!

EDITOR Samantha Collins [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER

Clare Schenk [email protected]

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Ursula Munnik [email protected]

ASSISTANT / COPY EDITOR

Olivia Main

CONTRIBUTORS

Isak de Vries, Christina Kennedy, Robbie Stammers, Lindsey Schutters, Kim Maxwell, Peter Rudden

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

Jan Weiss [email protected]

PROJECT SALES MANAGER

Shakier Groenewald [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES

Nina Nodder, Priscilla September, Aaminah van Oudtshoorn, Shannon Higgo

TEL 021 447 6467FAX 021 447 6351EMAIL [email protected] ADDRESS PO Box 44383, Claremont 7735, South AfricaWEBSITE www.yesmedia.co.za

PUBLISHER Yes! MediaCEO Deon Muller

PRINTED BY CTP Printers

from the ed

post matric 2014 // 03

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CONTENTS

For loads more career profil

es visit

www.postmatric.co.za

06 // post matric 2014

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City Varsity.indd 1 2014/04/17 10:13 AM

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

EXAMPLE: WESTERN CAPE 18 LANGA SECONDARY. If you did not get your copy from school, SMS the relationship of the person from whom you got your copy for example, WESTERN CAPE 15 BROTHER or WESTERN CAPE 17 FRIEND.

Packing a lot of power into a compact form, Samsungs GALAXY Pocket promises strong performance without the bulk. The 832Mhz processor lets you do more, whether youre browsing the web with Wi-Fi, downloading files using HSDPA, or connecting with friends on various social networking sites. Android 2.3 Gingerbread Platform and the TouchWiz interface simplify usage, whether taking advantage of Google mobile services, Samsung Apps or ChatOn.

HOW TO ENTER

COMPETITION RULES: Cost per SMS is R2. Free SMSs do not apply. Competition closes 29 August 2014. You may enter as many times as you like. By entering the competition you consent to receiving electronic information regarding Post Matric or other further education or career offerings.

PRODUCT FEATURES

competition


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tech essentials


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A full set of smartphone features including Android 4.3 complement the insanely loud 100db loudspeaker for a brilliant multimedia package. Remember those brilliant Walkman phones Sony used to produce? This is exactly that. Back comes the dedicated Walkman button and the excellent speakers. You also get 50GB free cloud storage for life for your multitasking.

While everyone is getting with the beats, why not break tradition with these premium cans? 50 Cent is heavily invested in the audiophile game, and the SMS Audio Street By 50 Cent range shows it. The immersive sound costs a bit, but you pay for quality thats only undermined by a little creaking on the hinges. The Star Wars edition is a limited run and comes in four designs packed with the same powerful 40mm drivers and OvalFit cushioning.

THULE ENROUTE STRUT

Twenty-fi rst century tuition is a technology-based game, and re-purposing your school satchel as a laptop bag isnt going to cut it. Swedish master luggage-solution designers Thule built all their best innovations into a backpack that swaddles your iPad and 15-inch Macbook in cushioned protection, and even provides a crushproof pocket to keep your sunglasses safe and sound. Comfortable straps, dual bottle holders and a bottle opener round out this multitalented packs impressive skills list.

Imagine a world where you travel with your own personal Wi-Fi hot spot. Now stop imagining and get your hands on this personal Wi-Fi router that you can use with any data simcard. You get four hours of mobile broadband goodness out of a single charge, and you can even use it overseas (with a data sim from a local supplier) and save bucks while staying connected. Yes please, Santa!

SMS AUDIO STAR WARS

HUAWEI E5220

LIVESCRIBE 3

Varsity life is fast and youre a bug on a Lamborghini bonnet hitting information at full throttle. The Livescribe 3 smartpen uses infrared camera tech to record your scribbles and doodles, and will beam it via bluetooth to your iPad via the Livescribe+ app.

SONY XPERIA E1

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Desperately Seeking a Degree Still desperate to get into varsity, but grades didnt cut it? Your qualification catch-up

questions answered

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My matric results werent good enough for me to get into my desired university course. Is this the end of the road for my career dreams?A: Dont stress! There are several options open to you to

improve your marks or upgrade your matric pass. First of all, you can apply at your old high school to redo some of your subjects. Also, if you act quickly after receiving your matric results, you can apply to your district or regional education department office to write a supplementary exam. But youll need to prove that you qualified to be admitted to a higher education institution, but fell one requirement short of meeting its standards. You could also consider rewriting certain matric subjects through a registered private or public further education and training (FET) college. You would need to enrol for an NQF Level 4 qualification, which is the academic equivalent of Grade 12.

Ive heard there are some dodgy private colleges out there. How can I find out if the college I choose is legit?A: You need to check whether it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (there is a

list on their website at www.dhet.gov.za) and accredited with the South African Qualifications Authority (www.saqa.org.za).

I dont have the correct matric subjects to gain entry to a certain degree. Is it possible to choose and write different subjects post-matric? A: It is possible, although there will probably

be certain conditions attached. You may be required to complete Grades 10, 11 and 12 in that particular subject before you are eligible for the degree course.

Can I go and study a few years after Ive written matric, even with my low marks?A: Yes. If you are 23 or older,

you are regarded as a mature student and many academic institutions will accept you even if your original matric marks prevented you from studying at the time. Unisa, for example, requires you to have passed at least four matric subjects with an E or better (with at least one subject on higher grade).

I dont want to waste an entire year redoing a couple of subjects in order to get better

marks. Is there another option? A: You may be able to do a bridging course that will enable you to get into your degree of choice without going through the hassle of rewriting matric subjects. Find out from tertiary institutions whether they offer such courses, and if you are eligible.

Is it possible to redo certain matric subjects part-time?A: Yes, you can upgrade your matric part-time or at night school through a

number of colleges. You can also complete it via correspondence or distance learning. These days, its even possible do rewrite your matric online, complete with video lectures and electronic exercises!

Where can I find out about options for rewriting my matric subjects?A: Contact your school, the

Matriculation Board, Umalusi (www.umalusi.org.za) or the Department of Higher Education and Training for advice.

ALL ABOARD THE VARSITY EXPRESS

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I didnt get a very good matric, but Ive since notched up work experience in my chosen profession. If I want to attend varsity now, do I still need to bump up my marks?

A: The good news is that you may not have to go back to school,thanks to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which acknowledges the value of informal or on-the-job learning. You can approach Higher Education South Africa (www.hesa.org.za) or a university with a copy of your matric certificate, and be sure to include your relevant experience and training. They will evaluate your application and may provide you with a certificate that recognises your prior learning. That could be your golden ticket to getting into varsity!

back on track


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PALAEO WHAT?

Its not a living science, reminds Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan. Instead as a

palaeobiologist she interprets bone signals to try to make extinct animals come alive. One of her ambitions is to win over young

minds to the wonders of science. By Kim Maxwell


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Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan is a scientist, mother and leader in her field. Her daunting list of accolades include Anusuya being named South Africas Woman of the Year in 2005 (she nabbed the Science and Technology category and was overall winner), and the Department of Science and Technologys Distinguished Woman Scientist Award in the same year. This University of Cape Town professor and head of department of Biological Sciences is a palaeobiologist. Thats why shes authored three books on dinosaurs and published various academic papers. Yet Anusuyas warm nature and eagerness to share is what stands out most when you meet her. Its important that we do scientific research but its equally important that the public understands science and what scientists do, she says. That goes some way to explaining why she won the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Prize for the public understanding and popularisation of science from the World Academy of Science in 2013.


from the edinspirational people


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Palaeo is a bit of a buzzword these days, thanks largely to the recognition of the Cradle of Mankind archaeological sites at Sterkfontein and Maropeng in recent years. The cradle has popularised human evolution in palaeontology, the study of prehistoric life, but there is more to South African palaeontology than human history. Palaeobiology is a more specialised area of palaeontology research, where scientists look at reconstructing the biology of extinct animals or other prehistoric life forms. To understand the differences, Anusuya says a palaeontologist is mainly interested in removing

A palaeobiologist is primarily interested in removing fossils of animals or plants from the ground, and then reconstructing them to understand them as once-living organisms. There are different branches within palaeobiology. A vertebrate palaeobiologist specifically works with animals that have an internal body skeleton i.e. any animal with bones. Other palaeobiologists work solely on fossil insects, fossil plants or even fossil pollen. A vertebrate palaeobiologist (such as Anusuya) uses the bone microstructure to unravel biological information from the fossilised bones. They make a thin section of a fossil bone and study it under a microscope, to provide clues about the animals age, diseases, environment or how it grew. Vertebrate palaeobiologists have discovered that in some dinosaurs a Tyrannosaurus rex, for example you will find rings within their bones (similar to the rings found inside a tree) that can be counted to determine the age of that dinosaur. Its a little like piecing a puzzle together. If you have a number of T.rex individuals, say a juvenile, a sub-adult and an adult, a vertebrate palaeobiologist can reconstruct a growth curve for different stages and work out the overall growth dynamics for T.rex.

WHAT IS PALAEOBIOLOGY?

fossils from the ground and identifying them. But as a palaeobiologist, her primary research interest is not in the excavation of fossils thats a side story but rather in reconstructing these animals as they once

lived, by studying sections of their bones under a microscope. Within those ancient bones there are records of an animals life history. Once the bones are excavated from the surrounding

rock and prepared, then scientists like me work out what we can say about the biology of these animals. Examining thin bone sections under a microscope to see their microstructure, we can make deductions about the animals age, any possible diseases, the effect of its environment, and how it functioned and grew, she explains. As a vertebrate palaeobiologist, meaning she works on animals that have an internal body skeleton, Anusuya has published extensive research on dinosaurs, and also on their relationship to early birds. Most palaeontologists consider dinosaurs to be ancestors of modern birds, so Ive studied early birds, and tried to work out how the transition from non-avian dinosaurs to birds evolved, she says. Anusuya has also studied the fossilised bone microstructure of flying reptiles called pterosaurs.


Science is so important; it impacts on every aspect of our lives.



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The common thread in all her research is in trying to unravel the biological signals recorded in fossil bones. Age and environment aside, these bones can provide information about whether a bird was moulting, laying eggs or diseased, before it died millions of years ago.

Anusuya studied a science degree at Wits, with the intention of doing a postgraduate Diploma in Education to become a teacher. But in the final year of her science degree she discovered palaeontology and continued with an honours degree that included a palaeontology module. I liked the idea that there was no animal sacrifice, that I was working with animals that were long dead, and that with my knowledge of biology I was able to reconstruct animals we know so little about, she explains. She continued with a Masters and PhD degree in Science, specialising in palaeontology. Normally any academic has both a research and teaching component in their work. Anusuya loves both aspects of the job (she completed a Higher Diploma in Education to qualify as a teacher too, but it isnt a requirement). Of course, as head of department I have extra admin responsibilities, she says. But being able to lecture and to do the research is really

wonderful. I thoroughly enjoy engaging with my students and being able to give them cutting-edge information. So

when I teach its not only from a textbook but also from our lab research, or from a new published paper.

Palaeobiology is a career that involves both laboratory and field work, so if you dont like lab work it isnt a sensible career choice. The amount of field work usually depends on an individual palaeobiologists scientific specialisation. But all fieldwork samples have to be collected and laboriously prepped for further study, and that only ever happens in a lab itself. It all matters though. Without Anusuyas palaeontology studies, we wouldnt know about the existence of many African dinosaurs. She was part of a group that discovered the Nqwebasaurus dinosaur in the mid-90s, for instance. My colleague studied the fossils to discover the identity of the bones. I provided the information about how old the dinosaur was. We put that together and wrote up a description of the animal, recalls Anusuya. We now know its a small-bodied sub-adult or adult. From the red-grey mudstone rocks in the Kirkwood area of the Algoa Basin where we found this dinosaur, we know these animals were about 130 million years old. The Karoo basin was home to earlier-aged dinosaurs of about 190 million years old.

STUDY TO BE A PALAEOBIOLOGIST: UCT and Wits offer excellent programmes because they have specialists working in palaeontology.- BSc (three years) with Biology as a major (Geology is a useful subject)- Honours in Biology or Geology with specialisations in Palaeontology (one year)- Masters in Palaeontology (two years)- PhD in Palaeontology (three years)TIP: You can fast-track and upgrade a Masters to a PhD so you can finish in only three to four years. Talented Masters and PhD palaeobiology students often have overseas travel opportunities for on-site excavations, research or conferences.

Above: Anusuya and a colleague with world-renowned naturalist and celebrity David Attenborough.

from the ed


Palaeo is a bit of a buzzword these days



ANUSUYAS TOP TIPS: Young people should access information online

and research science subjects. You can reach out much further and become part of a global network that isnt restricted to South Africa.

Our Biological Sciences department often hosts school groups for workshops (a teacher usually contacts us). Weve also had school learners doing job shadows in our department to understand the working life of an academic.

If you love science, follow your passion. In the end its not about how much money you make, its about doing what you love. Academics have a comfortable life. The best thing is that we get paid for what we love doing.

When presenting your work even as a student make sure its the best you can do. You never know who might be listening. When I finished my PhD I travelled to Oslo, Norway. After I presented two papers from my PhD research, I was offered two postdoctoral fellowships. I accepted one at the University of Pennsylvania in USA.

Science is something people should talk about more around the dinner table, if Anusuya has her way, and she recognises the need for scientists to communicate their research better.

Science is so important; it impacts on every aspect of our lives, she says. There is enormous scope for scientific research in South Africa. So when Im talking to the public its about science, and not just about dinosaurs. Of course its often through dinosaurs that kids get excited about science. Yet even with dinosaurs, kids are learning about classification, age or geological time, or about interactions between different organisms, so unwittingly theyre learning about science and to think in a scientific way.

Anusuya is married to a materials engineer and their two sons also love science (one is completing matric, the other is 15). Avid readers, both sons also enjoy music and play a few instruments. Anusuya is encouraging her matric son to make his own career choices her only advice is that he should study something he enjoys. Im originally from Pretoria, from a family of three girls. Were all well-educated professionals, she says. Growing up, my parents saw education as a stepping stone to overcome the barriers that apartheid imposed on us as black women. It was a way for us to become self-reliant.

Very good fossil records tell us that some of the earliest evidence of life on earth dates to about 3.5 billion years, with actual micro-organisms represented in rocks dating to about 3 billion years. If youre still questioning evolution, there is now so much evidence to support it.

Africa has the largest meat-eating dinosaur of all time. Larger than Tyrannosaurus rex, Carcharodontosaurus was a predatory dinosaur (its triangular teeth resembled those of a great white shark) that prowled over much of North Africa 97 to 90 million years ago.

Anusuya was involved in the exhibition on African dinosaurs for the Iziko South African Museum. Anusuya and her students have done a lot of work on the vertebrate collections displayed.

The plant-eating Massospondylus dinosaur was the first African dinosaur to be formally named in 1854. Its the best-represented dinosaur in South Africa, ranging from embryos-still-inside-eggs to juveniles, teens and adults, mostly found in the red beds of the Karoo basin. Anusuya studied the micro-structure of juvenile bones and worked out it took about 15 years for these individuals to grow to adult body size.

SA has the only isiXhosa-named dinosaur, called Nqwebasaurus thwazi. Its a small meat-eating dinosaur found in Nqweba, the isiXhosa name for the Kirkwood region of the Eastern Cape. Thwazi means fast runner.

Did you KNOW?



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EVELOPYOUR STUDY PLANSIX-PACK

YOUR STUDY PLANSIX-PACK

GOTCHA!It is true. You will not get a six-pack by looking at hot bodies in magazines. Start doing sit-ups! You will never get to the Olympic Games by watching sport on television. You need to practise that sport fi ve to six days a week. You will never pass matric by watching your teacher. Nope. You have to practise answering exam questions fi ve to six days a week. Listening in class helps. Paying attention is extremely important, but it is not enough. If you want to pass the fi nal exams, you have practise answering questions for the exams.

Do you want to be a good athlete? Run a lot.Do you want to be an amazing dancer? Dance a lot.Do you want to do well in the exams? Examine yourself a lot.Huh?By Isak de Vries

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study time


WHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SAYSMany students are being left behind by an educational system that some people believe is in crisis. Guess who said this? Helen Zille? Julius Malema? Nope, it was not even a South African and neither were they talking about South Africa. It is the first sentence in an academic article on study techniques published at the end of last year in the United States of America. The article tells the story of the biggest research project ever done on study techniques. Five academics* from four of the USAs largest universities tried to determine which study techniques work best. What did they find? They found that writing exams is like playing sport. You want to be really good at something? Start now and practise hard. So, what does that mean to someone studying for matric? Two things:1) Start early and do a little bit of study on each subject every day. (This is referred to as distributed practice.)2) Practise by writing lots of tests or exams. (Otherwise known as practice testing.)

IT IS JUST LIKE SPORTThinking about getting a nice, flat stomach? Well, what will work best: a hundred sit-ups the night before the date; or thirty sit-ups every day for six weeks? Of course it is better to do fewer sit-ups over a longer period of time. Thats distributed practice in action. Do a little bit of work each and every day. This is so much better than cramming the night before. And will you get a flat stomach by highlighting all the stomach tips in magazines? Nope. Sit down. Start doing them. All those fancy highlighters that you are using to help you study do not help much. The best way to pass an exam is to work through old question papers. Test yourself, get your friends and your family to test you. Ask your teacher for old papers and for tests. This is called practice testing by the academics.

WHAT DOES NOT WORK?The American study found that a whole lot of things we have been taught about studying do not really work well. Here are a few techniques that did not actually produce very good results: Writing summaries, highlighting, using keyword mnemonics (donkey bridges), creating cool pictures to try and remember your work, and loads of rereading. All these things take time, but they are not as effective as answering old exam papers.

NOW FOR THE REALLY COOL NEWSEven average students score well if they practise working through exams or tests five days a week. Once again, the idea is to do a little bit of work on each subject every school day. It is like running. Not all of us can reach the Olympics, but most of us can easily finish a 10km race if we train a little bit five days a week.

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERSStop worrying about the guys who get eight straight As. Your worrying is not going to mean anything to them, nor will it help you. Remember, it is like a 10km run. Only about 30 people in the world can make it to an Olympic final, so run your own race. Study for your own matric. Stop trying to be someone else.

PRESSURE AND EXPECTATIONSo the family wants you to do extra well? The headmaster has already made that speech about doing the school proud? A few times, actually?For once you have to be deaf to what others want: This one is on you. Do the best YOU can.

YOU CAN DO ITStop telling yourself: Im gonna fail, Im gonna fail! Start studying. You can do it, even if it is hard. Negative thoughts wont help you. The more you study, the easier it gets.



BE HEALTHY, EAT THE RIGHT FOODAthletes are careful about what they eat and how much they drink. Most athletes will have a good party now and again, but they know: healthy food, very little sugar and enough sleep will get them to the top. Be very careful of energy drinks. They contain enormous amounts of sugar. Sugar is not healthy; it simply makes the body secrete a lot of insulin and that could make you feel tired and/or irritable.

GET SOME EXERCISEA fit body studies better than an unfit body. Try doing some form of exercise at least five days a week. Go walking with friends, or with a pet. Playing tennis, going for a jog, having a swim or pumping some iron in the gymnasium are all clever ways to stay in shape. Others may enjoy dancing every now and again.

CELLPHONES? EISH!We all know that it is easier to go somwhere without underwear than it is to go without a cellphone, but be careful... while you are studying, you should learn to ignore the BBMs, the WhatsApps, the Facebook prompts, etc. Check the tweets when you have done some work and you are ready to take a break.

WEBSITES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELPN A great site which offers exam papers and memoranda: http://www.teachme2.co.za/matric-past-papers/N A private site that offers a whole stack of old exam papers. They are cellphone friendly: http://olivershouse.co.za/community-projects/educational-learning-centre/grade-12-past-exam-papers/N Old exam papers posted by the Department of Education: http://www.education.gov.za/Examinations/

PastExamPapers/ FebruaryMarch2013Exampapers/tabid/878/Default.aspxN More old exam papers from the Department of Education: http://www.education.gov.za/Examinations/

PastExamPapers/tabid/351/Default.aspxN Yes, even more from the Department of Education just click on the subject: http://www.thutong.doe.gov.

za/Home/Curriculum/tabid/257/Default.aspxN Pearson Education has a few very good study guides to help you focus on your studies: http://www.

pearson.co.za/study-guidesN Oxford University Press also has separate study guides available: http://www.oxford.co.za/page/schools/

study-guides/index

STUDY TIPS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Start early it is easier and better than cramming. Do a little bit of work on every subject at least five days a week. When you start studying, switch off the phone. Get enough sleep. Get enough exercise. Test yourself, over and over and over. Believe in yourself. You can do it if you practice. Work the old exam papers. Ask your teacher for tests. Set tests for your friends. Answer the tests they set. Prepare a box with all the things you will need, then you do not have to get up and go looking for things all the time.

Have fun in between.

TAKE A BREAK, TAKE A FEW BREAKSStudy really hard for a while. Work those old exam papers. Test yourself on the work that you have just gone through. Then take a break. It need not be a long break, just get up and do something.

FINDING A ROUTINESome people like routines and enjoy revising the same subject at the same time every day. Try it. If you discover that you work differently, find a way that works for you.

WHERE TO STUDY?Where do you study best? It depends on you, but a library, a school hall, a little corner at a family members or friends house any of these may work. You must look for a place that really works for you, then claim it!

DOING IT WITH FRIENDSStudying, like sport, can be done with friends. Working through a difficult paper can also be done in groups, but it is important that you participate fully. Looking at your friends working out the paper will not help you work it out.

When I was at school, my maths teacher used to say that maths is not a spectator sport, one has to practice. She was right!

REFERENCES* John Dunlosky, Katherine A. Rawson, Elizabeth J. Marsh, Mitchell J. Nathan and Daniel T. Willingham. 2013. Improving Students Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. In: Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 14(1) 458. Wesbite http://psi.sagepub.com/content/14/1/4.full.


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If university is not an option for you, its not the end of the world there are other paths that can lead to personal and career success.By Christina Kennedy

Some of the worlds greatest business pioneers, like Apples Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, never completed their university studies. This proves that with enough imagination and entrepreneurial zeal, you can achieve great things in life without having a framed degree adorning your office. The truth is that varsity is not for everyone you may not be academically inclined, but have strong aptitudes in other areas. A degree is not the only avenue to success. Extremely valuable and in-demand skills can be learned at private and FET colleges, or through apprenticeships and on-the-job workplace training. But why study at all? Not everyone is a genius in the vein of Jobs or Zuckerberg: a go-getting attitude and brilliant ideas are important, but most of us are mere mortals who still need to arm ourselves with

NO DEGREE?NO PROBLEM!

knowledge, skills and experience. And first, there are a few harsh realities to take into account. The first and most obvious one is South Africas high unemployment rate, which hovers at around 24% but which is far higher among the youth. No matter how ambitious you are, without some training to back you up, you run the risk of becoming yet another sad statistic. Then theres the sobering fact that even if you matriculate with university entrance, you may not get into university. This is because there are many more school-leavers with university exemption than there are places at the countrys 25 varsities. And your marks may just fall shy of being good enough to snag a place in your chosen course. Another reality check is that even if you do get into university, the dropout rate of first-year students is alarmingly high.

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HERE ARE SOME CAREER-FOCUSED ALTERNATIVES TO UNIVERSITY...

explore your options


The Human Sciences Research Council estimates that only 15% of South African university students who start a degree end up finishing it. This is due to a number of factors: they run out of money or are unable to secure funding; they cant cope with the crazy workload (which is often far more demanding than anything they encountered at school); or they realise with a jolt they have chosen the wrong study direction. Some, of course, simply get sucked in by the partying that comes with newfound freedom! This means that tens of thousands of matriculants have to look at alternative study options.

PRIVATE COLLEGESThere are hundreds of registered private colleges (including private FET colleges) in South Africa, offering tailored diplomas or certificates geared towards producing workplace-ready graduates in specific disciplines. Independent colleges may be dedicated to, for example, nursing, fitness, business or media studies, while others offer broader and more general fields of study. Some established brands, like Boston, Damelin, Intec, City Varsity and Midrand Campus, have a solid track record. But beware: there will always be dodgy charlatans who prey on desperate students, taking their money but offering poor-quality tuition in return. When applying at a college, make sure it is accredited by Umalusi on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training. This means that its courses comply with industry standards. Otherwise, you may find yourself in possession of a worthless qualification.

On the plus side, the entrance requirements for private colleges are not as strict as they are for university programmes. A rather large negative is that studying at a private college can cost an arm and a leg but remember that unlike universities, these institutions are not subsidised by the government. Thats why its important to do your homework in advance. Check the NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level of your prospective qualification against the requirements of the marketplace. An NQF-registered grading means it is a nationally recognised qualification.

FET COLLEGES/VOCATIONAL TRAININGFurther Education and Training (FET) colleges often get a bad rap; they are widely seen as a last resort for school-leavers. Vocational and occupational

training bears an unfortunate stigma, not least because some under-performing colleges are giving it a poor reputation. This perception is not helped by the fact that public, government-funded FET colleges (often referred to as technical colleges) are automatically accredited by Umalusi, unlike private colleges, which have to undergo stringent checks before being given the thumbs up. But this ugly stepsister of the higher education system is gradually turning into a butterfly, as more and more students realise that they can learn valuable skills through job-specific or occupational training. Students at the colleges study towards a certificate in a particular field that makes them highly employable. The workplace desperately requires certain categories of skilled workers such as artisans.

The upside is that you are almost guaranteed a job if you choose to study or train for a vocation that addresses South Africas critical skills shortage. In order for the country to accelerate its economic growth and create wealth and jobs, it needs more artisans, as well as

certain categories of technical and professional workers. So, its clear university is not the be-all and end-all. Acquiring skills through other means shouldnt be sneezed at and, in fact, you may end up earning more money and enjoying more job security than your varsity buddies!

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Most FET colleges are public, but there are also scores of private institutions offering specialised education and skills geared towards a particular career. Some of these colleges require only a Grade 9 or Grade 10 certifi cate, making them accessible to the average would-be student. They also offer vocational instruction to high school-age children who are able to obtain the technical equivalent of a matric. You may be accepted at a university of technology after completing an FET course, making this a valuable bridge for those who still dream of going to varsity.

INTERNSHIPS AND ON-THE-JOB TRAININGNever diss the importance of good, old-fashioned on-the-job training as an avenue to career success. Many millennials are dismissive of the concept of starting at the bottom and working your way up the corporate ladder, but this remains the best way to learn the ropes. And it equips you with the practical street smarts to complement your academic knowledge. Several college and university programmes require you to rack up workplace experience before you

can graduate. This means that undergraduate students are placed in an employment situation for a defi ned period often working for free, or for a small stipend. Interning is a win-win solution: the company gets the benefi t of your labour, and you gain valuable real-world experience and references to beef up your CV. Chances are, if you knock their socks off they may even ask you to stay! But even if you arent studying, consider approaching a company and offering your labour for peanuts, if not for free. Many employers will appreciate your initiative, and may even be able to fi nance your salary out of the youth wage subsidy scheme that was recently introduced by the government. Alternatively, consider volunteering at a local charity or church. This will at least give you experience and may open doors to opportunities youd never dreamed of.

APPRENTICESHIPS AND LEARNERSHIPSSouth Africas shortage of skilled tradespeople means that there are great opportunities in this fi eld. Some companies offer learnerships, providing the opportunity to work

COLLEGE CHECKLISTA college is a college is a college, right? Wrong. Not all colleges are above board. MSC Business College has some tips for prospective students:

Is it accredited and can it produce a registration number? Does it offer diplomas and/or certifi cates, and at what NQF level? What are the cost implications, and are there fl exible payment options? Are there any hidden costs, such as study materials and registration fees? Does the college offer extra-curricular activities to enhance your student life? What study resources such as libraries, computers and internet are available to students? Does it have a good reputation in the job market? Check out www.colleges.co.za for a list of accredited and recommended colleges. Also try the South African Qualifi cations Authority website for info and careers advice www.saqa.org.za.

Does the college offer extra-curricular activities to enhance your student life?

for a list of accredited and recommended colleges. Also try the South African Qualifi cations Authority website for info and careers

while studying and training towards a qualifi cation. These occupational learnerships combine theoretical and practical components and are aimed at addressing the specifi c needs of the labour market. Apprenticeships fall into this category. According to the Careers Portal website (www.thecareersportal.co.za), a trade apprenticeship combines workplace and formal learning, and is based on an agreement between the individual who wants to learn the skill and the employer who needs a skilled worker so theres another win-win situation. An apprenticeship can last between two and four years. You will gain practical skills on-site under the supervision of a qualifi ed tradesman, while also learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the chosen trade. You earn a salary while learning, you are taught valuable skills in a practical environment, and you are virtually assured of a job at the end of it not to mention the possibility of earning a good living. So whats not to love? Appies are in hot demand, so this career option is defi nitely not one to be sneezed at!

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AWESOME!PRETTY

Golden-voiced South African

soprano Pretty Yende is the toast

of the global opera scene but at heart

she remains a small-town girl living out

her big dream.By Christina Kennedy

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Last year, the 29-year-old singer was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in silver by President Jacob Zuma, one of the highest national honours the country can bestow. Yende was recognised for operatic achievements and her positive influence as a pioneer, role model and cultural ambassador. At the time the Department of Arts and Culture hailed her, saying: By excelling in the complex and sophisticated genre of opera music, you have transcended barriers. You have proven your worth in a genre of the arts that few African people dare to enter. And to think it all started as a bizarre twist of fate in the humble Mpumalanga dorp of Piet Retief hardly the place youd picture as the birthplace of future globetrotting singing sensations.

When luck, talent and fate collide So began Yendes exhilarating rollercoaster ride to worldwide acclaim. She graduated from the Young Artists Academia of La Scala, and went on to perform in several professional productions at the world-renowned Italian opera house. Her ascent to fame was clearly well on track, thanks to hard work and perseverance. But last year, what was to become the highlight of her career came without warning when she made her debut at the New York Met under the most challenging of conditions. Yende was called in at the last minute to play the Countess Adle in Rossinis Le Comte Ory after another singer fell ill and despite having only a week to learn the demanding role, her performance

In fact, rewind just over a decade to the turn of the millennium and the teenaged Pretty Yende had never even heard of opera music. It was a chance encounter that sealed her destiny: one day the iconic British Airways television commercial, featuring the exquisite Flower Duet from Leo Delibes opera Lakm, grabbed her attention and refused to let go. Enchanted by this beautiful but unfamiliar music, she immediately set her heart on becoming an opera singer. Opera didnt exist for me before that, admits Yende, who had grown up being familiar with choral music, but having no exposure to classical music. Yet something inside her instinctively stirred and responded to opera, and her future path was set from that moment on. After graduating cum laude from the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town, she won a number of international opera competitions for young singers. In 2009, she clinched the first prize in every category of the Belvedere competition and later won Placido Domingos Operalia vocal talent search.

was hailed as a triumph. The Telegraph praised her diamant tone and megawatt smile and the New York Times noted the bravos, whistles and whoops that greeted her curtain call. This year, she will reprise the role at La Scala (she calls Milan my second home), and will return to the New York Met for Mozarts The Magic Flute. This is in addition to clocking up debuts in Paris, London, Munich, Barcelona, Norway and Los Angeles, with a CD recording also on the cards. Yes, its safe to say that Pretty Yende has cracked the big time and to think she stumbled on her lifes calling almost by accident!

She therefore has full empathy with her fellow young South Africans who are unsure of what career path to pursue. I would advise them to really start looking inside themselves, she says. Somehow, we always know what we want to do or what feels right for us to do yet we get discouraged and lose focus because they seem impossible, or because of the negatives.

Pretty Yende still pinches herself every now and then as a reminder that her fairytale is real. The young South African soprano has taken the international opera world by storm over the past couple of years, performing to standing

ovations at the New York Metropolitan Opera and La Scala in Milan and her diary is already filling up with bookings until 2020.



Trust your instinctsEven though she considers herself blessed to have discovered her passion, she admits that there were several obstacles that she had to overcome including being plagued by self-doubt; believing her colleagues to be more talented than she was. We are all familiar with the saying: To whom much is given, much is expected, and so it is in my case, she reveals. One of my biggest hurdles was to accept and believe in my talent. I had to accept that everyone is uniquely talented and special in their own right and that is a lesson in life as well: learn to love yourself, accept who you are and celebrate and serve the world with your unique talents. Yende confi des that she has learnt to trust

her instincts and allow them to guide her. After all, we were all born for a greater purpose. It is this positive and inspirational attitude that, coupled with her obvious vocal talent, has propelled Yende to where she is today: the darling of the international opera world. But it wasnt a matter of overnight success: she fi rst had to study and put in the hard yards before reaping the rewards. She therefore is a strong advocate of tertiary education, believing it is important to shape and hone ones natural gifts: After all, knowledge is power. It was not enough for me to have the voice or the talent: it was very foreign to me, like fi nding a rare special stone that required my full attention and exploration to know how to preserve it and use it to its

utmost potential and that required acquiring a lot of information.

Giving back to the communityHaving scaled such dizzying career heights at such a tender age, it would be natural if her head started to swell. But she maintains that shes still Pretty from Piet Retief, adding: No matter how exalted or successful you are, theres no place like home. My family is my pride and Im very, very blessed to have them and still be me. In fact, she harbours so much affection for her hometown that she recently launched the Pretty Yende Foundation, which aims to educate young people in and around Piet Retief about classical music. My dream is to have at least one child in each village home being able to play a classical instrument, she says. She also tries to return regularly to South Africa to perform. Last year, she packed out the Montecasino Teatro and Artscape Opera House with two magnifi cent concerts and, in 2015, she will be starring in Gauteng Operas production of Verdis Rigoletto. Home and her Christian faith are what keep her grounded, she says: It has been important for me to keep my feet planted fi rmly on the ground, never losing my identity and my purpose and that has made a huge difference in terms of not allowing external pressure to interfere with my goals.My priorities are very clear: I want to make art, and

that goal means I need to keep in mind my time and work ethic, knowing that my growth will be in full view in front of millions.

No matter how exalted or successful you are, theres no place like home.


with your unique talents. Yende confi des that Yende confi des that she has learnt to trust she has learnt to trust she has learnt to trust

exploration to know how to preserve it and use it to its utmost potential and that required acquiring a lot of information.

Giving back to the communityGiving back to the communityHaving scaled such dizzying career heights at such a tender age, it would be natural if her head started to swell. But she maintains that shes still Pretty from Piet Retief, adding: No matter how exalted or successful you are, theres no place like home. My family is my pride and Im very, very blessed to have them and still be me. In fact, she harbours so much affection for her hometown that she recently launched the Pretty Yende Foundation, which aims to educate young people in and around Piet Retief about classical music. My dream is to have at least one child in each village home being able to play a classical instrument, she says. She also tries to return regularly to South Africa to perform. Last year, she packed out the Montecasino Teatro and Artscape Opera House with two magnifi cent concerts and, in 2015, she will be starring in Gauteng Operas production of Home and her Christian faith are what keep her grounded, she says: It has been important for me to keep my feet planted fi rmly on the ground, never losing my identity and my purpose and that has made a huge difference in terms of not allowing external pressure to interfere with my goals.My priorities are very clear: I want to make art, and

that goal means I need to keep in mind my time and work ethic, knowing that my growth will be in full view in front of millions.

No matter how exalted or successful you are, theres no place like home.




Inspiring words from our diva-in-the-making For the sky to shine bright in the night, its because each star shines in its own right. None outshines the other, as they are all unique.

Find your purpose and learn how to serve the world in the best way you can, because thats what you were destined for.

Your treasure lies within: find it, pursue it and make it a reality.

Stay grounded, no matter how high you fly.

Prettys top tips for school-leavers Listen to your instinct it tells you what you need to do. Once you find your passion, nurture it, protect it and make it come true. Only you have seen your vision, make the world see it through your eyes by doing the work and telling them about it. Nothing is impossible. Dont let the world scare you away from your dream. It is your responsibility to make your vision come true, no matter what.

I must always remember that I started this journey for music and music alone, and if I serve well, my relationship with my audience will be healthy. When not hitting the high notes with soul-stirring arias, Yende enjoys listening to gospel music to enrich my spirit and jazz to relax and recharge my batteries. She is a firm believer in the unifying power of music. Music is universal, she reflects. It is limitless and it has no boundaries. I am very grateful to be part of this, the greatest gift to humanity.


Contact DetailsHelpline:

0860 111 673

Please call me / SMS Service: 072 204 5056

Email: [email protected]

Careers website: www.careerhelp.org.za

Twitter: @NQFcareerhelp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerhelp

SAQA advertorial.indd 1 2014/05/19 9:49 AM

What is the NQF AND Career Advice Services Helpline?

Making a career choice is one of the most important decisions a learner faces; it is therefore imperative that learners receive relevant information and useful advice to assist them in this process.

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a body set up by Parliament to oversee the further development and imple-mentation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Under the leadership of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), SAQA has established the NQF and Career Advice Helpline.

The NQF and Career Advice Helpline was designed as a national, comprehensive, multichannel service to bring information and advice to South Africans, particularly those with little or no access to information on gaining qualifications and choosing careers.

The aim is to equip learners with informa-tion that will help them decide on work and study paths, enabling them to increase their employability and manage their own

career development. Citizens of South Africa irrespective of their race, gender, background, geographical location or reli-gion, can access the NQF and Career Advice Helpline through various available channels.

Tell us a bit more about the helplines channels?

The NQF and Career Advice Helpline comprises telephonic, email, SMS messaging, postal and walk-in services. Qualified career advisors deal with all enquiries that come through these channels. Advisors also go out to career exhibitions, particularly in areas where there is little or no access to information on qualifications and careers. The career advisors conduct workshops with life orientation educators and officials in other career advice organisations/centres.

The NQF and Career Advice Helpline uses social media namely Facebook and Twitter, a mobi-site and website, as well as publications and weekly African languages radio programmes to reach the public as widely as possible.

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON A CAREER?

When deciding on a career, it is important to know which qualification(s) you need to obtain in order to follow that path. Choose a qualification that is registered on the NQF and that is offered by an education and training institution registered with the relevant authorities. Your qualification will be recognised by employers and other institutions, should you need to study further. You should also find out which qualifications are in demand in the world of work.

How does the public benefit from the helplines services?

Members of the public benefit from the NQF and Career Advice Helpline in that they can access a wide variety of advice, including information on post-school options, genuine qualifications, career options, financial assistance for study, scarce and critical skills, learnerships and other opportunities, as well as options available to less privileged learners. This information is made available in all the African languages.

SAQA and DHET have developed the National Career Advice Portal (NCAP), an online portal that provides information on occupations and learning pathways. It also offers a Learning Directory that gives contact and geographic location details of public education and training institutions and the quality-assured qualifications they offer.

The portal also has an e-Portfolio which guides learners in developing their own career action plans.

SAQA advertorial.indd 2 2014/05/19 9:51 AM

HESA.indd 1 2014/03/24 10:58 AM

The late Nelson Mandela was bang on the money when he said: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. The reality is that in todays competitive job market, simply having a matric pass will not open many doors for you. Thats why studying further is strongly recommended and the good news is that tertiary education need not be just for the moneyed elite. After the initial jubilation of obtaining a matric certificate and, even better, university exemption wears off, would-be students need to come back down to earth and start thinking seriously about their future. In fact, they should have started mulling over their career options and where theyd like to study at least a year before sitting down to write those dreaded matric final exams. But one shadow often looms large over newly matriculated teens with big dreams and small bank balances: how to fund their studies.

Your dream degree or diploma beckons, but moneys too tight to mention. Dont despair if youre on the ball, its easy to score financial aid.

FUNPutting the

into funding

The bad news is that each year of undergraduate study at a subsidised public university can set students (and parents) back around R30 000, and even more if youre swotting at a private college or want to go into a field such as medicine or engineering. And thats before you even think about forking out for accommodation, transport, textbooks and socialising! The good news is that financial help is available from a variety of sources. But theres a catch: you have to be smart, sussed and on the ball to be the early bird that catches the funding worm. So, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, thinking that empty pockets will put the brakes on your brilliant career, get out there and start applying for any and every bursary, scholarship and loan you can sniff out! The earlier you get your application in (you can even submit your Grade 11 results), the better the chance youll have of snagging a grant.

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Depending on the type of financial aid you receive, you may be required to repay it either directly or by working for your benefactor for a certain period once youve finished your degree. So you need to ask yourself upfront whether you have the staying power to pursue a particular study path right through to the end, because if you dont, youll still be liable for those fees. And lets face it, theres really nothing worse than being saddled with tuition debt for abandoned studies!

Vocational guidance counsellors may tell you one thing, but before you plunge right in, ask yourself whether your chosen path is ideally suited to your abilities and personality. In reality, will you be able to find a job at the end of it? What are the scarce skills that are in demand in the marketplace? These days the internet is awash with institutions, government departments and companies that offer financial assistance to worthy students. So start enquiring as soon as possible, and be sure to follow up on all your applications. Above all, dont get despondent if you receive letters of rejection. Repeat this mantra: try, try and try again. Your persistence and optimism will inevitably pay off!

REALITY CHECK In 2013, South Africas matric pass rate was

78.2%. A total of 30.6% qualified to study at university. However, there has been much debate about the value and quality of a matric pass, and many tertiary institutions now require candidates

to write an admission test before theyll even consider you.

Remember: A matric pass with university exemption does NOT guarantee you a place at a university. Even though two new universities, in Nelspruit and Kimberley, opened their doors in 2014, South Africa still does not have enough places at its public universities to cater for the demand from matriculants eligible to study towards bachelors degrees. We have seen deadly stampedes in the past, with students desperate to register for any available course.

The National Treasury estimates that a mind-boggling 42% of economically active South Africans under the age of 30 are unemployed. Thats almost half the countrys youth population. On the flip side of the coin, economist Mike Schussler points out only 7% of degree graduates are unemployed. And heres an interesting fact that could influence your study path if you arent academically inclined if

you are an artisan with a trade, theres only a 12% chance that you wont find work. You do the maths: its in your best interests to pursue higher education.

BEAT THE BURSARY BLUES A bursary is a study grant that you dont need to

repay unless you fail, that is. Bear in mind there may be a number of conditions attached, such as volunteer work or maintaining a certain standard of academic performance.

A bursary is based more on financial need, while a scholarship is usually merit-based (artistic, academic or sporting ability). But that doesnt mean you can get away with low marks when applying for bursaries strive for excellence to propel yourself to the front of the funding queue.

Its important to take the correct subjects in Grade 10 that will help ease your way into your

dream career. Dont just take the easiest subjects that youre most likely to pass you may come to regret it!

Ascertain what the minimum admission requirements are for the degree, diploma or certificate course you want to follow. Make sure you dont merely meet those minimum standards, but exceed them. Popular courses are usually oversubscribed and you could be denied a place, even if you qualify for it on paper.

Find out what marks are required to qualify for a bursary. Again, strive to surpass those minimum

standards. The better you fare academically, the better your chances of finding funding.

Attend the open days of universities and colleges, and gather information on all the funding options.


YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Be wary of bogus fly-by-night colleges that exploit matriculants who are desperate to study

somewhere anywhere. Before you hand over any cash, check with the Department of

Education that the institution is registered and double-check the quality of their qualifications.


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Apply early! The closing date for some bursary schemes can be as early as 12 months in advance of you starting your studies.

Make sure your CV is a knockout! First impressions count. It must look professional and neat, and be error-free. Motivate strongly why you should be considered for a bursary.

Have certified copies made of your results (Grade 11 and/or prelims) and your ID document. This can be done for free at your local police station. ?WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS

Invest in a copy of The Bursary Register (it costs about R120). This invaluable booklet will show you how to compile a CV, apply for bursaries, scholarships and loans, and advise on how to conduct yourself at an interview. Find it at academic bookshops, libraries and tertiary institutions financial aid offices.

Tertiary Institutions Apply for a bursary at the university or college where

you intend to study. Visit, email or phone their financial aid office well in advance to find out more.

Remember that many of these bursaries are only available to South African citizens.

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

Some universities also offer partial bursaries for art, cultural, sporting or leadership achievements at school.

The Private Sector Many companies particularly those operating in

the scarce and critical skills sectors, such as mining and engineering award contract bursaries, usually with conditions such as:o You have to pass your subjects otherwise you

must pay for the courses you fail;o You will be contractually bound to work at the

company for a specified number of years after completing your studies; and

o You will be required to study in a field specified by the company (e.g. BCom Accounting, BSc Engineering).

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

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

Government Institutions Approach your local municipality, or the provincial or national government department relevant to your

studies they often have a number of bursaries up for grabs.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) If youre considering taking out a loan, the Department

of Higher Educations National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a good place to start. NSFAS is

a statutory body that awards study loans and bursaries to financially needy and academically competent South African undergraduate students. In 2014, NSFAS budgeted over R9 billion for more than 430 000 students at public universities and FET colleges. Loans range from R2 000 to R30 000 and cover tuition, accommodation, transport, food and textbook costs.



The scheme offers study loans at a low interest rate without the need for surety, and you only have to begin your repayments once you are earning

R30 000 a year. You do, however, need to prove that your household income is less than R122 000 a year.

Loans are awarded for studies at public universities or further education and training (FET) colleges, but not private colleges.

If you pass all your courses, you could get 40% of your NSFAS loan converted into a bursary. But if you fail or drop out, youll have to repay every cent.

NSFAS also administers bursary funds for aspiring teachers, social workers and those studying in

scarce-skills disciplines, and FET college bursaries. Contact NSFAS at 0860 NSFAS (067327) or 021 763 3232, SMS 32261 or write to Private Bag

X1, Plumstead 7801, South Africa. You can also email [email protected] or visit www.nsfas.org.za.

Study While you Work If youre already working, why not find out if

your employer can pay for your studies? Larger companies have to pay a skills development

levy, which goes to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Skills Development Fund. These funds are made available to finance

the training of a companys own employees. Employers can claim a SARS refund if they train

their workers. So, if you want to study through your company as long as it is related to your job you could get your tuition paid by your boss. Wouldnt that be cool?

Bank Loans The major banks all offer student loans, to be repaid

with interest once youve completed your studies. You will need someone to sign surety for you.

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

Contact the big four banks: Standard Bank: 0860 123 000, www.standardbank.co.za First National Bank: 0860 100 762, www.fnb.co.za ABSA: 0860 100 372, www.absa.co.za Nedbank: 0860 555 111, www.nedbank.co.za

HANDY LINKSn www.nsfas.org.za

n www.thecareersportal.co.za

n www.gal.co.za

n http://sa.gostudy.info or www.gostudy.mobi

n www.studentbrands.co.za

n www.hcifoundation.co.za/bursary


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I

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HOW DID YOU BECOME A SPACE PHYSICISTS? After school, I did an undergraduate BSc degree in Physics at UCT. I then completed an Honours degree in Astrophysics and Space Science under the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP). After that, I graduated with a Masters Degree in Astrophysics at Rhodes University, and then I went on to get my PhD from the University of Bath (UK), where I specialised in ionospheric physics.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE WORLD OF SCIENCE?Science is a way of discovering whats going on in the universe and how things work today, how they worked in the past, and how they are likely to work in the future. I really enjoy the thrill of figuring out something that no one else ever has before. Science is like a mystery inviting anyone who is interested in the world around them to become a detective and join in the fun.

Did you know South Africa has a space agency? The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) was established in 2010 and aims to be a leading contributor to advancing society through space science, engineering and technology.

The space agency is involved in satellite development, launch support and monitoring the Earth from space using satellite imagery. SANSA also conducts space physics research and works in interesting places like Antarctica and Marion Island as well as collaborating with other African countries, Europe, Asia and America. The Agency hosts the only Space Weather Centre in Africa which monitors solar activity; keeping our satellite communication systems safe.

SANSA has four directorates; Earth Observation, Space Operations, Space Science and Space Engineering, dedicated to the promotion and use of space and space-related activities. The SANSA team is a diverse group of scientists, engineers, educators and support staff members working together in service of humanity.

@SANSA7South AfricanNationalSpace Agency

For more info contact: SANSAT: +27 12 844 0399E: [email protected]: www.sansa.org.za

REACH FORTHE STARS

Dr Zama Katamzi SPACE PHYSICS RESEARCHER

SANSA SPACE SCIENCE

WHAT CAREER CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AND OVERCOME? When I matriculated from school, I didnt have enough points to qualify for an undergraduate BSc degree, however, I was accepted for an extended programme. I also couldnt get a bursary and didnt qualify for financial aid. When I started the extended programme, I decided that I was going to work very hard in order to finish my degree within the allocated time and do well enough to get a sponsorship. By the end of my second year at university I got onto the Deans Merit list, and got

scholarships for the remainder of my BSc degree and postgraduate degrees.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Getting a PhD before the age of 30, and getting my first academic paper published in 2011.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/GOALS? To be a highly respected expert in my field of research (space physics). Im still at the beginning of my career and working towards achieving that goal. I also want to contribute to the growth of the space science field, especially in South Africa, by helping train students to be future space scientists.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS ARE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO EXCEL IN THIS PROFESSION? One needs to be inquisitive, dedicated and honest; a good communicator, and determined to succeed.


science

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WHY ENGINEERING? I enjoyed physics, maths and computer science at school. Instead of becoming a computer programmer, I chose engineering as it teaches you the art of problem-solving. You also learn about how physical devices work, which is huge fun.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I attained a BSc (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering at the University of Natal. I then took an online course in Lumped Circuit Abstraction from MIT (USA), wrote the exam and passed it!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD ENGINEER? You need to be hard-working, dedicated and have an enquiring mind. It is an intense degree, with only 20% or less of first year students making it through. There are long hours of lectures/studying, but its worth it, as you end up in a rewarding career.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB I arrive at work and usually get caught up solving a software

or hardware problem at an antenna. This can take the whole morning and Ill either be modifying software or writing new automation software. This is my most productive and creative part of the day. After lunch, theres more programming, and checking of emails. I leave paperwork for the afternoon.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST? The ability to create new things from scratch.

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN ENGINEERING? Read lots of books like How to Win Friends & Influence People, or Skill with People by Les Giblin. You can be the most brilliant engineer, but if you dont have a personality that relates well to people, you will not progress far. Also, keep a positive mindset, and respect everyone for who they are from the cleaner to the CEO.

WHATS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Designing the control software for a NASA-funded project in Washington DC in 2002. It was a complex piece of code for a very sensitive optical instrument. I worked on it for six months and loved it.

WHY THIS PROFESSION? Because of the prospect of making something out of nothing and solving a real-world problem using my creativity and technical knowledge. Also, the application of my field is extremely wide, which provides constant challenges. I am never bored.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I studied BSc Software Engineering at UNISA.

IS THERE A PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? Yes, I believe an analytical and creative personality would be very strong in this field, enabling logical out-of-the-box thinking.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB I begin my day with validating the operational status of my systems, then

I focus on the projects that require new development, developing and testing component by component.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the fact that each day brings a new challenge and a new problem to solve.

WHICH ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT? Documenting what you do is always the most mundane part of the job, however, documentation is imperative as this will aid future software engineers to resolve issues, and make improvements.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? I intend to further my studies in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics.

ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER? Play, and dont be afraid to break something. In the world of software engineering, the best way to learn is to play with something until it breaks!

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDSChallenging Rewarding Interesting

Riaan Stegmann DATA SOFTWARE ENGINEER

SANSA EARTH OBSERVATION

Shravan Singh ELECTRONIC ENGINEERSANSA SPACE OPERATIONS


SANSA2.indd 53 2014/06/23 9:13 AM

accupuncturist


geology

pm2014_QA_Geologist.indd 54 2014/06/19 11:38 AM

Lorna Williams JUNIOR BRAND MANAGER

LEMONBUZZ BRAND ACTIVATION GROUP


marketing

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Susan de Moyencourt DIRECTOR OF BALLET SCHOOL,

BALLET TEACHER, CHOREOGRAPHERSELF-EMPLOYED, DE MOYENCOURT

SCHOOL OF BALLET

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? After a career as a professional dancer, I tried being a tour guide and a public relations officer, but was missing ballet, so started teaching.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHEREDID YOU STUDY?I went to ballet classes from the age of four, then after matric went to UCT School of Dance for the full-time teachers course. I then went to Paris and trained with world-renowned teachers from the Paris Opera. When I decided to teach, I took the Royal Academy of Dance Teachers Course.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB I am usually at my desk in my office at home by 9am, where I do all the admin invoicing, correspondence, etc, as well as the more artistic side of preparation for classes, choice of music and choreography. My classes start at 2.15pm, and the last one ends around 6.30pm. I teach the kids from when they are in Grade 1 at school, right up to matric. My colleague takes the younger ones.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? The art of ballet has never ceased to thrill me, and it is most rewarding to see talented dancers coming up and even the not so talented ones achieving poise and confidence. I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful studio on the campus of St Cyprians School, so most of the girls are on the spot, and we are privileged to be doing something beautiful in a beautiful environment.

WHAT DONT YOU LIKE? Having to play the policeman I like to pass on this wonderful art to kids who are enthusiastic and attentive. Sometimes I get kids who are sent by their moms and just do not want to be there, and that is a drag!

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? These days the kids are under pressure to do so much in the way of extramural activities, so they do not have enough time to train as much as they need to really do well. I have to balance parents expectations with limitations. I am continually

juggling timetables to accommodate them, and now also have Saturday morning classes to fit it all in.

WHATS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?Some of the productions I have put on with my students have really been successful, and it is heart-warming to see the following we have acquired, even people who are not connected to ballet.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS? To train dancers to be the best they can, and to give them confidence, poise, strength and a good body, all attributes that will serve them in any sphere, even if they give up ballet. For my really talented ones, I would love to see them persevere and to help them become professionals.

HOW DOES EXPERIENCE WEIGH UP AGAINST TRAINING? One can be a brilliant dancer and not have a clue as to how to teach. So you have to have the years of formal training and then years of experience to really be a good teacher.

WHAT TYPE OF PERSONALITY IS CALLED FOR?One has to have good people skills, a sense of humour and huge amounts of patience to bring the best out of the children.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DANCE TEACHERS?First learn to dance as best you can, then get as much stage experience as you can, then find an excellent teacher who you can assist and who can be your mentor.

YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDSRewarding Creative Exhausting


dance coaching

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Dr Kath Megaw PAEDIATRIC DIETITIAN


dietetics

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Blackmoon Fasset.indd 1 2014/06/09 11:43 AM


management

pm2014_QA_CompanySecretary.indd 59 2014/06/19 11:59 AM

Aneke Williams Bennett FARM FOREWOMAN

WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL TRAINING

INSTITUTE (EQUINE STUDIES)


horse training

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Department of Agriculture.indd 1 2014/06/09 12:05 PM

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auto-repairs

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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? Growing up, I never pictured myself working in the insurance industry as it had this stigma attached to it, and in some ways still does. It is not a profession I chose, its actually the profession that chose me. I have never looked back though. This is my 14th year in this industry and every day I learn more.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?After matric, I studied at CPUT and obtained my BTech in Business Administration. I obtained my COP (Certificate of Proficiency) through the Insurance Institute, the FETC Short-Term Insurance through Inseta; as well as my RE 1 (regulatory exams) and internal CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAYI start off by going through reports of claims registered the previous day, looking out for multiclaimants, and discussing with the underwriters what can be done to improve our book of business. Then I do new business quotes for potential new clients; request surveys on existing clients portfolios in order to ensure that they are adequately insured; work with our accounts

department on the age analysis (collection of annual premiums); do signing of refunds; and, deciding on when to write-off outstanding policy premiums.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?The interaction between myself and my colleagues. We spend most of our time at work, so good team spirit and camaraderie is very important. I know they have my back and I have theirs. There is never a dull moment!

WHAT DONT YOU LIKE?Having to cancel a clients policy due to unpaid premiums, or not being able to give any further discounts in premiums.

HURDLES YOU HAVE OVERCOME...To be taken seriously by colleagues who have been in this industry longer than I have but are now having to take direction from someone younger and, in their opinion, less experienced!

YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?Being promoted to manager in my division, and recently celebrating being with RBSKB for ten years.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?To further my studies in insurance, and obtaining

my credits in Commercial Underwriting. Also, completing my MTech in Business Administration and, most importantly, getting my drivers licence!

IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, HOW DOES EXPERIENCE COMPARE TO FORMAL TRAINING?Training and knowledge form the basis, but at the end of the day, experience is key. You can only learn so much from a book.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?I would say someone who is service-orientated and not afraid of hard work; who is able to multitask and handle stress; who has the ability to empathise with people and not see clients as numbers, but rather treat them as individuals. You need to provide the type of service that you yourself would expect to receive.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT?Always remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Never be afraid to ask questions, and dont take anything at face value. Knowledge is power, so always strive to improve your knowledge and skills. Think of yourself as a sponge and absorb as much as you possibly can.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDSChallenging Exciting Intense


insurance

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INSCAPE/NMMU.indd 1 2014/06/19 1:26 PM

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@WestCoastCol

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radio broadcasting

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Post Matric, Western Cape 2014

Documents

Transcript of Post Matric, Western Cape 2014