CAREER - My SA Career Guide

CAREER
SAGUIDE 2008
2009
A journey of a thousand miles begins
with just a single step
www.mysacareerguide.com

Edcon Company Profile
From modest beginnings in 1929,
what started out as a basement
shop in Joubert Street,
Johannesburg, Edcon has grown
into South Africa's leading retail
company with a turnover of over
R20 billion.
There are over 1000 stores in South Africa,
Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho,
specialising in clothing, footwear, cosmetics,
home decor, books, stationery and general
merchandise. Edcon has grown to 10 of South
Africa's best loved retail brands - including
Edgars, CNA, Prato, Red Square, Boardmans,
Jet, Jet Mart and Super Mart - making it the
leading speciality fashion and lifestyle retailer
in southern Africa.
Edcon employs 20 000 permanent staff and
approximately 20 000 temporary staff. Edcon
Financial Services provides credit facilities and
financial services products to the Group's four
million-plus cardholders.
Ever thought of pursuing a career in retail?
Probably not, right? Did you know that retail
is one of the fastest expanding sectors in the
South African economy? Did you also know
that a career in retail is not limited to selling
shoes, bags and lipsticks? There are a number
of programmes and opportunities specifically
aimed at maximizing the potential of our
people as well as you, the future leaders of
Edcon.
Operations management development
programme
This programme gives individuals the
opportunity to fast-track their in-store careers
to management level. At the end of the
programme each candidate will get appointed
Edcon
living value
as a departmental manager in a large store or
as a store manager in a smaller store.
Training Outside Public Practice (TOPP)
TOPP offers candidates the chance to gain
valuable hands-on experience and the
opportunity to complete articles while working
at Edcon to achieve a chartered accountant
qualification. Our finance specialists work
closely with managers and directors to shape
the overall strategy and individual business
unit direction, as well as provide an accurate
up-to-date picture of the organisation's
financial position.
Merchant development programme
As a merchandise trainee, you will be exposed
to both on-the-job and off-the-job training
as well as a store phase to acquire the relevant
skills and knowledge. Merchandising entails
two aspects - buying and planning - and is
one of the most sought-after careers at Edcon.
While a B Com degree will set you in good
stead if you want to pursue a career in
planning, if you want to become a buyer you
will need to display a flare and understanding
of fashion. A diploma in garment
construction and design is a prerequisite.
Human resources trainee programme
At Edcon, we are continuously searching for
the best HR graduates to join our team and
help us in achieving and maintaining our vision
of being an 'employer of choice'. Graduates
are invited to submit applications for the
internship programme, and upon completion
of the programme and depending on
performance, are placed in full-time
employment in one of the many exciting HR
divisions, such as Employee Relations, Benefits
and Remuneration and OD.
More information
from Edcon:
Number of positions available:
500
Degrees required:
Business-related qualification, Diploma
in Retail Management, design diploma,
B Corn Accounting, B Corn or post-
graduate qualification in human resources
or industrial psychology
Location of positions:
Crown Mines, Johannesburg
Closing date for applications:
September 2007 and January 2008
Contact details:
Visit the Edcon website at
www.edcon.co.za , mail your details to:
edggrads@edcon.co.za or
fax to 086 5011 763
■ Edgars 111 ©i dmans TEMPTATIONS
OD \ 1 1 - 1 blacisnow

The South African

Foreword 4
ALL ABOUT CAREERS 7
Making that Choice 10
The New Face of Higher Education 14
Self-Assessment
CAREERS BY INDUSTRY 21
Editorial
Careers in Agriculture 23
Careers in Art & Design 41
Careers in Automotive Industry 47
Careers in Beauty & Wellbeing 50
Careers in Chemical 55
Careers in Commerce, Law and Human Resources 60
Careers in Construction 73
Careers in Conservation 81
Careers in Health 89
Careers in Hospitality and Tourism 96
Careers in Marketing, PR and Advertising 104
Careers in Media 109
Careers in Mining
Careers in Office Administration 115
Careers in Science 118
Careers in Social Development 122
Careers in Transport 130
Top 10 Jobs of the Future 132
FEATURES 135
Top Companies for Graduates 136
Entrepreneurship 139
The Gap Year 141
contents

contents (continued)
LIFE SKILLS 145
Financial Aid 146
Job Hunting – What you need to know 151
Overcoming Stress 155
Disability in the Workplace 158
SKILLS AND EDUCATION 169
Skills Update 170
Learnerships 183
Sector Education and Training Authorities 185
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment 190
ADDENDUM 194
www.mysacareerguide.com

foreword
What do astronauts, builders, accountants and zoologists have in common? You are probably thinking
“not much”, right? Well actually they do - at one stage in their lives, they all contemplated about what
career path to follow – and were probably just as confused as you are right now.
We have all been there, and others are yet to go there… Just remember that you are not alone. Career
uncertainty is a common predicament experienced by almost everyone. The one thing that is however
certain is that with the right information and knowledge, you will get through it!
We are extremely proud to be bringing you the fourth issue of The South African Career Guide,
which as usual, contains all sorts of useful information on education and careers in South Africa.
Careers by Industry takes a look at the major industries in South Africa and the jobs each one has to
offer. This year, we have added three exciting new industries - Beauty and Wellbeing; Advertising, PR
and Marketing as well as Office Administration, fields which many of our readers have expressed an
interest in.
We are thankful for your continuous feedback – it is great to know that we are achieving what we had
set out to do all those years ago…To inspire our readers to go out and make their dreams a reality by
embarking on careers that inspires them, empowers them, and enable them to make a positive and
lasting contribution to our growing nation.
I trust that The South African Career Guide will be your guiding light on your journey to career suc-
cess!
Rubina
Editor
The South African Career Guide
“To help you realise your passion even before you embark on your journey to
career success, by providing you will all the necessary information you need to
make the most informed career choices.”

We would like to thank our sponsors for making this book possible:
AAA School
BANKSETA
Boston College
Curro College
Department of Agriculture
EDCON
E-SETA
FASSET
IMM
Monash University
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Rhodes University
Standard Bank
Tshwane University of Technology
University of Johannesburg
DPRU – Development Policy Research Unit
DTI – Department of Trade and Industry
DTP – Desktop Publishing
FET – Further Education and Training
FMCG – Fast Moving Consumable Goods
GDP – Graduate Development Programme
GDP – Gross Domestic Product
GE – General Education
GETC – General Education and Training Certifi cate
GPP – Graduate Placement Programme
HE – Higher Education
HSRC – Human Sciences Research Council
ICT – Information Communication Technology
MEDUNSA – Medical University of South Africa
NQF – National Qualifi cations Framework
NSDS – National Skills Development Strategy
NSF – National Skills Fund
NSFAS – National Student Financial Aid Scheme
PDA – Previously Disadvantaged Individual
PPL – Private’s Pilots License
PR – Public Relations
SALGA – South African Local Government Association
SAQA – South African Qualifi cations Authority
SARS – South African Revenue Services
SDA – Skills Development Act
SETA – Sector Education Training Authority
SME – Small to medium enterprise
SRC – Students Representative Council
message to sponsors
acronyms

all about careers
Many people dream of what they
want to become from a young age,
and go on to become exactly that.
For the rest of us, making career
choices is not that clear cut a process.
Understanding what career
your personality is best suited to,
what type of careers are out there
and what careers are relevant to the
South African economy, makes the
process a lot easier. In this section,
we have included a self assessment
quiz, careers by industry as well as
an all-you-need-to-know guide on
higher education in South Africa, to
help you determine the best route to
talk to set you on the path to success.

all about careers
Making that Choice One Easy Step at a Time!
8
To make informed decisions about
your career and your future, you need
to know what options are available to
you – i.e. what does the South African
Higher education system have to offer
you, and how best to go about achieving
your career objectives. It is important
to think about things such as where
and what to study, but there are often
more pertinent questions that are often
sidelined, and which are equally as significant,
if not more. For example, is the
institution you are going to register with
accredited, or is the course you are set
out to do nationally and internationally
recognised?
Key to understanding the system and
ensuring you make the right higher education
choices is of course research.
The options may seem inundating and
at times, overwhelming. If you don’t
know where to start and it all seems a
little bit much for you, do not panic. Before
you head for that paper bag, follow
our simple step-by-step guide to making
these choices. There are certainly
many to be made, but by keeping your
approach structured, you are less like to
feel the strain, and more likely to accurately
take that first step to career success!
Step 1
Assessment
If you are unsure of what to study after
school, undergo a career assessment,
such as the one on page 4, which is
similar to an evaluation done by a psychologist
or career counsellor. Through
Career Assessment, your personality
type, interests, strengths and weaknesses
are analysed. Based on this
assessment, the psychologist or counsellor
will then suggest careers to which
you would most likely be best suited to.
Professional Career Assessments can
be quite costly. If you do not have the
financial means to have it done, most
tertiary institutions have career counsel-
lors on hand to answer your questions.
Step 2
Understand your Options
Understand the various qualification
options available to you - for example
Degree vs. Diploma or Learnership vs.
Skills Programme – and which would be
better suited to the career you wish to
pursue.
Step 3
Institution Intuition
Decide which type of institution, such
as University, University of Technology,
FET College, etc. would be the most
practical means of achieving your qualification.
Step 4
Doing the Groundwork
Once you have decided on the
institution and type of qualification,
gather as much information
you can on registering
and completing your degree.
This includes admission requirements
(many institutions
base admission on the
point system), closing date
for applications, course
fees, course duration,
Residence fees, etc.
Step 5
The F-word
Finance is a
big issue for
many people
at this stage of
their lives. If you do
not have the financial
means to study after school, or
to attend the institution of your

choice, enquire with your bank or tertiary
institution’s Financial Aid offi ce as
to whether you are eligible for Financial
Aid. This includes Student Loans,
Bursaries or Scholarships. The latter 2
are usually awarded based on results,
and should you be awarded a bursary
or scholarship, satisfactory marks have
to be maintained for the duration of the
course.
Step 6
Apply
Once you have made all the necessary
decisions regarding what, where and
all about careers
how to study, it is important that you
do not delay in getting your application
in. Many learners make the mistake of
waiting until getting their Matric results –
most institutions require applications to
be submitted prior to fi nal examinations,
and use June or preliminary results to
provisionally accept you – you only get
accepted once these fi nal exam results
are in. Just remember that there are potentially
thousands of students vying for
placement at tertiary institutions, so the
earlier you apply, the better your chances
are you’ll get accepted.
9

all about careers
Higher Education in South Africa
10
A snapshot
According to Study South Africa, there
are more than 750 000 students at public
universities across the country. Since
1994, the number of students attending
universities has almost doubled, with
one in 6 young South Africans entering
Higher Education.
This is largely attributed to the fact that
the country’s Higher Education system
has in the last 14 years been transformed
into an educational system that
is accessible to all South Africans, irrespective
of racial, social or economic
background – and one which aims to
deliver on the skills needs of our developing
economy.
These changes have also translated into
a diverse tertiary education system, and
South Africa is fast becoming Africa’s
academic destination of choice, in the
provision of high quality tertiary education
that is on par with the demands of
a rapidly globalising, competitive and
information-driven world.
Higher Education Institutions
Universities
South Africa has 11 universities.
These are traditional universities,
with a large number
of postgraduate students. The
education is mostly theoretical,
with a strong emphasis
based on research.
Universities of Technology
There are 6 Universities of Technology
in the country, which are
oriented towards professional
qualifications with a large focus
on practical training. It entails
some postgraduate and research
capacity.
Comprehensive Universities
A new institution resulting from the
merger of Universities and Tech-
nikons, comprehensive universities offers
learners both theoretical and practical
training.
FET College
Further Education and Training (FET)
has become a top national priority,
aimed at enhancing vocational training
so that the skills needs of our growing
economy are met. Training provided
at FET colleges are also aimed at the
development of skills linked work experience,
and includes both theory and
practical training.
Technical College
Professional education institutions offering
learners practical training that
will culminate in a nationally recognised
qualification.
Private Registered Institutions
Private registered institutions offer
students a more flexible approach to
achieving a professional qualification,
including degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Privately registered institutions
must be registered with the Higher Education
and Quality Committee, UMALU-
SI or the relevant Sector Education and
Training Authority.
Distance Learning Institution
Distance Learning through correspondence
makes it possible to study at your
own time and pace, or whilst working.
Recognised Qualifications
Ensure that the institution you choose
through which to pursue your qualification
– be it university, university of technology,
or private registered institution
– is accredited and offers recognised
qualifications.
Degrees
Three or more years (depending on the
nature of the course) of largely theoretical
training. These are referred to
as undergraduate degrees and may be
followed by postgraduate qualifications

such as Honours, Masters or Doctorate
degrees, which take a minimum of one
year each to complete.
Most universities in South Africa require
a matric exemption for admission.
Subject and symbol requirements per
course vary.
National Diploma
Three-year qualifi cations offered by
universities of technology and certain,
which offers both theoretical and practical
training. After obtaining a National
Diploma, learners may then enrol for a
BTech degree.
A matric certifi cate is required for admission
into university of technology.
Subject and symbol requirements per
course vary.
Diploma
Qualifi cations offered by an accredited
all about careers
provider, such as Private Registered Institutions,
encompassing both theoretical
and training elements. Course duration
may vary.
Certifi cates
One year (or less) at Further or Higher
Education level offered by an accredited
training provider, which encompasses
practical and skill oriented training.
Registered institutions offering certifi -
cates and diplomas have varying admission
requirements.
National Qualifi cations
Learnerships
This consists of a structured learning
component and includes practical
work experience. Learnerships lead to
a qualifi cation registered by the South
African Qualifi cations Authority (SAQA),
Higher Education (continued)
Excellence in education
Rhodes University has a proud reputation of excellence in teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
With a student body of just under 6 500, a fantastic residence system, and a lecturer to student ratio of 1:19,
Rhodes offers a great all-round, nurturing educational experience. In this space, 11
with ample learning, computer and sporting resources, students work with some of the world’s top minds.
Rhodes University produces professionals, intellectuals - and world-class leaders.
For further information on our undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, contact the Student Bureau.
telephone: 046 603 8276 fax: 046 603 8300 e-mail: registrar@ru.ac.za
www.ru.ac.za

all about careers
12

and to a related occupation. The Learnership
Programme has replaced the apprenticeship
system.
Skills Programmes
These are occupationally based programmes
provided by accredited providers,
that when completed, constitute a
credit towards a qualifi cation registered
by the National Qualifi cations Framework
(NQF).
all about careers
Any South African citizen, 16 years or
older, may register for a learnership or
skills programme.
Refer to the addendum on page 194, for
an easy reference to institutions, professional
councils, bursaries and registered
learnerships.
Higher Education (continued)
13

all about careers
Self-Assessment.
14
realistic
artistic investigate
John Holland, a psychologist, developed
a system for making career
choices, which divides people into 6
categories based on interests, skills,
values and personality. These 6 types
are described below. Read though
each description carefully in order
to identify which types describe you
most accurately.
Step 1: Determining your self
Are you REALISTIC?
• Can be described as practical;
Prefer to do things rather than think it through or discussing it;
• Show interest in activities that require good co-ordination, physical skills
and strengths;
• Feel best about yourself when you are in top physical condition;
• Do not have much need for conversation and are sometimes described
as shy;
• Are independent and prefer to work out your own problems, rather than
sharing your feelings with others;
Like the challenge of physical risk, being outdoors, and using tools and
machinery;
• Tend to be interested in mechanical work, sport-related fields or biological
sciences, which enables you to work with plants or animals.
Are you INVESTIGATIVE?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can be described as critical, analytical, rational and logical;
Are curious, wanting to understand, and enjoy problem solving by thinking,
reading, watching, discussing and experimenting;
Will collect information before making a decision;
Are independent and often prefer to work alone or at your own pace;
May not make time for social gatherings with friends, but do enjoy discussing
theoretical problems with people who share your interests;
Often show an interest in physical, biological, mathematical or social sciences.
Are you ARTISTIC?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can be described as creative and artistic;
Prefer using your own ideas and imagination;
Do not enjoy routine work and can feel limited by rules, regular hours or too
much structure;
You see new possibilities and want to express them in creative ways;
Enjoy beauty and variety, and appreciate unusual sights, sounds, words, colours,
shapes and people;
Are usually able to communicate well;
Tend to look at the world from an emotional perspective;
Enjoy and appreciate art, music, drama, dancing, literature and design.

Are you SOCIAL?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
all about careers
Can be described as kind, caring, helpful and friendly;
Are usually sensitive and able to understand other people, and their needs and
problems;
Are good listeners and have the desire and ability to solve confl icts;
Are often good at getting people to work together in a team;
Satisfy your needs through in teraction with others and like to feel needed;
Relationships with others are important to you, and you enjoy social contact;
Are concerned with your own feelings, and those of others;
You tend to communicate well;
Like to work with people in a helping role;
Use your social skills to reach, advise, counsel and care for others.
Are you ENTERPRISING?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can be described as ambitious, competitive and assertive;
Value prestige, power, wealth and status;
Tend to be task oriented, are motivated, have drive and leadership qualities and
are good at achieving goals;
Are usually energetic and are able to take decisions quickly;
Enjoy challenges and are willing to take risks;
Interested in people;
Enjoy using your interpersonal skills to supervise, lead, direct, infl uence and persuade
rather than to support or guide;
Function well in management positions.
Are you CONVENTIONAL?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can be described as neat, hardworking, systematic, accurate and thorough;
Work well with factual information and have an eye for detail;
Prefer ways of doing things that have proved to be successful in the past, rather
than trying out new methods;
Like to know what is expected of you, preferring defi nite rules and procedures to
follow;
Prefer working set hours and following a set routine;
Want things to be structured, stable, predictable, orderly and secure;
Are effi cient, and want things to run smoothly.
Can be counted on to get things done on time;
Enjoy a work setting where you can use your effi ciency and accuracy to work on
tasks and problems requiring the systematic processing of information;
Prefer offi ce settings and often work well with fi gures.
Which type are you?
In choosing the types that seems to
describe you, do not allow one or two
factors that do not apply to you, prevent
you from choosing a particular type. You
need to choose types in which most of
the statements apply to you. Make a
note of your fi st, second and third choices
and then proceed to Step 2 to see
some examples of careers that match
your personality type.
social
enterprising
conventional
15

A
Edcon
living value
A world of
opportunities in
one group

From modest beginnings in 1929, Edcon has grown
into South Africa's leading retail company with a
turnover of R20 billion and over 1000 stores. We have
4 million active accounts and 40,000 employees who
believe there is no where else they'd rather work.
Retail is fast-paced. Smart, savvy, resilient individuals will thrive in this dynamic environment. If you
are determined, confident, and someone who embraces new challenges, we invite you to experience
a world of opportunities in one group.
We at Edcon have worked hard to get to where we are, but then again, nothing worth doing comes
easily. Our philosophy is that people are at the heart of our business. By investing in our people we
enable them, through our talent management and people development strategies, to achieve their
career aspirations.
There are a number of programmes and opportunities specifically aimed at maximising the potential
of our people as well as you, the future leaders of Edcon.
Career opportunities for experienced professionals in: Buying, Planning, Finance, IT, Logistics, Accounting,
HR, Marketing and Retail Management.
Training programmes tor tne up and coming graduate: Casual Recruitment Programme, Operations
Management Development Programme, Training Outside Public Practice (TOPP), Merchant Development
Programme and the Human Resources Internship Programme.
For more information visit the Edcon website at www.edcon.co.za , email your details to:
eRecruitment@edcon.co.za or fax to 086 6457 466. Please quote reference number CG001 on
all communications.
■ Edsi3rs 1111 o ebo
ardmans TEMPTATIONS
fliN1 rt bbolsnow rd[0 1 Lear

all about careers
18
Step 2: Linking Type and Career Fields
Holland found a link between the different
types of people and preferred work
environments. In other words, each type
of person seemed to fi nd satisfaction in
a in a particular kind of work environment
or career fi eld. Below are tables
that list examples of careers preferred
by the 6 different types of people.
Please note that these lists are not exhaustive,
but are intended to give you a
feel for the types of career that are best
suited to your personality.
Do the following:
Read through the examples of careers
listed under your 3 Holland types. Do
any of these examples interest you?
Add any other related careers that you
can think of.
Realistic
Agricultural Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Computer Programmer
Draughtsman
Farmer
Flight Engineer
Forester
Geologist
Land Surveyor
Marine Biologist
Nature Conservation Offi cer
Navy Offi cer
Physical Education Teacher
Pilot
Professional Sportsman
Quantity Surveyor
Sports Coach
Town/ Regional Planner
Investigative
Actuary
Advocate
Anthropologist
Biochemist
Chemical Engineer
Criminologist
Dentist
Doctor
Economist
Food Scientist
Geographer
Geologist
Hostorian
Land Surveyor
Marine Biologist
Mathematician
Microbiologist
Optometrist
Pharmacist
Physicist
Sociologist
Systems Analyst
Veterinary Surgeon
Artistic
Actor
Advertising Agent
Architect
Choreographer
Composer
Copy Writer
Dancer
Editor
Film Director
Graphic Designer
Journalist
Media Specialist
Musician
Philosopher
Radio/ TV Announcer
Sculptor
Singer
Translator
Writer
Social
Dietician
Guidance Counsellor
Home Economist
Interpreter
Marriage Counsellor
Missionary
Music Teacher
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Parole Offi cer
Physiotherapist
Priest
Self-Assessment (continued)

Psychologist
Recreation Offi cer
Remedial Teacher
Social Worker
Speech Therapist
Sports Administrator
Sports Instructor
Teacher
Training Offi cer
Enterprising
Advertising Manager
Advocate
Attorney
Bank Manager
Building Manager
Company Director
Diplomat
Film/ Radio/ TV Producer
Financial Consultant
Hotel Manager
Human Resources Manager
Insurance Agent
Magistrate
Marketing Manager
Production Manager
Public Relations Offi cer
Publisher
Radio/ TV Announcer
Sports Promoter
Stockbroker
Town Clerk
Conventional
Administrator
Archivist
Auditor
Bank Teller
Chartered Accountant
Company Accountant
Company Operator
Computer Programmer
Cost Accountant
Income Tax Advisor
Laboratory Technician
Museum Curator
Work Study Offi cer
Proof Reader
Psychometrist
Quantity Surveyor
Statistician
all about careers
Once you have identifi ed possible career
paths based on your personality
type, gather as much information as
you can at career centres, libraries and
on the internet. This is a very important
step to helping you make the decision
that would be best suited to you. You
can read more about gathering career
information in Step 3.
Step 3: Gathering Information
You have now completed Step 2 – you
have gained self-knowledge and can
now begin fi nding out information on
various careers. Career information is
available from public libraries, career
counsellors, employers, the Department
of Labour, the Internet and Tertiary Institutions.
Career information is accessed
mainly in the form of:
• Written information (brochures, pamphlets,
yearbooks from educational
institutions, electronic information,
etc.);
• Interviews with lecturers, employers
or qualifi ed people working in the
fi eld you want to explore;
• Work experience through part-time
work, holiday jobs, etc.
• Visits to the workplace.
The “SPEEDCOP” system is useful in
helping you focus on relevant aspects
of career information. “SPEEDCOP” is
an acronym for:
Surroundings, Prospects Entry & Training,
Effects, Description, Conditions,
Organisation, People
These are important aspects of careers
that you need to know about in order to
make the career choice best suited to
you.
Surroundings
Where will you work?
• Indoors or outdoors?
•
In an offi ce, shop, factory, etc.?
Self-Assessment (continued)
19

all about careers
20
•
•
•
Will it be very hot or cold?
Is it in a clean or dirty place?
Are there are dangers of fumes,
noise, etc.?
Prospects
What might this job lead to?
• What prospects for promotion are
there?
• Is it a secure job?
• Are there opportunities for this job in
• the future?
• What are the future pay prospects?
Entry and Training
What effects on your life might this
job have?
• What limits might this job impose on
your free time?
• Would you have to travel away from
home or even move homes for the
job?
• Will it affect the way you lead you life
outside work?
• Will you gain respect from others doing
this job?
Description
What tasks will you have to do?
• What field of work is this job in? (E.g.
medicine,
etc.)
manufacturing, sales,
• What tasks are involved? (E.g. serving
customers, repairing items,
etc.)
• What routine and variety of work is
there?
• Can you specialise in this job?
• How much responsibility will you
have?
Conditions
•
•
•
•
•
What benefits are offered?
What is the pay?
What hours would you work?
What facilities are available?
What rules do you have to obey
(E.g. no smoking, trade unions,
etc.)
Organisation
What kind of organisation is it?
•
•
•
What is the nature of the organisation?
(E.g. production, service)
What image does it have (E.g. traditional,
modern)
Is it a large concern or a small one?
People
Who will you work with, and in what
capacity?
• What relationship will you have with
your boss?
• Will you work alone or with others?
• Will other workers be your age, older
or younger?
• Will they all be the same gender?
• What type of people will you be dealing
with? (E.g. customers, patients,
etc.)
• Will you meet new people or workwith
familiar faces?
Once you have done your research,
and have the above questions answered,
you should be in a better position
to make the right career choice.
Refer to “Careers by Industry” chapter
on page 21 to see what courses would
best equip you for entry into your chosen
career field.
Self-Assessment (continued)

The list of courses mentioned in
this sub-chapeter is not exhaustive.
Please refer to the Faculty Handbook
of your prefered institution(s)
for a detailed listing of courses offered
and admisson requirements.
careers by industry

Sponsored by:

Careers in Agriculture
A career in the agricultural fi eld is
not limited to farming. Roughly oneeighth
of the country’s land is suitable
for cultivation, which means that
farming in South Africa is big business.
There are a host of careers in
the industry ranging from agronomy,
which is the science of growing
crops, to engineering for the more
technically minded. If you are more
interested in the facts, fi gures and
profi tability of the industry, you can
venture into the commercial fold and
become an agricultural economist or
consultant.
The South African agricultural economy
is characterised by two facets: a well developed
commercial sector, and a predominantly
subsistence-oriented sector,
especially in rural areas. Approximately
13% of South Africa’s land can be utilised
for crop production, which translates
into roughly 1,3 million hectares.
South Africa is one of very few countries
that is not only self-suffi cient in all major
agricultural products, but is also a net
exporter of produce. The largest export
groups are raw sugar, fresh grapes,
citrus, nectarines, wine and deciduous
fruit. Other important exports include
avocados, plums, maize tea, groundnuts,
meat, pineapples, tobacco, wool
and cotton.
In highly productive seasons, the contribution
of agriculture can be vital to
the country’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP). Primary agriculture contributes
about 2,6% to the GDP and constitutes
almost 9% of formal employment, whilst
the agro-industrial sector is estimated to
comprise 15% of GDP.
According to the Department of Agriculture,
with the birth of South Africa’s
democracy in 1994, it inherited an agricultural
sector that was not inclusive
and did not refl ect the demographics of
South Africa.
careers by industry
The Department was faced with the
enormous challenge of addressing
poverty, landlessness and a general
skewed participation of black people,
women and especially youth.
One of the Department’s strategic plans
in addressing these challenges is to
promote equitable access and participation
in agricultural opportunities, to
redistribute land and agricultural enterprise
ownership and to unlock the full
entrepreneurial potential in the sector.
In the agricultural sector, demographic
trends have shown that there seems to
be an urban migration amongst youth,
particularly young males, and this may
be due to a lack of awareness abut the
opportunities in this fi eld. Only certain
schools for instance, offer agriculture
as a subject. In many instances it is offered
as an alternative, rather than as
part of the science subject stream, and
this poses a serious disadvantage to
those students who wish to follow the
agriculture subject stream.
The economic role that agriculture plays
is in many instances understated, and
this contributes to the low prestige that
is associated with the fi eld. Not many
learners realise that you can make a career
out of farming, and those who do
often cite the lack of resources, fi nancial
constraints and the unavailability of land
as de-motivating factors. This has led
to a serious skills gap in the job market,
bearing in mind that the average age of
farmers, which is currently 50 years old,
is increasing.
The Department of Agriculture has already
identifi ed four careers that are
in huge demand, namely Agricultural
Veterinarians, Agriculture Engineering,
Agricultural Economists and Agricultural
Statisticians. The department has stated
that the continued viability of a strong
agricultural industry in South Africa is in
the interest of all its citizens, but its ongoing
success will become dependant
23

careers by industry
Careers in Agriculture
24
on the availability of an adequate supply
of interested, competent and entrepreneur-minded
new farmers.
Agricultural awareness, training and education
are not adequately addressed
in primary or secondary school curricula.
The inadequacies of Mathematics
and Science subjects in schools for
black students have minimised these
students’ opportunities for acceptance
into tertiary agricultural programmes.
It is at this level that children should be
made aware of careers in agriculture
and that agriculture can be a career option
worth taking. In order to achieve
this, the Directorate Education, Training
and Extension Services developed
a programme of agricultural career
awareness to conscientise children
about agriculture and to market careers
in agriculture.
It is critical to understand that learners
make two choices during the course of
their high school career: subject choices
and career choices. It is therefore
very important that they make informed
choices while they decide their career
path. This will also help to change the
attitude students have towards agriculture.
Careers
Scarce Skills in Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
Agricultural economics and agribusiness
management form part of the effective
functioning of an organisation
concerned with the agricultural and
agribusiness sectors. Agricultural economists
analyse and advise on the optimal
use of production factors for the
environmentally sustainable production
of food and fibre in an internationally
competitive milieu. They have a broad
knowledge of agriculture, commerce
and social science and can solve problems
of agricultural development, mar-

keting and fi nance, agricultural policy
and consumption affairs; agricultural
sales and marketing; brokerage; market
research; international trade and market
development; fi nance; public relations;
food manufacturing; processing;
distribution and purchasing; and farm
input industry. Students wishing to be
considered for admission to the fi rst
year have to satisfy the following entry
requirements.
TABLE 1 - Entry requirements for BSc/
BCom Agricultural Economics
BSc Agricultural Economics (4
years)
University of Stellenbosch
1st language 4 (50-59%)
Afrikaans or English
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 or (50-59%)
Physical Science 3 & (40-49%)
Life Sciences 4 (50-59%)
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Minimum score 28
Mathematics HG E/ SG B
And at least one of Physical Science,
Biology and Agricultural Studies
BCom Agricultural Economics (3
years)
University of Free State
Minimum score 28
Mathematics HG-E /SG-C
Grade 12 Physical science and Biology
are recommended
University of Pretoria
Minimum Score 30
Two Languages 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation 4 (50-59%)
Two other subjects
Curriculum
Areas of study at the university level
include economics, agricultural eco-
careers by industry
nomics, agricultural development planning,
agricultural marketing, agricultural
policy, accounting, labour law, and
business law and business management.
Role of agricultural economists
Agribusiness management
• Developing, designing and managing
supply chains and value systems
for specifi c products, industries
and sub-sectors;
• Examining resource demand by
business and their supply response;
and
• Farm planning and control, farm information
systems, data analysis
and budgeting, organisation of capital,
farm machinery management,
land economics, labour economics
and management, fi nancial leverage,
farm enterprises growth and
liquidity and risk management.
Marketing
• Production, processing and distribution
of goods, thereby focusing on
the fl ow of food and fi bre to its fi nal
destination and the determination of
prices at each stage;
• Commodity futures trading: trading
commodities such as maize, wheat,
citrus, etc., between farmers and the
market;
• Market research, brand management,
economic analysis (trend
management), and surveys, import
and export management therefore
examining foreign trade relation
ships for food and fi bre products;
• Agricultural statistics such as trend
analysis in production, agricultural
exports, prices; variations analysis,
indices (CPI, PPI, Chain Index,
etc.);
• Financial services (banks, fi nancial
institutions and agribusiness industries);
•
Financial needs analysis, risk and
valuation analysis, feasibility studies,
cash fl ow planning and profi t
Careers in Agriculture (continued)
25

careers by industry
26
•
management;
Financing and supply of capital to
business.
Resource economist
(focuses on the use and preservation
of natural resources)
• The application of economic principles
to issues such as air and water
pollution, resource conservation,
land-use policy, and the evaluation
of environmental resources;
• Identifying and analysing policies
and strategies for meeting the world
food needs in ways that ensure sustainability
of the natural resource
base.
Agriculture and rural development
• Government programmes for specific
commodities that will support
incomes of farmers and provide
food and fibre to low-in come consumers;
• Business plan formulation, capacity
building (training) and support for
small-scale farmers and resourcepoor
farmers;
• Identifying and overcoming constraints
to development of agriculture
in developing countries.
Potential employers
Interesting and innovative careers and
opportunities exist for agricultural economic
graduates in agricultural corporations,
agribusiness firms, food and fibre
organisations, government institutions,
NGO’s, rural development institutions,
farming and eco-tourism, financial institutions
(commercial banks), futures and
commodity trading, research and policy
institutions, international economic development
and donor institutions, universities
and consultation services.
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Agricultural biotechnology is a range
of tools, including traditional breeding
techniques that alter living organisms
or parts of organisms to make or modify
products, improve plants or animals, or
develop micro-organisms for specific
agricultural uses. Modern biotechnology
includes genetic engineering.
Role of biotechnologists
The biotechnologist applies biological
processes to the production of a wide
range of organic substances and to
ways of recycling waste. Multidisciplinary
techniques, applied in a number of
scientific areas are used. The biotechnologist
can be concerned with microorganisms,
genetic engineering or cell
culture and may do some work on the
development of new organisms. A biotechnologist
can also design and develop
systems for industrial manufacture of
materials such as fuel, animal foodstuffs
or antibiotics.
Requirements of biotechnologists
As a biomedical scientist you should:
• have a scientific approach;
• have an inquiring mind;
• be able to show initiative;
• be able to give attention to detail;
• be precise and methodical; and
• be able to work as part of a team.
TABLE 2: Entry requirements for BSc/
NDip Biotechnology
BSc Biotechnology (4 years)
University of Western Cape
University of Pretoria
University of Free State
Most other universities
Mathematics HG-E or SG-D
Physical Science HG-E or SG-D
Biology (recommended)
NDip Biotechnology (3 years)
Tshwane University of Technology
Vaal University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Senior Certificate
Mathematics, Physical Science
HG-E or SG-B (Pass in English)
Careers in Agriculture (continued)

Curriculum
Different curriculum choices exists in
the biotechnology fi eld, therefore, students
should ensure that they major in
biotechnology in order to follow a career
in agriculture. In some institutions this
can only be done from second year, i.e.
University of Stellenbosch offers BSc
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
and students who wish to graduate in
Biotechnology have to major in Biotechnology
I and II from their second year
of study. Rhodes University also offers
Biotechnology at postgraduate level.
Potential employers
ARC, CSIR, other research institutions,
government departments (national and
provincial), food fermentation and pharmaceutical
industries, private pathologists,
SABS, universities and universities
of technologies.
BIO-RESOURCE ENGINEERING (AG-
RICULTURAL ENGINEER)
Bio-resource engineering is the application
of science and technology in agriculture,
food and biological systems. The
agricultural engineer’s fi eld of employment
includes a wide spectrum of activities
which are connected to nearly all
other engineering disciplines. Students
wishing to be considered for admission
to the fi rst year have to satisfy the entry
requirements set out in Table 3.
Curriculum
The university curriculum consists of
water resource management which includes
drought and fl oor planning, water
quality, irrigation and drainage, and
dam design. Engineering for food fi bre
production includes design, development
and the effi cient utilisation of machinery.
Environmental engineering incorporates
animal-friendly building and
devices, soil conservation and animal
waste management.
careers by industry
Table 3: Entry Requirements for BSc
Agricultural Engineering
BSc Agricultural Engineering
(4 years)
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Minimum score 28
Mathematics HG E/ SG B
And at least one of Physical Science,
Biology and Agricultural Studies
Role of agricultural engineers
Bio-resource engineers plan, design,
develop and test the equipment or infrastructure
needed for the production
and processing of agricultural products.
Within farm boundaries, agricultural engineers
specialise in specifi c fi elds such
as mechanisation, soil and water conservation,
agricultural structures, irrigation
and drainage, and technology for food
processing. Bio-resources engineering
goes well beyond the farm boundaries,
extending into areas such as water resources
management, forestry, mining
rehabilitation, food processing, peri-urban
and rural development, machinery
development and manufacture, waste
management and ecology and agricultural
vehicles and systems.
Energy sources and mechanisation
Through innovation, research and development
sourcing/ fi nding, agricultural
engineers contribute to alternative
sources of energy and machinery and
improvement of the existing machinery.
Agricultural engineers select appropriate
materials and manufacturing processes
to carry out construction and testing
of basic devices.
Farm structures
Agricultural engineers contribute to environmental
control for livestock such as
structures for poultry, pigs and dairy animals,
greenhouses and agricultural production
systems. In addition, intensive
meat, milk and egg production, storing,
drying, refrigeration, and processing of
a large variety of other agricultural prod-
Careers in Agriculture (continued)
27

careers by industry
28
ucts are also designs of agricultural engineers.
These structures are created in
accordance with the animals’ needs and
product demands.
Irrigation engineering
Irrigation engineers’ services involve
the design of new and improvement of
existing irrigation and pumping systems
such as centre pivot, micro-jet, drip,
sprinkler and flood irrigation systems.
Engineering and environmental hydrologists
Engineering hydrologist’s tasks encompass
flood estimation, flow routing, dam
design for agricultural and small catchments,
spillway design, plunge and
spray dip designs and water resource
management.
Food engineer
Food engineers can make a meaningful
contribution towards value adding and
extension of the shelf-life of perishable
products such as dairy products, meat,
eggs, vegetables and fruit. This field of
work includes the degree of cooling installations
for milk products, long-term
conservation of vegetables and fruit,
milling and mixing processes as well as
spray drying processes used in the production
of powdered milk.
Professional status
BSc. Agricultural Engineering is recognised
as a qualifying degree for registration
as a professional engineer under
the Professional Engineers Act, 1968.
The degree is accredited by the Engineering
Council of South Africa and the
South African Institute of Agricultural
Engineers.
Potential employers
The profession offers exceptional opportunities
in aspects such as research,
development, project management,
consulting services and the establishment
of own business enterprises and
farming systems to the individual with
the necessary entrepreneurial abilities
and initiative.
Interesting and innovative careers and
opportunities open to agricultural engineering
graduates are careers found at
Department of Agriculture, agricultural
research institutes, universities, consulting
and engineering organisations, food
processing companies and agricultural
equipment and systems manufacturers.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Food Science
Food Science involves the application
of scientific principles in the development
and supply of healthy, safe, nutritious
and affordable food for human
consumption. Functions of the food
scientist revolve around the following
areas. Firstly, food scientists have been
involved in the development of many
novel food products that are now freely
available in shops, e.g. long-life milk, frozen
and canned foods, snack foods and
ready-to-eat meals. Secondly, food scientists
are trained to meet the challenge
of developing and supplying foods that
comply with the ever changing demands
of the modern consumer. Finally, food
scientists lead the fight against hunger
and malnutrition through the development
of affordable, nutritious foods. Examples
are instant weaning porridges,
components of cereals and legumes,
and vitamin and mineral fortified staple
foods. A food scientist must be knowledgeable
about the chemical composition,
structure and nutritional value of
food, food processing and preservation
techniques, and the chemical, physical
and biological changes that occur
in food during processing, preservation
and storage.
Food Technology
Food Technology is the scientific study
of the large-scale selection, production,
processing and preservation of foods as
well as the development and analysis of
foodstuffs in industrial food-processing
facilities. It further involves packaging,
Careers in Agriculture (continued)

distribution and the use of safe, nutritious
and wholesome food. Food technologists
are also involved in the following
areas of food manufacture: quality assurance,
processing technology, chemistry
and microbiology. In addition, they
are trained to ensure that both legal and
industrial food standards are monitored
and maintained prior to marketing. Food
technologists are also part of research
teams and have to solve technical problems
when raw materials are converted
into preserved foods in factories. Food
technologists are concerned with the
production, preservation and development
of high-quality foods. They manage
processing plants and quality assurance
laboratories. They are charged
with monitoring of food quality standards
by government bodies, namely the
SABS. Students wishing to be considered
for admission to the fi rst year have
to satisfy the following entry requirements.
Table 4: Entry requirements in BSc
Agric Food Science
Bsc Agric Food Science (3 years)
University of Stellenbosch
1st language 4 (50-59%)
Afrikaans or English
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 or (50-59%)
Physical Science 3 & (40-49%)
Life Sciences 4 (50-59%)
University of Pretoria
Minimum Score 30
Two Languages 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation 4 (50-59%)
Two other subjects
University Of Free State
Minimum score 28
Mathematics HG-E/ SG-C
Grade 12 Physical science and
Biology are recommended
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Minimum score 28
careers by industry
Mathematics HG E/ SG B
And at least one of Physical Science,
Biology and Agricultural Studies
NDip Food Technology (3 years)
Most Universities
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 (50-59%)
Pass in English
Potential employers
With population growth, new scientifi c
and technological challenges presenting
themselves daily in a career that can
lead to rich rewards and excellent job
opportunities for both men and women.
The food industry is South Africa’s largest
manufacturing industry and a degree
in Food Science is your stepping stone
to various exciting and challenging careers.
Job opportunities exist as food
production manager or assistant, fresh
foods manager or assistant, food buyer,
cookery school consultant, food stylist,
consumer ad visor, food promotion consultant,
customer service manager and
technical representative. Qualifi ed food
technologists are employed in industrial
food manufacturing concerns, such as
bakeries, beverage manufacturers (soft
drinks, beer and wine), bottling plants,
canning companies, dairies, fi sh and
meat processors. They are involved
in production, quality assurance, and
product development. Research opportunities
exist in companies, as well as in
research institutions.
VETERINARY SCIENCE
Veterinarians play an import ant role in
the economy of South Africa. They contribute
to the creation of wealth by controlling
epidemic diseases of animals
and increasing the profi tability of commercial
and small-scale farming enterprises.
They also contribute to the production
of sustainable sources of safe
protein of animal origin, the prevention
of the transfer of diseases from animals
Careers in Agriculture (continued)
29

careers by industry
30
to humans, and they certify the disease
(or disease-free) status animals and the
safety of products for local and international
trade. They attend to the veterinary
needs and general welfare of
animals, both those of commercial importance
and those kept as companion
animals.
Curriculum
The BVSc. degree is a 7-year programme
consisting of a 3-year BSc.
(Veterinary Biology) component offered
by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural
Science and a 4-year professional
veterinary (BVSc.) component offered
by the Faculty of Veterinary Science of
the University of Pretoria at the Onderstepoort
campus, on a full-time basis
only. Students will be required to apply
for admission and register for a BSc.
(Veterinary Biology) in the Faculty of
Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the
University of Pretoria’s Hatfield campus.
Students wishing to be considered for
admission to the first year of study of
BSc. (Veterinary Biology) have to satisfy
an adapted M-score of at least 24
and the entry requirements in Table 5.
Table 5: Entry requirements for BSc
(Veterinary Science)
BSc Veterinary Science (4 years)
University of Pretoria
APS Required is 22
Two languages, one must 4
be English
Mathematics 4
Life Orientation 4
(excluded when calculating the APS)
Life Sciences 4
Physical Science 4
One of two other subjects 3
Students will be allowed to their second
year of BSc. (Veterinary Biology) degree
programme if they pass and satisfy
all the requirements of the first year.
Students who will be selected for admission
to the third year of study will be
ranked according to their weighted academic
performance in the core modules
of the second year. Selected students
will be guaranteed entry to the BVSc.
programme provided they pass and satisfy
all the requirements for third year.
Those who are not selected for admission
to the third year of the BSc. (Veterinary
Biology) programme will have to
select an alternative BSc. degree in the
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Learners from other institutions who
have obtained a BSc. degree will be
considered for the BVSc. programme
provided they complete third year of the
BSc. (Veterinary Biology) successfully.
The total number of places in the third
year of study will be restricted to 135
students per annum, and learners will
be admitted through a rigorous selection
process. The BSc. (Veterinary Biology)
serves as a precursor for admission to
the 4-year BVSc. degree programme
in veterinary science. It also serves as
a precursor for postgraduate studies in
the biological, agricultural and veterinary
sciences. Apart from being the avenue
of entry into the professional component
of the new veterinary degree
programme, the 3-year B.Sc. degree
will also allow candidates a number of
other career options such as molecular
biology, genetics and agriculture.
Role of veterinary scientist
Research The veterinarian is also involved
in research in a wide spectrum
of areas (veterinary, agriculture and biomedical
sciences) in matters related to
product development, animal improvement
and monitoring the utilisation of
animals for experimental purposes.
State veterinarians They render essential
regulatory services relating to
the diagnosis, surveillance, monitoring,
control, prevention and eradication of
notifiable diseases. They are also responsible
for matters relating to the import
and export of animal products and
for food safety and security. The provi-
Careers in Agriculture (continued)

sion of routine or forensic services involving
disciplines such as pathology,
clinical pathology, microbiology and
toxicology in the private, state and diagnostic
laboratories. Veterinarians are
also involved in general matters pertaining
to the welfare of animals through
the promotion of appropriate husbandry
practices, nutritional practices, disease
prevention strategies and sound production
systems.
Veterinary Public Health Veterinarians
are responsible for ensuring the maintenance
of meat and milk hygiene in abattoirs
and milk processing plants and the
control of zoonotic diseases (diseases
transferred from animals to humans).
Private practice/Companion practice
provide veterinary services to pet
owners (dogs, cats, exotic animals and
birds); rural practice provide veterinary
services to farmers (sheep, goats, cattle,
horses, pigs, poultry and game);
breeders (dogs, pigs, sheep and goats)
and animal welfare organisations, game
reserves, zoos.
Potential employers
The majority of veterinarians offer clinical
services, disease prevention strategies,
advice in nutrition, management,
production and reproduction of animals.
Employment opportunities are available
in government institutions, research organisations
and meat-producer organisations.
VITICULTURE AND OENOLOGY
Viticulture
Viticulturists apply scientifi c principles to
manipulate the vine to produce the kind
of grapes necessary for the production
of different wine types and styles as
well as to augment both the quality and
quantity of grapes. Viticulturists share
a mutual purpose to make world-class
wines to accompany food for pleasurable
drinking. Viticulturists learn theoretically
and practically how the
correct methods of anatomy,
morphology, physiology,
careers by industry
ampelography of scion and rootstock
cultivars, plant improvement, natural
and artifi cial disorders of the grapevine,
spacing and trellising, pruning, canopy
quality assessment and management
as well as selection of cultivar and terrain,
grape handling and packaging can
contribute to the desired product. The
production of wine is done by striking
a balance between soil, climate, geography,
winery “softness” and winery
hygiene. Good wine delivers joy to the
world. Students wishing to be considered
for admission to the fi rst year have
to satisfy the entry requirements (Table
6).
Oenology
Oenologists learn about the principles
and practices of wine-making such as
applied chemical and microbiological
processes involved in producing wines
such as, sweet wines, grape juice, concentrates
and brandy, and also wine
stabilisation and sensory evaluation of
wine and brandy.
Table 6: Entry requirements for BSc
Agric Viticulture/Oenology
BSc Agric Viticulture/Oenology (4
years)
Stellenbosch University
1st language 4 (50-59%)
Afrikaans or English
Mathematics 4 (50-59%)
Physical Science 4 or (50-59%)
Physical Science 3 & (40-49%)
Life Sciences 4 (50-59%)
Curriculum
Different curriculum choices enable students
to major in any one of the following:
Viticulture and Oenology; Viticulture
and Soil Science; Viticulture and Entomology;
Viticulture and Plant Pathology;
Viticulture and Agricultural Economics;
Oenology and Chemistry; or Oenology
and Enterprise Management.
Careers in Agriculture (continued)
31

careers by industry
32
Potential employers
Qualifi ed viticulturists are employed in
universities, the Agricultural Research
Council, wine companies, estates, wine
cellars, farms, consulting companies
and marketing companies.
GRASSLAND SCIENCE
Grassland Science is divided into two
categories: rangeland and pasture management.
Rangeland
Rangeland management is a discipline
and an art that skilfully applies an organised
body of knowledge accumulated by
range science and practical experience
for two purposes:
• Protection, improvement, and continued
welfare of the basic resources,
which in many situations include
soils, vegetation, endangered plants
and animals, wilderness, water, and
historical sites;
• Optimum production of goods and
services in combinations n e e d e d
by society. Management of rangeland
requires selection of alternative
techniques for optimum production
of goods and services with no damage
to the resources. While emphasis
is often placed on effects and
management of domestic animals,
the main goal is rangeland resource
rehabilitation, protection, and management
for multiple objectives, including
biological diversity, preservation
and sustainable development
for people.
Grassland Science
Grassland Science entails the study of
all aspects of the utilisation, conservation
and improvement of the veld and
cultivated pastures. The education of
grassland scientists is essential for sustainable
animal production, on rangeland
and cultivated pastures. Grassland
Science not only plays an important role
in the increasing demand for meat and
other animal products, but also makes
a large contribution to soil and nature
conservation, game farming and the future
of game parks, which are important
for the tourism industry.
TABLE 7: Entry requirements for Bachelor
of Science in Pasture/Grassland
Bachelor of Science in Pasture/
Grassland (4 years)
Most Universities
Mathematics HG -D
Physical Science HG-D
NDip Agric (3 years)
Most Universities of Technology
Mathematics
Physical Science
Potential employers
The profession offers exceptional opportunities
for employees such as fertiliser
and seed companies, National
Parks Board, various sections of nature
conservation and the Department of
Agriculture on national and provincial
level.
Other Careers
Agronomist
Plant Pathologist
Soil Scientist
Animal Scientist
Horticulturalist
Careers in Agriculture (continued)

Useful Contact Details
Colleges of Agriculture
Cedara College of Agriculture
Tel (033) 355 9304
Fax (033) 355 9303
Private Bag X 6008
Pietermaritzburg
3200
nompozolo@dae.kzntl.gov.za
Elsenburg College of Agriculture
Tel (021) 808 5018
Fax (021) 808 7705
P.O Box 54
Elsenburg
7607
mariusp@elsenburg.com
careers by industry
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry
Tel (040) 653 8033/4/5
Fax (040) 653 8036
P.O. Box 2187
King William’s Town
5600
asonandi@yahoo.com
Glen College of Agriculture
Tel (051) 861 1012
Fax (051) 861 1122
Private Bag X01
Glen
9360
jans@glen.agric.za
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute
Tel. (049) 842 1477
Private Bag X529
Grootfontein
5900
strydoms@gfn.agric.za
Lowveld College of Agriculture
Tel (013) 753 3064
Fax (013) 755 1110
Private Bag X1283
Nelspruit
1200
sekgota@laeveld1@agric.za
Madzivandila College of Agriculture
Tel (015) 962 7200
Fax (015) 962 7239
Private Bag X5024
Thohoyandou
0950
madzivha@mweb.co.za
Careers in Agriculture (continued)
33

Tariro Masayiti Winemaker
my amazing career careers by industry
34
What is your job title?
White Winemaker for Nederburg wines.
I produce white wines and rose wines.
What does your job entail?
My job involves managing and directing
all the processes involved in making
white wines and rose wines at Nederburg.
In a nutshell, it entails mostly
crushing and pressing grapes, fermentation
of juice, blending of wine, maturation,
stabilisation of wine and finally bottling.
Everyday at work I have to taste the
different wines and check their developments
and most of my decisions on what
to do with the wine are based on what I
taste, so tasting is one very important aspect
of winemaking. I also do marketing
through the media and conduct Tastings
from time to time throughout the country.
I also sit as a wine judge in a number
of wine competitions in South Africa and
internationally.
How long have you been in your current
job?
3 years.
What qualification do you have?
Bsc. Agriculture (Viticulture & Oenology),
which I obtained at the University of Stellenbosch
and took 4 years to achieve.
What subjects are required at school
for a career in viticulture?
Science Subjects are prerequisites, including
Maths, Chemistry, Physics and
Biology.

What personality-type is required for
this job?
Winemaking is not something you do
for the money. You need to have a great
passion for it and be prepared to get
your hands dirty if you want to succeed.
Often, people are misled by the glitz associated
with it but there is a lot of hard
work that goes into it. If you love what
you do, anything is possible.
What are some of the most sought after
skills in the industry?
Viticulturists (known as grape experts),
marketing managers, research scientists,
soil experts and engineers, especially
in the construction of cellars,
amongst others.
Describe an average day at work.
My day starts at 7am and sometimes
has no end! As head winemaker, my job
is to manage production of all white and
rose wines for Nederburg. I don’t do this
alone but work with a team that takes
care of the day to day activities in the
cellar. A typical day always starts with a
warm cup of coffee, which helps me to
focus. From time to time I grab a glass
of wine from the tasting room and head
for the cellar to taste wines, which could
either be fermenting or maturing. I do
this to relate to the wines as they develop
and also to monitor their condition
and decide whether they are ready to
be blended or bottled.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Nederburg is the premium wine brand in
South Africa and to be appointed head
winemaker is a dream come true. My
wines have won numerous awards locally
and internationally.
What are some of the challenges as-
sociated with the job?
careers by industry
The biggest challenge is to produce excellent
wines year after year. The quality
of grapes infl uences the quality of the
fi nal wine greatly, and this is very much
dependent on the weather, and one
cannot predict this. The weather varies
from one year to the next and so do the
grapes, and my job entails understanding
these changes and making the right
decisions to create exceptional wines
with some level of consistency.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
Knowing that the wine I’m producing is
enjoyed in households throughout the
world and more so if I sit with my family
and friends to enjoy a glass of this wine
– that’s rewarding!
Does it pay well?
The salary is good and competitive
compared to other related professions.
The biggest “pay” for me though is not
the cash at the end of the month but the
lifestyle I get to live –it’s very healthy!
In this profession, are there lots of
opportunities for career growth?
Prospects for career growth are many
and one can eventually move out of the
production side of things and become a
senior manager concentrating on running
the business as a whole.
What is your ultimate career goal?
To one day have my own business either
in the wine industry or anything
related to wine. I would like to make a
serious contribution to the promotion of
wine culture amongst the black population
not only in South Africa, but Africa
as a whole.
Tariro Masayiti Winemaker (continued)
35
my amazing career

Dr. Tembile Songabe State Veterinarian
my amazing career careers by industry
36
What does your job entail?
My job entails the issuing of an International
Health Certificate for each
consignment of animal product (mainly
meat from ostriches and wild game such
as springbuck, Kudu, Eland, etc.) that
is exported under my jurisdiction. The
certificate must accompany that specific
consignment throughout the journey, up
to, and including the country of destination,
and must be ready for inspection at
any time. There are different certificates
for different countries, and each country
has its specific guarantees it wants,
aimed at protecting consumers of that
country. I am thus required to ensure
that step-by step protocols, regulations,
laws, etc. of such countries are carried
out. I mainly export meat to the EU
(Belgium, Holland, France, Germany,
etc., as well as to other non-EU countries
such as Switzerland, Saudi Arabia,
etc.). I am also responsible for exporting
pet food from nearby plants that are
assigned to my control. I mainly export
pet food to Germany and Nigeria. My
job also entails auditing and inspecting
abattoirs to ensure that procedures are
adhered to. The international countries
(EU in particular) also periodically visit
South Africa to audit abattoirs, to verify
that the guarantees I offer are indeed
credible and of good scientific merit.
Economically, I offer my veterinary expertise
to the South African farmers and
meat industry so that they can participate
in the lucrative international markets,
resulting in job and creation and
economic growth. In addition to this, I
offer specialist expertise to the South
African government to handle international
World Trade Organisation negotiations
with confidence, knowing that
South African produce is risk free. Although
I do not physically go to farms
to inspect livestock, I am responsible
for performing ante-mortem inspections
prior to slaughter, and examining them
after slaughter (post-mortem meat inspections)
to ensure that all animals are

free from any disease that will render
the meat unsafe for human consumption.
How long have you been in your current
job?
I have been in the fi eld of International
Animal Health and Transboundary Animal
Disease Research for around six
years now, although I have been in this
specifi c post for just a year.
What qualifi cation do you have?
I have a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
and Surgery (BVMCh) degree,
Magister Scientiae degree in Pathology
(MSc)(Path) , as well as the Certifi cate
in Food Hygiene, Health and Safety.
Were did you obtain it and how long
did it take?
I obtained my BVMCh degree in 1999
at the then Medical University of Southern
Africa (MEDUNSA), which is now
the Medical campus of the University of
Limpopo. It was a six year degree and I
started in 1994, taking exactly 6 years.
Please note that the Veterinary Faculty
of MEDUNSA was amalgamated to the
Faculty of Veterinary Science of the
University of Pretoria. Therefore, any
prospective student wishing to study
Veterinary Medicine must approach the
University of Pretoria, where it is the
only faculty of this nature in the country.
MSc (Path) is a two year degree that I
obtained from the Utrecht University in
Netherlands where I studied from September
2001 to August 2003.
I obtained the Certifi cate in Food Hygiene,
Health and Safety from the
Charted Institute of Environmental
Health, while I was involved in research
in the United Kingdom between 2004
and 2006.
careers by industry
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
When I applied to university, the requirement
was a minimum of 50% pass
in HG in at least Mathematics, Physical
Science and /or Biology and an overall
good Matric pass with good marks
in other subjects. In today’s secondary
education curriculum, this translates to
at least 50% in Mathematics, Physical
Science, Life Orientation English, and
other language.
Is it easy to fi nd a job in the industry
with your qualifi cation?
Defi nitely, veterinary professionals have
been declared as a ‘scarce skill’ by the
Department of Agriculture due to the
shortage of veterinarians to adequately
meet the high demand of vacancies in
government, in the industry and in the
private sector. Companies and government
are currently recruiting from
outside the country to fi ll the vacant
positions. This situation is expected to
remain the same for some time because
the industry in growing, and the need will
increase, but due to the current physical
infrastructure, the training remains the
same. Very often student vets have earmarked
employment upon graduation
as a result of contractual obligations to
their sponsors, while those without contractual
obligations are snatched up as
soon as they complete their studies by
companies that require the skills and
private practices in South Africa. Those
willing to explore avenues outside South
Africa are enjoying preferential employment
abroad as the South African veterinary
degree is a prestigious degree
and it enjoys automatic recognition by
various countries including UK, Malaysia,
Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Tembile Songabe State Veterinarian (continued)
37
my amazing career

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BURSARY
AWARDS FOR 2008
QUALIFYING HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS AND STUDENTS, ALREADY IN THE
UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
PRIORITY STUDY FIELDS, ARE URGED TO APPLY.
The Department of Agriculture intends awarding comprehensive bursaries, to qualifying
applicants pursuing and/or intending to study in critical and scarce skills in the
agricultural sector and related disciplines, during the 2008 academic year. Preference
will be given to qualifying applicants from historically disadvantaged groups.
Females and people with disabilities especially, are encouraged
to apply.
CATEGORIES AND INSTITUTIONS OFFERING THESE PROGRAMMES
1. Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc.) – University of Pretoria
(Only applicants who have successfully completed the BSc. Veterinary Biology
degree and have qualified for BVSc will be considered.)
2. BSc. BioResource Engineering – University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
3. Viticulture
3.1 BSc. Viticulture and Oenology – University of Stellenbosch
3.2 B. Agric. Viticulture – Cape Institute for Agricultural Training (Elsenburg)
4. BSc. Agric. Economics – Most Universities with Faculty of Agriculture
5. BSc. Agric. Food Science – Most Universities with Faculty of Agriculture
6. BSc. Agric. Biotechnology – Most Universities with Faculty of Agriculture
7. B.Tech. Food Technology – Most Universities of Technology with Faculty of Agriculture
8. Postgraduate studies in different agricultural study fields linked to the
Department of Agriculture priority research projects.
REQUIREMENTS
1. The entry requirements as specified in Tables 1 to 7 in this chapter are
applicable to Bursary applications.
2. Applicants must be South African citizens. Preference will be given to
previously disadvantaged youths.
3. For the BVSc., preference will be given to previously disadvantaged groups in
the categories African, Coloured and Asians only.
4. Applicants must show proof of admission (provisional admission) to a higher
edcation institution or institution where the applied field of study is offered.
5. Applicants must complete the relevant bursary application forms, which are
available at: www.nda.agric.za/regulatoryandotherservices/education
andtraining
All completed bursary application forms, together with copies of admission letters,
identification document photos and certified copies of certificates/performance
results should be sent to the address below.
The Director : Mr Mokutule Joe Kgobokoe, Directorate: Education, Training and
Extension Services, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag X250, Pretoria, 0001.
The closing date for all applications is 30 September.
THE BURSARY COVERS
Tuition, Books, Accommodation, Meals, Monthly allowance.
For further enquiries please contact:
Ms Dorah Lekalakala: (012) 319 7097
email: DorahL@nda.agric.za
Ms Miriam Mosehla: (012) 319 7848
email: MiriamM@nda.agric.za
Ms Gugu Sema (012) 319 7136
email: GuguS@nda.agric.za

What personality-type is required for
this job?
Veterinary Medicine is for me a ‘calling’
for which a sound inquisitive scientifi c
mind, passion and good heart are drivers.
For my job, dedication, high sense
of responsibility, good moral values, high
sense of ethics are a defi nite prerequisite.
The work also requires a high level
of organisation, and attention to detail
especially in terms of document control
(this becomes very important for retrospective
investigation, should a person
for instance die of suspected food poisoning
they would become legal documents).
One must also be a self-starter,
dynamic thinker, and be creative, with
the ability to work independently as
most vets work unsupervised. A vet
should have great fl exibility as the work
involves irregular working hours, good
interpersonal, communication and managerial
skills, as a veterinarian often has
a team of people reporting to him.
What are some of the most sought after
skills in the industry?
Presently, Veterinary Epidemiologists,
Veterinary Pathologist, Herd Health
Practitioners, Veterinary Biomedical
Specialists, Veterinary Public Health
Practitioners, general and specialist,
private practice veterinarians and state
veterinarians, etc. are very sought after
professionals. For private practice in
particular, only 15% of South Africans
currently make use of veterinarians for
the general health of animals and pets.
This is one section that is expected to
grow signifi cantly, as the socio-economic
dynamics of the country change, and
more persons climb the social ladder
and enter the middle and upper class
economy.
careers by industry
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
As a veterinary student, I was involved
with various student government issues.
I also served as President of Veterinary
Students, as well as in the University
Council, the top structure in University
governance. In 2001 I was awarded a
DELTA Scholarship by the Netherlands
Government to study MSc(Path) degree
in the Netherlands and that was probably
the greatest experience. This was
followed by an award by the UK’s Commonwealth
Scholarship Programme
for research studies in International
Animal Health in UK in 2004. Another
career highlight was my appointment
as lecturer at the Veterinary Faculty of
the University of Pretoria from 2000 to
2005, and during my service I was involved
with various strategic projects
that included Community Outreach
Programmes, International Partnerships,
Transformation Agenda, Student
Recruitments, etc. over and above my
teaching obligations.
Because animal diseases have no
boundaries, I have been privileged
enough to travel extensively within Africa,
Europe and the US. I have also
presented scientifi c papers and posters
and issues of International Animal
Health, and served in two key Policy
Programmes that brought change to the
Veterinary Profession. The fi rst of these
was the Amalgamation of the two Veterinary
schools to establish a new nonracial
National Faculty of Veterinary
Science, the only one in South Africa.
I served in the Select Committee that
was constituted by the then Minister of
Education, Professor Sibusiso Bhengu
to oversee the amalgamation process
and to advise the Minister accordingly.
The second one was the introduction of
Community Service to young veterinarians
for which I was a Project Manager
and now still act as a Specialist Technical
Advisor.
Dr. Tembile Songabe State Vet (continued)
39
my amazing career

my amazing career careers by industry
40
Dr. Tembile Songabe State Vet (continued)
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
The work requires a high level of responsibility,
and just one mistake can result
in loss in confidence, and South Africa
can be suspended or removed from exports
to EU. To the tune of R600 million
a day, the impact is unthinkable (loss of
jobs, decreased GDP, farm repossessions,
etc.). As mentioned before, with
the amount of money involved, and a
final decision to export or not to export
that rests with me, one is constantly under
pressure from other industry players
who may want to pressure you to make
decisions that may not necessarily be in
the interest of consumers. Equally, as
in any regulation, compliance, law enforcement
job, you can be easily threatened
with legal actions, shouted at, and
verbally assaulted, or even be emotionally
manipulated into feeling guilty for
any consignment that you refuse to export
- especially if you are shown faces
of sad, poor workers with sagging faces
and tears, and you are told that they will
lose the jobs as a result of your decision!
While this can be emotionally challenging,
you soon get used to it, as long as
you remain strong and bold, and uphold
your personal integrity.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
Firstly, the fact that everyday my sound
decision making, expertise, and my actions
support such a huge industry, and
that so many people’s lives and livelihoods
are dependant upon my signature.
Everyday, I go to sleep with joy, knowing
that I have touched so many lives
directly and indirectly, and without them
even knowing. Not many jobs offer this
satisfaction! Secondly, although it looks
like a routine job, each day presents its
challenges, and the traveling involved
with auditing other veterinarians in other
plants, formulation policies, industry and
scientific congresses, constantly study-
ing new developments and finding, etc.
is greatly gratifying. The range of working
environments is unbelievable too.
For instance, one day I can be wearing
green overall examining animals, the
next day I am in the laboratory analysing
samples, followed by a conference,
where I would be presenting the latest
scientific finding to international peers,
then engaging in debates regarding a
new policy or legislation, etc. It really is
just marvelous!
What is your ultimate career goal?
If I can continue to effect a meaningful
contribution and improvement to the
public and the veterinary profession,
and leave a legacy when my time in the
profession has come to a close, I would
say it was a career well enjoyed.

Careers in Art & Design
Are you artistic or creative? Do you
have a keen eye for detail, colour
and sound? If you do, a career in the
Art and Design industry may be perfect
for you! South Africa’s unique
cultural heritage has contributed to
a diverse Arts and Design industry
- from music, dance, poetry, fashion
and interior design, fi ne arts and
photography, it offers a wide variety
of careers.
South Africa proudly boasts an array
of world-class fashion designers, artists,
photographers, as well as award
winning fi lm-makers and musicians. A
recent study, conducted by the HSRC,
found that more students enroll for Artsrelated
courses than science and technology-related
qualifi cations at South
African universities.
Although some many argue that the
industry presents limited opportunities
due to market saturation, there are nevertheless
countless opportunities for
those who possess the necessary talent
and determination. South Africa is
increasingly becoming a global player
in all realms of art and design, and the
international spotlight is shining brighter
and brighter for many young, talented
South Africans.
A career in the arts industry presents a
world of opportunities. It presents opportunities
for creative freedom and expression,
so seldom seen in many other
careers. It is often perceived as a very
glamorous fi eld, but there are countless
struggling actors and designers in
the industry, and is regarded as a tough
market to crack.
Career Paths
TEXTILE DESIGNER
A textile designer is involved with the
creative aspect of fabric production,
such as conceptualisation, technological
application and design of fabric for
commercial consumption. Textile de-
careers by industry
signers often design fabric in response
to a design brief by a fashion designer,
upholstery manufacturer or fl oor covering
manufacturer, etc. Therefore, a keen
eye for detail, colour and technique required
for this career.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
NDip Textile Design
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
BTech Textile Design
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
JEWELLERY DESIGNER
A jewellery designer is involved in the
entire jewellery making process, from
deciding which metals and gems to use
for a particular piece, to the design and
completion of a piece. A thorough knowledge
of fi ne metals and precious stones
is required in this fi eld. Many jewellery
designers get commissioned by clients
to design specifi c pieces or start their
own jewellery design companies.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
BTech Jewellery Design and
Manufacture
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
NDip Jewellery Design
•
University of Johannesburg
41

careers by industry
42
BA Fine Arts (Jewellery Design)
• University of Stellenbosch
NCert Jewellery Design
• Consult with your local FET College
FINE ARTIST
Fine Arts is an integral part of all design-related
fi elds. A degree in Fine Art
presents an interesting variety of possible
careers fro which to choose, including
museum artist, television, décor and
stage designer, illustrator/cartoonist, as
well as prop manufacturer for fi lms. In
addition to these career opportunities,
the fi ne artist is also equipped to act in
the capacity of graphic designer in specifi
ed projects such as advertisements.
Compulsory Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
Bachelor of Fine Arts
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rhodes University
University of Cape Town
University of Fort Hare
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Free State
University of Witwatersrand
BTech Fine Art
•
•
•
•
•
Central University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
University of Johannesburg
Walter Sisulu University of Technology
& Science
Diploma in Fine Arts
•
•
•
Design School of South Africa
University of Fort Hare
University of the Free State
NCert in Art
Consult with your local FET College
INTERIOR DESIGNER
An Interior Designer is much more than
a decorator and is a key contributor to
the design process. He/she works in
collaboration with architects, quantity
surveyors, engineers, project managers,
building contractors and suppliers
of products, from the design stage
– when ideas are conceptualised and
designs developed – to the completion
of the project. Interior Designers are
responsible for the aesthetic element
of a room or building – to ensure that
the décor is appealing and practical.
He/she would be responsible for recommending
to the client colour schemes,
furnishing, fabrics and fi nishing touches
such as art. Employment opportunities
exist with Interior Design fi rms, architectural
suppliers and property developers,
or as self-employed consultants.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
BSc Interior Design
• University of Pretoria
Bachelor • of Consumer Science
•
•
•
Durban University of Technology
University of the Free State
University of the North West
BTech Interior Design
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
Certifi cate in Interior Design
•
•
City Varsity
Potchefstroom Akademie
NCert Interior Decorating
•
Consult with your local FET College
Careers in Art & Design (continued)

WHERE THE BRIGHTEST MINDS SHINE
Visit our website: www.aaaschool.co.za

careers by industry
44
MUSICIAN
There are many other aspects to music
besides singing and playing instruments,
such as writing, composing,
conducting, as well as teaching. Musicians
are employed or contracted by
television, broadcasting and fi lm companies,
symphony orchestras and other
musical ensembles, recording companies
or at schools, colleges and universities
as lecturers. Musicians are very
often self-employed and earn their living
performing at events or as part of stage
productions.
Compulsory Subjects
Music
Qualifi cations
BA (Music)
•
•
•
•
UNISA
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
University of Pretoria
University of the Free State
B Music
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rhodes University
UNISA
University of Cape Town
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
University of Pretoria
University of Stellenbosch
University of Witwatersrand
University of the Free State
University the North West
BTech Music
• Tshwane University of Technology
Diploma in Contemporary Music
• Damelin
NCert Music
• Consult with your local FET College
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Graphic Designers are responsible for
developing unique ideas and recognizable
identities for products and promotional
material of corporation. Advance-
ment in technology and increased work
demands means that graphic designers
need a constant and intense knowledge
of new hardware and software. Graphic
Designers are employed in many sectors,
but particularly in the marketing
industry at advertising agencies, marketing
organisations, publishing and
printing works and by some large corporations
that maintain their own information
design departments. Graphic
designers may work as graphic artists,
layout artists, animation artists, webpage
designers, art directors as well as
creative directors.
Recommended Subjects
Art, Computer Studies
Qualifi cations
BA Graphic Design
• Midrand Graduate Institute
University of the North West
BTech Graphic Design
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
• University
• Vaal University of Technology
NDip Graphic Design
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Johannesburg
NCert Graphic Design
•
Consult with your local FET College
FASHION DESIGNER
With the emergence of a whole new generation
of talented young designers, the
fashion industry has gained the reputation
of being a competitive and cut-throat
industry. The world of fashion seems
to many, to be glamorous and attracts
Careers in Art & Design (continued)

Get a degree
that's more than a degree.
(become part of the ad industry even before you graduate.)
Advertising is one of the most demanding and competitive careers
going. And you're only as good as your last campaign.
To feed the industry with the kind of brains that can handle that
level of stress and that kind of creative output, the Association of
Advertising Agencies (now the Association for Communication and
Advertising) set up its own training ground - the aaa school of advertising.
The school is tasked with turning out sought-after achievers who
are ready to be effective from day one. People with the kind of ability
and experience to squeeze the last milligram of creativity from their
brains. That includes creative media selection, creative marketing
strategies and creative account or brand management, as well as
creative executions.
That's why our courses and work methodologies are tuned to giving
learners' brains a serious workout every day. There is no room for
passengers, cruisers or jolters. They wouldn't last in the industry anyway.
AAA school is the only one of its kind owned by the advertising
industry and the only one in South Africa to provide graduates with an
internationally accredited diploma from the International Advertising
Association, New York.
We deliver graduates with a high level of pragmatic expertise,
not academics. Our school is staffed by educators with extensive
industry experience and well-established reputations and who maintain
contact with the industry.
The school specialises in serious theoretical and practical learning
that prepares people for the real world of an agency or marketing
department. Learners deal with real life clients and get exposure to
advertising agencies and production facilities, including time spent
as interns in agencies. So they know, and their future employers
will know and appreciate, that all aaa graduates are serious
advertising career people.
Qualifications: There is a wide range of degree, diploma and part-
time courses for a fully accredited qualification from the aaa:
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (Marketing Communication) with specialization
in Brand Management, Account Management or Media Management
(three years)
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Brand Communication) with
It may be those who do most dream most." Stephen Leacock
.09-7'44t
specialization in Graphic Design or Art Direction (three years)
Diplomas Diploma in Marketing Communication with specialization
in Brand, Account or Media Management (three years or one year
Post Graduate)
Diploma in Visual Communication with specialization in Graphic
Design or Art Direction (three years)
Diploma in Copywriting (two years or one year Post Graduate)
Part-time Short Courses Evening courses are offered in many
different disciplines associated with advertising and commun-
ications.
aaa school of advertising
Where the ad industry shops.
They include: Copywriting; Art Direction; Graphic Design and
Marketing courses. For more information and details visit our
school's website: www.aaaschool.co.za or telephone (011)781
2772 and ask for either Charmaine Lechuti Marketing Registrar:
charmainel@aaaschooljhb.co.za or Trudie Diffenthal our
Creative Registrar: trudied@aaaschooljhb.co.za on the same
number or for part-time contact Alison Elliot our Careers
Development Registrar: alisonr@aaaschooljhb.co.za
Registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate no. 2000/HE07/015 AAA School of Advertising (Pty) Ltd.

careers by industry
46
many young people as a result, but success
in the industry requires dedication,
perseverance and a willingness to work
long hours. Individuals wishing to pursue
a career in fashion need to have an
eye for detail, a feel for quality and must
be able to identify and forecast trends.
Fashion designers, apart from starting
their own ranger, are employed by retail
stores (as fashion buyers), fashion
houses and production companies.
Recommended Subjects
Art, Home Economics
Qualifi cations
NDip Fashion Design
• Cape Town University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University of Technology
& Science
Diploma in Fashion Design
•
•
•
•
•
Damelin
LISOF
Midrand Graduate Institute
Durban University of Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
PHOTOGRAPHER
To become a successful photographer,
one needs artistic ability coupled with
the technical expertise necessary to
handle sophisticated photographic
equipment. Photographers usually
work in more than one fi eld of photography
at a time, and their jobs often
entail taking photographs, as well as
developing and printing. Photographers
are employed in the media, fashion
industry, advertising and forensics.
Qualifi cations
BTech Photography
•
•
•
Central University of Technology
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
Tshwane University of Technology
•
Vaal University of Technology
NDip Photography
•
•
•
Durban University of Technology
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
Vaal University of Technology
Other possible careers
Florist
Make-Up Artist
Painter
Cartoonist
Textile Designer
Stage Manager
Sound & Lighting Operator
Useful Contacts
National Arts Council of South Africa
011 838 1383
Design South Africa
011 880 4715
Careers in Art & Design (continued)

Careers in Automotive Industry
South Africa has a large automotive industry,
and since 2000, the total domestic
production has grown by 41%. Vehicle
exports, according to the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI), account for
approximately 7% of the country’s total
exports.
It is one of the largest sectors in the
country, generating just under a tenth of
the country’s GDP. The automotive industry
includes the manufacturing, distribution
and servicing of vehicles and
components.
South Africa is regarded as a low-cost
option for vehicle manufacturers – electricity
and raw materials remain cheaper
than in most developed countries – while
the transportation and telecommunication
infrastructure is stable and reliable
enough to successfully run operation.
The vehicle components industry, parts
that make up the car, such as tyres,
seats, exhaust pipes and catalytic converters,
has also experienced rapid
growth – approximately 40% of the
components manufactured locally are
exported annually.
The demand for new vehicles during the
last fi ve years has resulted in increased
production at local plants. Many vehicle
manufacturing operations are centred in
an around the Eastern Cape.
The automotive industry in SA offers
various opportunities to both males and
females wanting to pursue a career in
this exciting fi eld. According to the National
Association of Automobile Manufacturers
of SA (NAAMSA), the automobile
manufacturing industry continues to
employ more people, despite the threat
of retrenchment in most other sectors.
As the industry expands and cars and
components become more technologically
advanced, jobs become more specialised.
Whilst there is a great demand
for engineers and other highly technical
careers by industry
skills, as well as semi-skilled individuals
such a trimmers, assembly line operators
and spray painters, the industry
also requires specialists in areas of Finance,
Marketing, Information Services
and Human Resource.
Careers spanning across various fi elds
are required within the automotive manufacturing
sector, however the focus for
this insert is on engineers and the integral
role they play in our business from
Product Engineering to Manufacturing,
Planning, Production and even Marketing,
Logistics and Finance.
If you want to pursue a career in engineering,
you should primarily be a problem-solver,
be able to analyse or break
things down into logical steps and form
concepts and ideas from observation
and experience – with a fundamental
prerequisite for success.
Various fi elds with engineering are:
AUTO-ELECTRICIAN
A car has 2 electrical components,
namely the ignition and the starter motor.
As an auto-electrician, you would be
responsible for the manufacture, installation
and repair of these components
on cars. These components include the
lights, wipers, indicators, electric windows,
hooters, car radios and speakers.
Recommended Subjects
Motor Mechanics, Trade Theory
Qualifi cations
NCert Electrical Engineering
• Consult with your local FET College
National Technical Certifi cate
•
•
INTEC
Consult with your local FET College
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical Engineering involves the
47

careers by industry
48
design and development of machines
which range from simple mechanisms
to complex machinery and the understanding
and harnessing of forces and
energy in machines and materials. At
the professional level, these include
technicians, technologists and engineers,
all of whom must complete prescribed
tertiary education and practical
training. A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
requires 2 years of study with 1
additional year of practical work (P1 and
P2) N.Dip MechEng). A degree in Engineering
is a 4 year course and no practical
work is required (BSc Eng, B.Eng).
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
English, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BEng Mechanical Engineering
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the North West
BSc Mechanical Engineering
•
•
University of Cape Town
University of Witwatersrand
NDip Mechanical Engineering
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Electrical/electronic engineering is the
study of the behaviour of electrical, electronic,
digital electronic and electromechanical
systems. These engineers can
be involved in the design, development,
testing, and supervision of the manufacture
of electrical equipment. Electrical
engineers have traditionally focused
on the generation and supply of power,
whereas electronics engineers work on
applications of electricity to control systems.
The Diploma in Electrical Engineering
is a 2 year study programme
with 1 additional year of practical work
(P1 and P2) (N.Dip ElecEng). A degree
in Engineering is a 4 year course and
no practical work is required (BSc Eng,
B.Eng).
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
English, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BEng Electrical Engineering
•
•
•
•
University of Cape Town
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
University of Stellenbosch
University of the North West
BSc Electrical Engineering
•
•
•
University of Cape Town
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
University of Witwatersrand
BTech • Electrical Engineering
•
Durban University of Technology
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industrial engineering involves the design
and improvement of systems in
organizations to maximise productivity
through the creation of improved, more
effi cient systems in both the production
and service environments. The industrial
engineering team concentrates of
quality (the quality of the system and
processes and systems, production
planning, factory layout, ergonomics and
reduction of waste) and logistics (transport
networks, movements of materials,
scheduling, project management, etc.).
The Diploma in industrial Engineering is
a 2 year study programme with 1 additional
year of practical work (P1 and P2)
(N.Dip IndEng). A degree in Engineering
(Bsc Eng. B.Eng) is a 4 year course
Careers in Automotive Industry (continued)

and no practical work is required.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
English, Computer Science
Qualifi cation
BEng Industrial Engineering
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
BSc Industrial Engineering
• University of Cape Town
• University of Witwatersrand
NDip Industrial Engineering
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
MECHATRONICS
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary
branch of engineering that combines the
study of mechanical engineering with
light-current engineering and computer
systems. It is increasingly recognized
that a combination of these disciplines
equips graduates with an excellent basis
upon which to fulfi ll valuable roles
careers by industry
in modern industry. The mechatronics
engineer will be suited to a career in
light manufacturing or process control,
pursuing fi elds such as instrumentation,
robotics, automation or machine visualisation.
A degree in Mechatronics is a 4
year course (B.Eng. Mechatronics). No
diploma is offered.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
English, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BEng Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Stellenbosch
Other possibly careers
Panel Beater
Technical Specialists
Assembly Line Operator/ Manager
Useful contact numbers
Motor industry Staff Association
(011) 476 3920
49

careers by industry
50
Careers in Beauty and Wellbeing
The Beauty and Wellbeing industry is
booming in South Africa. This could
be attributed to the fact that as people
become fi nancially well-off (as so
many young South Africans are becoming),
they tend to enjoy being groomed
and looking good at all times. Another
reason, and possibly interlinked to the
above reason is that because of the frenetic
pace of our lives these days, and
unhealthy lifestyles in general, a beauty
or body treatment such as a massage
or facial is regarded by many as the perfect
de-stressing activity.
There is lots of scope and opportunity
for a lucrative career in this industry –
hotels, country retreats, day spas and
even game lodges, employ beauty and
wellbeing graduates to provide guests
with these packages as part of their stay
at these institutions. Many graduates
go on to start their own businesses, as
starting-up as well as overhead costs
are not too high.
The industry offers excellent opportunities
for qualifi ed holistic therapists
– treating ailments and illnesses with
the use of natural or alternative (nonmedical)
treatments, such as massage,
acupuncture, lymph drainage, etc.
Careers
REFLEXOLOGIST
Refl exology is based on the principle
that every part of the human body is
connected to part of the feet. The refl
exologist uses massage on the foot
to locate and relieve pain and pressure
caused by stress and other factors.
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
Diploma in Refl exology
• Madge Wallace College of Beauty
Therapy
• The International School of Beauty
Therapy
Certifi cate in Refl exology
• Madge Wallace College of Beauty
Therapy
ACUPUNCTURIST
Acupuncture has its roots in Ancient
China and over 2000 years of Chinese
civilisation, and is an ancient Chinese
healing procedure used to treat ailments
such as arthritis, ulcers and hypertension
by inserting needles into strategic
part of the body. This healing system
is based on the understanding that the
body, connecting the internal organs
and functions with the body surface.
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BTech Homeopathy
• University of Johannesburg
AROMATHERAPIST
Aromatherapy is a holistic concept, an
ancient healing art that is utilised to restore
any imbalance in the body through
the application of essential oils and aromatic
plants. In essence, it is the treatment
of ailments, or promotion of body
care, through the use of essential oils
and herbs, such as lavender, geranium
and eucalyptus. Every oil has a distinct
function, and the arometherapist studies
the composition of oils, base oils,
and usage of these oils. They are also
trained how to mix oils. The treatment
usually entails rubbing the affected
area, or entire body with the necessary
oil, and massaging it, so that it is absorbed
into the skin.
Recommended Subjects
Biology

Qualifi cations
Certifi cate in the Art of Aromatherapy
• Intec College
Diploma in Aromatherapy
• Madge Wallace College of Beauty
Therapy
Certifi cate in Aromatherapy
• Camelot Education Institute
BEAUTY THERAPIST
Beauticians are specialists in physical
grooming, and are trained in the areas
of facial and body treatments. This includes
facials and facial extractions,
hair removal, nail care, make-up and
slimming techniques. Before starting
any beauty treatment, beauty therapists
will, in consultation with the client, advise
which treatments would be best
suited to the client based on the desired
outcome, analysis of skin type and overall
physical state. Beauticians need to
be well dressed, groomed, be neat and
clean at all times. Many beauticians are
employed by hotels, passenger ships
and beauty houses. Many however,
open up their own businesses.
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
NDip Somatology
• University of Johannesburg
• Durban University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
Other Possible Careers
Hairdresser
Make-Up Artist
Homeopath
Masseuse
Useful Contact Details
Camelot Education
(011) 880 3850
careers by industry
Careers in Beauty and Wellbeing (continued)
51

Faeeza Sacoor Beauty Technologist
my amazing career careers by industry
52
What does Somatology or Beauty Technology
entail?
Somatology entails dealing with various
aspects of the body, i.e. skincare, nutritional
advice, stress therapies such as
the various types of massage and alternate
healing techniques, daily grooming
with regards to nail care, hair removal
techniques and make-up application or
makeovers.
How long have you been in the industry?
12 years.
What qualification do you have?
A three-year National Diploma in Somatology
obtained at Technikon Natal (now
known as Durban University of Technology).
How long is the course?
It takes 3 years to complete.
What subjects are required at school?
When I applied, the subject requirements
were English, Biology and Physical
Science.
Is it easy to find a job in this industry?
Yes, but you should stick with the first
one for as long as you can and gain experience
so that you may get a better
paying job in the industry later, for example
on a cruise liner or at a Beauty Spa,
as these pay according to experience
and are based on good references.
What personality-type is required?
A friendly, kind person, who is sociable
and wants to make a difference in the
lives of others to help them heal, will
make a successful Beauty Technologist
– one who possesses the confidence
and strength to regard every client and
situation as a personal challenge.
What are some of the most sought-after
skills in the industry?
A person who is confident and experienced
in waxing, especially eyebrow
shaping and Brazilian waxing, is often
highly sought after.

Describe an average day.
Due to the fact that I have managed a
salon and own my own business, I can
tell you that both are totally different. As
an employee your day is controlled and
is a little easier as you have rights such
as tea and lunches, as well as sick- and
paid leave, but as an owner you have to
not only be hands on in treatments, but
also manage your team of assistants
that make your business a success. A
lot of admin work is involved, especially
at nights, but if you manage it well you
will fi nd it is most rewarding, and every
day you learn new things about your
techniques about people. If you as lucky
as I am, you could get featured in magazines,
and appear on TV.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Being featured in Oprah Magazines, as
I am her biggest fan, as well as launching
my own product, Aura’International,
which features a peel-off mask that
removes blemishes and pigmentation
without irritating the skin, have defi nitely
been 2 of my greatest career highlights.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
Customer complaints which
as I say, is a good challenge
and if handled positively
doesn’t become a big problem.
What is the most rewarding part of your
job?
Honestly, besides healing
problem skin my greatest
reward is when a customer
is happy with her
eyebrow shape as I regard
myself as the best
careers by industry
in the country - I have an absolute obsession
about giving a client the perfect
eyebrow shape!
Does the career pay well?
Yes, as long as you are hands on in
your own company, and keep your overheads
low and work on a “cash only, no
credit” policy.
Is there lots of scope for career
growth?
There is, as long as you take initiative.
For example, I started off whilst in my
second year of studies by working for the
Lancome counter at the Edgars store in
the Pavilion Shopping Center in Durban
on weekends. In my third year, whilst
being married and going to campus fulltime
(and taking care of my home and
husband), I set up a small room in a hair
salon where I could earn extra money
and pay rent for my premises. Thereafter,
I moved to Johannesburg, and stuck
with my fi rst job for four years, after
which I decided to start my own business
which has been successful for the
last 8 years. Two kids later I have started
my own product range which means
that I have a passive income. In short,
there are defi nitely lots of opportunities
- you just need the drive!
What is your ultimate career goal?
For my product to be world famous and
to grow my part-time beauty school into
a famous full-time one, with an impeccable
reputation for producing the best
Somatologists!
Faeeza Sacoor Beauty Technologist (continued)
53

Careers in Chemicals
South Africa is ranked among the top
25 chemical producing countries in
the world. The sector contributes 17%
to the country’s GDP and is the fourth
largest employing sector, employing approximately
120 000 people. The chemical
industry is the largest of its kind in
Africa and can be divided into seven
categories:
• Petroleum refi neries and products
(44%);
• Basic chemicals (16%);
• Fertilisers and pesticides (7%);
• Synthetic resins and plastic materials
(8%);
• Paints,
(4%);
varnishes and lacquers
• Medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations
(6%); and
• Cleaning, toilet preparations and
cosmetics (7%).
Whilst the chemical sector is characterised
by a host of local companies, many
large multinationals have local distribution
points in South Africa, and several
have become involved in local manufacture.
The chemical industry offers prospective
job seekers many opportunities.
These include academic and industrial
research, quality control, technical services,
product development and environmental
monitoring. Many chemists
climb the corporate ladder to assume
management positions.
Career Paths
Analytical Chemist
Analytical chemists work in a variety of
different industries, including pharmaceutical,
food, mining and manufacturing.
The function of an analytical chemist
is to study materials by examining
the composition, structure and characteristics
by identifying and analysing the
elements that make up the substance,
as well as the relationship between
these chemical components. This could
include testing for, and then analysing
careers by industry
traces of pesticides in food, or toxins in
manufacturing products, for example.
These tests are conducted in a laboratory,
and fi ndings are written in reports.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BSc Chemistry
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Witwatersrand
• UNISA
• University of North West
• University of Free State
• Stellenbosch University
• University of Limpopo
NDip Analytical Chemistry
• Vaal University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela University
of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
Intec College
Chemical Engineering Technologist
The chemical engineering technologist
plays a vital role in the entire chemical
engineering process, such as research
and development, plant design, plant
construction, equipment manufacture
and sales and distribution. They work
closely with chemical engineers and
plant operators, and many spend a lot
of their time on the production fl oor of a
factory. Chemical engineering technologists
are employed in a wide array of industries,
including manufacturing, food
processing, and pollution control.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
55

careers by industry
56
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
NDip Chemical Engineering
• University of Johannesburg
• Durban University of Technology
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGIST
South Africa has an expanding gas
and coal industry. These are important
commodities as they are used to manufacture
a host of petroleum products,
lubricants and fuel. As a result, a large
percentage of the coal and gas extracted
from the earth is exported to many
countries around the world. There is a
huge demand for petroleum technologists
who use their skills in the exploration
and drilling processes, by assisting
in the search for new oil wells, research
on the machinery used and keeping
records of the drilling process.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Geography
Qualifi cations
BSc Biotechnology
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of the Free State
• University of Western Cape
BSc Chemistry for Industry
• University of Stellenbosch
BTech Analytical Chemistry
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Vaal University of Technology
NDip Biotechnology
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• Vaal University of Technology
BOILERMAKER
Boilermakers are employed in a variety
of industries including mining, chemicals,
construction and manufacturing.
Boilermakers are responsible for building
structures such as boiler machines
and steam engines used in the manufacturing
process, using steel plates.
Boilermakers are also responsible for
the maintenance and repair of boilers.
Careers in Chemicals

Recommended Subjects
Maths, Science, Technical Drawing
Qualifi cation
NCert Boilermaking
• Consult with you local FET College
CHEMICAL ENGINEER
According to the Chemical Education
and Training Authority (CHIETA),
there is a critical shortage of Chemical
Engineers in South Africa. Chemical
Engineers use physical, chemical and
mechanical processes to turn natural
resources such a coal, into useful
products such a plastics, cement and
textiles. Large corporations in the petrochemical,
fertilizer, paper, minerals
processing and pharmaceutical industries
employ Chemical Engineers, who
often fi ll senior management position.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc (Eng) Chemical Engineering
• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Witwatersrand
BEng Chemical Engineering
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
FITTER & TURNER
The Fitter and Turner is an indispensable
asset to any industry where machinery
is used, including the chemical
industry. Large industrial organisations
that rely on machinery to carry out the
bulk of its operations cannot risk cost
implications caused by poor-functioning
or broken machinery. Fitters and Turn-
careers by industry
ers construct, assemble and fi t parts for
machinery, as well as ensure that all
machinery is maintained and repaired.
People who work in this fi eld need to
display qualities such as accuracy, patience
and attention to detail.
Recommended Subjects
Trade Theory, Technical Drawing
Qualifi cations
NCert Fitting & Turning
• Consult with your local FET College
NDip Mechanical Engineering
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology Science
LAB TECHNICIAN
Assisting Chemical Engineers and
Chemists, the Lab Technician conducts
tests and experiments on chemical
products and processes. Part of the
experimental process includes testing
and analysing chemical reactions, and
then recording the data, to that the necessary
adjustments can be made, or
further testing carried out. A Lab Technician
may also be involved in quality
assurance – conducting tests and experiments
to ensure that chemical products
meet the necessary standards and
specifi cations.
Conpulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended subjects
Biology
Careers in Chemicals (continued)
57

careers by industry
58
Qualifi cations
BSc Chemistry
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Analytical Chemistry
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Walter Sisulu University for
Technology & Science
BTech Chemistry
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
• University
• Tshwane University of Technology
NTech Certifi cate: Laboratory Assistant
• Damelin
• Intec
CHEMIST
Chemists are constantly searching for
knowledge about chemicals so that new
discoveries and developments can be
made in the fi eld of product development.
This includes development in thousands
of products we use every day, such as
paint, cosmetics, drugs, electronics and
synthetic fi bres. As Chemist you may
become a Lecturer or Teacher. Many
Chemists work in the fi eld of research,
creating new products or improving on
old ones. Organic, inorganic, analytical
and theoretical chemistry are all options
of areas to specialise in.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Chemistry
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand
BSc Biochemistry
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
BSc Chemical Science
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Western Cape
BSc Environmental Science
• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
Other possible careers
Chemical Engineering Technician
Chemical Engineering Technologist
Explosives Technologist
Useful Contact Numbers
SA Chemical Institute:
(011 487 1543
Engineering Council of South Africa
(011) 607 9500
Careers in Chemicals (continued)

careers by industry
Careers in Commerce, Law & HR
60
Commerce is one of the largest and fastest
growing faculties at most higher education
institutions, as this is a popular
career choice among school leavers.
As one of the world’s fastest developing
nations, South Africa boasts a
strong, performance driven commerce
sector. South Africa is the economic
powerhouse in Africa and is the leader
in both industrial and mineral output.
The country’s fi nancial hub is situated
in Gauteng, which on its own generates
about a third of the country’s wealth.
The study of commerce requires aptitude
and an ability to think analytically,
and provides a fi rm foundation in the
theory and practice of various disciplines
such as accounting, business science,
human resources and economics.
Careers
FINANCIAL ANALYST
Financial Analysts play an important
role in this industry – by developing,
implementing and evaluating information
systems, and analysing data. As
the industry becomes more technology
advanced, so too does the operating
and information systems of large companies
and organisations. Companies
are therefore always on the lookout for
professionally trained analysts to implement
information systems that are
in line with management needs. FA’s
need to be able to work well with a large
amount of data, have an above average
aptitude for maths and fi nance, and
have the ability to work under enormous
amounts of pressure.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BCom Informatics/Information
• Technology/Information Systems
• Damelin
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of the Free State
BSc Information Technology
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Free State
BSc Computer Science
• Rhodes University
• University of the Witwatersrand
BTech Information Technology
• Central University
of Technology
• Durban University
of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
• University
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
ACTUARY
Actuaries are one of the most sought
after professionals in the world. Actuaries
receive highly specialised training in
one of the most intensive and mentally
demanding courses.
Actuaries work mainly in the insurance
industry and specialise in compiling
life assurance policies, medical aid
schemes and pension policies. Actuaries
also deal in a fair amount of risk
management by evaluating potential
risk in order to fi nd solutions to business

Careers in Commerce, Law & HR (continued)
challenges.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, English
Qualifi cations
BBusSc Actuarial Science
• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
BCom Actuarial Science
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the North West
BSc Mathematical Science
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Free State
• University of Witwatersrand
BSc Mathematical Statistics
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
STOCKBROKER
A share is part ownership in a business.
Once a company is listed on the stock
exchange, members of the public may
purchase shares to become shareholders
in the company. Companies usually
list on the stock exchange to raise money
to fi nance the business, and in return,
the shareholders receive dividends
depending on the fi nancial performance
of the company during a specifi c fi nancial
period. A stockbroker acts as an
agent to buy and sell shares, for which
a fee is charges. A stockbroker may offer
advice to potential shareholders on
company information, and information
on buying and selling shares.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Economics, Accounting
careers by industry
61

careers by industry
62
Qualifi cations
BCom Risk Management
• Damelin
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• UNISA
• University of Free State
• University of the North West
BCom Financial Planning
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Being at the core of most businesses,
the Accountant is responsible for analysing
and evaluating fi nancial information
necessary to make the right business
decisions and ensure fi nancial
sustainability and profi tability. Accountants
are often found in the most senior
positions of businesses, at the helm
of fi nancial planning and all-important
decision-making. As an accountant,
you can specialise in a wide variety of
fi elds, including actuarial science, auditing,
management accounting, taxation,
fi nancial accounting and legal accounting.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, English
Recommended Subjects
Accounting
Qualifi cations
BCom Accounting
• Rhodes University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the North West
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Accounting
• UNISA
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
BCompt Accounting
• Boston City Campus
• University of Limpopo
• Varsity College
BTech Financial Services
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
Certifi cate in Management Accounting
• Damelin Correspondence
NDip Accounting
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
BUSINESS SCIENTIST
A degree in business science is aimed
at students who wish to pursue a career
in a business enterprise or any other
organisation. Students in this discipline
are trained theoretically and scientifi
cally in the workings of the business
world, including an understanding of
the human and economic problems that
arise on a day-to-day basis. Students
studying towards a degree in business
science are required to study a common
core of business-related subjects
including economics, information systems,
computer science, accounting
and commercial law. After two years of
basic theoretical training, a learner may
Careers in Commerce, Law & HR (continued)

choose to specialise in an area of their
choice, including actuarial science.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Qualifi cations
BBusSc
• Rhodes University
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Stellenbosch
Economist
The study of economics and the function
of an Economist – deals mainly with
the relationship between supply and demand
and analysing the casual effects
thereof. For example, if an Economist
if employed by a large manufacturing
business, he/she would be responsible
for advising the company on issues
such as production (how much of a certain
product is to be produced) as well
as marketing (examining whether the
supply of the product is meeting or exceeding
the demand). Economists are
employed mostly in the fi nancial sector
as Economic or Financial Analysts,
as well as Economic or Management
Consultants. An Economist is generally
somebody who is intrigued by economic
models and theories, and who is keen to
delve and dissect the economic factors
that infl uence business and the economy.
Research institutions also employ
the services of Economists who have
strong quantitative backgrounds to decipher
and analyse economic data.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, English
Recommended Subjects
Business Economics
Qualifi cations
BCom Economics
• Damelin
• UNISA
careers by industry
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the North West
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
BTech (Economic Management)
• Tshwane University of Technology
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics)
• University of Cape Town
• University of Rhodes
LAW
LAWYER/ ATTORNEY
Lawyers and their associate professionals
are a critical component in upholding
the law of a country, and helping to
enforce and maintain the civil rights of
all individuals. Lawyers see to it that if
an individual is harmed or if rights have
been violated, that justice is carried out
and that those responsible pay their due
penance. Lawyers, who are also known
as Attorneys, give legal advice to clients
Careers in Commerce, Law & HR (continued)
63

THE STANDARD BANK GROUP
Standard Bank is a South African-based fi nancial services
company with an international presence. It is a global
and growing fi nancial services leader.
Standard Bank enjoys a 145-history in South Africa,
is represented in 18 African countries and in over 20
countries outside of Africa. Its key focus is on emerging
market economies.
In South Africa, the bank stands out in the fi nancial
services sector as a professional, results-orientated
bank, with a genuine desire to make a difference.
And it does make a difference – to its staff, its clients,
the communities in which it operates, its shareholders
and importantly, to the South African economy.
In the past fi nancial year, excellent performances were
reported within each of the Standard Bank Group’s
businesses, these being Personal and Business Banking,
Corporate and Investment Banking, and Investment
Management and Life Assurance.
Across its operations, Standard Bank is committed to
attracting, retaining, developing and deploying people
with energy, passion and skills.
This strong focus on its people has underpinned the
bank’s success. Thus, it remains committed to investing
in its people and to opening up new opportunities to
up-and-coming, talented and motivated young people.
A range of graduate programmes are therefore run
across the different business areas of Standard Bank.
Together, these programmes expose students studying
across different fi elds to the full range of disciplines
required for the ongoing operation and growth of the
bank. They give motivated young people the opportunity
to learn and work in the real world of a leading
fi nancial institution.
The Personal and Business Banking Graduate Development
Programme (GDP) is designed to bridge
the gap between university and the workplace by giving
graduates a complete overview of the bank. For a sixmonth
period, graduates are rotated through departments
including Credit, Business Operations, Credit,
Human Resources as well as the Product Houses. This
provides graduates with a unique opportunity to understand
the role of each department and where best he
or she may fi t.
The Information Technology (IT) Graduate Programme
allows graduates holding a National Diploma
in IT; a B.Comm (Informatics) degree or a B.Sc (Information
Technology) degree to apply the theoretical
knowledge acquired during tertiary study in a realworld
IT environment. This programme represents a
meaningful intervention by Standard Bank to address
the dearth of specialist IT skills in South Africa.
The IT Internship Programme exposes interns to all
aspects of IT in an investment banking environment.
The one-month programme usually held mid-year is
open to students who have completed one year of suc-
cessful study with IT as a major subject.
The Quantitative Apprenticeship (QA) Programme
is a six week programme for students in their second
or fi nal year of study in Applied Mathematics. Successful
candidates are given the opportunity to work in the
Standard Bank’s Quantitative Analysis team. These experts
work directly with traders and structuring teams to
develop new products and transactions, also inputting
on model development and hedging strategies.
The Global Markets Winter Internship Programme
is a two-week programme for students who have completed
their fi rst year of successful study and want to
experience working in the challenging environment of
Standard Bank’s Global Markets division. At the same
time, they gain valuable insight into the practical application
of fi nancial theory
The Global Foreign Exchange (Forex) Dealing
Academy provides a platform in the heart of the fi nancial
markets arena for future traders to enhance their
trading skills and knowledge. Students who have been
on this programme describe it as an intense, stimulating
and fast-paced six-month learning period.
Corporate and Investment (CIB) Graduate Recruitment
Programmes
The key goal of Standard Bank’s Corporate and
Investment (CIB) division’s Graduate Recruitment
Programmes is to train and ‘groom’ graduates at the
outset of their careers. Four programmes are offered
- General Investment, Global IT, Specialist Support,
Global Risk and Financial Accounting. They enjoy
an excellent reputation and have grown substantially
since their inception a decade ago. Today, over 200
graduates have completed the CIB programmes.
The General Investment Programme gives graduates
a holistic view of investment banking. Graduates spend
brief periods in different divisions to learn as much
as possible about the investment bank. At the same
time, they identify which area of the business is most
suited to them. The programme involves ten months
rotating through business units within the investment
bank. These are Project Finance, Corporate Finance,
Acquisition Finance and Strategic Equity Investments,
Global Markets, Credit Risk Properties, Portfolio Management,
and Institutional and Corporate Banking.
Graduates studying towards degrees in Business Science,
Investment Management, Commerce, Engineering,
Economics, Actuarial Sciences and Financial management
can consider this programme.
The Global IT Programme enables graduates to receive
a holistic view of IT within an investment bank.
Typically, work is divided between maintaining day-today
operations for various systems in the bank and
improving and developing systems and applications.
Graduates spend a total of 18 months working across
the front offi ce, middle offi ce (risk), back offi ce, technology
operations and a programme offi ce. Relevant
degrees for the programme include Computer Science,
Computer Engineering and Commercial IT.

The Specialist Support Programme gives graduates
exposure to the operational processes within various divisions
of Standard Bank. During the programme, they
undertake a range of roles including business analysis,
research, job shadowing, client interaction, report writing
and analysis and project work. Students studying
towards a degree in Commerce, Investment Management,
Business Science, Business Management, IT,
Law or Engineering can consider this programme.
The Global Risk Programme gives graduates an indepth
understanding of the various risk divisions within
an investment banking environment. Graduates undertake
a range of roles such as quantitative modelling,
risk measurement, completing credit papers, analysis
and reporting and project work. Appropriate degrees
will include Maths of Finance; Business Science (Financial
Risk Management) or Actuarial Science.
The Financial Accounting Programme gives graduates
a holistic view of fi nance within an investment
bank. They spend brief periods in the general fi nance
or specialised fi nance divisions, learning and ascertaining
their key strengths. Graduates take on various
roles within the fi nance function which include monthly
accounting, regulatory reporting, budgeting processes,
tax calculations and analysis, Exco reporting and commentary,
and projects. Students completing degrees
in commerce, accounting/fi nancial management or in
their fi nal year of CIMA can consider this programme.
Training Outside Public Practice (TOPP) is a threeyear
training programme for prospective chartered
accountants. Successful candidates are permanently
employed in one of Standard Bank’s South African, African
or London offi ces.
Letsema Learnership is a Bankseta-sponsored learnership
aimed at unemployed black matriculants. The
year-long programme can lead to permanent employment.
Similarly, the Mafi sa Learnership mirrors the
Letsema learnership, though targets rural areas in
Limpopo, North West and the Free State.
The Banking Group Program is a two-month internship
programme designed in accordance to a Masters
of Business Administration programme. Selection for
this programme is rigorous, involving an examination
(covering a range of topics such as banking, current affairs,
general fi nance, strategy etc.) and an interview.
Candidates are typically in their second year or studying
towards a postgraduate qualifi cation. Their fi eld of
study could be commerce or science.
For more information on Standard Bank’s graduate
programmes, visit www.standardbank.co.za.
For possible inclusion:
Standard Bank - Our vision
We are committed to making a real difference to fi nancial
services in South Africa and other emerging mar-
kets. We will ensure long-term sustainability by harmonising
the needs of our customers, our people and our
shareholders and by being relevant to the societies in
which we operate.
We will only succeed if we are able to attract, retain,
develop and deploy teams of people with energy, passion
and skills.
Standard Bank - Our values
Serving our customers
We do everything in our power to ensure that we provide
our customers with the products, services and solutions
to suit their needs, provided that everything we
do for them is based on sound business principles.
Growing our people
We encourage and help our people to develop to their
full potential, and measure our leaders on how well
they grow and challenge the people they lead.
Delivering to our shareholders
We understand that we earn the right to exist by providing
appropriate long-term returns to our shareholders.
We try extremely hard to meet our various targets and
deliver on our commitments.
Being proactive
We strive to stay ahead by anticipating rather than
reacting, but our actions are always carefully considered.
Working in teams
We, and all aspects of our work, are interdependent.
We appreciate that, as teams, we can achieve much
greater things than as individuals. We value teams
within and across business units, divisions and countries.
Guarding against arrogance
We have confi dence in our ability to achieve ambitious
goals and we celebrate success, but we must never
allow ourselves to become arrogant.
Respecting each other
We have the highest regard for the dignity of all people.
We respect each other and what Standard Bank stands
for. We recognise that there are corresponding obligations
associated with our individual rights.
Upholding the highest levels of integrity
Our entire business model is based on trust and integrity
as perceived by our stakeholders, especially our
customers.

careers by industry
66
relating to all aspects of the law. As a
Lawyer, you may specialise in criminal
law, commercial law, property law, taxation
and family law. Lawyers are employed
by large corporations, legal fi rms
and government, but many choose to
start independent legal fi rms, if they are
in the fi nancial position to do so. Advocates
appear in court on behalf of plaintiffs
or defendants, and are responsible
for putting forward all evidence necessary
to ensure a fair and equitable trial.
Compulsory subjects
English, Maths
Recommended Subjects
Languages
Qualifi cations
LLB
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Rhodes University
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the North West
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
BCom (Law)
• University of Johannesburg
• Rhodes University
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
LLB (UNISA)
• Boston City Campus
• Midrand Graduate Institute
LEGAL SECRETARY
A legal secretary has a fi rm background
in law, preferably with a law degree be-
hind his/ her name – this is often a good
way for a new graduate to get a foot in
the door of the legal world, and gain experience.
The roles and responsibilities
of the legal secretary are similar to that
of the conventional secretary, with the
exception that they are knowledgeable
about the legal word, and understand
the processes and terminology. They
are employed by legal fi rms, advocates
and magistrate offi ces. Excellent communication
skills (written and verbal)
are essential.
Compulsory Subjects
English, Maths
Recommended Subjects
Languages
Qualifi cations
Diploma Commercial Administration
• Cape Peninsula University of
Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
Human Resources
HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTITIONER
Human resources management is concerned
with the human and the social implications
of working in an organisation.
It deals with matters such as training,
disputes, salaries, promotions, dismissals
and benefi ts, including medical aid,
housing subsidies and loans. A career
in human resource management can
be quite lucrative and offers the potential
for promotion right up to boardroom
level. Occupations in the fi eld include
Human Resource Practitioners, Training
Offi cer, Industrial Relations Specialist
and Recruitment Offi cer.
Recommended subjects
English, Maths
Careers in Commerce, Law & HR (continued)

Careers in Commerce, Law & HR (continued)
Qualifi cations
BA Human Resource Management
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Stellenbosch
• Varsity College
BAdmin Human Resource Management
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
BCom Human Resource Management
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of North West
BTech Human Resource Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
NDip Human Resource Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
careers by industry
for Technology & Science
Diploma in Human Resource Management
• Damelin
NCert Human Resource Management
• Consult with your local FET College
Other possible careers:
Asset Manager
Insurance Broker
Tax Consultant
Merchant Banker
Useful Contact Details:
South African Chamber of Commerce:
(011) 446-3800
67

Lindelani Mphaphuli Legal Advisor
my amazing career careers by industry
68
What is your job title?
Legal Advisor but my boss calls us “law
advisors”. Others use titles such as “inhouse
legal counsel”, “corporate legal
advisor” and so on.
What does your job entail?
“Legal services functions” within my
context means - and this is a very high
level description - advising on the (legal)
structuring of a deal during the deal
appraisal processes, conducting legal
due diligence; drafting and/or vetting
varied contracts (domestic and foreign
law); consulting with lawyers based on
the relevant jurisdictions because I am
good only for South African law, negotiating
with my employer’s domestic
and international investors, lenders,
partners, consultants, contractors and
clients; legal research and furnishing
advice; legal environment scan- ensuring
legislative and corporate governance
compliance, and not forgetting the
bit about explaining the legal jargon, or
Latin expressions to colleagues outside
the legal department!
How long have you been in your current
job?
It will be 9 years this year.
What qualifications do you have?
BA (Law), University of the Witwatersrand
where I completed mainly Law
courses such as International Relations
and Social Anthropology (1989-1991);
LLB, University of the Witwatersrand
(1992 -1993); Diploma in Tax Practice,
RAU (1998-1999); LLM Corporate Law,
RAU (2002-2003). I qualified, and was
admitted as an attorney of the High
Court many, many years ago!

What subjects are required at school
for this qualifi cation?
Back in the day when I enrolled, the emphasis
was on profi ciency in languages.
As always, good marks in English is a
must. Village rumour had it that before
“LA Law”, you needed good marks in
History. I guess that was not true because
I did Maths and Science.
Is it easy to fi nd a job in the industry
with your qualifi cation?
I think outside the academic arena,
the law industry emphasises experience
more than theory, so in my case
for instance, whilst my qualifi cations will
meet the requirements of the job, it is
my actual working experience that will
result in me getting the job.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
A person who is hands-on and resultsorientated.
A self-starter who can contribute
from both a strategic and operational
viewpoint. Someone who has the
ability to work independently and unsupervised
and still be a team player. One
must have the ability to multi-task and
work under pressure! People must understand
that it is defi nitely not a glamorous
position, and that you have to be
willing to take the fl ak when and if anything
goes wrong.
What are some of the most sought
after skills in the industry?
You need to have a good understanding
of the fi nance or business world. With
hindsight, I would have done BCom
(Law) as an undergraduate. But there
are so many opportunities once you
start working to up-skill yourself.
careers by industry
Describe an average day at work.
The meaning of “average” for me differs
to that of the dictionary meaning.
The day all my clients have an average
day on the same day, maybe it will happen
for me too. By clients here I do not
mean my employer’s clients I mean the
investment offi cers and project managers
within my company that I work with.
And I will have to take off my shoes
(and maybe yours too) to calculate their
number! In the general scheme of things
however, I would be involved in negotiations
with the lenders, borrowers, service
providers, and other counterparties.
Most times you are working throughout
the night, drafting, vetting, commenting,
perusing, and researching the law. Because
my employer operates throughout
South Africa and outside (we do not
have branches), you are traveling, you
are on the conference calls, you are
locked up in negotiation meetings that
can go on for hours, and you are running
around going from one client to another
where you are wanted. It is not an
offi ce bound job. It is defi nitely not an 8
to 5 job. Of course it depends on the institution
you are working for and whether
you outsource most of the legal work
or not. Here, we tend to do a lot of work
ourselves. We do go to the law fi rms, in
respect of matters that we can instruct
attorneys and advocates on, e.g. due
to capacity constraints, for litigious matters,
or if it is a fi eld that none of the
legal advisors are comfortable with.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
There have been many, but there are 2
that stand out. The fi rst is the R2 billion
bond issued off our Domestic Medium
Term Note (“DMTN”) programme in
2003, and second is the Gautrain project.
The team, that I was apart of, won the
Chief Executive Merit Award (Pinnacle
Award). The best part of that award
was not the recognition, but because of
Lindelani Mphaphuli Legal Advisor (continued)
69
my amazing career

my amazing career careers by industry
70
what I had learnt about the capital markets
during the process. I made up my
mind that I was going to understand the
market which at the time, I knew very
little about. I read books, asked questions,
read the business section of the
newspapers, listened, and in the end, I
had learned so much. The second, the
structuring and preparation of the equity
funding for the Gautrain project was another
achievement – perhaps because
it was a slow and painful process (about
5 years and counting) and there were
a lot of counterparties that I had to engage
with. I also learnt a lot during the
process about project finance generally
and Public Private Partnerships in particular.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
The challenge is to get various business
units within the company/ organisation
to accept your relevance and your advice.
As a legal advisor, understand that
you will be overlooked when a decision
is taken, and brought in when, needless
to say, things have gone awry and you
must salvage the situation. I think there
is an assumption that legal advisors are
there for remedial services. As lawyers,
perhaps because historically “touting”
was prohibited, we are not good at marketing
ourselves. Businesses are however
starting to appreciate our involvement
at an earlier stage on. There is the
unfortunate perception that “legal” drags
the process. I think in time, as Business
appreciates what we have to go through
before we respond they will be more appreciative.
I think the challenge on the
legal advisor is being able to furnish
prompt response without compromising
the quality of the advice.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
When I provide a solution to what
seemed to have been a deal breaker.
When my client leaves me with a wide
smile on their face because I solved a
problem they had. Seeing the end result
of a project – perhaps a road or hotel
project, and seeing the development
or social impact of that end product on
the community where the project is located
is extremely rewarding.
Does the career pay well?
No, not if you consider the hours that
legal advisors put in - in most cases it
is considerably much more than other
specialists. Some businesses are waking
up to the fact that legal advisors
have gone past the stage where they
were merely conduits between the business
and the law firms. Depending on
the obvious value-add that the company
can see from their legal advisor, they
will pay you accordingly, for example, if
you are doing more work in-house and
if you understand the business more
than the external lawyers, then they will
pay you accordingly. This is what we are
ultimately aiming for, recognition in fair
pay.
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
Yes! It does depend on the institution for
which you are working. I think with clear
goals, you can move through the ranks,
change careers and become a specialist
in your field. You can decide to go to
practice and be a specialist attorney for
that field, For instance, if you are a legal
advisor for a mining company. You can,
for example, become a mining attorney.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I would love to be the president’s Spin
Doctor! Otherwise, the right hand man
for a multinational CE. I guess that’s
just me - I do not harbour any ambitions
other than being the ‘power’ behind “the
power”!
Lindelani Mphaphuli Legal Advisor (continued)

Investing in our future investors
Since it's inception in 2000, the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) has
dedicated itself to meet current and future skills needs within the banking and microfinance industries.
Integration and co-operation are two of the key areas that influence our success. We take
great pride in our solid working partnerships with all of our stakeholders, which include:
� Central Banking
� Building Societies
� Securities dealing institutions
� Discount Houses
� Financial Mediation
� Micro Finance institutions
� Lease Financing Institutions
� Commercial and other banking institutions.
To fully maximise the potential that South Africa's future financial players hold,
we focus on certain key strategies:
� Youth Development
� SME Development
� Consumer Education
� Using skills development to support transformation
� Initiatives that support the Financial Services Charter
� The achievement of National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) objectives
Four dedicated departments have been established to enable the BANKSETA to deliver
on our challenging, yet rewarding mandate:
� The Learnership Department is dedicated to Youth Development and Learnerships and takes
responsibility for registering learnerships and its agreements.
� The Skills Development Department develop a custom-made Sector Skills Plan (SSP), which acts
as a blueprint for each individual sector. In addition, the department assists with Skills Development
Facilitators (SDFs) and promotes skills development through initiatives such as ABET.
� SME Services has two objectives - to retain participating SME organisations and to attract
potential SMEs through targeted interventions.
� The ETQA Department assures the quality of learning achievements through a stringent quality
management system.
The BANKSETA takes great pride in assisting to unearth the hidden talent that the future financial
generations of South Africa holds.
Learner by learner, we are determined to play our part in establishing this amazing country as an
undeniable world leader.
Contact Details:
Tel (011)805-9661
BANKSETA
Website:
www.bankseta.org.za
Call Centre:
086 102 0002

Careers in Construction
Construction accounts for approximately
10% of the world economy. In
South Africa, the construction; sector is
of critical importance to the economy –
by providing buildings and construction
development that allow other sectors to
perform productively. It is also the largest
employing sector.
Building and construction contractors
make up a large part of the sector, and
range form large national and international
companies to local building fi rms
and SMMEs – in fact, 95% of the sector
is characterised by small and microenterprises.
Building contractors are
employed by clients for projects ranging
from offi ce parks, shopping malls,
schools and residential developments,
while construction contractors are contracted
for large-scale projects such as
bridges, roads and harbour development.
The Construction Seta (CETA) recently
indicated that there has been a steady
decline in the number of students taking
up construction-related courses at university,
despite the industry’s reputation
as a major source of employment and
career opportunities. A possible explanation
is that the professional and management
part of the sector is perceived
by many learners to be white male dominated.
Government has embarked on a major
campaign to include women, and
promote the signifi cance and potential
of small business development within
the sector. The campaign includes the
provision of skills and assisting women
to access working capital. Within the
housing sector, the Women for Housing
programme was established to provide
women with the tools and the ongoing
support they need to become successful
participants, decision makers, and
established contractors and developers
in the construction sector.
If you have a keen interest in design
careers by industry
and management of construction works
and wish to develop your practical skills,
then a career in the construction industry
may just be for you.
Career Paths
CONSTRUCTION PLANT MECHANIC
Construction Plant Mechanics specialises
in the repair and maintenance of
machinery used in construction such as
cranes, bulldozers, generators for large
machinery, etc. This includes engine repair
and maintenance, tyre checks as
well as hydraulic system maintenance
and electrical systems maintenance.
As machinery becomes more advanced
and computerised, the construction mechanic
need needs to keep abreast of
these advancement through training.
Given the scope of the construction industry,
and the fact that big machinery
are used in almost all major construction
projects, it presents many opportunities
for individuals wanting to pursue a
career in the fi eld.
Recommended Subjects
Trade Theory, Motor Mechanics
Qualifi cations
NCert Motor Mechanics
– Heavy Machinery
• Consult with your
local FET College.
CONSTRUCTION ELEC-
TRICIAN
The Construction Electrician
plays an important role in
the construction, as well as
in the pre-construction process.
Before the construction
commences, the electrician
will plan the installation of
electrical components, and
install, test and maintain the
electrical system once construction
is complete. This
includes wiring, circuits and
73

careers by industry
74
switchboards, Construction Electricians
are usually able to start their own companies
or are contracted by large construction
companies.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Trade Theory
Qualifi cations
NCert Electrical Engineering
• Consult with your local FET College
CIVIL ENGINEER
The role of the Civil Engineer is to enhance
the space we live in by creating
a harmonious balance between buildings
and other structures and the natural
environment. The Civil Engineer is
involved in the planning and designing
of buildings and other public structures
such as roads, bridges, dams and harbours,
and conducts studies to measure
the impact these will have on the environment.
Civil Engineers also play an
important role in the maintenance and
management of construction projects.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Technical Drawing, Geography
Qualifi cations
BEng Civil Engineering
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand
PLUMBER
There are many negative stereotypes
associated with the plumbing profes-
sion. This fi eld, however, can present
many lucrative opportunities as Plumbers
are highly sought after Artisans in the
construction industry to install, maintain
and repair drainage, sanitation and water
pipes in buildings or houses.
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Trade Theory
Qualifi cations
NCert Plumbing or Building Engineering
• Consult with you local FET College
ARCHITECT
Architects are responsible for designing
buildings and other such structures that
make up our built environment. Once
a design is conceptualised, it is up to
the Architect to document these design,
inspect the constructions process and
make sure that it is refl ective of the architectural
plan and specifi cations. Architects
need to have creative fl air, possess
sound technical, problem-solving,
managerial, communication, co-ordination
and entrepreneurial abilities. Many
Architects start independent fi rms, but
could be employed by building contractors,
architectural companies and construction
fi rms. This is a career for people
who like working alone or in large
fi rms, as the sector provides suffi cient
work for many different architectural
paths.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, English
Recommended Subjects
Physical Science, Art, Technical Drawing
Qualifi cations
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Cape Town
Careers in Construction (continued)

• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Architectural Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane university of Technology
• University of Witwatersrand
NDip Architectural Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Johannesburg
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST
An architectural technologist works
hand in had with the architect in bringing
concepts to life, such as preparing
drawings and models of the architect’s
designs to present to the client. It is important
therefore that the technologist
has suffi cient design knowledge in order
to successfully translate the architect’s
plans into a model/ drawing that
the client can relate to, and envision as
the fi nished product. The technologist
also assists the architect in the following
ways: site surveys, collection of site
information and providing drawings of
existing structures on the land. During
the construction phase, the architectural
technologist will supervise the building,
to ensure it is within the structural and
architectural framework of the architect’s
plans.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Technical Drawing, Art, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
careers by industry
NDip Architectural Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Durban University of Technology
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
A Construction Manager is at the helm
of the entire construction team, deciding
which equipment to use, coordinating
the purchasing of raw materials and
problem solving. A career in construction
management requires the ability to
manage people, think and react rationally
to problems and remain calm in an
extremely tense and stressful environment.
Construction Managers are employed
by building contractors or start
their own businesses. An increasing
number of women are being qualifi ed in
construction management.
Compulsory Subject
Maths
Recommended Subject
Science
Qualifi cations
BSc Construction Management Studies
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
BTech Construction Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane Universith of Technology
Careers in Construction (continued)
75

careers by industry
76
NCert: N4-N6: Building & Construction
• UNISA
NDip: Building
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University of
Technology & Science
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
The main job of a Quantity Surveyor is
to provide fi nancial and development expertise
to the construction and property
development industries, advising clients
on the optimal use of funds as well as
strategies to maximize human physical
resources. This includes preparing feasibility
studies and budgets for proposed
projects, negotiating building contracts
monitoring costs and reporting to clients
during the design and construction of
projects and determining fi nal costs of
projects. For this reason, quantity surveyors
should be mathematically profi -
cient, possess good writing and verbal
skills and have the ability to work accurately.
Quantity Surveyors are employed
by municipalities and fi rms or
work as independent consultants.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Accounting, Geography
Qualifi cations
BSc Quantity Surveying
• University of the Free State
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Quantity Surveying
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
NCert N1-N3: Building & Civil Technology
• Consult with your local FET College
TOWN PLANNER
The function of a Town and Regional
Planner is to improve the living conditions
of people by planning the most effective
environments for people to live
and work in. This involves researching
new ways of developing towns and cities
to create a space that is inviting and
accommodation of its people. The work
of a Town Planner includes estimating
future needs for housing, business and
industrial sites, community facilities and
open spaces in order to meet the needs
of expansion and renewal. A Town Planner
further investigates the nature and
extent of problems concerning prospective
development such as projecting future
needs in traffi c and transportation.
Town Planners are creative individuals
and are employed by municipalities,
provincial departments such as public
works, and private fi rms.
Compulsory Subject
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Geography, Science
Qualifications
BSc Urban & Regional Planning
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Town & Regional
Planning
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University
of Technology
• University of
Johannesburg
Careers in Construction (continued)

NDip Town & Regional Planning
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
Other possible careers
Crane Operator
Draughtsman
Architectural Metalworker
Building/ Construction Manager
Bricklayer
Civil Engineering Technician
Building Inspector
Useful Contact Numbers
Institute of Municipal Engineers in South
Africa:
011 407 7007
Master Builders Association:
011 805 6611
careers by industry
77
my amazing career

Faizel Williams Civil Engineer
my amazing career careers by industry
78
Currently based in London
What does your job entail?
I am responsible for providing engineering
solutions and technical assurance
within the scope of the projects I am assigned
to. The projects in this case refer
to the ‘Station Modernisation Works’
on London Underground Stations. The
job also entails providing engineering
advice to the Area Directors and their
teams, facilitating the technical content
of assurance and engineering documentation,
ensuring that the technical
and engineering aspects of the works
are in accordance with the delivery programme
and design requirements, witnessing
tests and inspections, agreeing
site-specific installation details and
ensuring they meet functional and engineering
requirements, and endorsing
technical assurance documentation
submitted by the project delivery group.
How long have you been in your current
job?
Just under 2 years.
What qualification do you have?
BTech Civil Engineering.
Were did you obtain it and how long
did it take?
I studied at Cape Peninsula University
of Technology and it took 4 years to
complete.
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
Maths and Physical Science
Is it easy to find a job in the industry
with your qualification?
Yes it is. In South Africa, along with
the rest of the world, there is a severe
shortage of engineers. From a UK perspective,
it is as well. From a civil engineering
perspective the following areas
are most sought after in the UK: traffic
and transport engineers, rail engineers,
geotechnical and structural engineers,
whilst in the UAE and Australia, it would
be construction specialists, structural
engineers, marine engineers, oil and
gas engineers.

What made you decide to embark on
a career in the UK?
I have friends who work for the Cape
Town City Council who are quite happy,
despite working there for the past 13
years! I wanted an overseas experience
so I jumped at the opportunity. Having
said that however, working overseas
isn’t easy. You sacrifi ce a lot and at the
end of the day it has to be worth it in
terms of remuneration and experience.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
You need to be a chameleon! One
minute you need great attention to detail
when reviewing critical documents
or drawings, the next you need to be
assertive bordering on hard-nosed to
ensure the engineering quality isn’t sacrifi
ced to meet project deadlines. You
spend a lot of time communicating with
all sorts, from labourers doing the work
to directors, so people skills are important
as well.
Describe an average day at work.
I spend half the day on site checking
on work, and half day in the offi ce. This
particular situation is unique as nearly
all the work on site gets completed at
night when the trains aren’t running. So
I check on the previous night’s work and
deal with any construction issues raised
by the night staff. Typical issues are buildability
problems and design changes.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
My greatest career achievement has
been project managing the design,
construction and commissioning of a
proto-type portable dredging system at
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape
Town.
careers by industry
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
My current role is multi-disciplinary
which means I have to have a more
than passing knowledge of mechanical,
electrical, fi re and comms principles.
That’s tricky when your educational
background is civil based. Spending 6
years at a power station has given me
tremendous experience. The challenge
then lies in ensuring integration between
the various disciplines.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
“Bringing into use” a station, after all
work has been completed.
Does it pay well?
Yes, the pay is good. One other thing
worth mentioning is that there is always
an opportunity in this industry to be selfemployed.
From having your own consultancy
to contracting or even being a
property developer.
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
The sky’s the limit, depending on the
company you work for. The turnover of
staff in this industry is mind-numbing
because of the huge demands for qualifi
ed experienced people. So, yes opportunities
abound – in South Africa and internationally.
Some of my friends in SA
are self-employed, or are partners and
directors in consultancies. So there are
no limits. Because civil is so varied also
there are a dozen different directions
you could go into. Since I came to UK,
I worked in traffi c engineering and now
rail. Before that I was a project manager
and before that I worked on road construction
sites.
Faizel Williams Civil Engineer (Continued)
79
my amazing career

careers by industry
Faizel Williams Civil Engineer (Continued)
80
What is your ultimate career goal?
To be a respected professional in my
industry, but more than that, my career
goals translate into a more personal
goal.... I want to live in a paid-off house,
have a holiday flat, travel, pay for my
kids’ education, have a decent car and
importantly have time to spend with my
family. I don’t want to be a director of a
company who earns a lot, but spends
14 hours at the office every day.
On returning some day……
There is an annual conference held
in London run by the Global Careers
Company called the “Careers in Africa”
Seminar. It is attended by the HR Departments
of many major companies
in Africa, including Eskom, PetroSA,
Sasol, Murray & Roberts, Standard
Bank, Group 5, Africon, Barloworld,
BP, Shell, and LeFarge, etc. I attended
these seminars in the past and got quite
a few good offers for employment back
in South Africa. The plan is to attend
again and secure a good offer to return
back home. The good thing about these
seminars is that the employers normally
fork out for relocation and establishment
costs, which is great!

Careers in Conservation
South Africa is one of the most beautiful
destinations in the world, boating amazing
beaches glorious mountains and
world renowned game parks. It’s no
wonder then that our natural heritage is
one of the major attractions for foreign
and local tourists alike.
However, air, land and water pollution
remains a constant threat to our environment.
The word pollution refers to
destructive substances in the ecosystem
caused mainly be increased energy
usage by the growing world population.
One of the main sources of pollution
is acid rain, caused by toxic omissions
from factories and power stations. Acid
rain destroys plants and pollutes dams
and rivers, and is even potent enough to
erode bricks and metal!
Another major headache for authorities
is the cruel acts of hunting and
poaching animals, especially endangered
species, such as the rhino. International
trade treaties such as CITES
(Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species) have done much
to promote awareness and protect our
endangered animals. Poaching however
still exists as man still covets ivory.
Contested culling of elephant herds still
fuels greed for ivory, and whilst the market
still exists, the safety of our animals
cannot be guaranteed.
One of the most signifi cant outcomes
of the World Summit for Sustainable
Development, hosted by South Africa
in 2002, was that it created an awareness,
about sustaining the environment
to ensure economic and social sustainability
for the present and future generation.
Various campaigns have since
been initiated to make the South African
community aware of the dangers and
impact of neglecting and destroying the
environment.
With the strong focus on preserving the
environment and maintaining our natural
heritage as we hurtle along the 21st
careers by industry
century, Opportunities abound for ardent
conservationists and stalwarts of the
environment. The environmental fi eld is
exciting, competitive and continuously
evolving. A few year ago for instance,
there weren’t that many career options
open to individuals wanting to pursue a
career in the environmental fi eld.
Opportunities today however, include
pollution control assessments, the
study of endangered species and carrying
out environmental assessments.
Job opportunities exist in education and
training, however, most people specialise
in one area of environmental studies
and are employed by nature conservation
departments, oceanariums, planetariums
or zoos. The Parks Board,
provincial nature conservation departments,
private nature reserves, properties
owned by regional services councils,
certain municipalities larger forestry
companies. Game farm management,
and safari company guides are other areas
where you could further you career
in this fi eld.
Career Paths
ECOLOGIST
Ecologists study the impact of human
life on the environment for example pollution,
farming and urbanisation, and
try and rectify the imbalances caused
to the environment by humans. Ecologists
aim to improve the understanding
of the environment by gathering material,
performing analyses and interpreting
information. As society becomes
more sensitive to the impact of urbanisation
on our ecosystem, ecologists are
becoming increasingly involved in the
construction process.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
81
my amazing career

careers by industry
82
Qualifi cations
BSc Ecological Science
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
BSc Biological Science
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
BSc Botany
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Rhodes University
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
BOTANIST
The fi eld of botany is very broad, but in
essence deals with plant life. Whether
it is identifying and classifying plants or
studying the compositing and functioning
of plants, the work of a Botanist is
very important to the survival of human
being. Plants are essential to our lives
in many ways e.g. Production of oxygen
and their use in medicines.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Botany
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Rhodes University
• UNISA
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
BSc Plant Pathology
• UNISA
ENTOMOLOGIST
Entomology, which is the study of insects,
is needless to say, not a career
for the faint-hearted. Insects are some
of the oldest inhabitants on planet earth,
and their habitat, survival instinct and
physiological make-up has continued to
mystify humans for centuries. Scientists
have discovered that insects play an important
role in society. Insects can for
instance be used for medicine. A large
part of your career as an Entomologist
would entail conducting research, so an
analytical and methodical personalitytype
is required.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Entomology
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
BSc Biology Sciences
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• University of Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
BSc Zoology
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Limpopo
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
As an Environmental Engineer, you
would study the impact of commercial
operations (such as the construction
of buildings and roads) on the environment,
and how best to minimise environmental
damage and pollution. Your
job description would include monitoring
atmospheric pollution levels, as well
as damage to the soil and waterways.
Careers in Conservation (Continued)

careers by industry
In the last couple of decades, the state
of the environment has received increased
awareness – government and
the private sector are becoming aware
of the impacts of industrialisation on the
environment, which has resulted in an
increasing demand for Environmental
Engineers.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc (Eng) Environmental Engineering
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Environmental Engineering
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
NATURE CONSERVATIONIST
As a Nature Conservationist you will be
responsible for the protection and physical
care of the natural environment and
animals, either at a zoo or game farm.
This entails monitoring the well-being of
animals, and if there are any illnesses
or injuries, capture and transport it to
the veterinarian. If you choose to work
with animals wither in a zoo or a game
or nature reserve, you would be responsible
for gathering data to ensure the
success of breeding programmes, as
well as cull older and ill animals. Many
people working in this fi eld also work as
tour guides and lecturers at universities
and schools.
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Science, Biology
Qualifi cations
Careers in Conservation (Continued)
83

careers by industry
84
BSc Nature Conservation
• Stellenbosch University
BA Conservation
• Stellenbosch University
BTech Nature Conservation
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
• University
• Tshwane University of Technology
Certifi cate in Game Ranging
• Damelin
NDip Nature Conservation
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
HORTICULTURALIST
If you have a passion for gardening and
nature, horticulture affords the opportunity
to combine this love with artistry and
technical ability. Horticulture involves
growing, planting and maintaining plant
life in a garden or park. This is a highly
skilled profession, as you would need
to learn about the many different kinds
of plants and trees available, and how
they cope in different environments and
climates. Horticulturalists often work
with Engineers, Landscape Engineers
and Nature Conservationists.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Agriculture (Horticulture)
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Free State
BTech Horticulture
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• UNISA
NDip Horticulture
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• UNISA
Other possible careers
Wood Technologist
Hydrologist
Gardener
Environmental Scientist
Useful Contact Numbers
Wildlife & Environment Society of
South Africa
(033) 330-3931
Animal Welfare & Environment Conservation
(021) 852-4444
SA Association of Botanists
(021) 799-8800
Remember, you don’t have to be a nature
conservationist to do your bit for the
environment. Being aware of your surroundings
and educating yourself about
the environment, can help minimise pollution,
which will make a contribution toward
environmental preservation. Here
are a few simple tips:
Don’t litter, Ever
Remember dustbins are
there for a reason, and
in many countries littering
is considered such
a serious offence, it is
illegal.
Recycle
Find out where your local
recycling depots are
and remember to sepa-
Careers in Conservation (Continued)

ate your waste into glass, paper and
tins.
Use Unleaded Petrol
If you own a car or plan to buy one,
make sure it uses unleaded petrol.
Form a car pool
Form a car pool to decrease the number
of cars on our road, and in that way, reduce
the amount of harmful smoke emitted
into the atmosphere.
careers by industry
Don’t smoke
For your own sake as well as that of the
environment.
Environmentally friendly
Try to buy products that are environmentally
friendly or have been made
using recyclable goods.
85

careers by industry
86
What is your job title?
General title is an Environmental
Assessment Practitioner. Within
my company, I am a Senior Consultant
What does your job entail?
Environmental consulting is a
broad field. However, my focus is
managing Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) processes for
proposed developments. I am essentially
a project manager that
ensures that the team assigned to
the project undertakes their tasks
on time and to budget. The nature
of the projects differs but generally,
depending on scale and complexity,
would involve input from
specialists in various fields such
as vegetation, ecology, air quality,
archaeology etc. My role would be
to integrate this information into
simple language and then communicate
this to interested or affected
stakeholders to gather their
input. EIA’s assess the impacts
of the proposed policy, plan or
project on the biophysical and socio-economic
environments. The
end product is an Environmental
Impact Report, which is submitted
to the relevant authorities for
decision-making. The role of the
consultant is, therefore, to facilitate
information sharing and not to
make the final decision on whether
the proposed project proceeds
or not. We remain independent,
even though we are appointed by
the person or company proposing
the development.
How long have you been in your
current job?
I have been in the environmental
management field for over 7 years,

Sumaya Osman Environmental Scientist
5 of which are with my current employer,
Environmental Resources Management
Southern Africa (ERM).
What qualifi cation do you have?
I graduated from the University of Cape
Town with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental
Management, which took 3 years
plus an Honours year to complete.
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
Although you don’t need to have a science
background to become an environmental
consultant, if you want to obtain
a science degree at university, subjects
at school should include Maths, Biology,
Physical Science and Geography.
Is it easy to fi nd a job in the industry
with your qualifi cation?
There is a big demand for qualifi ed persons
in the environmental management
fi eld. An Honours or Masters level is the
minimum requirement.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
An outgoing, confi dent personality will
help advance you as you must be comfortable
with dealing with people at all
levels, from the general public, to authorities
and clients. A team player is essential
although being able to work with
little supervision and taking initiative is
valued.
What are some of the most sought
after skills in the industry?
The ability to communicate and write
well is essential as a large part of the
job involves report writing and liaising
careers by industry
with people. Skills that are in demand
are people with good project management
skills (being organised, being able
to delegate and multitask, problem solving,
etc.) and specialised qualifi cations,
for example in the social sciences or climate
change.
Describe an average day at work.
An average day at work can vary a great
degree depending on whether you are
doing fi eldwork on a project or are busy
in the offi ce writing up your report. Generally,
fi eldwork is a small component of
the EIA process. The main focus is on
understanding, integrating and communicating
the fi ndings of the fi eldwork in a
sensible matter. Client liaison on a regular
basis is essential so responding to
queries, providing feedback on project
progress or assisting with problem solving
and creative solutions to project challenges
are regular occurrences. Being
an EIA Project Manager also requires
good fi nancial skills to manage project
budgets effi ciently and effectively.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
My greatest career achievement is being
nominated by my company to attend
a World Class Consultant Workshop in
Edinburgh, which is for high potential
consultants to explore their career paths
and to network with peers.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
Some of the challenges with managing
EIA’s are often associated with a lack of
education and knowledge of the clients
that appoint us. They do not understand
or appreciate the legal framework within
which we work, or how long a good EIA
process can take. There are also challenges
with fi nding qualifi ed special-
87
my amazing career

my amazing career careers by industry
88
ists that are dependable and maintain
a high standard of work. Frustrations
are also associated with dealing with
government bureaucracy and problems
within government institutions which in
turn hamper the work we do.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is
getting to work on interesting and varied
projects both within and outside of
South Africa and being part of a professional
team of experts that aim to
achieve a balance between development
pressures, human needs and the
ability of the natural environment to absorb
these.
Does it pay well?
Being an Environmental Assessment
Practitioner in the consulting arena
pays quite well. There is also scope for
practitioners at local, provincial and national
government levels and with large
corporations. The consulting pay level is
between government and industry.
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
There are lots of opportunities for career
growth through specialisation and/or diversification,
meaning that you could
either become highly specialised in a
particular area of interest in the environmental
management field or you could
have a range of expertise and skills. It’s
really all about what you are passionate
about.
What is your ultimate career goal?
My career goal is to become an expert
advisor on EIA processes on large international
projects.

Careers in Health
The public health sector in South Africa
faces enormous challenges. This include
a lack of basic medical infrastructure,
migration of doctors overseas or
to the private sector and limited access
to the general healthcare system by a
large number of disadvantaged individuals.
However, by far the most critical
challenge facing health care workers is
the HIV / Aids pandemic, which in sub-
Saharan Africa is reaching crippling proportions.
Providing care and counseling
for those already infected, especially in
rural areas where there is a lack of the
most basic infrastructure poses another
critical challenge.
There has however, been a drastic improvement
in the public health sector,
which is characterised by 2 sub-sectors:
public (government owned) and
private. In the ten years since our fi rst
democratic elections, more than 700
clinics have been built or upgraded and
125 new mobile clinics introduced as a
means of making health care more accessible
to the disadvantaged. There
are now more than 3 500 clinics in the
public sector and the provision of free
health care for children under the age of
six, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding
mothers.
The fi eld of health can however, despite
its many obstacles and challenges, be
an extremely rewarding one. By becoming
a healthcare worker, you are able to
give something back to the community,
whether you are a doctor, nurse or practice
alternative medicine. You are able
to impact on people’s lives by improving
their health standards through the provision
of medical expertise, and application
of practical knowledge to treat and
cure diseases and other ailments.
The life of a health caregiver can be
very rewarding, but at the same time
extremely stressful. Hours are long and
irregular, and exposure to germs and
diseases forms part of the daily routing.
Despite this, a good caregiver always
careers by industry
has to display empathy, integrity, aptitude
and patience. Whether you are a
general practitioner of physiotherapist,
it is you moral and professional duty to
serve those who come to you for medical
assistance, to the utmost of your
ability.
The health sector is one in which a demand
for health caregivers of any kind
will always be great. HIV/Aids may be
regarded as one of the main reasons,
but the migration of qualifi ed doctors
and nurses overseas or to the private
sector has led to severe shortages and
skills gaps in the sector. Community
health caregivers are also in short supply
due to the fact that unemployment
in rural areas is rife and not many can
afford to pay for health services.
Careers
MEDICAL DOCTOR
As a Medical Doctor, one is responsible
for examining, diagnosing and treating
ailments and other medical complaints
of patients. Medical Doctors, under certain
circumstances also perform minor
operations or provide surgeons with
assistance during major operations.
Medical Doctors may start up their own
practices, work in hospitals or choose to
specialise in a certain fi eld, for example
gynecology or pediatric medicine. It is
often said that becoming a Doctor is a
calling, not just a career. To become a
Doctor, you should possess compassion
and empathy, and display a strong
willingness to help people. After obtaining
a degree in medicine, students have
to register with the National Medical
and Dental Council of South Africa, and
complete a yearlong stint of community
service.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
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90
Qualifi cations
MBChB Medicine
• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of Witwatersrand
BMedical Science
• University of Stellenbosch
PHARMACIST
Pharmacists are responsible for the
control and dispensation of medicines
to the public. You would, based on
doctor’s prescriptions, disseminate the
relevant medication, in the correct dosages,
and advise patients on how to administer
them. A pharmacist may also
work in the manufacturing process by
controlling the production of medicine,
including checking all the ingredients
and processes that make up a particular
medicine.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BPharmacy
• University of Witwatersrand
• Rhodes University
• University of Western Cape
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Limpopo
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
DTech Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Tshwane University of Technology
PATHOLOGIST
Pathology is the study of diseases and
its causes, development, and consequences.
A Pathologist is a scientist
or physician who studies diseases and
interprets and diagnoses changes in
tissues and body fl uids caused by the
disease. Pathologists perform many
laboratory assessments including assessments
on blood samples, biopsies
or cervical smears. Some Pathologists
specialise in research concerning the
origins and nature of diseases, and the
potential for cure and prevention.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Physiology
• University of Limpopo
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
• University of Cape Town
DERMATOLOGIST
A Dermatologist is a physician who specialises
in the diagnoses and treatment
of skin disorders. Dermatologists also
study the structure and functions of the
skin, and the relationship between skin
pathologies and malfunctions of other
organs of the body. A Dermatologist
treats conditions such as acne, eczema
and psoriasis and may perform delicate
operations for medial or cosmetic purposes.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
MBChB Healthcare
• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
Careers in Health (continued)

OPTOMETRIST
An Optometrist examines, diagnoses,
treats and manages diseases of the
eye and associated structures. Optometrists
also treat injuries to the eye but
do not perform surgery (this is done by
an ophthalmologist). Optometrists prescribe,
fi t and adjust glasses or contact
lenses after conducting eye tests for
vision problems. They also specialise
in eye exercise therapy to correct eye
disorders.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BOptometry
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Free State
RADIOGRAPHER
There are two types of Radiographers
– diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic
Radiographers use a range of sophisticated
equipment to produce high
quality images to diagnose an injury or
disease. The use a range of techniques
including x-rays, ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging) and Nuclear
Medicine. Therapy Radiographers assist
in the treatment of cancer patients,
where radiation therapy is used to combat
tumours while minimizing the exposure
to surrounding healthy tissue.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cation
BRadiography
• University of Pretoria
• University of Limpopo
careers by industry
BTech Radiography
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
NDip Radiography
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Physiotherapists treat patients who
experience ailments related to various
physical systems of the body including
the muscular, skeletal and nervous
systems. Once the cause of the pain is
identifi ed, for example a torn cartilage of
fractured ligament, treatment is administered
using various methods including
massage, electrotherapy and exercise
therapy.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Physiotherapy
• University of Cape Town
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Free State
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
BPhysT
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
Careers in Health (continued)
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NURSE
Nursing is most demanding professions
in the world today. The modern
day “Florence Nightingale” works long
hours, and is always required to take
care of patients with empathy and professionalism.
A Nurse’s duties include
monitoring patients’ blood pressure
levels, taking blood samples, dressing
wounds and giving injections. An increasing
number of males are entering
the nursing profession.
Compulsory Subjects
(For Degree only)
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Science, Biology
Qualifi cations
BCur Nursing
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
BNursing
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of North West
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Nursing
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
Diploma in Nursing
• Durban University of Technology
• University of Limpopo
DENTIST
Dentists are responsible for the main-
tenance of oral hygiene and anything
else that concerns the teeth, mouth and
gums. The examine teeth for oral diseases
and tooth decay, and fi ll, clean
and extract teeth that are causing problems.
Most Dentists start up private
practices, but may also be employed by
hospitals and universities.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BchD Dentistry
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Western Cape
BDental Science
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Limpopo
Other possible careers
Audiologist
Podiatrist
Dietician
Geneticist
Homeopath
Useful Contact Details
South Africa Medical Association
(012) 481 2000
Careers in Health (continued)

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Faazila Hercules Dispensing Optician
my amazing career careers by industry
94
What does your job entail?
The dispensing of ophthalmic lenses,
which best suit the patient’s prescription
and everyday lifestyle.
What qualification do you have?
I obtained my National Diploma in Optical
Dispensing from the Cape Peninsula
University of Technology, and it took
3 years.
What subjects are required for this
qualification?
Maths, Physical Science and Biology.
Is it easy to fond a job in the industry
with this qualification?
Yes, there is a big demand for dispensing
opticians.
What personality-type is required?
You must have a logical approach, and
in my position, you must be a people’s
person.
What are some of the most soughtafter
skills in the industry?
The most sought after skills are the ability
to think quickly, be logical and work
well under pressure.
Describe an average day.
My days are usually quite busy, and I
am constantly working under pressure.
But I love the fact that I get to meet people
from all over the world.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Obtaining my practice number to start
my own business.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
Working under constant pressure, satisfying
people’s demands with complicated
prescriptions and finding the best
suited lens not only for the prescription
but also for the frame – and ensuring
satisfaction regarding fashion, function
and feel.

What is the most rewarding part of
the job?
Being able to make the customer happy,
and more importantly, being able to play
a role in helping a person see better.
Does it pay well?
I will say it is average or comfortable,
unless you own your own practice.
careers by industry
Are there lost of opportunity for career
growth?
Absolutely, and there is always the possibility
of starting your own business.
What is your ultimate career goal?
To own a successful practice.
Faazila Hercules Dispensing Optician (continued)
95
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careers by industry
Careers in Hospitality & Tourism
96
There are many reasons why foreigners
choose to vacation in South Africa,
such as the favourable exchange rate,
warm climate and abundance of natural
attractions such as the Table Mountain,
Robben Island, Cradle of Mankind and
the Kruger National Park.
The industry is currently the fourth largest,
and fastest growing sector in South
Africa, and contributes 7,1% of GDP annually,
and has been identifi ed as one
of the country’s key emerging markets.
Approximately 3% of the workforce is
employed in the sector, and by 2010,
an estimated 1,2 million people are expected
to be employed directly and indirectly
by the sector.
Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing
segments in the industry, which entails
tourists engaging in bird-watching,
nature photography, botanic studies
and mountaineering. The money generated
from this form of tourism goes
towards promotion and conservation of
the country’s national parks and abundant
wildlife. The tourism and hospitality
industry in South Africa comprises
various sectors, including accommodation,
transport, recreation and leisure
services, entertainment and food and
beverages.
As one of the fastest growing industries,
the hospitality and tourism industry is
always on the lookout for talented individuals
that can help cement South Africa’s
position as the tourist destination of
choice. This demand is set to increase
rapidly as South Africa gears itself for
the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which will
see and infl ux of millions of tourists.
A career in the tourism and hospitality
industry will afford you the opportunity to
meet people from all over the world, but
it can be very demanding and time consuming.
Working in a hotel for instance
may see you working long shifts, and
being a game ranger may mean being
stationed in remote regions. One of the
many wonderful aspects of his industry
is the fl exibility and variety of opportunities
it offers. From hotel management to
hairdressing to tour operating, it offers
a wide business development, such as
opening your own restaurant or B&B.
Careers
TRAVEL AGENT
As a travel agent, it will be your job to
assist clients who are planning business
or holiday trips. This entails booking
fl ights, hotel accommodation and
car hire. The travel agent is relied upon
to provide the customer with as much
information about the destination as
possible, such a visa requirements, exchange
rates and vaccinations. Excellent
general knowledge about foreign
and local destinations, as well as good
communication skills are important tools
in the industry.
Recommended Subjects
English, Geography
Qualifi cations
BTech Tourism Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
NDip Tourism
• University of Johannesburg
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Walter Sisulu University for
Technology & Science
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
Diploma in Travel and Tourism
• Boston City Campus

• ICESA City Campus
• Rosebank College
• College Campus
HOTEL MANAGER
South Africa is preparing itself for the
2010 Soccer World Cup, which means
that the infrastructure, including hotels,
is being put in place to accommodate
the expected infl ux of international and
local tourists. Given this prospect, the
hotel management industry is perhaps
one of the most opportunistic industries
to venture into. The function of a Hotel
Manager is to ensure that the hotel
performs well on an operational level,
ensuring housekeeping standards are
up to scratch and that all the patrons
of the hotel are satisfi ed and leave with
the intent of returning n their next visit.
Hotel Managers are employed by large
and small hotels, resorts and game loges.
Excellent communications skills
are required to interact with staff and clients,
and fl uency in other languages ad
advantageous.
Recommended Subjects
English, Maths
Qualifi cations
Diploma in Hotel Management
• Boston City Campus
• Damelin Education Group
• The International Hotel School
BCom Tourism
• UNISA
• University of Limpopo
BTech Hospitality Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
Dip Hotel & Restaurant Management
• Tshwane University of Technology
careers by industry
NCert Hotel Management
• Consult with your local FET College
TOUR GUIDE
South Africa has an abundance of natural
and cultural attractions, which lures
thousands of tourists to our shores annually.
Some of the attractions include
Robben Island, Table Mountain, The
Kruger National Park and Cradle of Humankind,
as well as some of the most
scenic wine routes in the world. As a
Tour Guide, t would be your job to escort
tourists to these and other destinations,
and to provide them with interesting
information on the sites. A good Tour
Guide has excellent communication
skills, is able to speak or learn at least
one foreign language, and possess an
extensive general knowledge.
Recommended Subjects
English, Afrikaans, Languages, History
Qualifi cations
NDip Tourism
• Johannesburg University
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Certifi cate in Travel & Tourism
• ICESA City Campus
• Oval International
BA Conservation, Tourism & Sustainable
Development
• University of Limpopo
NCert Travel & Tourism
• Consult with your local FET College
CHEF
To become a Chef, one has to have natural
fl air for cooking and food presentation,
and possess a keen eye for detail.
Careers in Hospitality & Tourism (continued)
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careers by industry
98
Chefs are employed by restaurants and
hotels and are responsible for developing
menus, ensuring excellent hygiene
and catering standards and overseeing
running costs such as ordering of food
supplies and equipment. A good Chef
is one who displays impeccably high
standards and a fair degree of creativity.
Chefs are very often employed by
cooking schools and tertiary institutions
to lecture students on the art of cooking,
catering and food presentation.
Recommended Subjects
Home Economics, Maths
Qualifi cations
NDip Food & Beverage Management
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
Certifi cate in Professional Cookery
• ICESA City Campus
• Consult with your local FET College
*for a full list of privately owned culinary
schools, as well as FET Colleges in you
area that offers courses in cooking contact
THETA (011) 803 6010.
Other possible careers
Au-pair
Recreation Offi ce
Event-coordinator
Wine Steward
B&B Manager
Tourism Manager
Careers in Hospitality & Tourism (continued)

careers by industry
Careers in Information Communication Technology
Information Communication Technology
(ICT) is not only about computers,
software or services. It is the science of
using electronic technology to acquire,
record, store, transfer, or transform date
or information. Today, businesses are
concentrating on their core activities in
their struggle to survive, and in most
companies the key required outputs of
the IT departments have increased signifi
cantly.
Under these circumstances, the need for
well-informed IT professionals is great.
The focus is on research and development
of innovative ICT applications and
technologies within a developing world
context.
ICT application aims to strengthen the
competitiveness of South African industries,
in areas such as biotechnology,
forestry and manufacturing, and to improve
the quality of life of South African
citizens in areas such as education,
health and services delivery. These application
areas are supported by worldclass
capabilities in wireless and mobile
technologies, human language technologies,
open source software development,
advanced computing technologies
and bio-informatics.
IT is the heartbeat of the modern business
world. For this reason, the need
for highly skilled workers to design and
develop new hardware and software
systems has increased exponentially.
Graduates in IT are able to take advantage
of the opportunities created by the
ever-developing fi eld of IT.
There are very few government organisations
or businesses around that
do not have some form of information
systems at the core of their operations.
More and more, the need for information
systems and the opportunities for
the use of computers are growing in all
aspects of business and society. We
are in the midst of the information age,
and information generated by informa-
tion systems is used increasingly as the
basis of all decisions.
The study of information systems will
put you amongst a highly sought-after
and highly valued group of employees.
A career in information systems offers
personal growth, job satisfaction and
above-average income earning potential
almost anywhere in the world. It has
become a vital part of business strategy,
and offers challenging roles with high
corporate visibility, important decisionmaking
opportunities, and a career path
that could lead all the way to the top.
Careers
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
With the fast-paced world of technological
advancements, companies and
organisations are continuously looking
for improved systems and software that
makes the running of their businesses
faster and more effi cient. A software
developer is involved in the entire development
software process, including
research, design, testing and implementation
of software – this is usually
based on research and goals of marketing
software, and needs of the public. A
software developer needs to be able to
deal with large amounts of information,
be willing to work long hours, and be
very creative and analytical in his/ her
thinking.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Physical Science, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BSc(SofDev)
• Rhodes University
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Pretoria
NDip IT (Software Development)
• University of Johannesburg
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careers by industry
100
COMPUTER (INFORMATION) ENGI-
NEER
Globalisation has meant that businesses
and government has to stay abreast
of international developments in the
sphere of information technology. An Information
Engineer is required to develop
software and implement and manage
large computer systems. Commercially,
Information Engineers would design
computer programmes for common
household items such as Hi-Fi’s, washing
machines, mobile phones as well
as motor vehicle and household alarm
systems. This career is best suited to
somebody who has a keen interest in
understanding computer.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science, English
Qualifi cations
BEng Computer Engineering
• UNISA
• University of Stellenbosch
BSc Computer Engineering
• University of KwaZulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Cape Town
BSc Information Engineering
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Computer Systems Engineering
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
WEB DESIGNER
The Internet has become one of the
most important sources of information
and communication today. You can pay
your bills, chat to relatives or friends
thousands of miles away, do your grocery
shopping and get the latest news
updates – all at the click of your mouse.
Most companies and organisations
have realised the importance of being
visible on the Internet. Most compa-
nies have websites, and it is the Web
Designer who collects information and
develops these sites so that all relevant
information is available for the public’s
consumption. Web Designers are also
responsible for the look and feel of the
website, and design pages in consultation,
or as per the brief of the client.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, English
Recommended Subjects
Computer Studies
Qualifi cations
BSc Information Technology
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Free State
BSc Computer Science
• Rhodes University
• University of Witwatersrand
BTech Information Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
NDip Information Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
Careers in ICT (continued)

SYSTEMS ANALYST
Systems Analysts are responsible for
creating technology solutions for large
and small businesses, and improving n
old and outdated one. All modern-day
businesses and organisations rely on
information systems to operate effectively
through the use of hardware, software
and data processes. As an analyst,
you would be required to decide
on the type of hardware and software
needed to ensure the business objectives
of the company are met, and then
develop or adapt the software to meet
those needs.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Computer Studies
Qualifi cations
BCom Informatics/ Information Technology/Information
Systems
• Damelin
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of the Free State
BSc Information Technology
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Free State
BSc Computer Science
• Rhodes University
• University of the Witwatersrand
BTech Information Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
careers by industry
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
Computer Programmers write programmes
such as databases, control
programmes for businesses and computer
games. The programmes are
detailed instructions on how to handle
a specifi c problem, and the steps that
must be taken to deal with the problem
in the most logical way. The rapid expansion
of the IT industry has meant that
more Programmers are needed to make
information technology more accessible
to the average person. Programmers
are employed in many industries
from large companies to municipalities.
Keeping abreast of latest technologies
is an integral part of the career.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Computer Studies
Qualifi cations
BSc Information Technology
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Free State
• Midrand Graduate Institute
BSc Computer Science
• Rhodes University
• University of the Witwatersrand
BTech Information Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
Careers in ICT (continued)
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of Technology & Science
NDip Information Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
• Durban University of Technology
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• Central University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
Other possible careers
Network Controller
Support Technologist
Multimedia Specialist
Computer Project Manager
Useful Contact Details
Ritesh Harrilal SAP Consultant
What does your job entail?
As a SAP BW (Business Warehousing)
consultant, I am responsible for setting
up SAP Business Information Warehouse
systems, extracting data from
other systems into a central database,
for example, getting data from many
divisions around the world and consolidating
it into one system, after which the
Information Technology Association
(011) 789 3805
data is then cleared and transformed,
and fi nally, reports are created on the
consolidated data.
How long have you been in your current
job?
2 years.

What qualifi cation do you have?
I have a B.Com Degree and SAP BW
certifi cation.
Were did you obtain it and how long
did it take?
I obtained my B.Com at the University
of Natal (since renamed University of
Kwa-Zulu Natal), which took 3 years,
and SAP BW certifi cation at the SAP
academy, which was a 6 week programme.
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
None, but Computers, Mathematics and
Accounting are very helpful.
Is it easy to fi nd a job in the industry
with your qualifi cation?
Yes, there is a great demand for SAP
consultants at the moment.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
You need to be driven, creative, good
communicator and a team player
What are some of the most sought
after skills in the industry?
In the SAP environment, it’s the
BW (Business warehousing)
and FI (Financial) skills.
Describe an average day at
work.
It starts by checking the system
status and system loads,
and designing of new reports
careers by industry
or data models. Thereafter I deal with
support issues, fi xing reports or errors
in the system.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Getting my BW certifi cation and becoming
Team Leader.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
Long hours and lots of traveling.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
Meeting new people, traveling the world,
getting to work in different environments
and always learning new things are all
very rewarding.
Does it pay well?
Yes, it pays very well
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
There are always opportunities
within the industry to learn more
and develop your skills.
What is your ultimate career
goal?
My ultimate career goal is
to be recognised as one
of the best in my fi eld.
Ritesh Harrilal SAP Consultant (continued)
103
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careers by industry
Careers in Marketing, PR & Advertising
104
In an ever increasingly competitive marketplace,
companies are on the continuous
lookout for unique and exciting
ways to sell their products, and differentiate
themselves from the competition.
Marketing, Public Relations (PR) and
Advertising are all tools used by companies,
often employing agencies, to increase
sales and improve clientele.
Marketing is usually focused on one
product or service and entails a wide
array of activities. These include market
research and fi nding out what the
customer needs are, their expectations,
and how these expectations can be met.
It also includes analysing and understanding
the competition to improve on
existing products. These are aspects of
“inbound marketing”, whilst “outbound
marketing” includes the promotion of
goods through advertising, promotions,
public relations and sales.
Public Relations refers to the activities
done to ensure that the company has
a good public image. Various forms of
media are used to conduct PR activities,
including television, radio, newspapers
and magazines.
Advertising entails the promotion of a
company, product or service in the form
of signs and billboards, commercials,
print ads, brochures or pamphlets and
direct mailing. Effective advertising can
have a direct impact on revenues of
companies – if an advert catches the
eye of consumers, and relates to them
in a way in which they can visualise how
the product will make a difference in
their lives, it will almost certainly result
in a sale of the product, which at the end
of the day, is the key purpose of the ad.
The competition between companies,
large and small will always be there.
Hence, the need for marketing, PR
and advertising campaigns will always
be there. The opportunities for young,
creative and talented individuals are excellent,
provided you are willing to work
long hours and adhere to tight deadlines.
Careers
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Increased consumer expectations and
a fi ercely competitive market means
that businesses have had to put in place
stringent marketing strategies in order
to fi ght off competitors, and generate
profi ts. An increasing number of companies
are realising the importance and
benefi ts of have a dynamic marketing
team in place. Nowadays, marketing
is seldom seen as a support function,
and instead, forms part of the core functions
of any business. Possibilities and
scope in this fi eld are endless. Marketing
professionals and researchers are
employed across a wide range of industries
including research companies,
retail stores, advertising agencies and
manufacturing companies amongst others.
Compulsory subjects
English
Recommended Subjects
Maths
Qualifi cations
BCom (Marketing Management)
• Damelin
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
BA (Social / Marketing Research)
• University of Johannesburg
BTech Marketing
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Vaal University of Technology

Diploma in Marketing Management
• Boston City Campus
• Damelin
Diploma in Marketing Research
• IMM Graduate School of Marketing
NDIP Marketing
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
Public Relations
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
The aim of Public Relations is to create
communication channels between com-
careers by industry
panies and the public or consumer, with
the focus on promoting the company’s
image. This is done by presenting information
on the company through various
public forums such as newspapers,
magazines and television. PR practitioners
also identify opportunities for creating
public awareness about the company
or campaigns. These campaigns
could include events, conferences and
press releases. This is an excellent fi eld
for networking, and would be perfect for
you if you don’t mind working long hours,
enjoy interacting with people, and have
excellent communication skills.
Recommended Subjects
Languages
Qualifi cations
BA Public Relations
• UNISA Graduate Institute
105

careers by industry
106
NDip Public Relations
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
BTech Public Relations Management
• Vaal University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
Advertising
COPYWRITER
Copywriters work predominantly in the
advertising industry, writing scripts for
commercials and formulating advertising
campaigns for radio, television and
publications such magazines. A Copywriter
would get the brief form the client,
get al the necessary information about
the product and then meet with the Art
Director to brainstorm ideas on what the
most creative and effective would be to
sell the product. Copywriters therefore,
need to be extremely creative, have excellent
writing ability and have a degree
of artistic ability.
Compulsory Subjects
English
Qualifi cations
Diploma in Copywriting
• AAA School of Advertising
BA Languages
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
BA Professional Writing
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
ART DIRECTOR
Art Directors work directly in the conceptualization
and production of advertisements
for radio, TV and print. As an Art
Director, you will be responsible for the
aesthetic content of the ad – the choice
of visuals used, music or typography
all play an important role in how the ad
is perceived by the public and how effective
it is in getting the right message
across. Art Directors work with Copywriters
and Designers, but are usually
at the helm of the creative process.
Recommended Subjects
Art
Qualifi cations
Diploma in Visual Communication
• AAA School of Advertising
• Vega School of Brand
Communication
BA Film, Media and Visual Studies
• University of Cape Town
BA Fine Arts
• University of Cape Town
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of Witwatersrand
B Fine Arts
• Rhodes University
• University of Fort Hare
• Diploma in Advertising (IMM)
• Intec
Other Possible Careers
Marketing Researcher
Advertising Manager
Display Artist
Useful Contact Numbers
PRISA
(011) 326 1262
Careers in Marketing, PR & Advertising (continued)

Careers in Media
Media is one of the most powerful infl uences
in modern times – the majority of
the decisions we make are based upon
some form of media, from the type of
car you drive to the food you eat.
Media enables us to keep abreast of developments
in the international world of
politics and economics, stay current with
the latest fashion and music trends and
expand on our knowledge of the world
in which we live. The media industry
is made up of various sub-sections, including
print and electronic media.
There are a large number of opportunities
available in the media industry.
Magazines and production companies
are always on the lookout for talented
individuals who will be able to provide
their business with raw energy and
fresh ideas
Careers
FASHION EDITOR
The world of the fashion editor has
been portrayed in the media as being
very glamorous. It is also however, very
stressful. Besides needing to have a
strong background in fashion and design,
the fashion editor needs to also
possess knowledge and experience in
picture editing and sourcing, excellent
writing skills, and have a good eye for
page layout and fl ow. The fashion editor
leads a crew of stylists, make-up artists
and hairdressers by providing article or
pictorial direction. Fashion editors need
to always keep up with the latest fashion
trends and forecast about future trends.
Recommended Subjects
Art, English
Qualifi cations
NDip Fashion Design
• Central University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
careers by industry
for Technology and Science
Diploma in Fashion Design
• Damelin
• LISOF
• Midrand Graduate Institute
BTech Fashion
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
FILM & VIDEO PRODUCER
As a Film Producer, you would coordinate
and oversee all the practical aspects
of the fi lm such as conducting
auditions for actors, sound, props, lighting
and costumes. Film productions are
normally run on very strict budgets, so
you would need to ensure that there
is effective time management and that
everyone knows what they are doing,
and at what time they are going it. Producers
are also responsible for ensuring
that salaries get paid, and that the
necessary stock and equipment gets
ordered.
Recommended Subjects
Languages, History
Qualifi cations
BA Film, Media & Visual Studies
• University of Cape Town
BA Audiovisual Production Management
• University of Johannesburg
BTech Motion Picture Production
• Tshwane University of Technology
Diploma in Filmmaking & Broadcasting
• Damelin
NDip Motion Picture Production
• Tshwane University of Technology
Ndip Video Technology
Durban University of Technology
109

careers by industry
110
DESKTOP PUBLISHER
The desktop publisher – or DTP operator
needs to have a combined knowledge
of computers, as well as the art of
design and layout. DTP operators work
for magazines, newspapers and advertising
agencies and are responsible for
the layout and design of adverts and
article pages. This process includes designing
ads on computer, scan in photos
and place the article in the correct place.
DTP operators are usually creative, and
have an artistic background, but an extensive
knowledge of computer and design
software is essential.
Recommended Subjects
Art, Computer Science
Qualifi cations
BA Graphic Design
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• University of the North West
BTech Graphic Design
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Vaal University of Technology
NDip Graphic Design
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Johannesburg
NCert Graphic Design
• Consult with your local FET College
Diploma in Advanced DTP
• City Varsity
JOURNALIST
Journalists have the ability to inform, entertain
and enlighten the public through
various mediums, such as newspapers,
magazines, radio, television and the internet.
Good Journalists need to work
hard to grasp all the facts and arguments
about the subject they are writing about,
and this career involves being able to
do research in order to write an article
or read a news bulletin. Many newsworthy
stories require an arduous mount of
research so that all stories are reported
in the most refl ective and transparent
manner. A Journalist is someone who
always has his/her ears to the ground,
always on the lookout for leads for exciting
and captivating stories.
Recommended Subjects
Languages, History
Qualifi cations
B Journalism
• Rhodes University
BA Journalism
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• UNISA
BTech Journalism
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
Diploma in Journalism
• Damelin
• Midrand Graduate Institute
NDip Journalism
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
SCRIPT WRITER
A script writer works in the media industry,
by producing scripts for feature
Careers in Media (continued)

fi lms, sitcoms, talk shows (on TV and
Radio) and newscasts. Script writers
usually work in teams where the show’s
concept or general plot is discussed
and ideas are brainstormed. The script
is then formulated according to these
specifi cations. To be in this industry, one
has to be able to write exceptionally well
(a background in journalism is advantageous)
and have a good imagination. It
is also important to have a keen interest
in world affairs.
Compulsory Subjects
English
Recommended Subjects
Languages
Qualifi cations
B Journalism
• See journalism above
careers by industry
BA Drama
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Pretoria
• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Free State
Diploma Drama
• City Varsity
Other possible careers
Media Liaison Offi cer
Continuity Presenter Disk Jockey
News Reporter
News Editor
Useful Contact Details
MAPPP Seta
(021) 949-1463
Careers in Health (continued)
111

Nazli Thomas Sports Journalist
my amazing career careers by industry
112
What does your job entail?
I alternate between production and reporting
– for the Star, Saturday Star and
Sunday Independent. I report on various
sporting codes sports such as hockey,
netball, tennis and occasionally roadrunning,
for which I get to travel around
the country and sometimes the world.
How long have you been in your current
job?
I’ve been with the Independent
Group for just over three
years. I visited The Star as
part of the ‘Cell C Take a girlchild
to work day’ initiative and
was offered vacation work during
my matric year. I was then
offered a job as a sub-editor
and reporter at the end of the
year and started full-time work
a week after I completed my
exams. I had been working
there for a month already by
the time I got my matric results!
What qualification do you
have?
After working in the industry
for three years without a qualification,
I decided to get some
serious studying under my
belt this year. I was accepted
at the Wits School of Journalism
as an Honours student
despite not having an undergraduate
degree - experience
counts for something at least
- and will study for the next
two years, after which I hope to graduate
with a BA Honours in Journalism.
Juggling work, studies and traveling has
been incredibly difficult!
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
Of course, your languages are important
and taking an extra one like French
for example would help a lot. History
could help somewhat if you are to venture
into the news or feature writing and
Economics and Business Economics,
which I think they call EMS these days,
could help for those going into financial
journalism.
Is it easy to find a job in the industry
with your qualification?
I was lucky to get a job without a qualification,
but all publications insist on
a degree, certificate or diploma. With
that your chances improve a lot, and

ecause South Africa has such a large
media industry, there’s bound to be a
job in some form of media or the other.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
The job is very demanding and can be
very high pressured. One needs to be
able to deal with stress and also have
people skills. You can’t shy away from
anything and, more often than not, you
have to call on the more daring side of
your personality to get the good stories.
What are some of the most sought after
skills in the industry?
At the moment the print media is experiencing
somewhat of a production crisis
with less and less writers going into the
production side of the job. Sub-editors,
revise and layout people are becoming
few and far between and editors have
turned to training younger people with
less experience to fi ll these jobs.
Describe an average day at work.
I get to the offi ce at about 9am and because
mornings are a bit slow on the
sports front, I spend some time reading
through the papers and catching up
on the wires. At about 11am we decide
what is going into the paper and if I have
stay in the offi ce, I start laying out pages
and sub-editing. If not, I go out to press
conferences and come back to fi le my
stories later in the day. When I’m away,
I spend the day watching sport and email
my stories at the end of the day.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Everyday feels like an achievement
because I came into this industry with
no qualifi cations and no idea as to how
careers by industry
things work, and I’m still here. I haven’t
lost my passion for the job and I love that
can learn so much everyday. Traveling
to Egypt, Qatar and New Zealand on
assignment have also been a highlight.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
I’ve had many challenges that I had
to deal with in this industry and being
a woman in the sports world is one of
them. I knew my sport, but I wasn’t
taken seriously at fi rst because I was a
woman, or rather a girl at 17-years-old!
Also, I came in as a young, female with a
‘previously disadvantaged’ background
and I had to convince people that that
wasn’t the reason I got the job. I may
have ticked the boxes, but there was so
much more than just that.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
Opening the paper and knowing that I
had something to do with it. Every edition
captures a part of history and that
fascinates me to this day. Whether it’s
my name at the top of the story or not,
at the end of the day I know that I played
some role in getting the news to the
people.
Does it pay well?
If you dream about a yacht and big mansion
then this is not the job for you, but
it’s rewarding in other ways and at the
end of the day that counts most. You
can live a comfortable life on a journalist’s
salary, but not a fl ashy one.
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
There are many opportunities for growth
in the industry because there are so
Careers in Health (continued)
113
my amazing career

careers by industry
114
many facets other than newspapers.
Just moving between departments in
one newspaper can provide you with
so many opportunities. Because of my
work on newspapers, I have also had
the chance to cross-over to radio and
television on some projects.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I would like to do some more work in
other forms of media, for example radio,
television and the Internet, and hope to
one day own my own sports publication
or PR agency.

Careers in Offi ce Administration
If you ask any Managing Director and
CEO who his/ her most valuable resource
is and the answer would almost
certainly be the offi ce administrator
– Personal Assistants, Secretaries, and
Administrative Assistants, amongst others
all play an integral role in keeping the
state of affairs of companies large and
small, organised and running smoothly
and effi ciently.
Often stereotyped as an unglamorous
and unfulfi lling career, offi ce administration
can be challenging and rewarding,
with the opportunity of branching out
into other avenues. Previously regarded
as a “strictly female” domain, the world
of offi ce admin is slowly being infi ltrated
by males, defying stereotypes and cynics
alike.
Offi ce administration entails more than
just keeping the CEO’s diary or taking
minutes in a meeting. It forms the backbone
of any organisation, and without effective
offi ce admin procedures in place,
running it to it optimal capacity becomes
challenging. Although the roles and responsibilities
of offi ce admin staff have
increased tremendously in recent times
(gone of the days of the secretary sitting
behind a typewriter and answering calls
all day), modern technology has meant
that time could be spent more productively
than
As companies expand and grow, the
need for administrators will always be
there. It has fallen by the wayside in
terms of a fi rst choice career option
for learners about to embark on further
studies, but the demand for skilled, competent
and reliable individuals for these
positions continues to grow. There are
numerous opportunities for individuals
qualifi ed in the area of offi ce admin, and
these are a few examples:
SECRETARY
A secretary plays an extremely important
role in the day-to-day running of a company
or organisation. From recording
careers by industry
minutes in meetings, to fi ling, to sending
correspondence to stakeholders, secretaries
can be likened to the glue that that
keeps the affairs of the offi ce together.
The secretary is usually responsible for
implementing and adhering to company
processes and procedures. Secretaries
should have excellent writing and
communication skills (and preferably be
fl uent in at least 2 languages), as he/
she is often the fi rst point of interaction
between the company and clients,
stakeholders and the public. In addition,
secretaries should be friendly, courteous
and well groomed and presented at
all times.
Recommended Subjects
Typing, Languages
Qualifi cations
NDip Commercial Administration
• Durban University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
Diploma: Executive Secretary
• Intec
Company Secretaryship
• Intec
NCert Offi ce Administration
• Consult with the FET College in
your area for course availability
CREDIT CLERK
When it comes to the fi nancial matters
of a business, the credit clerk plays a
very important role by controlling the
fl ow of money owed to the business –
people, or businesses that owe another
person or business money is known as
a creditor. This is done by the keeping
electronic records of the accounts of all
the company’s clients. A credit clerk has
to keep track of all invoices and receipts
issued, and money paid into the company
bank account. This process needs
115

careers by industry
116
to be very methodical, and the accurate
capture of fi nancial data is very important
for auditing purposes. Creditors
need to possess a very methodical, analytical
nature, and at the same time be
able to deal with clients who fail to settle
their accounts when due.
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Accounting
Qualifi cations
NDip Credit Management
• Durban University of Technology
Certifi cate in Financial Management
• Consult with the FET College in
your area for course availability
DEBIT CLERK
The role of the debit clerk is much the
same as that of the credit clerk, except
that while the credit clerk is responsible
for ensuring that all money owed to the
company is paid on time, the debit clerk
needs to control all money being paid
out of the company. This includes the
paying of accounts for stock and services
rendered, and making sure that any
overdue accounts are paid. Debit clerks
need to follow procedures at all times,
such as the attachment of order purchase
numbers to invoices. Debit clerks
have to display a fl air for numbers, good
management and organisational skills,
and the ability to communicate well.
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Accounting
Qualifi cations
Bachelor of Business and Commerce
• Monash University
NCert Financial Management
• Consult with the FET in your area
for course availability
PERSONNEL SECRETARY
Personnel secretaries fulfi l the same
roles and responsibilities as ordinary
secretaries, except, they work in the
personnel department of the organisation.
This is the department that deals
with personnel (employee) issues, and
the personnel secretary is responsible
for the administration, including fi ling,
as well as liaising with staff regarding
their staff issues, and assisting the personnel
manager in dealing with these
issues. As staffi ng issues can at times
be sensitive, the personnel secretary
should have compassion at all times,
but maintain a professional approach at
all times.
Recommended Subjects
Typing, Languages
Qualifi cations
NDip Commercial Administration
• Durban University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
Other Possible Careers
Telephonist
Switchboard operator
Receptionist
Transcriber
Careers in Offi ce Administration (continued)

careers by industry
Careers in Science
118
Living in this technologically advanced
age where developments occur
almost daily, the discovery process
is an ongoing one. The role of
the scientist is to produce reliable
explanations for new occurrences in
the physical world, which is carried
out thorough the process of experimentation,
observation and deduction.
Unfortunately, in South Africa, there
aren’t nearly enough students taking up
maths and science-related courses at
university. It has been said that nations
that are keen on competing on global
scale can only do so if it has an army of
well trained, specialised scientists.
According to Minister of Science and
Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, there
exists “a direct correlation between a
nation’s wealth and its scientifi c and
technological capacity”. He believes
that if South Africa is to compete with
its international counterparts, it needs to
reinforce and strengthen scientifi c and
technological academic resources. The
fi rst step in this process, he believes, is
encouraging and fostering an interest in
science at school.
Government has embarked on a national
campaign to increase awareness and
promote the industry through initiatives
such as “National Science Week,” which
takes place annually, whereby the fi eld
is celebrated through various sciencebased
activities.
Science is an exciting sector to venture
into, and offers employment in a
wide array of fi elds including research
and genetic engineering. South Africa,
with its abundance of resources and accessibility
to data, has the potential to
become a scientifi c giant in terms of research
and advancement.
Careers
BIOCHEMIST
Biochemistry is the arm of science that
deals with the study of the composition,
characteristics and structure of chemical
components. This includes the study
of the human body, medicines, nutrients,
household products, etc., which
means that biochemists are employed
in a variety of fi elds. More specifi cally,
it entails the identifi cation of chemical
compounds, and how these chemicals
interact, as well as these interactions
have on human life.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science, Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Biochemistry
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Pretoria
BSc Biological Sciences
• University of Stellenbosch
• University for the Free State
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER
The fi eld of biomedical engineering is
an extremely interesting fi eld to venture
into. Biomedical engineers are
employed by the medical industry to
use their engineering skills in the manufacture
of medical instruments and machinery,
such as operating apparatus,
heart valves and even artifi cial organs.
Biomedical Engineers work largely in
teams (constituted of doctors, nurses
and specialists), who all play an equally
important role in the manufacturing
process. It could also entail the design
of computer programmes to be used in
the treatment of patients.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science, English
Recommended Subjects
Biology

Qualifi cations
NDip Biomedical Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Durban University of Technology
BTech Biomedical Technology
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
MTech Biomedical Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
DTech Biomedical Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
PHYSICIST
A Physicist studies the fundamental
properties of matter. Physicists are
concerned with unknown, whether it is
discovering a new planet or the nature
of particles that make up the nucleus
of an atom. There are many fi elds to
specialise in, such as nuclear or radiation
physics, environmental physics or
astrophysics. Many Astronomers for
instance are Physicists. Physicists are
employed in a wide range of industries
including mining, medial and reseach.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Physics
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• Uiversity of Stellenbosch
• Walter Sisulu University
of Technology & Science
BSc Nuclear Physics
• University of Stellenbosch
careers by industry
ASTRONOMER
If you are fascinated by the moons
and stars, this is the perfect career for
you. Humankind is constantly seeking
to develop a clearer and deeper understanding
of the planets and galaxies
in outer space through space exploration.
Space exploration however
is not confi ned to Astronauts. Modern
technologies such as telescopes allow
astronomers the chance to delve deep
into space, without being propelled on
a rocket. Astronomers analyse information
relayed to earth by satellites, create
theories concerning various aspects of
the universe, and publish it so that others
may have access to it.
Compulsory subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
BSc Astronomy
• UNISA
MSc Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
NUCLEAR SCIENTIST
As a Nuclear Scientist, you will design
power plants and develop nuclear machines
and equipment. Nuclear scientists
are employed in a wide range of
exciting fi elds such as nuclear medicine,
radiation physics and nuclear energy.
This career requires excellent marks in
mathematics and science, as extensive
research is conducted on nuclear models,
where after calculations are done
and published in journals. The work of
a Nuclear Physicist includes the observation,
measurement and control of radioactivity
and radiation.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Careers in Science (continued)
119

careers by industry
120
Qualifi cations
BSc Nuclear Physics
• University of Stellenbosch
MICROBIOLOGIST
Microbiologist entails the study of microorganisms,
including its anatomy, genetics
and environmental interaction, with
the main purpose of discovering ways
to improve the quality of human life.
This includes the study of bacteria and
its appearances in food, and determining
possible health threats if consumed.
Microbiologists also study viruses - its
causes and try to develop vaccines that
protect the human body against it.
Compulsory subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BSc Biochemistry
• UNISA
• University of Fort Hare
BSc Biology Science
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
BSc Microbiology
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
BTech Biomedical Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• University of Johannesburg
• Cape Peninsula University
of Technology
• Vaal University of Technology
BTech Biotechnology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
NDip Biotechnology
Vaal University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Other possible careers
Animal Scientist
Aquatic Scientist
Biologist
Biomedical Engineer
Geneticist
Useful Contact Details
S A Institute of Physics
(035) 902-6000
South African Agency for Science &
Technology Advancement
(012) 392-9300
Careers in Science (continued)

careers by industry
Careers in Social Development
122
Students in the fi eld of humanities are
trained to adopt a critical and imaginative
way of thinking, which is advantageous
in any fi eld they may choose to
pursue. The social development industry,
and more specifi cally, the study of
humanities, or social science, encourages
personal growth, social awareness
and ongoing self-fulfi llment, and
employers are increasingly looking for
individuals who are interested in other
cultures, who are fl exible and open to
change, and who are tolerant of diversity,
which are all characteristics often
displayed by graduates in this fi eld.
If you are interested in a career in the
social development fi eld, you should, as
in any career, choose a path that is best
suited to your personality. For instance:
a social worker needs to display empathy
towards other, whilst if you were
to become an archeologist, you would
need to have patience.
The social development fi eld is not the
best fi eld in terms of fi nancial reward but
is one of the most emotionally rewarding
professions. Imagine being able to,
as a social worker, help an individual
overcome personal obstacles and go
on to live a productive, happy life, or an
archaeologist, to unearth fossils that allows
us to better understand the generations
that lived before us.
Graduates in this fi eld are employed in
many fi elds, including government, research
institutions, the civil service and
NGO’s. The career open to you will
largely depend on your area of specialisation
and choice of major subjects at
university.
Career Paths
FAMILY PLANNING COUNSELLOR
Much like a social worker, a family planner
counsellor plays a valuable role in
society. The family planner counsellor is
involved in all aspects of primary health
care, including family planning. The
counsellor needs to be compassionate,
as dealing with sensitive issues is forms
part and parcel of the career. In addition
to advising families about family planning,
pre-natal care and counselling
teenage mothers, the family planning
counsellor also educates the community,
and youth in particular about drug
and alcohol abuse, sexual health, nutrition,
TB and other diseases as well as
personal hygiene. This is a fi eld that
does not pay well, but is hugely rewarding.
Recommended Subjects
Languages
Qualifi cations
BSocSc Social Work
• University of the Free State
• Rhodes University
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
BA Social Work
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Occupational Therapy is the assessment
and treatment of physical and
mental conditions using specifi c, purposeful
activity to prevent disability and
promote independent function in all
aspects of daily life. This includes the
treatment of children with learning or
developmental disabilities so that they
may function in their learning environment.
Occupational Therapists work in
many different environments such as
community centres, hospitals, NGO’s
and rehabilitation establishments.

Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Science
Recommended Subjects
Biology
Qualifi cations
BOccupational Therapy
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Pretoria
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
BSc Occupational Therapy
• University of Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Cape Town
TEACHER
Despite negative publicity in recent
times (including violence at schools and
pay disputes), a career in education either
as a Teacher, Lecturer or Educational
Trainer, comes with many exciting
challenges and opportunities. Being a
young democracy South Africa is surely
becoming a serious competitor in the
global context – politically, economically
and socially. Embarking on a career as
an Educator means that you will have
the opportunity to help shape the minds
of our future leaders. There are various,
areas of specialisation including primary
secondary and remedial education.
Recommended Subjects
English, Languages
Qualifi cations
Bachelor of Education
• Rhodes University
• UNISA
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Witwatersrand
Certifi cate in Education
• University of Fort Hare
• National Diploma in Education
careers by industry
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
SOCIAL WORKER
Social Work plays a very important role
in society. In South Africa, issues such
as unemployment, poverty and HIV/
Aids has left many South Africans feeling
isolated, inadequate and destitute.
It is the function of the Social Worker
to help people overcome these and
other obstacles, which may range form
family counseling, to social work with
criminal offenders, drug abusers, sexually
abused individuals or the physically
and mentally disabled. A Social Worker
should be able to handle stress and act
compassionately when dealing with other
people’s pain and suffering.
Recommended Subjects
English
Qualifi cations
BSocSc Social Work
• University of the Free State
• Rhodes University
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
BA Social Work
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• UNISA
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
ARCHAEOLOGIST
Society is always trying to uncover and
Careers in Social Development (continued)
123

careers by industry
Careers in Social Development (continued)
124
understand what took place on earth
centuries ago. The great pyramids in
Egypt for instance, continue to mystify
humankind, and we are always looking
for clues to give us a clearer understanding
of what occurred during those times.
It is the Archaeologist who studies the
history and culture of bygone eras by
literally digging up clues, and then
studying and interpreting them to gain
insight. The silver screen’s most famous
Archaeologist, Indiana Jones, attached
the notion of action and adventure to
the profession. On the contrary though,
archaeology is extremely time-consuming
and requires patience and perseverance,
as it may take lengthy periods of
time to uncover artifacts.
Recommended Subjects
History, Science, Geography, English
Qualifi cations
Degree in Archaeology
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
PSYCHOLOGIST
As a Psychologist, you will be responsible
for helping people deal with emotional
distress caused by personal, work
or other-related stress. As a Clinical
Psychologist you will work with individuals,
gathering and analysing information,
and conduct evaluations to try
and provide healing in the form of counseling,
therapy or admission to mental
clinics. There are various other forms of
psychology. An Industrial Psychologist,
for instance is employed by large businesses
to provide services to staff, and
the company as a whole, whilst an educational
psychologist advises students,
teachers and parents abut various issues
pertaining to education, including
academic performance.
Recommended Subjects
English, Afrikaans
Qualifi cations
BA Psychology
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of the Western Cape
BPsychology
• Midrand Graduate Institute
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University

• University of the Free State
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• University of Limpopo
• University of Stellenbosch
• Walter Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
CRIMINOLOGIST
It is a given fact that South Africa has
one of the highest rates of crime in the
world. Nearly everyone has directly or
indirectly been affected by crime. The
role of the Criminologist has as a result
become an important component
careers by industry
in understanding and fi nding ways to
address this terrible phenomenon. As
a criminologist you will solve crimes by
conducting research into the cause and
circumstances surrounding the crime,
and by using various scientifi c methods,
such as DNA testing and forensic pathology.
Recommended Subjects
English, Biology
Qualifi cations
BA Criminology
• UNISA
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Western Cape
BSocSc Criminology
• Water Sisulu University
for Technology & Science
Certifi cate in Criminal Justice
• Damelin
Other possible careers
Family Planning Counsellor
Translator
Interpreter
Special Needs Teacher
Socialogist
Trade Unionist
Useful Contact Details
The South African Archaeological
Society
(021) 481 3800
The Department of Social Services
(021) 312 7775
Careers in Social Development (continued)
125

Betzi Pierce Social Worker
my amazing career careers by industry
126
What is your job title?
Area Coordinator for NICRO, Mpumalanga
What does your job entail?
NICRO stands for ‘National Institution for
Crime Prevention and the Reintegration
of Offenders’. As our name indicates,
we work with offenders and render reintegration
services as well as crime prevention
services. As area coordinator, I
am part of the middle management. My
job entails optimising effective governance
of the organisation on all levels,
i.e. staff, services, resources and systems
to ensure that NICRO, Mpumalanga
impacts positively on the high crime
levels, and create a safe province. On
the other hand, social workers at NICRO
promote safe and caring environments
and reduce crime and/or recidivism
rates, through awareness campaigns,
preventative programmes and relevant
intervention strategies. Children and
adults in conflict with the law are diverted
away from the criminal justice
system and reintegrated into society by
means of restorative approaches, i.e.
family group conferencing, restitution to
the victim, pre-trial community service,
life-skills development, and economic
empowerment.
How long have you been in your current
job?
1 Year in my current position, but I have
10 years experience as a social worker.
What qualification do you have?
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours.
Were did you obtain it and how long
did it take?
In order to become a social worker, you
have to obtain a four year degree. Depending
on the educational institution,
this degree can be either a direct four
year social work degree, or a three year
social sciences degree, followed by an
Honours degree. I took a long detour
in obtaining my qualifications as I had
initially planned to study psychology.
However, after obtaining my BA Degree
in Social Sciences at UNISA (three year
degree), I decided to qualify as a social
worker. I then completed Social Work I,
II, III and IV at UNISA (four years). Later,
I completed an Honours degree in
Social Sciences at UCT, which took another
year as I decided to specialise in
Probation Practice. I am now planning
to obtain a Masters Degree in Probation
Practice at UCT.
What subjects are required at school
for this job?
Although there are no specific subjects
to take at school level, it is important that
the prospective social worker is competent
in languages, as communication
(interviewing, report writing, counseling,
public speaking, etc) is important in this
profession. He/ she must also be interested
in the behaviour and psychology
of people and/or assisting people. Matric
must be passed with exemption in
order to attend university.
Examples of university subjects are social
work, psychology, sociology, criminology,
social work law, languages, etc.
Is it easy to find a job in the industry
with your qualification?
Social worker has been declared a
scarce skill occupation and therefore
social workers are sought after. Furthermore,
social workers can work in

various industries as well as the government
as the fi elds of service are numerous
for example child and family care,
disability care, substance- and or alcohol
dependence treatment, medical social
work, probation and offender care,
the aged, industrial social work, etc.
What personality-type is required for
this job?
You need to be empathic, non-judgmental,
caring, compassionate and
supportive and believe in the intrinsic
goodness and potential of human beings.
However, you also need to be assertive
and realistic, have an excellent
ability to analyse a situation or person
and have the conviction and character
to substantiate or motivate your analysis
or opinion. Furthermore, you have
to be able to work independently and
under pressure.
careers by industry
What are some of the most sought
after skills in the industry?
Good people skills, counseling skills,
assessment and report writing skills,
presentation skills at workshops, in
courts, public speaking for awareness
campaigns, lobbying, etc. Social workers
are always in demand in family and
child care fi elds as well as in probation
services.
Describe an average day at work.
An average day at work for social workers
at NICRO consists of dealing with
referrals from court and assisting clients
to comply with treatment plans
and procedures. The procedures will be
explained from the time that a client is
referred until his treatment is complete
and reported to court. When a client is
referred from court the individual will be
Betzi Pierce Social Worker (continued)
127
my amazing career

my amazing career careers by industry
128
interviewed and provided with information
with regard to our services, processes
that will be followed and the obligations
set by court. The social worker
often needs to resolve the client’s negative
feelings and future expectations.
At times it is also necessary to resolve
other family member’s feelings towards
the client, i.e. when a parent is angry
and disappointed with their child’s criminal
behaviour, these feelings need to
be resolved to ensure the child’s safety
as well as the parent’s involvement in
the programme. An intake form will be
completed and an appointment will be
made with the case manager for a full
assessment of the client. Following the
assessment at a later date a treatment
plan will be compiled, in consultation with
the client, using the information gained
during the assessment and adhering
to the court order or agreement. A client
will then be placed in a programme,
which could be any of the following or
a combination thereof: individual counseling
and/or therapy; therapeutic and/
or educational groups for life-skills, sexual
offences, anger management, positive
parenting, other programmes such
as economic empowerment, wilderness
camp, safety ambassadors; and the
rendering of community service. After
the completion of the treatment programme
an assessment is conducted
again and a report is submitted to court
to inform the court about the individual’s
progress / compliance. The court
will then make further decisions regarding
the client based on the report and
recommendation from NICRO’s social
workers.
What has been your greatest career
achievement?
Working as a probation officer and rendering
effective, high quality probation
reports in our courts in a professional
manner that culminated in the upliftment
of the social work profession in general
and in establishing myself as a sought
after expert in my field.
What are some of the challenges associated
with the job?
Our clients are referred to us, or approach
us because they are experiencing
problems and find themselves in a
crisis. A social workers day is therefore
spent ‘sorting out problems’ and specifically
in the field of crime and hearing
about all the bad things that people
have done. Inexperienced social workers
can be traumatised by the stories
and can find it challenging to stay positive
and assist our clients to break away
from the cycle of problems and hardship.
The burn-out rate of social workers
is very high in general and this can
be directly contributed to working with
difficult, demanding clients in non-supportive
environments.
What is the most rewarding part of
your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is
seeing people change their behaviour,
attitudes and circumstances and reach
their full potential.
Does it pay well?
Social workers have always complained
that they are underpaid. At the moment
the government is reviewing the salaries,
especially in light of social work being
declared a scarce skill. There are
also benefits such as car and housing
subsidies and medical aid contribution,
depending on the organisation or company
where you are employed.
Are there lots of opportunities for career
growth?
The opportunities for career growth are
endless. However, this is again de-
Betzi Pierce Social Worker (continued)

pendent on the organisation or company
where you are employed as well as
your fi eld of interest. You can advance
to be a supervisor, area manager, even
Director or CEO, etc. in your organisation
/ fi eld.
What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to obtain my
doctorate and train social work students
and professionals.
careers by industry
129

careers by industry
Careers in Transport
130
South Africa is one of the top travel destinations
in the world, and modern highways,
trains (ranging from budget to ultra-luxurious)
and airways culminate to
from a convenient, safe and affordable
way to travel.
Since 1994, the number of people
traveling to South Africa by air has increased
by 70%. The country’s national
carrier is South African Airways, while
smaller airlines operate domestically,
including Kulula and Nationwide. South
Africa’s major port cities include Durban,
Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
South African ports, which is seen as
the gateway to both the east and west,
handled an average of 13 000 vessels
carrying 500 million tons of cargo annually
in 2002.
South Africa’s rail network is controlled
by Spoornet and SA Rail Commuter
Corporation. Spoornet being the largest
railroad operator, has 331 700km
of single-rail track, and provides goods,
container services as well as long distance
passenger services - South Africa’s
national road network currently
spans 7 200km. Metrorail, a division of
Transnet Ltd, is responsible for operating
the metropolitan commuter system
in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth,
Pretoria, East London, Uitenhage and
greater Johannesburg.
The transport industry offers a wide array
of career opportunities for energetic,
go-getting individuals. Apart from the interesting
careers, it offers individuals the
opportunity to travel and see the world.
Imagine being a pilot for instance. Your
get to fl y planes to exotic destinations,
and get paid while doing so!
Careers
ROAD TRANSPORT MANAGER
A Road Transport Manager is involved
in all aspects of passenger or freight
related fi elds, including transport logis-
tics, routing and scheduling, marketing
strategies as well as road safety. Road
Transport Managers are employed by
passenger bus companies and freighting
companies to ensure the safe, effi cient
and most fi nancially viable to transport
passengers or goods from one destination
to the next.
Recommended Subjects
Business Economics
Qualifi cations
Certifi cate: Road Transport Supervision
• Consult with your local FET for
course availability
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER
As an Aeronautical Engineer, you will
design, manufacture and test fl ight vehicles
such as aircraft, missiles and
satellites. This includes choosing materials
and production methods to be
used when constructing fl ight vehicles,
as well as evaluating and conducting
tests to ensure safety. Aeronautical Engineers
are also responsible for designing
and implementing modifi cations to
fl ight vehicles – it is cheaper to repair
malfunctioning parts than replacing the
entire vehicle. If components of a fl ight
vehicle have failed, it is up to the engineer
to test the failed component and
assess whether it needs to be repaired
or replaced.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
BSc Aeronautical Engineering
• University of Witwatersrand
Post Graduate courses in Aeronautical
Engineering are offered by:
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Pretoria

PILOT
Pilots operate aircraft, transporting passengers
or cargo from one destination to
the next. Depending on the size of the
aircraft there may be one, tow or even
three pilots operating a fl ight. The captain
supervises the crew, gives instructions
and is responsible for the overall
safety of the passengers on board, and
is assisted by with the fi rst or second offi
cers. The pilot is responsible for ensuring
a safe fl ight by preparing fl ight plans
based on weather forecasts and operational
information, making sure that the
aircraft if properly loaded and checking
fuel requirements and fuel quantities
prior to the fl ight. Because of the nature
of the profession, pilots are required to
undergo medial check-ups annually.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
Private Pilot
• To obtain you Private Pilot’s License
(PPL), you will need to register with
a fl ying club or school, write theoretical
examinations, and complete at
least 40 hours of fl ying time. A PPL
will entitle you to fl y recreationally
only – you will not earn an income.
Commercial Pilot
•
One you have obtained you PPL
and have 40 to 60 fl ying hours experience,
you may obtain you Commercial
Pilot’s License (CPL). This
is done by writing theoretical examinations
through the Department of
Civil Aviation and accumulating at
least 200 hours of fl ying experience.
A CPL will entitle you to work as a
pilot.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Air traffi c in South Africa has increased
drastically over the last decade or so,
meaning an increased number of aircrafts
landing and taking off at airports.
careers by industry
The Air Traffi c Controller co-ordinates
aircraft movements in the air and on
the ground, monitors approaching and
departing air traffi c and provides information
and advisory services to pilots,
including weather reports and runway
instructions. Air traffi c controlling is a
highly pressurised career, as mistakes
could result in mid-air collisions or runway
accidents.
Compulsory Subjects
Maths
Recommended Subjects
Maths, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
Air Traffi c Control
• Aviation Training Academy OR
Tambo International Airport
(011) 961-0100
CABIN ATTENDANT
A career as a cabin attendant appears
to be very glamorous. You get to travel
and see the world, meet interesting
people from around the world, and learn
about different cultures – and get paid
doing so! Not many people realise that
it takes a lot of hard work and you spend
long, exhausting hours ensuring that
passengers have a comfortable, safe
and enjoyable fl ight. This entails alerting
passengers to safety precautions
and emergencies, maintaining the hygiene
and cleanliness of the cabin, and
ensuring that catering is in order and
adequate.
Recommended Subjects
English, Languages
Qualifi cations
• Training is provided by most major
airlines in South Africa.
Careers in Transport (continued)
131

careers by industry
Top 10 Future Jobs
132
It is not easy building a career which has
to last for 20 to 30 years. But incidentally,
much of your future depends on
how well you prepare yourself now. And
to give you an idea of how complicated
this has become, practically nobody
predicted 20 years ago that software
engineering would become such a big
employment generator; it all happened
so fast!
The other notable point of importance
is that many semi-skilled jobs that were
either labor intensive or routine in nature
have moved to countries like India.
These were jobs that were draining corporations
of their vital resources (read:
money) and which, when moved to outsourcing
mode, caught many Americans
off-guard. Future jobs are such that they
can’t be easily outsourced. These are
the jobs of the future. They are based
on knowledge and skill and need to be
onshore.
Top 10 Future Jobs
1. Tissue Engineering: For students
of physiology, studying tissues and cell
behavior can be made easy by making
3D functional models in-vitro. Functional
models are made using cells, and
devices which help cell growth. This is
gaining popularity and MIT is the pioneer
in this course.
2. Data Miners: As the name suggests,
it is virtually digging thru tons of data
of and for business transactions. The
purpose of mining data is to reach a
meaningful format dependable enough
to make predictions; tracing trends of
customer behavior, for example. Don’t
be misled; the future world is going to
be data driven.
3. Gene Programmers: George Washington
University predicts that lab technicians
can customize medicines by
scanning DNA and using gene therapy
to block disease. This can and probably
will be a reality in less than 10 years.
4. Neurotronic Engineers: The World
Future Society says that human brains
will be artificially extended by wiring
microchips to the brain by these engineers
by 2030. When this is possible,
this opens a Pandora’s Box of a host of
careers.
5. Pharmers: No more pricks on your
behind if ‘pharmers’ grow sufficient genetically
engineered therapeutic crops.
Watch out, you may have to eat a tomato
for vaccination!
6. Lawyers: The loyal warhorse. Don’t
want believe that lawyers will not have
sufficient clients in the future.
7. Writers: Writers of all kinds, script
writers, technical writers and content
writers. All these professions are going
to have an explosion.
8. Network Systems And Data Communications
Analyst: Wow! What
does this mean, anyway? The systems
analyst dealing with the specialist field
which requires data communications
knowledge. This job, in fact, is predicted
to be on top.
9. Actors: Reality and both virtual reality
actors will be in great demand. Now,
what is virtual reality actor? It is a virtual
3D model of an actor, which can
be programmed to act just like him. We
can hope to see Marlon Brando giving
young actors a run for their money!
10. Police: Like their cousins (lawyers)
law enforcement professionals will always
be present in the very distant and
conceivable future. They just may not
have to run after gangsters then.
These are challenging, breathtaking future
career options which made the top
10. Like it or not, some professions will
never go out of style!
About the Author:
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for
The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six

Sigma Online offers online six sigma
training and certifi cation classes for lean
six sigma, black belts, green belts, and
yellow belts.
careers by industry
Source: Free Articles SA – www.freearticles.co.za
133

careers by industry
Careers in Transport
134
NAVIGATING OFFICER
Navigating Offi cers are responsible for
navigating ships in the fi ght direction
at sea. This includes steering the ship
out of, and into harbours and ports, and
through narrow canals and water-ways.
Navigating Offi cers rely on radar transmissions
to determine a ship’s course
of passage, but also consider weather
forecasts and radio messages to determine
the best possible route.
Recommended subjects
Geography, Physical Science
Qualifi cations
For more information on navigating,
call:
Unicorn Lines (Pty) Ltd
(031) 25-1441
Pentow Marine
(021) 507 5777
TRAIN DRIVER
Like a pilot, a train driver is responsible
for transporting passengers as well as
cargo safely form one destination to another.
The train driver is responsible for
starting the train, operating the instruments
and obeying and understanding
rail signals so as to avoid accidents and
collisions.
Recommended Subjects
Maths
Qualifi cations
• Spoornet offers various train
driving programmes, and vary
in length depending on level of
specialisation.
Useful Contact Details
SAA Cadet Pilot Training Department
(011) 978 5571
The Commercial Aviation Association of
Southern Africa
(011) 659-2345
Spoornet
(011) 544-9584

features features
This chapter profi les all that is new and “happening” in the world
of careers. Top Companies for Graduates highlights the country’s
top companies for graduates to work for, while the “Gap Year”
feature sheds some light on working and travelling opportunities
if you feel you are not yet ready to join the working brigade, or if
you simply just need a break.

features
Top Companies for Graduates
136
It has been said that corporate South
Africa needs to play a bigger role in
addressing the skills challenges of the
country. It is believed that one such role,
which will possibly make a major difference
to the skills base on the workforce,
would be the recruitment of graduates.
According to the study, “Graduate Unemployment
in the Face of Skills Shortages:
A Labour Market Paradox”, by
the UCT Development Policy Research
Unit, 2007, companies refrain from hiring
newly graduated individuals because,
despite the fact that they may
possess the knowledge, it is the practical
application of this knowledge that is
so highly sought after by companies.
The implication thereof is that thousands
of graduates fi nd themselves in the unemployment
bracket and their skills lost
to the economy, despite the fact that the
economy needs these skills to achieve
intended economic growth targets.
The question however remains - how
will graduates ever gain this practical
experience, if they are not absorbed by
the labour market to exercise what they
have learnt at university?
There are companies however, that are
playing an important role in skills development,
by providing thousands of
graduates with an invaluable opportunity
to enter the corporate world, through
initiatives, commonly known as Graduate
Development Programmes (GDP).
Through GDP’s, graduates - with degrees
specifi cally sought by the companies
– are provided with training and the
chance to gain the practical skills one
would usually only be able to acquire
in the working environment. In most
cases, these graduates are nurtured
by the host company, with the view that
one day, they could be employed by the
company, and prove to be a valuable
role-player in the growth and development
of the company.
Companies usually advertise on their
website, in newspapers or in campus
drives, when they are recruiting graduates
for their graduate programmes.
Companies often follow similar recruitment
procedures, i.e. graduates would
normally submit application forms, together
with a CV and motivation letter,
followed by interviews, and then fi nally,
a psychometric assessment.
We have identifi ed a list of companies
that specifi cally recruit talented graduates
with the hopes of nurturing them
into top-quality business people.
NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED
National Brands Limited
is one of South Africa’s
leading FMCG companies
producing tea,
coffee, biscuits, and
snacks. The company’s
GDP, which
runs for a period of 2 years, is focused
specifi cally on employing
graduates in business areas that
require these resources. Graduates
are recruited through an intensive
recruitment process, including
interviews, assessments and case
study assignments. Programme
training encompasses the completion
of comprehensive projects,
as well as the achievement of
detailed job action plans.
www.nbl.co.za
T h e
S t a n d -
ard Bank GDP, which commenced
in 1999 with 11 students,
is designed to launch
and accelerate the careers of
graduates through accelerated
learning and training in
various areas of retail and
business banking. All GDP
candidates are based in

Johannesburg at the Standard Bank
Head Offi ce. Standard Bank specifi cally
recruits graduates in the accounting,
economics, sales & marketing, psychology,
engineering, IT, maths and communications
disciplines. The company also
look for graduates with other fi nancial
and business-related fi elds, such as an
MBA.
www.standard.co.za
The Murray & Roberts
GDP assists in meeting
the long term human capital
and leadership needs
of the Group through attracting, recruiting,
developing and retaining graduates.
The programme runs for 12 months,
and offers graduates the opportunity to
develop a career within the company.
Murray & Roberts specifi cally recruits B
Eng, BSc. and B Tech graduates with a
strong academic record in the Mining,
Metallurgical, Chemical, Mechanical,
Electrical, Civil & Building Construction
Management and Quantity Surveying
disciplines. For the duration of the GDP,
candidates are assigned a programme
coordinator who facilitates the structuring
of their programme, a line manager
that provides the relevant work experience,
and a mentor who is responsible
for their holistic development, and ensures
that the graduate receives the appropriate
exposure to achieve the development
objectives.
www.murrob.com
The Nestle GDP is
an 18 to 24 month
development programme
that offers graduates the opportunity
to work in a number of departments
across all business units.
These placements are tailored for each
division to provide trainees with experience
in a variety of roles. For example,
a manufacturing graduate trainee could
fi nd themselves operating an Egron
machine or working shifts in the plant.
Nestle recruits individuals who have
strong academic qualifi cations, display
potential, and whose attitude towards
achievement is in line with the corporate
values of the company.
www.nestle.co.za
The PPC GDP was
launched in 2007
and was established
and designed to attract
new talent from tertiary institutions
across the country, providing them with
in-house practical training and experience,
and ultimately channeling this
new professional talent into the company’s
succession plan. Graduates were
recruited in the engineering, production/
process services, mining, quality and
environment & sustainability disciplines.
For the duration of the programmes,
graduates are based at the PPC site,
and learn through modules developed
by PPC specialists.
www.ppc.co.za
Nedbank runs
a 12 month
GDP, aimed at
grooming them for one of the many varied
positions within the Nedbank Group.
The programme involves the assignment
of a career coach, who acts as the
candidate’s personal mentor throughout
the programme. Apart from providing
guidance and support, the role of
the career coach is to ensure that the
candidate attends training sessions and
completes work-related projects and
assignments. Training and skills development
includes relationship and risk
management, fi nance, IT, presentation
skills and more.
www.nedbankgroup.co.za
Volkswagen is always on
the lookout for top-quality
graduates to fi ll management
positions in the areas
features
Top Companies for Graduates (continued)
137

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138
of fi nance, engineering, purchasing, logistics,
marketing, HR, production, IT
and supply chain management. The VW
GDP is designed for motivated, driven
and dedicated individuals who possess
excellent communication skills, leadership
potential and an above average
academic record. It is a 12-month intensive
training programme, and includes
personal development, leadership development,
on-the-job training, as well
as a 3-week stint on the production line
as an operator.
www.vw.co.za
The FNB graduate
recruitment
programme (GRP)
encompasses 2
streams: Mainstream banking and
Branch banking. The Mainstream programme
specifi cally sources candidates
that will operate in a head offi ce
environment, and all candidates are
placed among a variety of business
units spanning the segments of Mainstream,
Personal, Wealth, Commercial,
Corporate and Public Sector Banking.
Skills development are specifi cally focused
on strategic marketing, business
analysis, IT development, quantitative
analysis, product development, business
case development amongst others.
The Branch Banking stream of the
GRP focuses specifi cally on equipping
graduates with the skills to operate in
the strategic and day to day operations
of the branch environment encompassing
areas such as customer service,
sales, people management and leadership
development.
www.fnb.co.za
Afrox’s graduateprogramme
is
called the ‘Afrox Graduate in Training
Programme, and runs for a course of 24
months. Graduates in the fi elds of metallurgy,
mechanical, chemical, industrial
and electrical engineering are recruited
to participate in the programme, which
includes rotation within the various areas
of the business. The programme
consists of an induction, specialist or rotational
placements, project work, performance
assessments, skills training,
mentoring and a graduate development
scheme programme.
www.afrox.com
The Unilever Graduate
Placement Programme
(GPP) targets students in
their fi nal year of study in
all degree disciplines, at all
tertiary institutions in South Africa. This
recruitment drive takes place in July/
August. Unilever employs graduates
in the fi elds of Brand Development, IT,
Customer Development, Finance (need
to have an Accounting degree), Human
Resources, Supply Chain (Engineering),
Supply Chain (Logistics).
www.unilever.co.za
The Toyota Graduate
Recruitment Programme
started when
the need for the grooming
of in-house engineers
was identifi ed. The programme
proved so successful that it eventually
moved on to the recruitment of other
fi elds of study such as HR marketing
and IT. Every year students from various
universities are requested to make
an application that is co-ordinated by the
university’s local career centre. These
applications are screened, short listed,
and the successful candidates are requested
to attend an interview and a
presentation of their fi nal year design
projects. Although the crux of the of the
programme centres around the recruitment
of engineering students, a small
number of students from other disciplines
are also recruited.
www.graduates.toyotajobs.com
Top Companies for Graduates (continued)

Entrepreneurship
An Entrepreneur can be defi ned as
someone who takes the initiative to
combine the factors of production to
produce goods and services for the
community in order to make a profi t.
In an increasingly challenging formal
job market, many school leavers and
tertiary graduates are faced with the uncertainty
of fi nding jobs. An increasing
number of young individuals are making
the choice to empower themselves by
becoming entrepreneurs. These young
individuals form part of what is being
considered as an important part of the
economy – the small to medium enterprise
sector, or SME’s.
The word “entrepreneur” is derived from
the French word “entrepender”, which
means ‘to undertake’. In the business
sense however, it simply means to start
a business.
An entrepreneur is someone who organises,
manages and assumes the risks of
a business or enterprise, with a strong
emphasis being placed on innovation,
for example, a new product or service. A
successful entrepreneur is one who, as
a result of initiative and risk-taking, generates
a profi t, whist an unsuccessful
entrepreneur makes a loss, or at worse,
experience bankruptcy.
Entrepreneurs usually display the following
characteristics:
• Passion for business;
• Willingness to take risks;
• Displays innovativeness; and
• Adopts a “need to succeed”
attitude;
Entrepreneurs usually operate through
small business enterprises (SME’s),
which are seen as catalysts for growth
and development, especially in a country
with a high rate of unemployment.
The SME sector contributes about 40%
to the country’s GDP annually, and employs
approximately half of all people in
the formal sector.
What does it take to become an Entrepreneur?
Research
Do market research on the industry you
wish to start business in. Is there a niche
in the market for your product or service,
or is the market already saturated
with similar businesses.
Follow your Passion
You must be sure that the line of business
you venture into is something that
is of interest to you, and that it will continue
to be exciting for you in the long
run.
Choose a business that you are already
familiar with
Starting your own business will present
many new challenges, and being unfamiliar
with the operating environment of
the industry will be of negative impact.
Learn as much as you can about the
industry and familiarise yourself with all
the aspects associated with your line
of business.
Start with a Business Plan
Your business plan will be the
most integral part of starting up
your business. In it, you would
include all aspects of your business,
including your vision and
long-term goals and strengths
and weaknesses of your business.
If you are going to be
applying for a business
loan, this is often the
most important document
that fi nancial
institutions want to
see before giving
they will give you
any sort of fi nancial
assistance.
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139

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140
Choose a business that shows good potential
for returns
The most accurate way to determine if
your business is going to be profi table
in the long run is through fi nancial projection.
This will give you a better idea
about how much money is needed to
cover expenses. Once you have determined
this fi gure, and you are able to
project gross income, you will be able to
calculate your expected profi t.
SME’s
A small business can be defi ned as an
enterprise that is fi nanced either by one
perspon or a small group of individuals.
It should be operated from a single point
and have less than 50 employees.
A medium business has between 50
and 200 employees. The size of an enterprise
can also be defi ned by market
share and capital assets. Many of the
businesses in your community can be
classifi ed as SME’s, such as the local
general dealer or hardware store, and
is usually managed by the owner of the
store.
The government has identifi ed and targeted
the SME sector as a practical
means to economically empowering
previously disadvantaged individuals,
and has launched various programmes
and initiatives to promote this sector.
The following organisations have been
set up specifi cally to assist the country’s
budding entrepreneurs:
Ntsika
Ntsika provides non-fi nancial support to
the small business sector in the areas
of business development, marketing,
research and management.
Contact Details
Pencardia Building 1
509 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
Tel: 012 483 2000
Fax: 012 341 1929
Website: www.ntsika.org
The Umsobomvu Youth Fund
The UYF’s Entrepreneurship Programme
provides capital, managerial
support, market information and skills
development to up-and-coming entrepreneurs
in the SME sector.
Contact Details
Umsobomvu House
11 Broadwalk Avenue
Midrand
Tel: 011 805 9701
Fax: 011 805 9709
Website: www.youthportal.co.za
Brain
The Brain Referral and Information
Network offers online support to entrepreneurs
in the form of basic business
information, government initiatives and
links to various business centres countrywide.
Contact Details
7th Floor
1 Dr. Lategan Road
Groenkloof
Pretoria
Tel: 0860 103 703
Website: www.brain.org.za
The life of an entrepreneur is usually
characterised by long hours, emotional
stress, and the possibility of
business failure. To many, embarking
on a business venture may seem
exciting and lucrative at the onset. It
could very well be, provided you work
hard at it, and are willing to sacrifi ce
time, energy and money. Like everything
else in life, if you possess the
passion, determination and focus,
you will make it a success, and perhaps
one day reap the rewards, and
fully understand the true meaning of
“being your own boss”!
Entrepreneurship (continued)

The Gap Year
When sitting for fi nal matric examinations,
after studying for months on end
and well, not having much of a life, the
mere thought of going straight to university
to study for another four to fi ve years
is enough to make most people’s skin
crawl! The Gap Year, as it is commonly
referred to, has become a popular option
for individuals who want to broaden
their horizons after school.
Many young adults are encouraged by
their parents and teachers to spend the
year travelling, as it provides one of the
greatest life lessons - independence.
Daunting as it may sound (how many
school-leavers have made their own
dinner, let alone do their own laundry?),
it presents many exciting opportunities,
as well as the prospect of earning money,
which in many instances is saved up
and used to pay for future studies.
South Africans working abroad have
gained a reputation in countries such
as The United Kingdom and America as
some of the most hardworking people
around, and there are currently thousands
of South African youth who are
using the opportunities currently at their
disposal to fi nd jobs in these countries.
The gap year is your ticket to the world.
It is an opportunity to develop your independence,
explore foreign land and
savour diverse cultures.
There are numerous agencies that assist
students in fi nding jobs overseas.
Some of the most popular forms of
employment are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Volunteer work
Teaching English in foreign countries
Hospitality – chefs, chambermaids,
porters, receptionists, bar staff
Production staff – factory work
Au-pair work
Summer and winter camps in the
US
Kibbutz work
• Working aboard a cruise liner
Imagine being able to explore the world
and getting paid while you do it, and at
the same time gaining valuable experience
which will look good on your CV.
If you are already employed, and fortunate
enough to be employed in a company
that has offi ces overseas or that
offers staff exchange programmes, use
the opportunity to build your repertoire
of international experience.
This is why an increasing number of
young people are choosing to venture
abroad before settling down in South Africa.
Remember to open a bank account
so that you may save money for when
you return home. Many young individuals
are able to pay for their tertiary education
with the money they saved.
Exciting as it may sound, and enticing
as it may be, it is not always as easy as
just packing up and leaving. If you have
never travelled before, it can come as
somewhat of a shock to see how people
live in the rest of the world. Finding
yourself in a foreign and unfamiliar setting
can be daunting for even the most
seasoned of travellers. There are, however,
ways to overcome the culture
shock. Making an effort
to get to know the surroundings
and people
will ease the transition,
and keeping in
touch with friends and
relatives back home
will ease the feeling of
being ‘disconnected’.
There are many other important
factors to be taken
into consideration, and below
are some useful points to
consider, as well as some tips
that could assist you if you’re
considering venturing internationally.
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141

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142
Learn as much as possible about your
destination
Are you aware of the political, cultural,
security and economic conditions of the
country in which you are planning to
work? Try to do as much research on
the Internet and at your local travel office
as possible.
Find a reputable placement agency
There are hundreds of agencies offering
lucrative employment opportunities
overseas. Ensure that, before signing
any agreement with an agency, they are
a legitimate, accredited entity. Be wary
of agencies that require money upfront!
Assessing Job Offers
Once you find a job overseas, find out
as much as you can about the company
offering you employment. Try to contact
employees who work there so that you
can gain insight from a reliable source.
You should also enquire about remuneration
- ask questions such as how much
you will be paid, and in what currency.
Documentation
Make sure your passport is valid for six
months after the date you intend to return.
If you are not in possession of a
valid passport, remember to give yourself
time for your passport application to
be processed (passports take at least
six weeks to be processed, while emergency
passports take at least seven
working days).
Visas/ Work Permits
Foreigners are required by some countries
to have a visa in order to enter the
country. Work permits are required if
you plan to work in a foreign country.
Visa’s and work permits will need to be
obtained before you leave South Africa,
and you may apply for both at the same
time. Your travel agent or the Embassy/
Consulate of the country you plan to
work in will be able to advise you on
the types of visa’s/work permits you will
need.
International Driver’s Licenses
To obtain an international driver’s license,
you will need to go to your local
Automobile Association (AA) and apply.
Your local Traffic Department may also
be able to assist, but it is advisable to
enquire telephonically first as not all departments
offer this service.
Vaccinations
Before your departure, you will need to
find out what vaccinations you will need,
especially when planning to work in developing
countries.
Medication
If you are suffering from a health ailment
and are on prescribed medication, you
should find out if that same medication
is available (and legal) in that country,
and take a copy of the doctor’s prescription
as well as an extra prescription
detailing generic and trade names with
you. Remember to take as many extra
supplies as possible and leave it all in
the original labelled packaging.
Travel/ Health Insurance
Travel insurance is imperative if you are
planning to work overseas and intend
staying in a country for an extended period
of time, otherwise some hospitals
overseas will not admit you, regardless
of illness or injury. Some South African
medical aid schemes do in fact cover
members in foreign countries, however
if you do need to take out travel insurance,
make sure the cover extends until
the time you choose to return, and find
out exactly what the policy covers. Once
you are there, always have your travel
insurance details at hand.
Money/ Currency
Make sure you have enough money with
you before you leave the country. When
applying for certain visas, you need
to have proof that you have a certain
amount of money in your bank account.
The amount is stipulated by the various
embassies. Remember that the South
African Rand may not be accepted in
The Gap Year (continued)

certain countries, and it is therefore advisable
to convert your money into US
dollars before departure. Though Visa
and Master Cards are internationally
accepted, exercise caution when using
them.
Local Customs and Laws
To avoid diffi cult and embarrassing situations,
make sure you familiarise yourself
with local customs and laws of the
country. For example, if you are going
to an Islamic country, certain dress and
behaviour may not be acceptable. Always
remember to remain sensitive to
laws and customs.
Drugs
Drug abuse, smuggling and peddling
are serious criminal offences, no matter
where in the world you go. Do not carry
bags or parcels on behalf of anybody,
and do not drive somebody else’s car
beyond a border. In some countries, punishment
for being found in possession
of drugs is a lifetime prison sentence,
and there are many South Africans currently
carrying out sentences in prisons
throughout the world, particularly in the
East. Also important to remember, is the
fact that in some countries, alcohol is
regarded as an illegal substance.
Returning Home
There are lots of resources available
(such as the Internet, libraries and travel
agent outlets) for gathering as much
information as possible about venturing
internationally. Make sure you utilise
as many of them as possible, and this
will go a long way towards making your
overseas experience a worthwhile and
enjoyable one. Useful websites include:
www.uniquejobs.com
www.ovc.co.za
www.statravel.co.za
www.anyworkanywhere.com
www.totaljobs.com
www.workzoo.com
www.jobs.co.uk
www.tntmag.co.uk
www.jobfood.com
www.jobs.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.jobs.net
www.computerjobs.com
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The Gap Year (continued)
143

picture

life skills
The transition from teenager to young adult marks an important milestone in one’s life.
Ask a group of teenagers whether they are excited about becoming young adults, and
you’ll undoubtedly get a resounding ”yes”! The thought of becoming fi nancially and
socially independent is an exciting thought, especially when you are a broke 16 year
old with an 11pm curfew! However, ask the adult, and chances are they’ll probably tell
you that this is a tough phase that presents issues that affect young adults such as the
impact of HIV/Aids and depression and anxiety, and provide you with important tips on
job hunting and protocol and etiquette.

life skills
Financial Aid
146
Many people aspire to make something
of the lives. They dream of going to university,
receiving a degree and landing
that dream job. A common obstacle for
many South Africans however, is that
they simply cannot afford the exorbitant
costs associated with tertiary education.
On average, university fees per annum
are R25,000 for an under-graduate
qualification at university, and R15,000
for a qualification at a university of technology.
Many students, whose parents did not
take out study policies, or cannot afford
to pay for their child’s studies, regard
this as a deterrent, and as a result,
choose not to go and study.
Financial Aid however, affords individuals
the opportunity to further their studies
by providing financial assistance,
which is available in a variety of options
such as loans, bursaries, scholarships
and sponsorships. If you are eligible for
financial assistance (most financial aid
programmes have set criteria that have
to be met by candidates), the first step
would be to research and learn as much
as you can about the various financial
aid programmes that are available.
National Financial Aid
The Student Financial aid Scheme (NS-
FAS) offers study loans to any financially
needy South African citizens wanting
to study at one of the country’s public
higher education institutions. Much of
a NSFAS loan can be converted into a
bursary, which does not then have to be
repaid, depending on ones academic
progress. A 100% pass rate would result
in a 40% bursary rebate on a NSFAS
loan ranges from R2,000 to R30,000.
You can apply at your university’s financial
aid office or visit www.nsfas.org.za.
Scholarships
Scholarships, like grants, are a form of
financial aid that does not have to be
repaid. These are available from many
sources, including community groups,
schools and private corporations. Scholarships
can be awarded based on a variety
of criteria, including academic and
sporting achievement.
Bursaries
A bursary too does not have to be repaid.
Bursaries are normally awarded
to needy learners with excellent academic
results, who are seen to be capable
of obtaining their degree in a
minimum amount of time. Companies,
organisations or academic institutions
that award bursaries usually monitor
the candidate’s academic progress, and
are obliged to cancel the bursary upon
unsatisfactory academic results.
Contract Bursaries
A contract bursary is usually offered by
a company or an organisation as part
of a human resource initiative, and entails
working for the donor company
for a specified amount of time. Once
again, academic progress in constantly
tracked.
Student Loans
Student loans are obtainable from most
commercial banks and finance institutions,
and have to be repaid. Loans are
really someone else’s money that you
borrow temporarily, and once you start
repaying your loan, you must pay interest
on the money you borrowed. Because
you are expected to repay loans
from your future earnings, loans are
sometimes referred to as self-help assistance.
Work Programmes
Work programmes help you earn money
so that you can pay your educational
expenses as you go along. Many institutions,
especially technical colleges,
help their learners find jobs, which can
be on or off campus. Some jobs relate to
a learner’s programme of study, others
do not. Jobs that are unrelated to your
particular academic programme will still

provide you with valuable work experience.
Employment teaches you how to
organise your time, introduces you to a
new set of responsibilities, and provides
you with a source of recommendations
for future job applications.
Pay Your Way
For many fi nancially constrained students,
working part-time is a practical
way to pay for studies and a good way
to earn extra cash. There are various
employment agencies specialising in
fi nding jobs for students that may require
you to work after lectures, during
holidays or over weekends. Paying your
own way has the added advantage of
teaching you independence and fi nancial
responsibility.
How to Apply for Financial Aid?
For all the information on bursaries
and scholarships offered in your fi eld of
study, contact NSFAS or the
Financial Aid offi ce at your
university, university of
technology or college.
When applying, remember these
important tips:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Apply early;
Make sure all deadlines are met;
Fill out forms completely and accurately;
Double check that all your personal
information is entered;
Remember to sign and date the application.
If you are under 21 years of
age, your legal guardian is required
to sign the application forms; and
Respond quickly to requests for additional
information.
For more information, call:
NSFAS
021 763 3232
www.nsfas.org.za
Edu-Loan
0860 555 544
www.edu-loan.co.za
life skills
Financial Aid (continued)
147

life skills
148
Make it happen - loveLife
As we journey through life, we are
sometimes slapped with harsh circumstances
like abusive relationships, having
no money to study, unemployment,
poverty and HIV/Aids. loveLife’s fresh,
new Make YOUR Move campaign is
about encouraging YOU to turn words
and dreams into action and change your
life and community for the better, writes
THANDIWE McCLOY.
If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed
and powerless by your challenges, get
up and heed loveLife’s call to make
moves out of whatever negativity you
find yourself in. loveLife’s Make YOUR
Move campaign is now making waves
all over print, TV, radio online and mobile
and creates the idea that change is
possible and opportunity is within reach,
but it requires you to take small actions
every day to achieve your goals and live
a better life.
loveLife believes the most critical strategy
for HIV prevention is not only the
provision of information, but to change
perceptions of opportunity. Thousands
of matriculants leave school believing
they have no opportunities because they
can’t afford to study further. By believing
they have no opportunities they’re more
likely to take risks which could lead to
HIV because they think they have no future
prospects. Full of passion and power,
the Make YOUR Move campaign is
urging them to actively find and grab opportunities
in order to lower their chances
of contracting HIV. But the campaign
is also about inspiring young people to
make positive changes in ALL aspects
of their lives and communities. Make
YOUR Move – whatever it may be, and
as you make positive, calculated changes
no matter how small, you’re fuelled
with inspiration to keep striding on and
being an impressive agent of change!
There are so many positive moves you
can make - decide what moves you
should make and then work to make
them happen. Here are just some of the
ways you can make YOUR move …
HEALTH
When was the last time you took an HIV
test? Taking regular HIV tests is one
of the best, most empowering moves
you could make for yourself. While tak-

ing an HIV test may seem scary, your
fear of testing actually puts you in a
much worse position than getting tested
would. If you’re in a relationship, it’s also
a good idea to encourage your partner to
test. By taking an HIV test you and your
boy/-girlfriend can know your status and
make moves to improve your future. If
you’re HIV positive you can stay healthier
longer by living a better lifestyle. You
can also start taking antiretrovirals on
time - before it’s too late to do anything
to improve your health. If you and your
boy-/girlfriend are HIV positive, you can
protect yourselves by making sure to
use a condom every time you have sex
so as not to increase your viral load and
get sick quicker. On the other hand, if
you test HIV – negative, you’re inspired
to take various actions - sticking to one
partner, using a condom every time you
have sex and leaving an unfaithful partner
- to ensure you stay that way.
COMMUNITY
If you’re sick and tired of the social
problems in your community, whether it
be high levels of alcohol abuse, the constant
smelly piles of garbage or the devastating
effects of HIV/Aids, you don’t
have to feel powerless and you can
make a difference. By taking personal
initiative and joining with others, great,
big changes can happen.
Is alcoholism a major issue in your
’hood? Make your fi rst move by encouraging
your local newspaper to highlight
the dangers of alcohol abuse. You can
also form an amazing committee which
encourages tavern owners to stop selling
alcohol to underage youth.
If it’s a lack of proper rubbish disposal
that gets you, you could phone your local
municipality to get better garbage
disposal in place. Instead of feeling overwhelmed
by the Aids crisis, get going
and start volunteering
for an HIV/Aids
organisation that’s
involved in home –
based care or taking
care of child – head-
ed households.
CAREER
While putting on your uniform and going
to school may sometimes feel like a
boring, endless drag, these actions are
actually laying the bricks to your future
success. Hey, the moves you make today
can really infl uence your future. By
getting into the habit of working hard and
aiming for good marks, you increase
your chances of excelling in matric. And
by doing well in matric, you have a higher
chance of accessing a study loan,
scholarship or bursary to study further
and enable you to fulfi ll your dreams.
You can take steps to improve your
marks by getting your hands on study
guides and forming study groups. If
you’re still not sure of what career you
want to follow, start fi nding out about
various careers, bursaries, internships
and learnerships right NOW. Young
people who seek and seize opportunities
have a lower chance of contracting
HIV because they believe they have
something to live for.
SOCIAL
The quality of our relationships can play
a huge role in how we feel. If you keep
quiet when people say or do things that
make you unhappy, this will most likely
dampen your mood and inhibit your
ability to solve problems. Start making
moves towards learning to express your
feelings assertively. By talking about
what bothers you, you can start taking
steps to resolving issues.
Relationships can also turn ugly and
abusive. If your partner is emotionally or
physically abusive, it’s best to move out
of your relationship. People in abusive
relationships are at greater risk of contracting
HIV because they’re too scared
to negotiate safe sex or leave unfaithful
partners. It’s your right to enjoy a
healthy, fulfi lling relationship.
For more information on loveLife’s Make
YOUR Move campaign,
life skills
Make it happen - loveLife
149

Job Hunting - What you need to Know
Applying for a job – and getting it!
Ask any employed person to identify the
most nerve-wracking moment of their
career and chances are they’d probably
say their fi rst job interview. Nothing, they
say is more terrifying than sitting in front
of a panel of interviewers while being
grilled about your career strengths and
weaknesses! Some even go so far as to
compare it to root canal!
Interviews aren’t restricted to jobs. Some
tertiary institutions may require you to
pass an interview test to guarantee a
place in certain academic programmes.
You may even be applying for a bursary
or loan.
The most critical aspect of any interview
though, is getting one! How do you get
one? By making sure your CV stands
out above the rest. Here are a few simple,
but effective tips when compiling
your curriculum vitae (CV):
Compiling your CV
When applying for a job, prospective
employees need to know as much about
your personal and professional life as
possible. They need to know if you have
the relevant experience, education and
skills required for the particular job.
The most common mistake people make
is trying to make their CV’s appear “full”
– often including unnecessary information.
Remember, a CV should ideally be
3 pages - long enough to contain all the
relevant information, but short and appealing
enough to grab the attention of
the employer.
Your CV is your personal advertisement.
You should use it to “sell” your
skills and capabilities and promote
your achievements.
Try to keep your CV as simple as possible
- avoid using pictures and elaborate
borders. You should include the follow-
ing information, in point form.
General information
Name
Contact Details
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Education
A list of all your qualifi cations and institutions
where it was obtained, starting
with the most recent.
Work Experience
Detail your work experience – provide
a comprehensive description of your
functions in your previous job(s). Remember,
employers often look to this
section to see whether you have the
right experience.
Skills Acquired
Don’t be shy to let prospective employers
know what skills you are able to
offer. Use key words to highlight your
capabilities, but do not, by any means,
exaggerate. Be honest, even if the skills
you have acquired in your previous jobs
don’t quite match up to the skills required
in the position you are applying for.
Accomplishments
Don’t be modest when it comes to listing
your achievements and accomplishments,
whether it was a project you were
involved in that saved your company
money, or a successful conference you
organised. This is a good way to let prospective
employers know that you have
capabilities which proved benefi cial to
your previous employers.
When applying for any job, you must include
a cover letter which is addressed
to the person at the employing company.
Find out who the recruitment offi cer
is address the cover letter accordingly.
It is formatted in the same way as any
other business letter and is intended to
give the prospective employer an indication
of your personality, writing ability
and communication skills.
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151

life skills
152
An example of a cover letter
Ms. M Smith
Recruitment Officer
ABC Manufacturing
123 High Street
Braamfontein
15 July 2006
Dear Ms. Smith
In paragraph 1, you should include an
overview of your current job, and state
the reasons you are applying for this
one.
Paragraph 2 should very briefly highlight
your experience and skills to give
the prospective employer an indication
what you will be able to offer the company
or organisation.
Paragraph 3 should mention your keenness
to work for the company, and that
you are looking forward to hearing
back.
I look forward to your feedback.
Yours Sincerely
John Adams
Contact Details
The Job Interview
The interview is the only opportunity to
make a good and lasting impression,
and land that dream job. Very often,
experience has little to do with getting
the job – it is how you handle yourself
in the interview that gives the employer
a good indication about your interpersonal
and communication skills.
The first and most common mistake
people make is to not prepare. How
can any two interviews be the same,
you ask. Well there are only that many
questions you can be asked, and all
employers generally want to know the
same things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Do you work well with people?
Do you have good communication
skills?
Are you analytical?
How do you respond to crises?
Are you able to handle pressure?
What have your career achievements
been?
You naturally won’t be able to determine
beforehand what the exact questions
will be, but you can prepare yourself by
developing answers for the most likely
questions, and if you are thrown a curveball,
you should be ready to adapt
your answers to give the best and most
honest reflection.
Remember, this is your one and only
chance to make a good impression on
the employer, so it is important to make
the most of the opportunity. Follow our
simple but imperative set of guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be punctual. Arrive 15 minutes early
if you can to revise your notes or go
to the bathroom.
Wear a dark-coloured suit with a
shirt. (Applies to male and female)
Carry a briefcase or folder.
Take copies of your CV.
Greet the interviewers by name, and
with a firm handshake.
Wait to be offered a seat before sitting
down.
Maintain eye contact at all times,
and do not fidget.
Appear enthusiastic and try and be
as friendly as possible – although try
not to be too friendly or familiar with
the interviewer.
Be comprehensive in the briefest
possible way.
Do not ask about remuneration or
leave in your first interview. You can
ask this question once you are offered
the job.
Instead, ask questions such as
study policy and projects you might
have read about on the company
Job Hunting - What you need to Know (continued)

website. Researching the company
is imperative, as it gives an indication
that you are interested and
aware of the company’s processes.
Confi dence is key, but be careful not
to appear over-confi dent, which is often
associated with arrogance. Remain
humble and polite – remember that the
employer is looking for an ambassador
for the company.
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153

life skills
The impact of drug abuse on the youth
154
WHAT IS A DRUG?
It is any chemical either than food, which when
taken, changes the normal functioning of the
body or mind or is used in the treatment or diagnosis
of a disease.
Drugs can be used or abused. A drug is used
when it has been prescribed by a doctor or recommended
by a pharmacist and is used according
to prescription as to the dose, frequency or
method of administration. The focus of this article
is abuse which is related to use of drugs for
non-medical purposes, especially by the youth.
WHY THE YOUTH ABUSE DRUGS?
Peer pressure
Wanting to be accepted by a crowd that is seen
as “cool” or popular.
Curiosity
This leads to experimentation. We live in a society
where certain drugs (alcohol & cigarette) are
socially acceptable and glorified in adverts and
films.
Acting out behavior
This is usually a cry for attention from a teenager.
This usually occurs after a stressful event like divorce,
death in the family or an emotionally or
physical absent parent.
Rebellion
In any social system (e.g. family), there are
boundaries. It is normal for a teenager to question
these boundaries and begin to set their own
limits. When parents are over protective, teenagers
may abuse drugs as a means of “escaping”
this.
Emotional problems
Many teenagers start abusing drugs in an attempt
to numb emotional pain and discomfort
caused by stress or unrealistic pressure to
achieve. Anxiety, emotional pain and depression
is temporarily blocked out while under the influence
of drugs.
THE IMPACT OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE
YOUTH
Drugs alter the functioning of the mind thus this
leads to behaviors a person would not engage
in if the drug was not used might lead to the following:
Anti-social behaviour
Being overly loud, lack of respect for the elders,
societal and school rules, public drinking.
Unprotected Sex
Everything is beautiful with alcohol including unprotected
sex will lead to sexually transmitted
diseases, unwanted pregnancies and worst of
all, HIV/AIDS.
Rape
Girls can be taken advantage of when drunk and
boys when drunk might not take no for an answer
and use violence to get sex.
Drop in school and sporting performance
This is caused by pre-occupation of drugging activities,
and resultant health problems like headaches,
red eyes, tiredness, cramps, itchy body
and insomnia.
Unrealised goals
This is associated with school drop out, unplanned
pregnancy, HIV/AIDS being expelled
from sporting codes because of doping etc.
Taking unnecessary risks
Teenagers are naturally associated with risks but
with drug abuse these are worsened. These are
associated with speed and driving under the influence
of drugs which might lead to arrest and
criminal record, walking alone at night in unsafe
places and experimenting with other illegal
drugs.
IMPORTANCE OF LIFE SKILLS
This is where life skills play an important role.
Teenagers have to be trained in assertiveness,
decision making, communication, anger and
stress management amongst the few. This
would helpfully prepare them for life pressures
and other challenges.
Alternatives
These cannot be over – emphasised. It is important
and necessary to involve teenagers in
extra – mural activities like sport, drama, poetry,
debates, music, camps and volunteering. These
activities will in most instances divert teenagers
from drug abuse and control obesity.
Thus teenagers are encouraged to say “Ke Moja
– I’m fine without drugs”.
FOR HELP CONTACT
SANCA (011) 781 6410

Overcoming Stress
It can be done!
Very often, the pressure to perform
well academically, can leave one feeling
overwhelmed and sometimes, quite
hopeless. Stress and depression is
one of the biggest causes of suicide
amongst young adults each year. According
to The Suicide and Depression
Group of South Africa, academic-related
suicide in particular, is the second leading
cause of death amongst students in
the country.
You may be feeling the effects of stressinducing
activities such as examinations
– or making those all-important
career decisions – but it is important to
know that you are not alone. We have
all encountered stress at some point or
other in our lives, and we all have different
ways of coping with it. Some people
are, for example, able to relieve their
stress by taking a hot bath, listening to
music or exercising.
For many other however, dealing with
academic, professional or social pressure
is not as simple as going for a run
or screaming into a pillow. For certain
people, the effects of stress extend
beyond the psychological realm to the
physical. Skin breakouts, hair loss and
constant headaches are common symptoms
of stress, yet, as any doctor will tell
you, there are ways to deal with these
issues.
Symptoms that should however, ring
the alarm bells are excessive sleeping,
social withdrawal and substance
abuse. These symptoms may indicate
that stress levels are extremely high
and need to be monitored, and if left untreated,
could lead to depression.
Some of the most common causes of
stress amongst young adults are:
Academic Pressure
The pressure to perform well at school,
university or college, whilst at the same
time balancing the pressures of your social
life, family life and extra-mural activities
can often leave students feeling
overwhelmed and inadequate.
Transition to Adulthood
The transition into adulthood can be
very trying. Being caught between your
carefree teenage days and the responsibility
of adulthood, not to mention the
expectations of parents and peers, can
be stressful to say the least, as you try
to make sense of who you are and what
you are going to do with your life.
Social Pressure
Most young adults are familiar with the
need to ‘be cool’ and fi t in. Unfortunately,
very often, the need to ‘fi t in’ and
to be socially accepted by your peers,
include over-indulging in alcohol, drugs
and sex. Alcohol abuse in particular, is a
major source of depression and
suicide amongst young adults.
For many people in this situation, it may
be hard, or near impossible to see the
light at the end of the tunnel. It is very
important to realise that you do not have
to deal with it on your own. One of the
simplest ways of dealing with stress issues
is to talk to someone – be it your
parents, a friend or a counsellor.
Here are a few tips that can help reduce
your stress levels – and it’s as simple
as making a few adjustments to your
lifestyle. Even if you are not readily affected
by stress, you can still use them
to promote a healthier
lifestyle.
Eat Properly
Make sure your diet includes lots of
water, fresh fruit and vegetables. Try
and abstain from tea, coffee and fi zzy
drinks. Remember, a healthy body
equals a healthy mind.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting at least 7 hours of sleep (although
8 is ideal) is important so that
life skills
155

life skills
156
your mind and body can rest. You will
wake up feeling relaxed, revitalised with
improved energy and mental capacity.
Getting too little sleep will make you
sluggish, lethargic and impact on your
metabolism negatively.
Give Yourself a Break
Set intervals for yourself during study
periods to stress your legs, go for a walk
(it is amazing what a little bit of fresh air
can do!) or have a bite to eat. Don’t be
afraid to take a 20 minute “power nap”
if you are feeling tired and sleepy – you
will wake up feeling rejuvenated and as
though you slept for a solid 8 hours.
Maintain a Positive Outlook
No matter how bleak and hopeless the
situation may seem, always try to maintain
an optimistic outlook – remember
– you WILL get through it.
Helpline
The South African Depression and
Anxiety Group Tel: 011 783 1474
Overcoming Stress (continued)

Stress and You – It Doesn’t Have to Win!
Going to university, staying in res, and
having new responsibilities and expectations
can be very stressful. You may
feel like you can’t cope but don’t want to
tell anyone how you feel. The good news
is – you are not alone, even though you
may feel like no-one understands you.
Stress is what happens when the demands
on you exceed your coping resources.
Just like you can’t fi t 2L of liquid
into a 1L bottle, YOU ARE HUMAN and
can only do so much. Everyone is different
and it is important to know how much
you can handle and what causes stress.
We all react differently to stressors, and
there are some things we manage well
and other things, even trivial things, we
don’t deal well with at all. While stress
can be a good thing to keep us on our
toes, too much stress can have a negative
effect on our minds, bodies and performance.
Research shows that almost 70% of
students feel highly stressed and 82%
feel they have to live up to the expectations
of others. These statistics, while
frightening, indicate that most students
are stressed, feel out of their depth and
believe they are not coping. Some of the
reasons students give for feeling this
way are: they feel OVERWHELMED by
school or university work, they spend
too much time on sport, they feel they
need to act a certain way in order to
be accepted by friends, and they don’t
have enough money.
There is a BIG JUMP in the pressure
and workload from school to university.
While you may have done well at
school, you can now fi nd yourself just
barely scraping a pass. This is normal
– it is important to get support from your
student representative council (SRC)
and your lecturers.
Fortunately there are steps you can
take to reduce your stress levels. Firstly,
it is important to talk to someone about
how you feel. This helps you get a fresh
perspective and prevents you from feeling
isolated. Plan and take REGULAR
BREAKS when working. Remember
to work consistently – this helps prevent
panic setting in when exams come
around. List the issues, put them in
order of importance and explore alternate
approaches. List practical options,
weigh them up, decide on a course of
action – and do it!
DISTANCE YOUR STRESS. Ask yourself
how much this will really matter a
few years from now. Exaggerate your
stress – picture the worst that can happen.
How likely is it to happen? Do
something physical – work off stress.
Exercise not only helps you get fi t and
keep in shape, it also clears your head
and helps you cope better with stress.
Remember, there is always someone
who can help you.
You can call the South African Depression
and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on
(011)783 1474/6, from 8:00am until
8:00pm, 7 days a week.
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157

life skills
Disability in the workplace
158
Enjoying a successful career, despite
living with a disability
Employment Solutions started as an arts
and craft centre to the Phyllis Robertson
Home and developed into a protective
workshop that created jobs for people
with physical disabilities. These jobs
were primarily aimed at keeping them
occupied and cared for. At the end of
1995 this service was nearly closed because
of continuous financial deficits.
From January 1996 changes took place
to aggressively implement the developmental
approach in building a resource
in the community. A focus on business
principles was implemented. All activities
focused on the capacity building of
people with disabilities, through:
• Providing a stable, self-sustaining
and real working environment.
• Utilising the Workshop as a passage
to job placement in the open labour
market.
• Placing people with disabilities in the
broader labour market.
Employment Solutions was registered
as a Section 21 Company and started
functioning independently in April 1999.
In accordance with the regulations all
“profit” is utilised to create employment
for people with disabilities. The Board of
Directors consists of volunteers providing
their time and expertise without any
financial gain.
The company generates revenue
through contracts, serving primarily the
automotive and manufacturing industry.
The contracts consist of:
• Mechanical and electric assemblies
– Rainwater Distribution
• Sorting and packaging for the local
as well as overseas market
– Placecol
• Mail collating and envelope stuffing
– Dry Bean Producers’ Organisation
• Cutting of various materials to specification
– ABB Powertech
• Wrapping of high finish components
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
– Bosal Africa
Manufacturing of upholstery for
medical equipment – Medfurn
Manufacturing leather gear knobs
and steering wheels – Automotive
Leather Company (Nissan)
Sewing – AST (Mining Industry)
Packaging and sealing – Alco Safe
Data-capturing – Virbac
Finishing of plastic components
– Blinex
Scanning of documents – Vodacom
Benefits to companies utilising the
above mentioned services, include:
• Commitment to adhere to quality
standards, specified by the companies
• Stable and committed workforce,
consisting of 140 persons with disabilities
• Production orientation with production
cells dedicated to their
products
• Competitive pricing
• Reduction of in-house complexity
• Outsourcing of “nuisance” operations,
foreign to their mainstream
business
• Compliance to the requirements of
the Employment Equity Act
• BEE compliance. Employment Solutions
is registered as a level 4 contributor
to BEE with a procurement
level of 100%, and a total BEE score
of 65.
In order to continue improving the economic
situation of more people with disabilities,
businesses and companies
are invited to outsource their “nuisance”
activities or employ people with disabilities.
Outsourcing could be done through:
• Having the work done at Employment
Solutions’ premises
•
Having a unit of Employment Solutions’
personnel, supervised by an
Employment Solutions supervisor,
on the company’s own premises.
This concept is now

•
successfully functioning at Panda
Confection for 18 months.
Vision:
To empower people with disabilities
through integrated employment
Mission:
The mission of Employment Solutions
is to empower people with disabilities
in the Gauteng North region, through
integrated employment:
• To establish and maintain sustainable
workshops for people with disabilities
• To manage employment units consisting
of people with disabilities, inside
companies
• To facilitate the placement of people
with disabilities in the labour market
• To enhance and promote mobility of
people with disabilities
Isabel Pieterse, 55, is the Operations
Director of Employment Solutions, a
commendable position in itself. What
is even more admirable is the fact that
Isabel is a quadriplegic.
31 years ago a train crashed into the
Pieterse family’s car, leaving Isabel’s
husband and 11 month old daughter
with serious head injuries and her with
a damaged spinal cord binding her to
a wheelchair. Due to the extent of her
injuries Isabel could no longer fulfi l her
duties as staff sergeant at the SANDF.
Specialised hand surgery restored
grip in her right hand and enabled her
to occupy her time at home with wood
carving and tapestry making. During
this time Isabel and her husband were
blessed with another baby girl. Sadly
Mr Pieterse passed away just a month
after this happy occasion.
About 10 years after the accident Isabel
attended computer training classes at
the old HF Verwoerd Hospital, enabling
her to enter the job market once again.
She joined Employment Solutions as
a member of staff in the workshop and
was promoted to Workshop Manager
after 15 years – a position she held until
recently being appointed Operations
Director.
Q: What are some of the challenges
for persons disabilities in the workplace?
A: Establishing the routine of going to
work and developing self-discipline and
a sense of responsibility in completing
required tasks. Persons with disabilities
often have to work 3 times as hard to
prove their worth or sometimes only because
it takes that much longer to perform
a task to the expected standard.
Q: What measures should be taken
by companies wishing to employ a
person with disability?
A: If that person is in a
wheelchair, the fi rst adjustment
should be made to
the buildings to provide
wheelchair ramps,
wheelchair accessible
restrooms etc.
For all persons
with disabilities
though the most
important adjustment
is that they
will always need
a person able to
provide assistance
whenever required.
Q: What are the
benefi ts of being a
person with disability?
A: Because you can’t
rush around so much
anymore, you are
more focussed on the
people around you,
and what they need
rather than your own
feelings of despair.
life skills
Disability in the workplace (continued)
159

life skills
160

Q: Should persons with disabilities
state the extent of their disability
when applying for a job?
A: Yes, defi nitely. Honesty is the best
policy. If a potential employer invites a
person with disability for an interview,
changes are that they have already
decided to look past the disability or at
least allow the person a chance.
Q: Should a company or the person
with disability him/herself provide
the necessary tools to make their job
as easy as possible?
A: In my opinion the company should
provide the tools, as these are usually
very expensive. Persons living with
disabilities and hunting for jobs should
however not be deterred by the unavailability
of these tools – they should
rather seek employment fi rst and then
negotiate the procurement/usage of
necessary tools.
Q: What are the transport options
available for persons with disabilities?
A: Where at all possible they should try
to manage their own transport, whether
by using public transport or asking
a friend or family member to transport
them. Some companies provide staff
transport, but this is a privilege, not a
right, and should be used as such.
Q: Why should persons with disabilities
strive to fi nd employment rather
than depend on government grants
only?
A: Being at home the whole day does
not allow for much social interaction outside
of your family, and this can cause
your world to become very small. There
is also too little physical or intellectual
stimulation. Being employed, whether
full time or part time, results in feelings
of self-worth and teaches self-discipline.
It is the best way of integrating persons
with disabilities into the broader society.
Q: What measures can be taken to
overcome or lessen the effect of disabilities
in preparation for entering
the job market?
A: Family and friends of the person
living with a disability should not pamper
the person to such an extent that
they have perceived less responsibility
in life. Therapists and other tools will
prove ineffective if the person does not
make the decision to be responsible for
their own destiny.
A disability does not give you the right to
demand special treatment – nobody is
under any obligation to help you. People
with disabilities should also not live
in the past but embrace the present and
plan for the future.
life skills
Disability in the workplace (continued)
161

life skills
Make your move - loveLife
164
It’s in the first five years after leaving
school that young people - especially
young women - are at highest risk of
HIV infection. Those school-leavers who
choose to seek and seize opportunities
in order to shape their futures and build
their careers are less likely to contract
HIV, writes THANDIWE McCLOY.
School days come with bursts of activity
like attending classes, studying for tests
and exams, completing homework and
engaging in a range of enjoyable sporting
and cultural activities. As they progress
from one grade to another, many learners
are motivated by thoughts of going
on to tertiary study and pursuing their
career dreams.
But unfortunately, on finishing their last
matric exam, many of them end up sitting
at home bored, hopeless and with
nothing to do because their parents can’t
afford to give them a tertiary education.
It’s easy for young people in situations
like these to lose hope in the future believing
they’ll never obtain opportunities
to pursue the lives, jobs, salaries
and career success they yearn for. One
of the major reasons why the greatest
jump in HIV infection is associated with
school - leaving is because hundreds of
them perceive that life offers no opportunities
for them. By believing there are
no opportunities - no jobs, learnerships,
internships, scholarships, bursaries,
study loans or even volunteer work for
them - they are more likely to take risks
which could lead to HIV because they
think they have nothing to live for. They
have a high chance of holding on to destructive
attitudes which say: “So what if
I get HIV? Life, the world and my future
have nothing to offer me.”
Opportunities do exist for young people
- but they need to take action to make
the most of them. Every effort needs to
be made to inform youth of available
study and career opportunities. Businesses
need to increasingly play their
part in providing youth with support in
order to help them access jobs, learnerships,
internships, entrepreneurial skills
as well as bursaries and scholarships.
Young people should be encouraged to
become volunteers in order to gain skills
which will help them generate incomes
in future.
In this way, more young people will carry
attitudes which say: “I may be from
a disadvantaged background, but despite
my circumstances I’ll try my best
to seize opportunities to live a better,
brighter life.” By carrying confident, optimistic
attitudes, they are more likely
to value themselves and their lives too
much to take risks which could lead to
HIV or negatively impact their futures
loveLife’s public relations officer, Goodman
Chauke (28) is from Jimmy Jones’
Village, a small rural village in Limpopo.
Growing up, he had no water or electricity,
but his family owned a radio and it
was through listening to it that he decided
to pursue a career in communications.
“There was no career guidance at
my school, and I’m one of only five people
in my matric class who went on to
tertiary education after finishing school.
I studied hard in matric so I could get
good marks to be able to get financial
assistance to study at university. I wanted
to go to university so I could lead a
better life. I knew what I wanted for my
future.”
Once he managed to access a study
loan from the National Student’s Financial
Aid Scheme, he went on to study
communications at the University of
South Africa. “I felt so fulfilled once I
graduated because I’d worked so hard
to get my degree. I enjoy being a PR officer
because I get to talk to the masses
through the media. Young people in my
community look up to me because I’m
one of the few people in my area with a
degree. More efforts should be made to
provide young people, especially in rural
areas, with career guidance and information
on how to access study loans
and bursaries.”
continues on page 168

life skills
Nicro
166
Established in 1910, NICRO celebrates
96 years of dedicated service to the
people of South Africa and a remarkable
history of exceptional accomplishments.
An outright leader in its fi eld, a
national non-governmental organisation
providing comprehensive crime reduction
and prevention services throughout
South Africa. It is our vision to build and
strengthen a democratic society, based
on human rights principles, through
crime prevention and people centred
development.
The organisation is committed to
and celebrates many years of active
involvement in the transformation of
South Africa. Its history is marked by
the growing and changing nature of
its services, which today, continue
to respond dynamically and rapidly
to the changing needs of South African’s
people and its communities.
NICRO regards crime as a threat to democracy
and individual rights. Through
people-centred development initiatives
and support services to victims of crime,
offenders and communities, NICRO
strengthens a human rights culture and
contributes signifi cantly towards creating
a safer South Africa by engaging in
direct service delivery, capacity building,
lobbying and advocacy as well as
research.
Goals and Objectives
NICRO is actively committed to respecting
the growth, dignity and equality of
each individual and to gender parity, focusing
especially on those issues that
cause crime. To this end the organisation
strives at all times towards:
•
•
Promoting restorative justice (restoring
the balance affected by crime
rather than practicing retributive justice)
and people-centred development;
Preventing and reducing crime
through ongoing, accessible and ef-
•
•
•
•
•
fective service delivery;
Contributing meaningfully towards
streamlining the criminal justice system
(a key focus), policymaking and
legislation in South Africa;
Involving the organisation in the investigation
into and the improvement
of the rights of arrested, charged and
convicted persons as well as the victims
of crime;
Networking, developing and
strengthening strategic partnerships
and increasing organisational capacity
through collaborative efforts
with business and government, as
well as ensuring the active involvement
of members of the community,
community groups and civil society;
Focusing on under-resourced areas
and providing needs-driven services
where they are required most; and
Adopting an evidence - based approach
in all that we do.
The organisation’s interventions, in their
totality, are aimed at:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Encouraging and promoting community
participation and community
building;
Offering people-centred development
opportunities;
Making the offender aware of harm
caused to the victim(s);
Holding the offender accountable for
his/her behaviour and actions;
Assisting offenders to take responsibility
on an individual level;
Involving all those affected in the
criminal justice process;
Considering and addressing the
needs of victims; and
Nurturing a culture that values personal
morality and encourages accountability
and responsibility.
NICRO PROGRAMMES
NICRO renders core services in terms
of three national programmes:
1.
The Offender Reintegration

Programme supports offenders
and former offenders in their efforts
towards constructive living,
by strengthening their capacity to
make amends and assisting them
in becoming responsible, productive
citizens. The aim of NICRO’s
innovative Offender Reintegration
Programme is to facilitate the return
of former offenders to their families
and communities and their successful
reintegration into society through
the provision of an integrated, comprehensive
developmental and
social service to incarcerated persons,
released prisoners and their
families. This includes services
amid at economic empowerment by
equipping clients with the necessary
skills and support for economic reengagement
or to start and develop
sustainable micro enterprises.
2. The Diversion and Youth Development
Programme channels
young offenders away from the formal
criminal justice system by utilising
alternative sentencing options,
while simultaneously addressing the
needs of high-risk youth;
3.
Alternative Non-Custodial Sentencing
offers courts a viable and
effective sentencing option through
appropriate programme interventions
to reduce re-offending.
NICRO programmes specifi cally target
socially vulnerable groups: youth offenders,
high-risk young people, incarcerated
persons, former offenders and
victims of crime and violence, more
especially abused women. The vast
majority, some 95% of NICRO’s benefi -
ciaries, hails from marginalised, impoverished
communities while at least 65%
are female. Benefi ciary communities
are characterised by under- or undeveloped
infrastructure, poor housing and a
severe lack of amenities and recreational
opportunities. The number of single
parent families is also signifi cantly high.
Social problems include illiteracy, substance
abuse, gang violence, very high
incidents of crime, the abuse of women
and children, and a high rate of teenage
pregnancies. High unemployment rates
and poverty are frequently the most taxing
of the challenges with which our clients
are faced.
In addition to direct service delivery or
interventions aimed at individual benefi -
ciaries, NICRO’s work also incorporates
research, advocacy and lobbying, and
widespread community education, outreach
and awareness initiatives.
Tel: (021) 462-0017
Fax: (021) 462-2447
E-mail: info@nicro.co.za
Website: www.nicro.org.za
life skills
167

life skills
168
Koketso Semelane (18) from Springs in
Gauteng says her dream is to become
a chartered accountant. Her excellent
results have earned her a bursary to
study towards a B.Comm (Accounting
Sciences) at the University of Pretoria.
“Most people who matriculated with me
have chosen not to study further. They
are tired of studying and some of them
say that once they’ve worked for a while,
they’ll go back to studying,” she says.
“But I’ve seen several cases of people
who can’t bring themselves to study
once they’ve started working. I’ve decided
to study further because I know
that getting a good education will help
me get a good job. I want a bright future
for myself.”
Negative beliefs around lack of opportunity
put both recently matriculated
young men and women at very high risk
of HIV. But young women who have recently
finished school carry a heavier
burden than men, and are at especially
high risk of HIV infection.
YOUNG, FEMALE SCHOOL-LEAV-
ERS AT SUCH HIGH RISK OF HIV-IN-
FECTION?
•
•
On leaving school, many young
women feel pressure to contribute
to their family’s income so have sex
with “sugar daddies” – older, wealthier
men – in exchange for money or
gifts. Having a relationship with an
older man increases a young woman’s
risk of HIV infection because an
older man has had more partners.
As these women are economically
dependent on these older men, they
are afraid to demand condom - use
or stand up to infidelity which increases
their risk of HIV infection.
While in school, girls have ample
ways to feel good about themselves
through excelling in exams, sport
or musically. As many don’t have
the money to pursue tertiary studies
once they finish school, they
find themselves feeling hopeless
and helpless about what the future
holds, which dents their self-esteem.
They then choose to find a sense of
self-worth and affirmation in being a
mother - which requires unprotected
sex - and so their risk of contracting
HIV increases.
The first sexual experience of girls (30%)
in South Africa was forced. In a situation
where a sexual encounter is forced,
there is less likelihood that condoms will
be used. South African culture is generally
male-dominated, with women given
a lower status than men. Men are socialised
to believe that women are inferior
and should be under their control,
while women are brought up to over-respect
men and act submissively towards
them. An unequal power relation results
between the sexes, which gives women
little or no power to protect themselves
by insisting on condom-use.

skills & education
Skills and Education plays an important role in any society.
This chapter examines the state of skills and education
in South Africa, which has changed dramatically over the
last 14 years. There are many questions. What exactly is
the current status of skills in South Africa? Is the education
system fulfi lling the needs of an expanding labour market?
What is the role of Learnerships in addressing these skills
shortages? Why has the face of education been transformed?
Read and fi nd out...

skills & education
Skills Update
170
Skills Update 2008
Government has in recent years, placed
a spotlight on the state of skills in South
Africa. The reason for this is that in the
last decade or so, the economy has
experienced exponential growth and
development, and with the national
strategy ASGISA in place, this growth is
expected to increase dramatically in the
next few years. The economy however,
is seen to not have enough skilled individuals
to keep up with the demand, and
forecasted demand of skills needed to
deliver on the aspirations of ASGISA.
In this chapter we take a look at the
state of South African skills. The definition
of scarce and critical skills, what
skills are in short supply, jobs that are in
high demand as well as those that are
not and the strategies that have been
implemented to curb the crises that is
threatening to hinder the economic
growth and competitiveness of our developing
nation.
You may be wondering why this information
is so important, and how it’s going
to impact on you. By being informed
about what skills are needed most now
as well as years from now, you will be
able to make career choices and know
that once you have graduated, you will
almost certainly be guaranteed to find a
job. Or if you were perhaps considering
a career path in which there is an oversupply
of skilled individuals, you may
want to reconsider your decision.
What is a Skill?
According to “Skills Development Strategy
for Economic Growth in South Africa”
(Green Paper, 1997), a skill is defined
as the necessary competencies
that can be expertly applied in a particular
context for a defined purpose, which
include:
Practical Competencies – the ability
to perform a set of tasks.
Foundational Competencies – the
ability to understand what we or others
are doing and why.
Reflexive Competencies – the ability
to understand, integrate or connect
our performance with of others,
so that we can learn from our actions
and are able to adapt to change and
unforeseen circumstances.
The Challenge of Unemployment
Unemployment poses a serious challenge
to the socio-economic growth of
millions of South Africans. The country’s
unemployment rate continues to hover
around the 26% mark, despite the
fact that 540 000 jobs were created in
2006.
According to the Labour Force Survey,
2007, in the year to March 2007, the
number of employed persons rose from
12 451 000 in March 2006 to 12 648
000 in March
2007.
The latest available statistics indicate
that reasons for unemployment range
from many individuals still being at
school, to those who simply cannot find
work. These constituted the bulk of the
unemployed, at about 37% each, while
the balance was made up of those being
too young or old to work, retired individuals,
homemakers as well as the ill
and disabled.
Despite the enormous amount of jobs
created in 2006 and still being created
as investor confidence continues to
climb, the fact of the matter remains
– the millions of people who were deprived
the right to basic education during
the apartheid years, continue to bear
the brunt, and this will have a negative
impact on the unemployment rate for
years to come.
The South African Skills Situation
The skills situation in South Africa is
two-fold. On the one hand there exists a

situation where the supply of labour exceeds
the demand. On the other hand,
the supply for skilled labour is not being
met.
This is known as a skills gap, and is defi
ned as a situation in which an employer
is unable to fi ll vacancies in a specifi c occupation,
due to an insuffi cient number
of available workers with the necessary
qualifi cations and expertise.
Government has identifi ed the shortage
of skills as “the greatest single impediment
for both the public infrastructure
and private investment programmes”
and has accused the education and
skills development institutions of failing
to catch up with the current acceleration
of economic growth.
Skills that have been identifi ed as in
short supply include professional skills
such as Engineers and Scientists; Financial,
Personnel and Project Managers;
and skilled technical employees
such as Artisans and IT Technicians.
Scarce and Critical Skills
Scarce skills are usually measured in
terms of occupation or qualifi cation. Both
‘occupation’ and ‘qualifi cation’ have the
merit of being relatively straightforward
to measure and readily understood.
while ‘critical’ skills refer to particular
capabilities needed within an occupation,
for example, general management
skills, communication and customer
handling skills, team-work skills, communication
technology skills.
There is also a distinction between absolute
and relative scarcity.
Absolute scarcity refers to suitably
skilled people who are not available in
the labour market. Specifi c contexts in
which absolute scarcities may arise include:
A new or emerging occupation, i.e. there
are few, if any, people in the country with
the requisite skills.
skills & education
Firms, sectors and even the national
economy are unable to implement
planned growth strategies because
productivity, service delivery and quality
problems are directly attributable to a
lack of skilled people.
Replacement demand would refl ect an
absolute scarcity where there are no
people enrolled or engaged in the process
of acquiring skills that need to be
replaced (DoL, 2006c).
Relative scarcity refers, for example,
to the context where suitably skilled
people are in fact available in the labour
market but they do not exhibit other employment
criteria, for example:
• High-level work experience, for example
project management of large
construction sites such as dams or
power plants.
•
Geographical location, for example,
people are unwilling to
work outside of urban areas.
Scarce Skills in South Africa
What skills, therefore, are in short
supply in South Africa? The National
Scarce Skills List (below) was
prepared by the Department of Labour
drawing relevant data from SETA
Sector Skills Plans. Contributions were
received from several other government
departments, including Home Affairs
and the Departments of Trade and Industry,
Public Enterprises and Science
and Technology. Additional data obtained
from other government departments
was used largely to validate the
scarcities identifi ed in the SETA Sector
Skills Plans that had been highlighted in
the National Scarce Skills List.
Skills Update (continued)
171

19
L earn erships
When opportunity knocks,
open the door!
Fasset is the Sector Education and Training Authority for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other Financial Services. Fasset
encourages and drives skills development in the sector through various initiatives, including the vitally important aspect of learnerships.
A learnership is a work-based education and training programme that relates to an occupation. It combines structured institutional learning
(theory) and structured workplace experience (practical) and culminates in a NQF registered competence, which is nationally recognised.
The learnerships that fall within Fasset`s sectors are listed and further information regarding participation in any one of these learnerships
can be obtained from the relevant contact person. However, respondees should not direct job applications to the learnership offi ces as these
cannot be dealt with.
Learnership NLRD No NQF
Level
1 Professional Qualifi cation Chartered
Certifi ed Accountant
2 Certifi cate: Accounting Technician 20397 5 01/Q01001300/390/5
3 Professional Qualifi cation: Chartered
Management Accountant
4 National Diploma: Management
Accounting
Learnership Code Contact Person
20399 7 01/Q010005/00/780/7 Association of Chartered Certifi ed Accountants
(ACCA )
Ms Tonia Couloubis
(011) 459 1900
couloubis@acca.org.za
20400 7 01/Q010012/00/930/7 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
(CIMA )
24406 6 01/Q010017/00/240/6
Ms Charleen Davids
(011) 268 2555
charleen.davids@cimaglobal.com
20392 7 01/Q010007/00/480/7 South African Institute of Professional Accountants
(SAIPA)
5 National Certifi cate: Business Accounting 24418 5 01/Q010016/00/120/5
6 Post Graduate Professional Qualifi cation:
Professional Accountant in Business
7 Post Graduate Diploma: Professional
Accountant in Practice
( )
20391 7 01/Q010008/00/480/7
Mr Moin Khan
(011) 207 7840
mkhan@saipa.co.za
8 Certifi cate: Accounting Technician 20402 5 01/Q010018/00/241/5 FASSET
Ms Susan Harper
susan.harper@aat.org.uk
9 Certifi cate for Registered Accounting Clerk 20362 3 01/Q010014/00/120/3
10 Certifi cate for Registered Bookkeeper 20363 4 01/Q010015/00/120/4
11 National Diploma: Technical Financial
Accounting
36213 5 01/Q010022/28/251/5
12 National Certifi cate: Small Business
Financial Management
48736 4 01/Q010023/24/120/4
13 Certifi cate: Offi ce Administration 23618 5 01/Q010021/00/120/5
Institute of Certifi ed Bookkeepers (ICB)
Wedaad Shira
(021) 421 1110
enquiries@icb.org.za
14 Certifi cate: Public Sector Accounting 20352 4 01/Q010019/00/120/4 IPFA
Ms Karen Prinsloo
15 Diploma: Public Sector Accounting 20353 5 01/Q010020/00/240/5
(012) 470 9450
Karen@ipfa.co.za
16 Chartered Accountant: Auditing 48913 7 01/Q010001/00/480/7 South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
(SAICA)
Mr Gerald Ndlovu
17 Chartered Accountant:
48912 7 01/Q010002/00/480/7
(011) 621 6600
Financial Management
geraldn@saica.co.za
18 FET Certifi cate: Debt Recovery 49021 4 01/Q010024/26/149/4 FASSET
Mr Aboo Amod
(011) 476 8570
aboo.amod@fasset.org.za
19 Certifi cate: General Internal Auditing 20359 7 01/Q010025/00/120/7 Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Mr Lawrence Chetty
(011) 450 1040
lawrence@iiasa.org.za
F A S S E T
www.fasset.org.za | tel: 0861010001

skills & education
174
National Scarce Skills List 2007 by Occupational Group
Table 1: Managers
Occupation
Chief Executives, General
Managers and Legislators
Farm Managers
Specialist Managers
Construction, Distribution
and Production / Operations
Managers
Education, Health and Welfare
Services Managers
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Managers
Small Business, Office, Programme
and Project Managers
Hospitality, Retail and Service
Managers
Specialisation
• Chief Executives and Managing Directors
(inc for tertiary institutions)
• General Managers (inc Senior Government
officials – National, Local and Education)
• Legislative (Local Government Counsellors)
• Crop Farmers
• Livestock Farmers
• Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers
• Advertising, Marketing and Sales Managers
• Corporate (Administration & Business)
Services Managers
• Finance Managers Inc Municipal Finance
Managers and Audit Managers)
• Human Resource Managers
(inc Training Managers)
• Policy and Planning Managers
(inc Legal Services Managers)
• Research and Development Managers
Construction Managers (inc Technical Project
Managers)
Engineering Managers and Engineering Project
Managers
Importers, Exporters and Wholesalers
Production / Operations Managers (inc Mine
Managers)
Supply and Distribution Managers (inc Logistics
Managers)
Principals
Other Education Manager (Faculty Heads – Commerce,
Science and Engineering)
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) Managers
Contract, Programme and Project Managers
Call or Contact Centre Managers
Small Business Managers
Office, Unit and Practice Managers
Retail Managers (inc Post Office Managers)
Amusement, Fitness and Sports Centre Managers
Event and Conference Managers (Organisers)
Transport Services Managers
Skills Update (continued)

Table 2: Professionals
Occupation
Arts and Media Professionals
Accountants, Auditors and
Company Secretaries
Financial Brokers
Human Resource and Training
Professionals
Information and Organisation
Professionals
Sales, Marketing and Public
Relations Professionals
Air and Marine Transport
Professionals
Architects, Designers, Planners
and Surveyors
Engineering Professionals
Natural and Physical Science
Professionals
Specialisation
skills & education
• Music Professionals
• Photographers
• Authors (inc Script Writers)
• Film, Television, Radio and Stage Directors
• Journalists, Other Writers and Editors
• Accountants
• Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate
Treasurers
• Financial Investment Advisers and Managers
(inc Risk Analysts)
• Human Resource Professionals
• ICT Trainers
• Training and Development Professionals (inc.
Skills Development Facilitators)
• Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians
• Economists
• Intelligence and Policy Analysts
• Land Economists and Valuers
• Management and Organisation Analysts
• LED Offi cers
• Advertising and Marketing Professionals
• ICT Sales Professionals
• Public Relations Professionals
• Technical Sales Representatives
• Air Transport Professionals
• Marine Transport Professionals
• Architects and Landscape Architects
• Cartographers and Surveyors
• Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators
• Interior Designers
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Chemical and Materials Engineers and
Technologists
• Civil Engineering Professionals
• Electrical Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Industrial, Mechanical and Production
Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists
• Environmental Scientists
Skills Update (continued)
175

skills & education
176
School Teachers
Higher Education Lecturers
Other Education and Training
Professionals
Health Diagnostic and
Promotion Professionals
Midwifery and Nursing
Professionals
Business and Systems
Analysts, and Programmers
Database and Systems
Administrators, and ICT
Security Specialists
ICT Network and Support
Professionals
Legal Professionals
Social and Welfare
Professionals
Agricultural, Medical and
Science Technicians
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Life Scientists
• Medical and Laboratory scientists
• Veterinarians
• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School)
• Foundation Phase School Teachers
• Intermediate and Senior Phase School
Teacher
• Further Education and Training Teachers and
Trainers (inc Schooling and FET College
lecturers)
• Special Education Teachers
• Higher Education Lecturers
• Education and Training Advisors
• Private Tutors and Teachers
• Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages
• Vocational or Occupational Instructors and
Trainers (inc ABET trainers)
• Medical Imaging Professionals
• Occupational and Environmental Health
Professionals
• Pharmacists (inc Pharmacist Assistants)
• Registered Nurses
• ICT Business and Systems Analysts
• Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers
• Software and Applications Programmers
• Database and Systems Administrators, and
ICT Security Specialists
• Computer Network Professionals
• ICT Support and Test Engineers
• Telecommunications Engineering
Professionals
• Attorneys, Solicitors and Paralegals
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Agricultural Technicians
• Medical Technicians (inc Laboratory
Technicians)
• Chemistry, Food and Beverage Technicians
Skills Update (continued)

Table 3: Technicians and Trades Workers
Occupation
Agricultural, Medical and Science
Technicians
ICT and Telecommunications
Technicians
Manufacturing and Process
Technicians
Automotive Electricians and
Mechanics
Fabrication Engineering
Trades Workers
Mechanical Engineering
Trades Workers
Panelbeaters, and Vehicle
Body Builders, Trimmers and
Painters
Bricklayers, Carpenters and
Joiners
Glaziers, Plasterers and
Tilers
Plumbers
Electrotechnology and
Telecommunications Trades
Workers
Electricians
Electronics and Telecommunications
Trades Workers
Specialisation
skills & education
• Agricultural Technicians
• Medical Technicians (inc Laboratory
Technicians)
• Chemistry, Food and Beverage Technicians
• Safety Inspectors
• ICT Support Technicians
• Telecommunications Technical Specialists
• Manufacturing Technicians
• Automotive Electricians
• Motor Mechanics
• Sheetmetal Trades Workers
• Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
(inc Boilermakers & Welders)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
• Metal Fitters and Machinists (inc Mechanics)
• Precision Metal Trades Workers (inc
Instrument Mechanics)
• Toolmakers and Engineering Patternmakers
(inc Moulders and Tool, Jig and Die Makers)
• Millwrights and Mechatronics Trades Workers
• Panelbeaters
• Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers
• Vehicle Painters
• Bricklayers and Stonemasons
• Carpenters and Joiners
• Plasterers
• Wall and Floor Tilers
• Plumbers
• Domestic Radio and Television Mechanic
• Electricians (inc Armature Winders)
• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
• Electrical Distribution Trades Workers
• Electronics Trades Workers
Skills Update (continued)
177

skills & education
178
Food Trades Workers
Agricultural Produce Graders
and Supervisors
Printing Trades Workers
Other Technicians and
Trades Workers
Plant Operators
• Telecommunications Trades Workers
• Bakers and Pastrycooks
• Butchers and Smallgoods Makers
• Cooks
Table 4: Community and Personal Service Workers
Occupation
Health and Welfare Support
Workers
Child Carers and Education
Aides
Personal Carers and Assistants
Hospitality Workers
Defence Force Members,
Fire Fighters and Police
Personal Service and Travel
Workers
Sports and Fitness Workers
• Agricultural Produce Evaluators and Brokers
• Binders, Finishers and Screen Printers
• Graphic Pre-press Trades Workers
• Printers
• Boat Builders and Shipwrights
• Chemical, Gas, Petroleum, Power Generation
• Gallery, Library and Museum Technicians
• Jewellers
• Performing Arts Technicians
• Optical Laboratory Assistants
Specialisation
• Ambulance Officers and Paramedics
• Welfare Support Workers (inc Community and
Youth Workers)
• Child Carers
• Education Aides
• Dental Assistants
• Gaming Workers
• Waiters and Bartenders
• Emergency and Fire Workers
• Beauty Therapists
• Funeral Workers (inc Funeral Directors)
• Gallery, Museum and Tour Guides
• Tourism and Travel Advisers
• Fitness Instructors
• Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials
Skills Update (continued)

skills & education
Table 5: Clerical and Administrative Workers
Occupation
Specialisation
Skills
Contract, Program, Project • Contract, Program and Project Administrators
and Offi ce Administrators • Offi ce Administrators
Personal Assistants and • Personal Assistants
Secretaries
• Secretaries
Update
General Clerical Workers • General Clerks
• Keyboard Operators
Call or Contact Centre Infor- • Call or Contact Centre Workers
mation Clerks
• Inquiry Clerks (inc Client Services
Administrators)
Receptionists
• Receptionists
(continued)
Accounting Clerks and Bookkeepers
Financial and Insurance
Clerks
Clerical and Offi ce Support
Workers
Purchasing, Supply, Transport
and Despatch Clerks
Other Clerical and Administrative
Workers
Table 6: Sales Workers
Occupation
Insurance Agents and Sales
Representatives
Real Estate Sales Agents
Sales Assistants and Salespersons
Other Sales Support Workers
• Accounting Clerks Bookkeepers
• Financial and Insurance Clerks
• Credit and Loans Offi cers
• Insurance, Money Market and Statistical Clerks
• Couriers and Postal Deliverers
• Mail Sorters
• Survey Interviewers
• Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks
• Transport and Despatch Clerks
• Human Resource Clerks
• Inspectors and Regulatory Offi cers (inc Social
Security Administrators)
• Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and
Risk Surveyors
Specialisation
• Insurance Agents
• Sales Representatives
• Real Estate Sales Agents
• Sales Assistants (General)
• ICT Sales Assistants
• Telemarketers
• Visual Merchandisers
179

skills & education
180
Table 7: Machinery Operators and Drivers
Occupation
Machine Operators
Stationary Plant Operators
Mobile Plant Operators
Automobile, Bus and Rail
Drivers
Delivery Drivers
Truck Drivers
Table 8: Elementary Workers
Cleaners and Laundry Workers
Construction and Mining
Workers
Food Process Workers
Other Factory Process Workers
Farm, Forestry and Garden
Workers
Freight Handlers and Shelf
Fillers
Other Workers
Specialisation
• Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing
Machine Operators
• Industrial Spraypainters
• Chemical Production Machine Operators
• Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators
• Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers
• Engineering Production Systems Workers (inc
Metal Machine Setters)
• Other Stationary Plant Operators (inc. engine/
boiler and bulk materials handling operators)
• Agricultural, Forestry and Horticultural Plant
Operators
• Earthmoving Plant Operators
• Forklift Drivers
• Bus and Coach Drivers
• Delivery Drivers
• Truck Drivers
• Commercial Cleaners
• Housekeepers (Commercial)
• Textile Cleaners
• Carpet and Window Cleaners
• Building and Plumbing Workers
• Concreters (inc Shutterhands)
• Structural Steel Construction Workers
• Other Construction, Mining and Metal Workers
(esp. Riggers)
• Food and Drink Factory Workers
• Meat Boners and Slicers, and Slaughterers
• Product Quality Controllers
• Other Factory Process Workers (inc Chemical
Plant Workers)
• Crop Farm Workers
• Livestock Farm Workers
• Freight and Furniture Handlers
• Deck and Fishing Hands
• Handypersons
Skills Update (continued)

This list refl ects the skills that are most
needed in our country and on which we
need to focus efforts on acquiring and
developing. Overcoming the skills constraints
is going to need a concerted
effort by all South Africans, and it is imperative
that learners, and all South Africans
are made aware of what is needed,
especially in the area of scarce skills
identifi cation.
The Plan of Action
In 2001, the Minister of Labour launched
the National Skills Development Strategy
(NSDS), which is aimed at increasing
industry competitiveness and improving
the life of all South Africans through
the transformation of the education and
training system – by improving both the
quality and quantity of training.
The Skills Development Act
The Skills Development Act (SDA) was
passed in 2000 and aims to develop
and improve the skills of the workforce
and of the unemployed so they may be
employable in the future by:
• Providing a framework for the development
of skills of people at work,
and build these development plans
into the National Qualifi cations
•
Framework;
Implementing Learnerships that lead
to recognised occupational qualifi cations;
and
• Financing of skills development by
means of a levy-grant scheme and a
National Skills Fund (NSF).
National Skills Development Strategy
The NSDS, which led to the establishment
of Sector Education and Training
Authorities (SETAs), was implemented
to address the skills gap between the
current skills base, and that which is
needed to develop a growing economy.
Providing skills and lifelong learning to
the unemployed is an important target
skills & education
of the NSDS, so that they may become
employable and play an active role in
the social and economic advancement
of our country.
“Widening access to Adult Basic Education
and Training (ABET), and the placement
of young, unemployed individuals
into Learnerships has been identifi ed as
key factors in achieving equity and empowering
those disadvantaged by the
Apartheid regime.”
Department of Labour
In brief, the objectives of the NSDS are
to:
• Develop a culture of high quality lifelong
learning;
• Foster skills development in the formal
economy for productivity and
employment growth;
• Stimulate and support skills development
in small business;
• Promote skills development for
employability and sustainable
•
livelihoods through social development
initiatives; and
Assist new entrants into
employment.
In the next chapters we will be
taking a look at the role of
SETAs and Learnerships in
addressing the skills challenges
in more detail.
Skills Update (continued)
181

Learnerships
The Role of Learnerships in Addressing
the Skills Crises
As discussed in the previous chapter,
millions of South Africans who were denied
the right to education in the past,
continue to suffer its effects today, and
as a result, contribute signifi cantly to
the unemployment rate of the country.
As part of the NSDS, Learnerships and
skills development programmes were
implemented to redress this legacy, and
to slowly start building up a workforce
that is equipped with the necessary
skills and competencies to play a more
meaningful socio-economic role.
It is aimed at addressing these Apartheid-related
structural problems of the
labour market, currently characterised
by a low skills base, to one that is characterised
by increasing skills and a culture
of lifelong learning. It is envisioned
that this will ultimately lead to a society
that is able to address its socio-economic
problems of poverty, unemployment,
inequality and disease.
What is a Learnership?
A Learnership is a learning programme
that includes practical work experience
and culminated in a registered qualifi -
cation with the South African Qualifi cations
Authority (SAQA). It is an improvement
on the Apprenticeship Programme
– combining practical work experience
with theoretical training, and upon completion,
candidates are entitled to accreditation
in a particular profession,
skills or qualifi cation.
Simply put, a Learnership programme
offers an effective bridge between
most traditional, full-time learning programmes,
and the practical application
of knowledge. Whilst in the past, much
emphasis was placed on theoretical
knowledge and written examinations,
Learnerships now enable learners to
work towards accreditation while they
are employed. This means that they can
skills & education
actively apply their knowledge they are
gaining in their studies.
Who is eligible?
Any person, 16 years or older, employed
or unemployed, may register for
a Learnership.
• If you are employed, you may register
for any sector-related Learnership
programme in which your company
operates; or
•
If you are unemployed, you may register
for placement in a Learnership
programme at your local labour centre.
The Department of Labour (DoL)
recruits and refers unemployed individuals
who meet the minimum criteria
to employers looking for candidates/
learners.
Who is involved in the Learnership
Programme?
1. The Learner
The learner that is placed in a programme
should sign a learnership agreement
with the employer, stating the rights and
responsibilities of the learner, and commences
with the programme.
2. The Employer
The employer provides the work experience
aspect of the programme and
signs the same Learnership agreement
stating the employer’s rights and responsibilities,
including agreements on
the Learnership allowance.
3. The Training Provider
The training provider provides the training
on behalf of the employer and signs
the same legal agreement stating the
training provider’s rights and responsibilities.
4. The SETA
The relevant SETA organises and facilitates
the funding of the Learnerships
that falls under its auspices.
183

skills & education
184
Who Pays?
Persons wishing to register for a Learnership
programme do not pay anything.
All employers who are registered with
the South African Revenue Services
(SARS) are obligated to pay a Skills
Development Levy, which constitutes
1% of the company or organisation’s
payroll. The Skills Development Levy is
administered by SARS.
How does one apply?
If you are employed, fi nd out what
Learnerships fall in the auspices of the
sector in which you work. Upon deciding
on which Learnership programme
to register for, you will need to enter an
agreement with your employer stating
your rights as a learner, as well as stipulations
of the Learnership allowance.
If you are unemployed, you must register
your profi le at your nearest labour
offi ce, after which you may be referred
to employers who may be looking for
learners to place into programmes.
Refer to the addendum for an updated
list of registered Learnerships.
Learnerships (continued)

Sector Skills Education and Training Authorities
An Overview
SETAs play an important role in the implementation
of the Skills Development
Plan of our country, and in the identifi cation
of priorities for skills development.
SETAs contribute to the raising of the
skills levels. They bring skills to those
that are employed, or those who want to
be employed in a particular sector.
SETAs match skills programmes with
the needs of employers and communities,
understanding that it does not
make economic sense to train people
if they cannot put the acquired skills to
good use.
There are 23 SETAs, established by the
Minster of Labour in 2000, to replace
the 33 Training Boards, which are responsible
for establishing and promoting
Learnerships in a particular sector.
Each SETA serves a clearly defi ned sector
of the economy. A sector comprises
a group of related economic activities.
The South African economy is characterised
by 3 economic sectors:
• Primary – mining and agriculture
• Secondary – construction, utilities
manufacturing and transport
• Services – social and community
services
Table 9: List of SETAs and relevant
economic sectors
AGRISETA - Agriculture
BANKSETA - Banking
CETA - Construction
CHIETA - Chemical
CTFLSETA - Clothing, Textiles, Footwear
and Leather
ESETA - Energy and Water
ETDP SETA - Education, Training and
Development Practices
skills & education
FASSET - Financial and Accounting
FIETA - Forestry
FOODBEV - Food and Beverages
HWSETA - Health and Welfare
INSETA - Insurance
ISETT - Information Systems, Electronics
and Telecommunications Technologies
LGSETA - Local Government
MAPPP - Media, Advertising, Printing,
Publishing and Packaging
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering
and Related Services
MQA - Mining
PSETA - Public Services
SASSETA - Safety and Security
SERVICES SETA - Services
TETA - Transport
THETA - Tourism and Hospitality
W&RSETA - Wholesale and Retail
AGRISETA
It consists of the following sub-sectors:
• All types of farming such as horticulture,
animal husbandry, game, fi sh,
crop and mixed farms;
• Slaughtering and handling of meat
and livestock products – red meat
and poultry;
• Processing of fi bre, tea and coffee,
macadamia nuts and tobacco;
•
Packaging, drying, liquefying, exporting
and importing fruit;
Milling, manufacture, storage and
185

skills & education
186
•
•
•
•
•
•
handling of sugar and grain products
and starch.
Animal feed and pet foods;
Sales and distribution of agricultural
raw materials and other farming inputs
and requisites;
Agricultural research;
Pest Control;
Seed production and marketing.
Contact Details
Tel: 012 325 1655
Fax: 012 325 1677
Website: www.agriseta.co.za
BANKSETA
The scope of the BANKSETA includes
the following areas:
• Central banking;
• Discount houses, commercial and
other banking;
• Building societies;
• Financial mediation;
• Lease financing;
• Securities dealings;
• Activities ancillary to financial
mediation.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 805 9661
Fax: 011 805 8348
Website: www.bankseta.org.za
CETA
The construction sector includes:
• All building, civil engineering and
related activities;
• Contractors;
• Firms offering professional services;
• Manufacturers of materials;
• Informal firms and operators.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 265 5900
Fax: 011 265 5924/5
Website: www.ceta.org.za
CHIETA
The CHIETA covers a wide range of
employers, and includes the following 5
chambers:
• Petroleum and base
• Fast Moving Consumable Goods
(FMCG)
• Explosives, fertilisers and speciality
chemicals;
• Surface coatings and glass;
•
9 sub-sectors including base chemicals,
explosives, FMCG, fertiliser,
petroleum, pharmaceuticals, speciality
chemicals, surface coatings
and glass.
Contact Details
Tel 011 726 4025
Fax: 011 726 7777
Website: www.chieta.org.za
CTFLSETA
The SETA comprised 3 chambers:
• Clothing (Cape Town)
• Textiles (Durban)
• Footwear and Leather
(Port Elizabeth)
Contact Details
Tel: 031 702 4482
Fax: 031 702 4113
www.ctflseta.org.za
ESETA
The ESETA comprises companies involved
in:
• The generation, transmission and
distribution of electricity;
• Gas industries;
• Electrical contractors
• Water and related services
Contact Details
Tel: 011 689 5300
Fax: 011 689 5340
Website: www.eseta.org.za
Sector Skills Education and Training Authorities (continued)

ETDP SETA
This sector includes:
• Public schools;
• Universities;
• Universities of Technology;
• Independent schools;
• Private education;
• Training providers;
• Non-governmental organisations;
• Museums;
• Libraries and archives;
• Trade unions,
• Political parties;
• Professional bodies.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 807 5621
Fax: 011 807 7496
Website: www.etdpseta.org.za
FASSET
The FASSET covers most fi nancial and
accounting services, but excludes insurance.
Participants include:
• Accounting and Auditing fi rms;
• Asset Portfolio Management;
• Securities and Bookkeeping;
• Development Corporations;
• Investment trusts;
• Stockbrokers;
• Tax services;
• South African Revenue Services
(SARS)
FIETA
This SETA has 4 chambers:
• Forestry;
• Furniture;
• Pulp, paper and paper board;
• Wood products
Contact Details
Tel: 011 712 0600
Fax: 011 339 1166
Website: www.fi eta.org.za
FOODBEV
skills & education
The following chambers constitute this
SETA:
• Baking;
• Cereal;
• Confectionary and snacks;
• Beverage manufacturing;
• Food preparation;
• Processed and preserved meat,
fi sh, fruit and vegetables.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 802 1211
Fax: 011 802 1518
Website: www.foodbev.org.za
HWSETA
There are more than 100 stakeholder
organisations in the sector, and also
many non-governmental and community
based organisations Just over 70% of
all health workers are employed in the
public sector.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 607 6900
Fax: 011 616 8939
Website: www.hwseta.org.za
INSETA
INSETA covers the following sectors:
• Unit trust;
• Pension funds;
• Risk management;
• Insurance;
• Life insurance;
• Health care benefi ts administration;
• Short-term insurance;
• Funeral insurance;
• Reinsurance and related services.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 484 0722
Fax: 011 484 0862
Website: www.inseta.org.za
Sector Skills Education and Training Authorities (continued)
187

skills & education
188
ISETT
The SETA comprises 3 chambers:
• Electronics;
• Information Technology;
• Telecommunications.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 805 5115
Fax: 011 805 6833
Website: www.isett.org.za
LGSETA
This SETA is representative of Local
Government, and the majority shareholder
in the sector is the South African
Local Government Association (SAL-
GA).
Contact Details
Tel: 011 456 8579
Fax: 011 450 4948
Website: www.lgwseta.org.za
MAPPP
MAPPP comprises 5 distinct sub-sectors:
• Electronics Media;
• Print Media;
• Advertising;
• Publishing;
• Printing.
Contact Details
Tel: 021 949 1463
Fax: 021 949 1468
Website: www.mappp-seta.org.za
MERSETA
MERSETA comprises 5 chambers:
• Automotive;
• Metal and Engineering;
• Motor;
• Plastics;
• New Tyre.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 484 9310
Fax: 011 484 9320
Website: www.merseta.org.za
MQA
This SETA covers:
• Mining;
• Manufacturing of cement and
jewellery.
Contact Details:
Tel: 011 832 1022
Fax: 011 832 1027
Website: www.mqa.org.za
PSETA
PSETA covers national and provincial
departments and administrations. Its
core members include:
• Department of Home Affairs;
• Department of Labour;
• Department of Public Enterprises;
• Department of Public Services and
Administration;
• The Presidency;
• Statistics SA;
• Parliament;
• Public Service Commission;
• Premiers’ Offices
• Provincial Legislature
• All provincial departments whose
core function is aligned to the
PSETA.
Contact Details:
Tel: 012 314 7208
Fax: 012 314 7076
Website: www.pseta.org.za
SASSETA
SASSETA comprises the following
chambers:
• Legal;
• Investigative and Private Security
services;
Sector Skills Education and Training Authorities (continued)

• Policing;
• Correctional Services;
• Justice;
• National Intelligence Agency and
South African Secret Services;
• Department of Defence.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 347 0200
Fax: 011 805 6630
Website: www.sasseta.org.za
SERVICESETA
The SERVICESETA comprises 9 chambers,
covering a broad range of industries.
These include:
• Business services;
• Cleaning services
• Domestic services;
• Hiring services;
• Labour recruitment;
• Marketing services;
• Personal care;
• Postal services;
• Project Management;
• Property services;
Contact Details
Tel: 011 715 1800
Fax: 011 726 4416
Website: www.serviceseta.org.za
TETA
TETA comprises 8 chambers:
• Aerospace;
• Forwarding and Clearing;
• Freight Handling;
• Maritime;
• Rail;
• Road Freight;
• Road Passenger;
• Taxi Transport.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 781 1280
Fax: 011 886 2502
Website: www.teta.org.za
THETA
skills & education
This sector is diverse, comprising 4000
or more enterprises. It has 5 chambers:
• Hospitality;
• Tourism and Travel Services;
• Conservation and Guiding;
• Gambling and Lotteries;
• Sport, Recreation and Leisure.
Contact Details
Tel: 011 803 6010
Fax: 011 803 6702
Website: www.theta.gov.za
W&RSETA
The W&RSETA is estimated to cover
more than 65 000 enterprises. These
enterprises range from very large category
organisations, to SMME (such as
cafes spazas and speciality goods retailers)
that represent 99% of the employers
in the sector.
Contact Details
Tel: 012 452 9200
Fax: 012 452 9229
Website: www.wrseta.org.za
Sector Skills Education and Training Authorities (continued)
189

skills & education
190
As we saw in the previous chapter,
South African education and skills development
institutions have previously
been criticised for not doing enough in
the development of skills, and for failing
to catch up with the current acceleration
of economic growth. What role should
the education system be playing in addressing
the skills gap in South Africa?
How is education and training responding
to the rapidly growing skills needs
of the economy? To determine this, it is
necessary to investigate the following:
•
•
•
The quality and output of the General
Education (GE) System;
The quality and output of the Higher
Education (HE) System;
The quality and output of the Further
Education and Training (FET) System.
General Education’s role in Skills Development
A useful measure of educational quality
is to look at the national pass rate
for grade 12 learners. In 2007, this figure
stood at 65,2% - 1,4% below the
pass rate of 2006. Since 2003, when
the national pass rate stood in excess
of 70%, there has been a steady, and
alarming, decline in the number of matriculants
who fail to obtain their senior
certificates.
According to Education Minister, Ms.
Naledi Pandor, the poor matric results
can be attributed to the following factors:
1.
2.
Teachers are not yet teaching with
the expectation that examination papers
will be tough, and that it will test
high-level cognitive skills. She believes
a far greater emphasis should
be placed on learning and teaching
from grade R to grade 12;
National and provincial education
departments are not administering or
supporting the system with the high
3.
4.
levels of administrative efficiency
and service that should accompany
a demanding curriculum and a highstakes
examination. She cited the
example of textbooks, and the fact
that that many schools spend two to
three terms without textbooks. She
also believes that teachers get very
little curriculum support, and teachers
in grade 8 and 9 do not view their
teaching as part of a skills-development
continuum feeding into grade
12 and beyond;
Teaching time was lost during the
2007 public sector strike; and
Not enough impetus is given to the
strategies necessary for the eradication
of inequity, hence the exceptionally
bad performance at poorer
schools, where there is a persistent
problem of unqualified teachers in
some classrooms, inadequate laboratories,
and negligible support to
schools.
If the GE system is to play any role in the
country’s skills development plans, and
assist in ensuring accelerated growth
targets, it has to ensure the promotion
of Maths and Science, and the encouragement
of Maths and Science-related
careers for learners who portray aptitude
and potential in these subjects.
Although the 2007 pass rates in these
subjects were satisfactory in that there
has been a constant increase in the
number of students taking up, and passing
Maths and Science (at Higher and
Standard grade levels), it is in no way
on par with what is required to deliver
the adequate skills base to the labour
market.
Bridging the Gap between Education and Employment (continued)

Table 10: National Pass Rate for Maths and Science (2001 – 2007).
The Minister believes that education
should be a key focus of all South Africans,
and that getting the desired results
from the system is going to need
a concerted effort by all stakeholders,
including parents.
“It is important for South Africa to agree
that the pursuit and achievement of
quality education is a national priority
that we must pursue as part of our joint
national agenda. Every person older
than 6 must have the will and ambition
to do well in school.
“All adults should make education their
issue. Every stakeholder every person
must begin to ask their local schools to
report on progress. Parents must take
a keen and deep interest in success
and district offi ces, teachers and school
principals must internalise the fact that
learner performance has to be one of
the key performance measures in education,”
she says.
Higher Education’s role in Skills Development
Some would argue that Higher Education
(HE) forms the most integral part of
the education system. The HE system
comprises universities, universities of
technology and private institutions.
A good indicator of the role of the HE
system in terms of skills development
skills & education
Passed Maths HG Maths SG Total Science HG Science SG Total
2001 277,206 19,504 72,301 91,805 24,280 45,314 69,594
2002 305,774 20,528 101,289 121,817 24,888 70,763 95,651
2003 322,492 23,412 104,707 128,119 26,067 75,693 101,760
2004 330,717 24,143 109,664 133,807 26,975 73,943 100,918
2005 347,184 26,383 112,279 138,662 29,965 73,667 103,632
2006 351,217 25,217 110,452 135,669 29,781 81,151 110,932
2007 368,217 25,415 123,813 149,228 28,122 87,485 115,607
Department of Education, 2007
would be to look at what subjects are
being studied at University.
Research indicates that although a
record number of matriculants are going
on to tertiary education after school,
those that are pursuing Maths and Science-related
careers are insuffi cient
to meet the needs of our economy. In
2002, only 26% of graduates at universities
and universities of technology
graduated in the fi elds of Science,
Engineering and Technology. This is in
comparison to the 49% who graduated
in Humanities and Social Sciences, and
25% in Business, Commerce and Management
Sciences.
The number of graduates in Science,
Engineering and Technology is exponentially
higher in universities of technology,
at 36% compared with 26% at
traditional universities, indicating that
the former is playing a signifi cant role in
meeting these skills demands.
According to a Human Sciences Research
Council (HSRC) survey, university
graduates have a distinct advantage
in South Africa’s competitive labour
market. The survey also found that 79%
of medical graduates were likely to fi nd
employment immediately after graduating,
followed by 77% for engineering
graduates and 65% management sciences.
Only 46% of graduates in the
fi elds of arts and humanities were likely
Bridging the Gap between Education and Employment (continued)
191

skills & education
192
to find jobs upon graduating.
A disturbing fact however, is that, according
to the “Graduate Unemployment
in the Face of Skills Shortages:
A Labour Market Paradox”, by the University
of Cape Town’s Development
Policy Research Unit (DPRU), 2007,
an increasing number of graduates are
finding themselves in the “unemployed”
bracket. It cites the changing job market
and labour force as the main contributing
factors. A survey, recently conducted
by the DPRU with 20 of South Africa’s
biggest firms, which covered subjects
ranging from the graduate unemployment
problem, to the quality of education,
Learnerships, found that firms are
not able to use their graduates to fill
their skills requirements because:
• Skill and experience are sought in
employees – It is thought that graduates
may have the qualifications,
but not the practical skills and experience;
• The wrong types of graduates are
being produced – More technical
graduates are required, and this is illustrated
by the low enrolment levels
in Engineering Sciences at universities
and FET Colleges;
• Shortage also exist at Management
level and graduates are simply not
suited for these positions;
Suitable skilled staff are often
poached by other companies or emigrate;
and
•
Graduates are not of high enough
quality.
The study found that in addition, many
of the unemployed graduates have either
chosen the wrong field of study, the
quality of education on all levels is not
up to standard (82% of all students entering
university for example, are functionally
illiterate – they do not possess
the writing and communication skills to
perform well at university) or they lack
soft skills, workplace readiness and experience.
Despite the fact that we are slowly starting
to see more Science and Engineering-related
individuals graduating from
institutes of Higher Education, much
more still needs to be done. Addressing
the issue means dealing with the entire
education problem. From the time
learners enter high schools, they should
be prepared for tertiary education by
teachers and parents alike. Subjects
such as Maths and Science should be a
top priority for schools.
In the same light, it is up to corporate
South Africa to play a more significant
role. Although many companies do have
Graduate Development Programmes
(GDP), there are many others that simply
overlook the potential and value
graduates have to offer.
Further Education and Training’s
(FET) role in Skills Development
A second and equally significant component
of the country’s skills base is
determined by the public FET system.
FET institutions have seen a significant
increase in the number of enrolments,
impacting too on the demographics of
learners.
According to studies conducted by the
HSRC, 34% of FET graduates were
in employment, or were self employed
within 2 years of completing their studies,
whilst 31% were unemployed, and
35% decided to further their studies.
Feedback from these graduates indicated
general satisfaction with the level of
competencies of their new employees.
However, despite this vast improvement,
there still exists an urgent need to
encourage greater enrolment of learners
into specific programmes of study,
such as scientific, technological and
business programmes.
At the end of 2005, over 32,000 individuals
wrote the ABET Level 4 examinations
and 31,000 obtained credits
Bridging the Gap between Education and Employment (continued)

towards a General Education and Training
Certifi cate (GETC). However, only
941 adult learners obtained a full general
GETC certifi cate, resulting in a 1260
decline in 2003.
The Workplace and Skills Development
The workplace plays an important role
in skills development. Unskilled to semiskilled
workers constitute the majority
of the South African workforce, and
improving on this skills base has been
identifi ed as a national imperative by
Government. As discussed in the previous
chapters, the NSDS is aimed at
achieving the skills objectives through
the promotion of lifelong learning and
training.
NSDS targets for the second period
2005 – 2010 have been identifi ed and
are well underway. Whilst we will only
be able to measure the complete success
rate of the NSDS in after 2010, we
can take a look at what took place during
the fi rst half of the implementation
period (2001 to 2005), which will give
us some idea of whether it has had any
impact in relieving some of the strain
the skills shortages are placing on the
South African economy.
skills & education
During the fi rst phase of NSDS (2001
– 2005):
• More than R2,3 billion was disbursed
to fund various projects. An additional
amount of R1 billion has been set
aside for further projects;
• 44,838 learners benefi ted from
•
ABET or other programmes at NQF
level 1 during this period;
Nearly 36,000 people completed
structured learning programmes;
9,332 learners benefi ted from Learnerships;
•
69,000 people under the age of 35
registered in Learnerships.
It is evident that at all levels, the role
of GE, HE, FET and the workplace in
addressing the skills challenges has to
be far more cohesive. Although government
has implanted various initiatives
to address the issue of skills shortages,
such as ASGISA, and despite the
steady progress since 2001, a momentous
task lies ahead over the next few
years as we draw to the fi nal stages of
the NSDS.
Success relies heavily on the collaborative
effort of all role-players, including
the employed and unemployed to take
charge and utilise the opportunities that
are available to them.
Bridging the Gap between Education and Employment (continued)
193