Doctoral candidate Nqobile Xaba says it is important for young people to have a clear vision of the work they do and how it aligns to the organisation’s mandate of improving the lives of the people of South Africa so that they contribute towards the CSIR’s renewal plans. 

Name: Nqobile Xaba

Job title: Doctoral candidate

What do you think the future holds for you as a young person?

I have been fortunate enough to do my research at the CSIR, surrounded by expects in my field of study throughout my doctoral studies. I am confident in myself as a researcher and that the knowledge and skills I have obtained will sustain my future endeavours. I am looking forward to building upon that solid scientific foundation and to use it to improve the lives of the people of South Africa.

Name one great achievement you are most proud of.

I graduated first in class for my undergraduate degree in Pure and Applied chemistry. I come from a background of limited resources. As a first generation university graduate in my family, I had no choice but to work as hard as I could to ensure a brighter future for myself and make my family proud.

What kind of future do you envision for the country and how do you think the youth can help shape it?

Our country is faced with challenges that need to be urgently addressed like poverty, energy and water shortages. We need to find solutions to these challenges that are tailor made for our country and economy. We need to make use of our mineral resources and infrastructure for energy applications. Sustainable energy solutions will create employment opportunities and skills development for the youth. The youth needs to be at the forefront in alleviating these as well as be involved at ground zero so that knowledge is transferred to them for sustainable solutions.

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates among the youth. If you were tasked with helping to finding solutions to addressing this issue, what would they be?

• Support local business through funding schemes and skills training for entrepreneurs
• Provide skills training programmes for the youth across a variety of fields including computer literacy (programming) as well as hands on skills like artisan, welding etc.
• Provide mentorship programmes for young people in their field of interest.
• Educate young people from as early as primary school level about career paths and equip them with practical skills rather than text book knowledge. This will ensure that higher education becomes one of and not the only option they can explore to create opportunities for themselves and for their communities.

Name one young person whose work you are inspired by

Prof. Philiswa Nomngongo is an intelligent, resilient, and hard working woman. She mentored me during undergraduate years. She has numerous prestigious awards and is now an associate Professor at the department of applied chemistry at the University of Johannesburg. Her dedication to community upliftment through education is inspiring. She motivates me to shoot for the stars and to work harder.

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