South Africa’s unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2023 was recorded as being
among the highest in the world at 32,9 %. Of concern is the number of promising young
graduates who are unable to find work.
The DSI-NRF CIMERA (Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource
Analysis) funded Programme at the University of Johannesburg, allowed us to speak to some
of their phenomenal young hopefuls to share their experiences with others.
Dimakatso Hlahla
Q: What did you study?
A: In my undergraduate program I did geology, geography, chemistry and mathematics auxiliary
then continued with geology and geography in second and third year. In Honours I did geology –
the course included the following modules: Geochemistry, Structural geology, Geophysics for
geologists, Mapwork, Hydrogeology, Igneous Petrology, Tectonics of Africa, and Geological
modeling. In MSc I did Economic Geology.
Q: Why did you choose to study this area/field?
A: For most of my primary and high school years I have been curious about earth’s processes
and how the environment provides resources to humans and other living beings. I chose this
field because I wanted to understand processes that shape the earth and how it functions, as
well as learning about the hidden and visible resources that it provides (e.g., groundwater,
petroleum, coal, economic and industrial minerals).
I wanted to be part of the geologists who locate, identify, quantify, assess, interpret geological
data and report on the potential of mineral deposits, and natural environmental hazards. I want
to contribute to solving practical problems in order to re-design existing models to develop
effective exploration techniques, environmental protection, and maximize resource use while
complying with environmental laws and regulations.
Q: Are you employed?
A: I am not employed
Q: What is your message to young people looking to study and work in your field?
A: Geology is a great field to study/work in because: the rise in demand of critical metals, REEs
and PGEs need knowledgeable geologists who will contribute to decision-making and providing
relevant information about production and utilization of resources, environmental issues, land-
use plans and help in reducing casualties in events of natural hazards. With that being said, I
encourage young people to consider studying or working in this field and be part of geologists
who are in quest for solutions to the most society’s challenging problems.
Thabo Kgarabjang
Q: What did you study?
A: I’m studying geology. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in this field.
Q: Why did you choose to study this area/field?
A: If I have to put it in one word I’d say it’s passion. My passion for geology started in grade 11.
Back then I had a friend who was already at varsity studying geology. He would tell us so much
about the rocks we didn’t know had stories to tell. Realising there was so much to those rocks
we played with as kids, I got very attached to the field of geology. Today I know the diversity
and importance of this field to the general public and the nation’s development, and that only
fuels my passion for it even more.
Q: Are you employed?
A: No, I’m not employed at the moment but I’m open to related roles, particularly in academia.
Q: What is your message to young people looking to study and work in your field?
A: Be open-minded about it. There’s so much more to a geologist than working at a mine
as many young people are led to believe. Geology is a diverse field, so choose a branch you’re
passionate about and build a career out of it. In this field, passion dictates success.
Itumeleng Matlala
Q: What did you study?
A: I studied Geology.
Q: Why did you choose to study this area/field?
A: Although geology is highly diverse, this area is well known for being the study of the earth. Due to the
abundance of mineral reserves in South Africa, I conducted my own research into these resources and
their discovery, as well as an attempt to establish a connection between these topics and the courses I
should do to qualify for employment in this sector. The most exciting finding of my research was
learning that there are additional potential mineral reserves, some of which have not yet been
exploited. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to enrol in geology because the mining industry was then,
and still is, very important within this sector.
Q: Are you employed?
A: I am still in a search of employment. In the meantime, I opted to enrol in postgraduate studies (with
focus on coal organic petrology and geochemistry of different coalfields in South Africa) because I felt
there was a research gap in the mining sector or of mineral deposits.
Q: What is your message to young people looking to study and work in your field?
A: Before deciding to enrol in this field, they should run a background check, in my opinion. This field is
interesting because it is diverse; geologists can work for mining firms, in the building and road
construction industry, groundwater modelling, marine geology, or as geophysicists who specialize in
earthquakes. One must have the following grades in order to enrol in this course: English (50%),
Mathematics (50%/60%) and Physical Science (50%/60%).