Post Matric, KZN 2013

dont blowITS YOUR FUTURE

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GUIDANCE FINANCE

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How many times has a well-intended adult advised you not to dwell on the past; not to waste your time focussing on regrets? Probably more times than you can remember. Another pearl of wisdom that has no doubt been passed down to

you by those who have gone before is that you should always be true to yourself. Truth is that, although at times hard to live by, both these

expressions make a lot of sense. Living in the moment and focussing on the positive are far better strategies than beating oneself up about past mistakes, and theres absolutely no point in trying to be someone that youre not!Ive decided to get into the spirit of being true to myself by

sharing a truth with you... I flunked high school. There, I said it! I went from being a top student, to failing a series of crucial exams. I lacked direction, made bad choices, hung out with bad influences and failed to focus on what really mattered at the time.Luckily, I managed to pick myself up, shake off the debris and

go on to make a success of my life. I have enjoyed a challenging and satisfying career in publishing that has afforded me a good lifestyle and many opportunities to travel and to meet or work with some fantastic people.However, my earlier experiences did leave me with a regret or

two, and they something like this: I wish I had embraced that precious (and short in the big scheme of things) time at school. I wish I had applied myself to the best of my ability and run with every opportunity presented to me. I wish I had walked out of there with a bunch of qualifications that would serve as a starting point in proving to the world just what I was capable of. That way I wouldnt have had to work quite so hard over the last twenty years proving this from scratch.I hope this magazine will help you to do what I didnt do by

providing you with some inspiration to work towards, and some solid advice on how to get there. Use school/college/varsity as a springboard to catapult you into

the future of your dreams. At the end of the day, doing yourself proud is what matters the most the rest will happen naturally :-)

Sam CollinsEDITOR: POST MATRICPH

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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

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

PUBLISHER Yes! MediaCEO Deon Muller

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

belongs to Yes!Media and/or the individual contributors. Opinions expressed are not

necessarily those of the editor or Yes!Media. No responsibility is accepted for any errors or

omissions in the contents of the magazine.

Post Matric ISSN number 2074-4412

COVER CREDITSJO SPIES

EDITOR Samantha Collins [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER

Stephanie [email protected]

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ursula [email protected]

COPY EDITOR

Olivia Main

CONTRIBUTORS

Neil Gardiner, Peter Rudden, Christina Kennedy, Robbie Stammers, Lara Terner

PROJECT SALES MANAGER

Charlton [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES

Priscilla September, Shakier Groenewald, Brian Hearne, Alex Simpson, Gavin Frans

dont blowITS YOUR FUTURE

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Our Team

OUR COVER

contents

11

features

12 The Reluctant Celebrity Randall Abrahams believes celebrity status doesnt mean youve made it.

20 Make-or-Break Time Top tips on how to study effectively and cruise those Matric exams.

27 Funding Made Easy The plan of action for those who cant afford tertiary education.

30 Driven to Suceed How Post Office worker Marlin Rhode worked his way up the ranks from forklift driver to legal eagle.

39 How to Get Ahead Without a Degree Internships, private colleges and on-the-job training in the spotlight.

43 Desperately Seeking Degree? Not prepared to compromise? How to play qualification catch-up and win.

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83Fireman 84Animal Behaviourist 85Investment Specialist 87Winemaker 89Programme Co-ordinator 90Foreman 91Videographer 92Beautician

entertain yourself

11Must-HaveGadgetsThe latest gadgets and gimmicks.

94GettingThroughFirst-YearHow to survive tertiary education.

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career junction

45Q&AsHeres food for thought: The inside scoop on 32 different professions.

46Clinical Psychologist 47Model Booker 48 Tower Crane Operator 52Trainee Accountant 53Architect 54Welder 55Specialist Ecologist 56Space Scientist 58Senior Journalist 59Public Relations Officer 60Audit Quantitative Analyst 61Optical Dispenser 63Voter Registration Manager 64Candidate Attorney 65Graphic Designer 68Operations Manager 69Small Business Owner 71Senior Finance Manager 73Chef 74Media Production Manager 75Senior Administrative Specialist 77Chief Financial Officer 79Project Manager: Healthcare 82Sales and Customer Service

96Cram,Bam,NoThankYouMaamRead this before you resort to cramming whilst consuming copious quantities of energy drinks.

06 // post matric 2013

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

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

HOW TO ENTER

COMPETITION RULES: Cost per SMS is R2. Free SMSs do not apply. Competition closes 31 August 2013. You may enter as many times as you like. By entering the competition you consent to receiving electronic information regarding Post Matric or other further education or career offerings.

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2012 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. Design and speci cations are subject to change without notice.

Stand a chance to win a Sony PS3 12GB console, or one of eleven Sony PlayStation hampers. Each hamper consists of a PlayStation cap, keyring, lanyard, t-shirt and Sackboy fi gurine.

OR ONE OF ELEVEN HAMPERSWIN A SONY PS3

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Tech whizz Neil Gardiner sniffs out the latest and greatest gadgets guaranteed to put a smile on your dial...

Even though there are tons of personal speakers around, you can drastically cut your shopping list to one with the Blaster yet another sick product from Nixon. Weatherproof tick. Wireless (Bluetooth) tick. 15-hour battery life tick. Charges up your phone tick. Pumps tick. Expected July.Price TBA

The Monster logo on a pair of Beats By Dr Dre headphones is the company that developed them. Now Dre and Monster have gone separate ways, but Monsters range is none the poorer. This over-ear set features active noise-cancelling, for when you really need to blank out the rowdy parties next door. The ControlTalk cable switch controls volume/tracks.R2999www.monster.com

The legendary iPod changed the way the world listens to music and this is the seventh generation of the slim but powerful Nano. Nothing new on the outside, really, but the interface is slicker than ever before. Theres an FM radio and a video player, and at last, a decent-sounding set of earphones.R1800www.digicape.co.za

HeadpHones Monster InspIratIon

speaker NixoN Blaster wireless

sMartphoNe soNy xperia Go

Theres nothing spectacular about the spec on this mid-range smartphone dual-core chip, 3.5 display and XMP sensor with LED flash. That is till you fall in the pool, or dip it in a draft of beer. Its certified water-resistant at 1.5m for 30 minutes and pretty tough too. A bit clumsy? This is your phone.Price dependent on contractwww.sony.co.za


You know what they say. Leave school and put on 5kg. Running is the purest form of exercise and a short burn four times a week will keep you in good nick. To relieve the boredom, keep track of your run times and distances with this watch and join Nikes huge online community to compare or compete en route. Loving the slap for light feature. R1900, www.nike.co.za

FitNess watch toM toM Nike plus


RELUCCELEBRITY

Randall Abrahams insists that success should be measured in results, not in tabloid headlines and advises just getting on with it when faced with a daunting challenge. THE

inspirational people


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achievements or financial affluence is very seldom a matter of sheer dumb luck.

n Abrahams case, its been a long journey to get where he is today, and an eventful one at that. Interestingly, he studied neither music

nor business at varsity which just goes to show that you neednt be boxed in or held back by your chosen study direction, which can serve as a launching pad to other, more fulfilling prospects.

The career options were pretty limited for a child growing up in Lansdowne on the Cape Flats in the turbulent 1980s. For this self-confessed music geek who was hooked on listening to radio chart shows, there were only dreams of


o you have to be a Mr Nasty to clamber up the corporate ladder? Certainly not, according to music industry executive

and Idols judge Randall Abrahams but it helps to have a clear vision of what you need to accomplish and then zero in on that goal with single-minded determination.

In the case of M-Net and Mzansi Magics reality talent-search programme Idols, that goal is simply to find a commercially viable pop artist from the thousands of starry-eyed wannabes who audition every year.

If youre the big boss of the South African Music Awards, the goal is to ensure a professional, entertaining and incident-free event that effectively showcases local music. And as managing director of Universal Music South Africa, the goal is to shepherd the record company towards profitability and sustainability in a shape-shifting music industry.

Its crucial to keep your eye on the ball and persistently dribble towards the goalposts, Abrahams believes. As he points out: No one remembers the runner-up team in the World Cup.

Most South Africans know Abrahams as a no-nonsense entertainment industry guru with an encyclopaedic knowledge of music and an uncanny ability to sort the promising wheat from the no-hoper chaff. In fact, over the years his often uncompromising style has ruffled the feathers of more than a few quivering Idols hopefuls who truly believed they had what it takes to be the countrys next music superstar but whose hideous caterwauling should really have been confined to the shower, if anywhere at all.

One only has to recall his pained expressions and winces upon hearing yet another excruciating mangling of Roberta Flacks Killing Me Softly to realise that Abrahams is not on the programme to massage fragile egos and give entrants false hope show business is a business, after all.

Chatting to him at his office at Universal Music in Sandton is not an easy exercise. Abrahams is a busy man, juggling various electronic gadgets and apologising for having to interrupt the interview to take an important phone call all the way from

Tokyo. One gets the impression there are a zillion things whizzing through his mind simultaneously, but that he actually thrives on keeping several balls suspended in the air at the same time.

This is the stone-cold reality behind every successful individual: you have to work hard. Theres no getting around it. Success whether you define it using the currency of personal

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From bottom left: SA Idols judges Abrahams and Dave Thompson with American and British Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell in 2002;

Randall with Gareth Cliff and Mara Louw in 2009.



supervisory committee of the SAMAs, but remains committed to helping the countrys flagship music awards event flourish. He has also served on the board of the Advertising Standards Authority and chaired the National Broadcasting Association of South Africa.

Abrahams is keen to dispel any illusion that his job is a ritzy, glitzy one. People think [being in the music business] is overwhelmingly glamorous. Not to take the shine off it its not the worst job in the world but its results-based, just like any other job. You do deals, you have records that are and are not successful. Its a great business, but its about getting results and the higher up the chain you are, the more results-based it is.

t the moment, the global music industry is faced with multiple upheavals and

challenges, but the South African market is not an exact replica of its international counterparts and has its own quirks and peculiarities. For example, even though iTunes and other digital music download platforms are available here, the market for physical CDs is still quite robust.

If only the music business were simply about churning out hit records! Its sadly not as straightforward as that, Abrahams says. Its about careful assessment and ongoing management of

being a pop star a la Elvis Presley, his hero.I was very involved in politics at the time, and

went to study political science in order to study something, he relates. Things have markedly changed today, but when I was young there were so few things you could do.

While enrolled at the University of Cape Town, the young student found himself spending more time at the campus radio station than in class. Music, that alluring mistress, was beckoning him with her irresistible siren call, but it was only when his friend Mark Gillman clinched a job a popular station Good Hope FM that it dawned on Abrahams that his obsession could actually turn into a viable career.

His first job was behind the scenes at GHFM, diligently learning the ropes in all disciplines including the programming of music, leading to his rapid elevation to station manager by the time he hit his mid-20s.

But having such a lofty position of responsibility thrust on him at a young age didnt daunt him in the least: It was a case of just do it you dont sit around too long contemplating it, he says matter-of-factly. He was thrown into deep water and had to learn how to swim fast. A method thats often the best way of learning.

Since that early career breakthrough, Abrahams has gone on to hold several influential positions in the music and marketing industries, including helping propel youth radio station YFM to success after it launched in the late 1990s.

Then, as head of commercial radio at the SABC, he served as a change agent at a number of major radio stations rolling up his sleeves and overhauling them, a job that probably didnt earn him many Mr Popularity awards, given peoples innate resistance to wholesale change. But the proof of the pudding was most definitely in the eating: improved financial results and award-winning marketing campaigns.

He brought this transformational approach to the South African Music Awards last year as CEO, reviving the brands image after it had become somewhat tarnished in preceding years. He believes the awards are now back on course as a powerful showcase and marketing tool for South African music, with a whopping R290 million worth of public relations value generated in the year 2012 alone.

After taking up the job heading up Universals sub-Saharan operations, he retreated into the more behind-the-scenes role of chairing the

career tips from Mr Nasty

As much As you need An AcAdemic quAlificAtion, you also need a degree of will to get where you want to go. Know your strengths and weaknesses, which will guide you in how to assess and act in certain situations. you will be judged on your results, so its important to have a vision and outcomes in your head. Keep your eye on the goAl and

keep pushing until you are successful. be reAlistic. I may have had the desire to be in a band, but I dont think Im good enough to have made it. hAve self-discipline and staying power in what you choose to do. Bruce Springsteens first two albums flopped, and look where he is today. sticK to the Knitting, and youll soon learn what you need to.

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Randall Reveals all

Randall Abrahams is an Elvis nut (Im more than a fan) and has visited Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on three occasions. One of the few decorations he allows himself in his spartan office at Universal is an Elvis wall clock.

He enjoys books, but seldom has time to read. This year he has been reading biographies of Bruce Springsteen, James Brown and Russ Meyer.

He absolutely loves biscuits.

He seldom listens to music for fun he needs to enter into a serious engagement with any given album, finding out who played on it and delving with almost forensic zeal into its history and associated trivia.


change but if we find our own Gangnam Style, we wont have to worry!

As for Idols, its also hard work, he says: you have to hone your judging ability and instincts, be entertaining for a television audience and strive to be honest and fair. At the end of the day, its also just a job albeit a high-profile one.

Thats Abrahams the reluctant celebrity talking. Hes clearly not in it for the fame, the parties and the air kissing: he takes his multiple roles in the South African entertainment arena very seriously. He approaches what he does from a business point of view, not for vanity or other egotistical reasons. For him, fame and success are not joined at the hip.

As his idol, Elvis, said in 1972: The image is one thing and the human being is another its very hard to live up to an image.

Famously guarded about his private life, he somehow manages to keep personal details close to his chest a rare accomplishment in todays celebrity-obsessed society. But ask him about music and his face lights up. Thats his comfort zone, his haven.

Its one thing to have dreams, but Abrahams believes its sensible to complement them with a healthy dose of realism; not everyone can be the next Lady Gaga or Usher, but you can hit dizzying heights in other areas if you correctly identify your strengths and talents.

He, for example, loves music and has a good business brain, and has combined his passion with his aptitude to great effect.

You need will and drive to succeed, he insists: Talent is never enough. And, of course, it helps to have ruthlessness in spades, he says, at least partially tongue in cheek, before adding: But I think you can be a bloody-minded softie.

This, of course, brings us to his reputation of being a notoriously tough nut to crack. Abrahams feigns surprise, saying he thinks his approach has softened over the years.

They dont still call me Mr Nasty, do they? He permits himself a glimmer of a smile as the interview draws to an end: Ive reinvented myself Im soft and fuzzy now! o

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The countdown has begun and the clock is ticking as the biggie looms on the horizon. Once youve got Matric under your belt, you can saddle up and ride off into your very own sunset.


Good preparation and sound study techniques are vital when it comes to optimum performance during those all-important exams. Studying is a technical skill and, like any skill, the more you practice the better you become. Being motivated is an important aspect of studying, and this means really knowing what you want out of life and

what marks you need to get it. Christine Battersby of Yearn

2 Learn a Cape Town based company that runs study workshops suggests avoiding relying too heavily on reading and reading over the work, and setting realistic goals for yourself such as an improvement of 10% on your next exam. Here are some more tips from the experts

Make orBreak

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SIX TOP STUDY TIPS

sitting pretty 1 Have a dedicated study space that is clean, organised and well lit. This can be a desk in your room, at the local library or even a space at a relatives house. Use a chair that supports your back and avoid lying on your bed. Its important not to have distractions, such as TV or background music, except perhaps classical baroque music (Bach, Vivaldi and Handel), which is said to help by stimulating the parts of the brain dealing with memory.

brain fuelDiet plays an important

role in certain brain functions such as concentration and memory. Green leafy vegetables, oily fish, berries, oats, nuts and seeds, and green tea are recognised as brain foods that boost functioning in these areas, says dietician Kelly Lynch. Its also important to avoid sugar, caffeine and junk food. Consuming small, frequent meals will keep your energy levels up, and drinking plenty of water will prevent you from feeling sluggish.

get enough sleepEnsuring adequate sleep

will help ensure that your brain is functioning optimally. Staying up all night to cram leads to anxiety and consequently not writing at your best. The thinking part of your brain shuts down with too much stress and fatigue, says Judi Kurgan, a literacy and educational consultant. Getting regular exercise ensures that your body and brain are getting plenty of oxygen.

be preparedGood studying starts before

and in the classroom. Come to

class prepared, says Judi. Arrive knowing what you dont know, so you can ask relevant questions. Your number one job is to be actively present at school. This means being focused, asking questions and taking effective notes in class.

5all in the timingWith teachers piling on

homework and scheduling tests, it can be difficult to stay on top of things. Having a daily and weekly to do list and noting important events on a calendar will help you to set a realistic

timetable. Its also valuable to take advantage of the time of day when you work the most effectively. Keep your brain alert by studying in short intervals and taking breaks. We tend to remember more at the beginning and end of a study session, so its better to study for about 30 minutes, then take a 5 minute break and start again, rather than study for one hour straight.

take noteGood note taking is a skill.

Some universities actually offer courses on how to take notes. One of the methods taught is Cornell Notes (see info bubble above for tips on how to make them). It is still a good idea to make notes in your own words, even if your teacher has given you handout notes already.

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Cornell notesDraw a vertical line down a page

(larger side to left). Write the basic info being relayed (not every word), then add a keyword on the right. To revise, cover the left so that only

the keywords are showing. Now see how much you

can recall.

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Concept mapping (also referred to as mind mapping or spider diagrams) is a visual way of presenting information that facilitates a deeper understanding. The nonlinear fashion of concept mapping encourages the right-hand side of your brain to be more involved in the learning process, especially if you use colour and shapes. When the whole brain is working on something you will achieve a greater understanding, and be able to tap into more creative ways of looking at things because it will be easier to see how ideas interrelate. Concept maps also help you to organise your thoughts, see the important issues, communicate complex information, and are easy to recall, which makes them perfect for note-taking and reviewing purposes.

Unless you were blessed with a photographic memory, when you learn something new youll probably only remember that concept or information for a day or so before the memory starts to fade away. To take something from your short-term memory and actively commit it to your long-term memory takes work. Regular reviewing means that

you dont have to spend time re-learning information or cramming the night before exams. Your first review should happen as soon as possible on the day of learning, the next review a day later, then one week later, then one month later and then every few months. Avoid simply re-reading your material. To really test yourself, start by writing out your notes or concept map from memory, then see if youve left anything out. Another great

The better you understand something, the easier you will be able to learn it and recall it, advises Judi. By understanding and knowing how to apply the knowledge, youll know how to answer more abstract questions.ACTIVE READING makes

sure that you make the most of your reading time. This involves engaging in the text, mainly by asking questions, and using a review component to make sure the info sticks in your brain. There are many methods to choose from, such as SQ3R and RWCSR (Read, Write, Cover, Say, Review). See the diagram graphic to the right for how to use the SQ3R technique.

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way of reviewing is as part of a study group. Discussing concepts with friends can provide you with new ways of looking at things, and being able to teach a concept to someone is evidence that you truly understand it yourself.One of the best ways to prepare

for exams is to write exams from previous years. Old exams are readily available online. Dont just look over them and say yeah, I know that. Write them from memory within a time limit, and then ask your teacher to mark your work. Take note of how much each section is worth and how much time you should allocate to it on exam day.

USEFUL WEBSITESwced.pgwc.gov.za www.unisa.ac.za

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Look through the book and take

note of what you didnt remember.

Carefully read the contents, make notes, take time to understand the

concepts.



Dealing with exam nerves

In the US, an estimated 5% to 20% of adolescents suffer from an anxiety disorder, with test anxiety high up on the list.

20%Many people suffer from exam anxiety, but there are steps you can take to try and counter a bad case of the nerves.Positive thinking is a good way

to deal with anxiety, suggests high school councellor Tania Bruce. You may find yourself having self-defeating thoughts like, Im not good enough or Im going to fail. Replace these with realistic, believable phrases like Im going to do the best I can.Here are some last minute tips to

help beat the nerves:Arrive at your exam early and be prepared.Take a moment to relax (do

some deep breathing) before you begin writing. Carefully read through all the questions first.To get your brain thinking, start off with a few easier questions and use concept mapping to assist you.

Remember that your best IS good enough, says Bruce. There is a huge amount of stress involved, but good exam results shouldnt come at the expense of overall health and well-being. Dont forget to talk to your school

counsellor for more ideas on how to tackle anxiety issues.

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Dont let empty pockets pull the plug on your career dreams savvy students can score financial aid in a number of ways.

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Eric Maluta Nnditshedzeni hails from a remote rural village in Limpopo. As the fifth of six children, he despaired of ever having the money to fulfil his dream of studying science at university until he obtained a student loan.

That was back in 1998, and today Eric not only has a BSc in Physics and Mathematics and an Honours degree, but also went on to attain his masters in renewable energy and, two years ago, his doctorate through the University of Bath in England on a much sought-after Ford Foundation fellowship.

All of this was made possible by an initial student loan from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and because Eric excelled academically, he only had to pay back 60% of the amount.

The message? Never give up on your dreams. You may be

broke, but as long as you persist and put in the hard yards, you can strike gold.

Many matriculants (not to mention their parents) hit a downer when they see what universities and private colleges are charging up to R50 000 for first-year tuition fees alone.

Clearly, obtaining a tertiary education is not cheap, but in todays tough job market, having a degree or diploma in hand could pay off handsomely. Thats why high costs shouldnt put you off signing up to study towards your dream career especially when you have the marks, the will, the drive and the determination to succeed, and the only puzzle piece missing is the cash.

So, dont lock yourself in your room with your empty piggy bank and resign yourself to living at your parents place forever get out there and start

applying for any and every grant you can find!

Its important to remember, though, that funding is often a two-way street between you and your benefactor, and is not to be undertaken lightly. You need to be serious about your study path and completely committed to repaying your debt or fulfilling any conditions, academic or otherwise.

Pause and ask yourself whether your study course is a) suited to your abilities and personality, b) likely to result in a job and c) in demand in the marketplace. Its not advisable to study for the sake of getting any qualification and it could be a costly mistake.

With bursaries, remember that the early bird catches the golden worm. Apply for funding several months before you write your Matric exams. You ideally want to be at the front of the queue, not bringing up the rear.

Hop on the internet or go to your local library to research who is offering financial assistance to students. Start phoning, e-mailing and writing letters and dont forget to follow up on your applications.

funding fundi


WHERE TO APPLY?TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Apply for a bursary at the university or college where you intend to study. Visit, e-mail or phone their fi nancial aid offi ce well in advance to fi nd out more. Many of these bursaries are only

open to South African citizens. Once you are enrolled at

university, you may also qualify for an academic merit award based on your results during your fi rst year of study. Some universities also

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

THE PRIVATE SECTOR Many companies particularly

those operating in the scarce and critical skills sectors, such as mining and engineering award contract bursaries, usually with conditions such as:1) You have to pass your subjects otherwise you must pay for the courses you fail;2) You will be contractually bound to work at the company for a specifi ed number of years after completing your studies; and,3) You will be required to study in a fi eld specifi ed by the company (e.g. BCom Accounting, BSc Engineering). Companies that award bursaries

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

that provides loans to worthy students whose parents are permanently employed. Visit www.eduloan.co.za for more information on loans available.

4REALITY CHECKThe national pass rate of SAs 2012 matrics affectionately known as the born frees, since most were born at the dawn of democracy in 1994 was 73.9%. A total of 26.6%

qualifi ed to study at university, and 27.3% to study towards a diploma. NB: A university pass does NOT guarantee you a place at a university.

The countrys 23 universities can only accommodate a fraction of those who are eligible for bachelors studies. Even though South Africa should have two new universities by 2014 in Nelspruit and Kimberley the demand for places will still outstrip the availability. South Africas unemployment rate stood at about 24.9% at the end of

2012. The National Treasury estimates that an alarming 42% of citizens under 30 are unemployed, compared with fewer than 17% of adults over 30. So if youre young, you have a far lower chance of getting a job. Economist Mike Schussler, quoted by Business Day, said that if you

dont have a Matric, your chances of being unemployed are as high as 36%. Those with Matric have a 25% likelihood of not getting a job. Signifi cantly, he estimated that only 7% of degree graduates are unemployed. And if you are an artisan with a trade, theres only a 12% chance that you wont fi nd work.

1

MONEY, MONEY, MONEYAccording to Independent Online, fi rst-year students at the Durban University of Technology could expect to pay tuition fees of between R19 000 and R30 000 in 2013 and

thats before the extra Randelas needed for digs, grub, wheels, textbooks and socialising! If you wanted to study at the University of the Witwatersrand, you would

be paying between R20 000 (as a fi rst-year education student) and R43 000 (for fi rst-year medicine), with res accommodation ranging from R18 000 (sharing a room and without meals) to R37 000 (for a private room, with meals). So you could be looking at R80 000 a year!Be wary of bogus fl y-by-night colleges that exploit the poor and the

desperate. Before you hand over any moola, check with the Department of Education that the institution is registered.

BURSARY BAGGING A bursary is a

study grant that does not need to be repaid unless you fail. There may be conditions attached too, so do your research. A bursary is based more on

fi nancial need, while a scholarship is usually merit-based (artistic, academic or sporting ability). Its important to take the right

subjects in Grade 10 that will propel you in your chosen career direction. Dont just take the easiest subjects! Find out well in advance

what the minimum admission

requirements are for the course you want to follow. Then dont just meet those standards, but exceed them. Even if you scrape together enough points to allow you entrance, popular courses are usually oversubscribed and you could be denied a place. Similarly, ask companies and

academic institutions what marks you need to qualify for a bursary. Again, strive to surpass those. Attend the open day(s) of

universities and colleges. Apply early! Submit your funding

applications early in your matric year. The closing date can be as early as 12 months in advance.

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3


Once you know what you want, set your

sights high. Apply and keep on applying until

you find the funder thats right for you.

Remember the saying: where theres a will,

theres always a way.

Once you know what you want, set your

sights high. Apply and keep on applying until

you find the funder thats right for you.

Remember the saying: where theres a will,

theres always a way.

TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

THE PRIVATE SECTOR

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS

SETAS AND THE NATIONAL SKILLS FUND

BANK LOANS

colleges, but not private colleges. If you study hard and pass all

your courses, you could have up to 40% of your NSFAS loan converted into a bursary. But if you drop out, youll have to repay the entire bang-shoot.NSFAS also administers bursary

funds for aspiring teachers, social workers and those studying in scarce-skills disciplines, and FET college bursaries. Contact NSFAS at 0860 NSFAS

(067327) or 021 763 3232, SMS 32261 or write to Private Bag X1, Plumstead 7801, South Africa. You can also e-mail [email protected] or visit www.nsfas.org.za.

STUDY WHILE YOU WORKIf youre working, you may be able to get your employer to pay for your studies. Larger employers have to pay a skills development levy, which goes to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Skills Development Fund. These monies are available to fi nance the training of a companys own employees. Employers can claim a SARS refund if they train their workers. So, if you want to study through your company as

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONSApproach your local municipality, or the provincial or national government department relevant to your studies they often have a number of bursaries up for grabs.

THE NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS)If you cant afford to pay for your studies, try the Department of Higher Educations National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS awards study loans and bursaries to fi nancially needy South African undergraduate students who also show promise. In its 21 years of existence,

NSFAS has helped almost a million students and granted over R25 billion in loans.The scheme offers study loans

at a low interest rate (currently 5.2%), without the need for surety, and you only have to begin your repayments once you are earning an annual salary of R30 000. You do, however, need to prove that your household income is less than R122 000 a year.Loans are awarded for studies

at public universities or further education and training (FET)

long as it is related to your job you could get your tuition paid for.

BANK LOANSThe major banks all offer student loans, to be repaid over a fi xed term with interest. You will need someone to sign surety for you.South African citizens and non-South Africans with valid study permits can apply for these study loans, which can be taken out for studies at a university, FET college or SA Qualifi cations Authority-accredited private institution.

CONTACT THE BIG FOUR Standard Bank 0860 123 000,

www.standardbank.co.za First National Bank 0860 100

762, www.fnb.co.za ABSA 0860 100 372,

www.absa.co.za Nedbank 0860 555 111,

www.nedbank.co.za

HANDY ONLINE RESOURCES www.thecareersportal.co.za www.gal.co.za sa.gostudy.info or

www.gostudy.mobi www.studentbrands.co.za

funding fundiILLUSTRATIO

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ecurity is tight at Cape Mail with numerous barriers to cross before entry is permitted. After making it past the

stringent checkpoints, I am escorted to an office tucked away at the end of the longest corridor Ive ever seen. There Marlin Rhode greets me and I cant help but comment on the lengths Ive gone to in order to get to him. He laughingly

How a young man from humble beginnings made his way from forklift driver to advocate.

Driven toSucceed

admits that he and his colleagues dub the corridor the long walk to freedom at the end of a hard days work. Befittingly, a framed picture of Nelson Mandela takes pride of place on his desk, alongside photographs of Marlins wife and two adorable children.

But despite the in-house jokes about the passageway, this is a man who truly loves his work and he jumps at the chance to share the story of his success.

I grew up in Montana, a suburb close to Cape Town airport, he begins. My schooling was fairly normal: from Windermere Primary, I went on to Kensington High School. Sure, there were kids there who were drinking alcohol and smoking dagga, but that never appealed to me. I was in with a good crowd of friends and the one thing that was always in the back of my mind was that I didnt want to disappoint my parents.

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They had and still do have so much faith in me. My parents worked hard to provide us with everything we needed in life, ensuring there was always electricity in the meter, clothes on our backs and food on the table.

Teachers were stricter in those days. The meneer would klap you if you didnt dress appropriately. You were scared of them back then, but it was a good fear, if I can say that. There was one woodwork teacher, Mr Hudsonberg, who had a wooden box on his desk and if you didnt get the required results in woodwork, you would have to pick a number that was how many lashes youd get. It was actually better to get a higher number, as he would apply the cane more gently!

Although I enjoyed school, I didnt work too hard. It was my hearts desire to be a chef and I figured I wouldnt need many qualifications to do that, just talent in the kitchen. I got through Matric, but didnt sail through. I had no clear vision, but knew I needed to earn money for catering school, so in 1995, when I saw an advert for mail handlers at the Post Office, I applied. All that was required was good hand-

eye coordination. I was one of about 200 people employed part-time on a one-year contract.

Marlin stops and opens a desk drawer, pulling out a dog-eared piece of paper his first ever pay slip testifying to his then meager earnings: the princely sum of R1000 per month!

After a few months earning an income the goggatjie (bug) bit me and I became accustomed to earning, no matter how small the salary, he admits. I was enjoying my independence and my aspirations of tertiary education became secondary to my earnings. In 1997, I was promoted to fully-fledged forklift driver. My possession of a drivers license sealed the deal. In 2003 my title was changed to mail processor as a result of a collective bargaining process, although I still drove the forklift and my duties didnt change much.

eanwhile, outside the world of work, wedding bells had sounded and in 2004 his wife, Carlenette, gave birth to

their first-born, a daughter they named Phoenix. Her arrival changed everything, he professes.

M

Discover an ever-changing career path as an Estate Agent in the South African Property Industry.

Discover an ever-changing career path as an Estate Agent INCREASING ACCESS TO OCCUPATIONALLY DIRECTED PROGRAMMES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNINGIn order to address the critical needs for economic growth and Sector development, the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) has initiated ve anchor projects to increase access to occupationally directed programmes in partnership with Institutions of Higher Learning. The recently commissioned Sector Skills Plan (SSP) research identied a number of scarce skills that are in great need in the Sector. The ve anchor projects are:

International Leadership Development Programme (ILDP)In partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), W&RSETA recrurited 38 candidates from member companies across the Sector to take part in this highly intensive action learning programme. In its third year, the number of candidates more than doubled compared to the 15 and 22 that took part in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This NQF level 7 programme gives international exposure to middle and senior managers from the designate groups of local leading retailers who have been earmarked for promotion to senior or executive management positions.

Retail Management Development Programme (RMDP)This year W&RSETA launched the RMDP project in partnership with the University of Pretoria. This NQF level 6 programme aims to equip current middle managers with the requisite skills to become eective managers in pursuing the organizational goals of excellence in their respective companies in the Sector. The RMDP also seeks to create a pathway for development and career growth into the ILDP for participating candidates. It attempts to address the skills gaps identied in the recently conducted SSP. Over 200 candidates from across the sector will be enrolled on this programme.

Wholesale and Retail Leadership ChairW&RSETA board has approved a proposal for the establishment of the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair. Notices inviting universities, with Wholesale and Retail related qualications, to submit proposals to host the Leadership Chair have already been published. The purpose for the Leadership Chair will be to establish Retail

Centres of Excellence which will drive the Sector related initiatives, to contribute towards Sector related research and the development of qualications at NQF levels 5 10 through partnership with the Sector and the universities.

Bursary SchemeW&RSETA has established a bursary scheme for needy students studying retail related qualications in any of the public universities, universities of technology and Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in South Africa. The ultimate objective is to address skills shortages as identied in the SSP report. Some of the scarce skills identied in the SSP include but are not limited to Accounting, Credit Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Food Technology, Purchasing Management, Information Technology, Industrial Relations and Marketing, to mention a few. This bursary scheme will build a talent pipeline of scarce skills that are much needed by the Sector.

Financial Assistance for Final-Year StudentsOver and above the bursary scheme, W&RSETA has entered into a landmark agreement with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to provide nancial assistance and bring relief to needy nal-year students who are unable to settle their university bills thus humpering their chances of getting gainful employment. W&RSETA has set aside R185 million as a form of nancial assistance for those nal years students who have existing loans with NSFAS. This project is linked to the Workplace Experience Employment Grant (WEEG) project that will enable these students to be placed in the Sector for a period of not less than 12 months whilst receiving monthly stipends from the SETA for the period.

These anchor projects have been initiated by the W&RSETA to increase access to occupationally directed programes as enshrined in the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS III). The projects aim to strategically and programmatically support the production of priority skills in the high-level occupationally directed programmes in the entire skills development pipeline, from universities and colleges to the workplace as envisaged in the NSDS III.


It was a real light bulb moment for me; the proverbial penny dropped and I realised that if I carried on as I was going, we would never be in a position to provide Phoenix with the kind of upbringing we wanted for her. If she was to have a great education, I was going to need to bring home a salary to sustain that. So I decided then and there to equip myself with at least a degree so that I could secure myself a job with more earning potential. Problem was that I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to study!

rmed with a brown envelope containing my Matric certificate, I attended appointments with career counsellors at

different universities. As luck should have it, I had the fortune of coming across a gentleman called Dr Fredricks, whom I will never forget. He looked at my results and said, You qualify for university admission, young man. You should study law and become a lawyer or magistrate. I just packed out laughing, Marlin recalls with a smile. I told him he was crazy, that lawyers were clever people, people with status, and I was a forklift driver. I mean really! Come, lets go to Coca Cola or Nampak and tell the forklift driver there that they can become an advocate. Hell think you are smoking something!

But Fredricks words stayed with him and sure enough, he applied to study law at UWC. When I received my provisional acceptance, I was shocked out of my wits! Marlin grins.

And so the hard work began from Monday to Thursday, between 2005 and 2010, Marlin ended his working day by hauling out the books and putting his head down to study. Looking back, he admits that he couldnt have done it without the unwavering support of his wife.

My family were truly the driving force, I did it all for them, he states proudly. My wife also works at the Post Office as a supervisor, so that made it easier for me to study long hours. She never distracted me or complained. We both wanted the world for our children (by now our son, Zachary, had been born). Its easy to wish for your child to become a rocket scientist, but you have to provide the means for them to get there.

And I also couldnt have done it without my faith in the Almighty. My grandfather was, and uncles are, ministers in the church and whilst I am not a born again Christian, I cling to the principles and beliefs that religion has taught me.

I ask Marlin a question that's been on my lips. A law degree doesnt come cheap How did he afford to fund his studies?

I am one of the fortunate few who earn a salary

doIng somethIng I love

AMORE ABOUT THE JOB

MY JOB ENTAILS advising union and management on what the law ultimately says in relation to a specific issue, facilitating disputes between union and management, and then advising them both. I represent the Post Office in external tribunals at the CCMA and bargaining councils. All Post Office disputes are referred there. I listen to disputes, advise and give opinions.

IF YOU WANT TO BE A LAWYER Go to the courts, wait outside and ask an attorney questions. Dont be afraid to ask. Find out what the job entails and what they like about it. If the first one doesnt have time for you dont be put off, keep on trying and someone will help you. Use the information to formulate an opinion. Speak to a few different people before you decide.



inancially it was hard. For the first year I had to fund my own studies, at around R10 000. Id applied for a bursary from

the Post Office in 2004, but didnt get it. At the time I felt my employer saw me as a forklift driver with delusions of grandeur! But I had a point to prove, and refused to let this hurdle stand in my way. I would show them. I wasnt a forklift driver applying for a bursary to do a law degree; I was Marlin Rhode applying, and I knew I had the staying power to see it through.

I studied like crazy and made the Deans Merit List. At the time I didnt even realise what an achievement this was I was a top performer in my group! But the decision-makers at the Post Office clearly noticed, and they agreed to fund my studies from that point forward.

Perhaps it was a good thing that I had to pay my own way initially, as that meant I could not possibly mess up. Maybe if the Post Office had paid I wouldnt have taken it as seriously. A blessing in disguise!

Around the time the Post Office provided Marlins bursary, the position of Employee Relations Practitioner was advertised and

although he didnt have all the required qualifications just yet, the powers that be now recognised his potential and awarded him the job.

Six years and many hours spent sitting at a desk later, at the age of 31, this hard-working scholar wrote his final exams, and his dreams came true when he was capped by Desmond Tutu at an official ceremony at UWC.

And then another dream came to fruition on the day of his admission as an advocate. There I was, standing in court and being sworn in before Justice Samela and Acting Justice van Standen. There were so many things going through my

F I wasnt a forklIft drIver applyIng for a bursary to do a law

degree, I was MarlIn rhode applyIng



Ive learnt that...

Money talks (lets call a spade a spade).

We tend to set ourselves standards and believe that this is our pinnacle, but actually the sky is the limit.

Its great to have dreams, but you need to be able to sustain them.

People will tell you that you are not good enough; that it is not possible. Be stubborn. If your mind tells you that you can do it, you probably can.

There is always a reason for everything, although it may be far from clear at the time.

Lawyers need to be equipped with the gift of the gab. I am not a fighter, but I earn my bread and butter with my mouth.

If you cant negotiate, then this is the wrong profession for you.

As a parent you need to start saving early for your childrens education. Even just putting away R50 per month can make a difference.

There are times when you do get it wrong, but thats just part of life.

Stress relief is important and having hobbies helps you relax. For me its cooking, I still have aspirations to be a chef (ask my wife!).


mind. No money in the world could ever have bought that moment. I sacrificed so much to get there time with family, special occasions, rugby games, watching England play in the World Cup, but it was all worth it, Marlin reflects. My wife, daughter and mother were there to share it. I hope that day will impart in Phoenix a sense of self-belief; a knowing that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

Marlin is also thankful to the Post Office for playing a supporting role in his success. As as an organisation, they have proven their commitment to assisting employees in acquiring the necessary skills to progress their careers. Whenever I asked for time off, study leave or just quiet time, they were supportive. If you want to study and you are working here, it is a good combination.

And colleagues at the Post Office further honoured the advocates achievements by presenting him with a Silver Star Award for Self Development at a glitzy gala in Johannesburg.

It seems there is no stopping Marlin... who was completing his Master's proposal during the time of this interview. His thesis: A critical analysis of privacy in the work place. If all goes well, 2013 should be graduation year. Seems that the long days of all work and no play are not over just yet. But he's not even slightly phased.

Although my career at the Post Office started off as a means to earn, these days money has become secondary. I am one of the fortunate few who earn a salary doing something I love. I have a passion for the law and faith in our judiciary system. Doing what I do is such an awesome feeling I dont want to be selfish and keep it all to myself. If you are a young person interested in becoming an advocate or attorney, you are welcome to contact me and Ill advise you as to how to get started as best I can.

If you are interested in finding out more about a career with the Post Office, visit www.postoffice.co.za


Down in the dumps because you couldnt get into university? The good news is that a degree is not the be-all and end-all to ace it in life.how to get

ahead withouta degree

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explore your options

workplace training.Consider this: many university

graduates have degrees that arent in high demand in the workplace. They will probably find work, but they arent addressing South Africas critical skills shortage in certain sectors. In order for the country to accelerate its economic growth and create wealth and jobs, it needs more artisans, as well as certain categories of technical and professional workers.So, if you havent cracked a

nod at university, dont despair. Acquiring skills through other means shouldnt be sneezed at and, in fact, you may end up earning more money and enjoying more job security than your counterparts with their fancy degree scrolls! Here are some career-focused alternatives to university worth considering:

Private colleges In academic terms, private colleges are positioned between high school and university level, and the entrance requirements are not as strict as they are for university programmes.There are hundreds of registered

private colleges (including private FET colleges) in South Africa but not all are above board. Dont be taken for a ride by dodgy operators, or you may end up saddled with a worthless diploma or certificate. When applying at a college,

make sure it is accredited by Umalusi on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training. This means that the colleges courses comply with industry standards. Also, be sure to check the

NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level of your prospective qualification against the requirements of the marketplace. An NQF-registered grading means it is a nationally

Did you know that Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates, Apple legend Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg all dropped out of university? While not everyone has the Midas touch and entrepreneurial spirit of these three modern business icons, it shows that you dont necessarily need a degree to be successful.There are a few harsh realities

facing South African matriculants, the first of which is that there are many more school-leavers with university exemption than there are places at universities. This has been borne out by the mad rush for places at some institutions after matric results are released sometimes with tragic consequences.Recently, the Human Sciences

Research Council estimated that only 15% of South African university students who start a degree end up finishing it. Most quit their studies in their first year they either buckle under the workload or pressure or discover theyve chosen the wrong course. Or, of course, they simply cant afford to continue studying.The cost of university tuition

is mounting, and is way beyond the reach of many young South Africans and their families. Plus, varsity is not for everyone some bright youngsters may not be academically inclined, but have strong aptitudes in other areas.This means that tens of

thousands of matriculants will have to look at alternatives should they wish to study further. Dont believe the propaganda university is not necessarily the Holy Grail of higher learning. If you dont have a degree, it doesnt necessarily mean youre going to end up as another unemployment statistic.Extremely valuable skills

can be learned at private and FET colleges, or through apprenticeships and on-the-job


recognised qualification.Some of the better-known

private colleges, such as Boston, Damelin, Intec, City Varsity and Midrand Campus, have been going for a long time and have a solid track record of producing good, workplace-ready graduates.Independent colleges may be

dedicated to, for example, nursing, fitness, business or media studies, while others offer broader and more general fields of study. What could be off-putting is that some charge rather steep fees but this is because they do not receive government subsidies.

Fet colleges/vocational training

Further Education and Training (FET) colleges equip students with a particular skill through job-specific or occupational training. Students who qualify will obtain a certificate in a particular field that makes them highly employable.Such colleges are, however, often

seen as a distasteful last resort of many school-leavers. In many cases this reputation is deserved, but just as often its unwarranted. It all depends on the college. Only private FET colleges have

to apply to be officially accredited by Umalusi; public colleges are automatically accredited.Vocational and occupational

training bears an unfortunate stigma, which must be dispelled if the workplaces needs are to be met. In fact, Dr Blaze Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, declared 2013 the year of the artisan so critical is the skills shortage in this sector of the countrys economy.There are a number of

government-subsidised FET colleges in South Africa, often referred to as technical colleges. Many are public colleges, but there are also scores of private

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By undertaking an apprenticeship or internship you can gain valuable skills and

exposure in your chosen field of work, maybe even securing a job at the end.

institutions offering specialised education and skills geared towards a particular career.Some of these colleges

require only a Grade 9 or Grade 10 certificate, making them accessible to the average would-be student. They also offer vocational instruction to high school-age children who are able to obtain the technical equivalent of a Matric.Some FET students may qualify

for admission to a university of technology to continue their studies, making this a valuable bridge for those who still dream of going to varsity.

InternshIps and on-the-job traInIng

The value of education is immense, but in many cases theres no substitute for good, old-fashioned on-the-job training. Such work gives you the practical street smarts to accompany any academic head smarts you may have accumulated.Several college and university

courses require you to have workplace experience before you can qualify. This means that undergraduate students are placed in an employment situation for a defined period often working for free, or for a small stipend. Interning is a win-win solution:

the company gets the benefit of your labour and fresh ideas, and you gain valuable on-the-job experience and references to beef up your CV. Who knows they may just ask you to stay at the end of it.Even if you arent studying, its

worth approaching a business and asking if they have any cheap grunt work for you be it running errands or making coffee. Youll find that most companies

will appreciate such initiative. Or consider volunteering at a local charity or small enterprise. At least youll gain experience far better than moping around at home.

College Checklist

Do your homework when selecting a college. MSC Business College has some tips for prospective students:

Is it accredited? Can it produce a legitimate registration number? Does it offer diplomas and/

or certificates, and at what NQF level? What are the cost

implications, and are there flexible payment options? Are there any hidden costs,

such as study materials and registration fees? Does the college offer

extracurricular activities to enhance your student life? What study resources such

as libraries, computers and internet are available? Does it have a good

reputation in the job market? Check out www.colleges.

co.zafor a list of accredited and recommended colleges. Also try the South African

Qualifications Authority website for info and careers advice www.saqa.org.za

explore your options

apprentICeshIps and learnershIpsSome companies offer learnerships, providing the opportunity to

work while studying and training towards a qualification. Combining theoretical and practical components, these occupational learnerships are aimed at addressing the specific needs of the labour market. Apprenticeships fall into this category. According to the Careers Portal

website (www.thecareersportal.co.za), a trade apprenticeship combines workplace and formal learning, and is based on an agreement between the individual who wants to learn the skill and the employer who needs a skilled worker another win-win situation.Because of South Africas shortage of skilled tradespeople, appies are

in hot demand and can ultimately command high salaries. So dont knock it till youve tried it!An apprenticeship can last between two and four years. Most of

it involves the apprentice learning practical skills on-site under the supervision of a qualified tradesman. The remainder entails learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the chosen trade.There are several pluses to this option: you earn a salary while learning,

you are taught valuable skills in a practical environment, and you are virtually assured of a job at the end of it.


Desperately seeking a degree Didnt quite cut the grade in matric? Dont

despair. Your qualification catch-up questions answered.

Q I havent been able to get into the degree course I have my heart set on. Is it possible to improve my marks?A Yes, it is possible. First prize is to go back to the high school where you wrote your matric and re-register to take those subjects, or as soon as possible after receiving your results apply to your district or regional education department office to write a supplementary exam. For the latter, youll have to provide documentary evidence that you qualified to be admitted to a higher education institution, but were one requirement short of fulfilling its standards.Another alternative is to redo certain subjects

through an institution such as a college. There, you would need to enrol for an NQF Level 4 qualification, which is the academic equivalent of Grade 12.

QHow do I know if the college I want to rewrite subjects through is legit?A Its absolutely critical to find out whether the Further Education and Training College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the South African Qual-ifications Authority.

Q Who can I contact to find out about options for rewriting some or all of my matric subjects?A Contact your school, the Matriculation Board, Umalusi (www.umalusi.org.za) or the Department of Higher Education and Training (www.dhet.gov.za) for a list of accredited colleges.

Q Do I have to go through the hassle of wasting an entire year redoing subjects in order to get better marks, obtain university entrance or upgrade my pass level? A Not necessarily. You may be able to complete a bridging course that will allow you easier entrance into your degree of choice. Find out from the institution you applied to whether they offer such courses, and if you are eligible.

Q Can I register to redo certain matric subjects part-time?A Yes, many colleges offer this possibility. You can also complete them via a correspondence course or through distance learning.

QWhat if I chose the incorrect subjects

in Grade 10 for entry to a particular degree course, and want to choose new subjects post-matric? Such as ditching Maths Literacy and doing Mathematics?A There will probably be certain conditions and criteria attached, but it is possible. You may be required to complete Grades 10, 11 and 12 in that particular subject.

Q What if my matric marks werent good enough for me to study at the time, but Ive since gone and obtained work experience in my chosen field? If I want to attend university now, do I still need to go back to school and study in order to bump up my marks?A The good news is that you can apply to skip that step under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. You can approach

Higher Education South Africa www.hesa.org.za or a university with a copy of your Matric certificate, making sure to include any experience and training you have undergone that may be relevant. They will evaluate your application, see if you have met the necessary learning outcomes and may provide you with a certificate that recognises your prior learning.

Q Can I wait a few years after matric and then go and study, even with my low marks?A Yes. If you are 23 and older, you would be regarded as a mature student and many academic institutions will accept you on a course even if your original matric marks prevented you from studying at the time.

get back on track

waiting for that light bulb moment? scan our career ideas for inspiration

junctioncareer

between a clients issues and ones own; to be ethical in ones work and life.

What do you like the most about your job?The shifts I see clients make; when clients become empowered and utilise insight in their lives.

What areNt you keeN oN?Sometimes filing, and keeping track of all my receipts for tax purposes. So in a nutshell: admin!

share a career highlightTo have qualified as a clinical psychologist whilst being a mom and a wife has been an achievement. When a client refers someone else to me for therapy it is a reflection of my worth as a good psychologist.

aNd future goals?One of my goals is to write about some aspects of my work that will be of value, for example: a handbook for parents.


Allengary NaickerCliniCal PsyChologist

at a hospital and the completion of a thesis. Plus I completed a year of community service before beginning private work.

hoW do you rate experieNce verus formal traiNiNg?There are very few young psychologists who are really mature beyond their years, for most of us life and work experience counts for a lot. Remember though, formal training as a psychologist is essential as the theory and academic rigour provides a framework for understanding clients.

describe a typical day It depends on the number of clients I have booked. Generally some morning exercise at the gym, then once at the office I check my e-mails and write up notes. I see clients on the hour for about 50 minutes at a time. When I have breaks I make phone calls, write and file notes. I see about six to seven clients per day.

What makes a good psychologist?Its essential to be open about ones own strengths and weaknesses; to be a critical thinker and reader; to know the difference

you need to be ethical, in both

work and life

psychology

working it out

pho

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: peter rudden

What does your Work iNvolve?I provide therapy to clients who experience difficulties or worries. It involves listening and reflecting to clients in a safe environment. Some psychologists work for hospitals, schools or businesses. I run a private practice where I see clients for therapy on a weekly basis, either for a short or longer period. I also work for an organisation where I offer mentoring and support to the staff.

Why did you choose psychology? As a former teacher I became aware that labelling children/people is not constructive. I studied further to understand the rationale for behaviour and develop insight into human functioning and dysfunctionality. I have to admit that I also chose this profession to develop further insight into myself.

What traiNiNg did you uNdergo? After completing an undergrad degree which included a major in Psychology, I studied my Psychology Honours part-time through UNISA. My masters in Clinical Psychology at UCT, which I got into after a tough selection process, took two years full-time. This included practical training, course work, a years internship

lights, camera, action

you need to be able to control your emotions

modelling industry


What is it that you do for a living?I book models and actors for work in films, television commercials and magazines.

Why the modelling industry?The funny thing is that the industry actually chose me (and thats a true story)!

What training did you undergoI undertook a diploma in Fashion Design. I also did some modelling myself when I was younger, so I gained a good sense of the industry through that.

is there a type of personality best suited to this Work?You need to be outspoken, have a good eye for beauty and have an understanding of the differences between human beings. You definitely need to be in control of your emotions at all times.

experience versus formal trainingExperience is of major importance in this game as I doubt you can train a person to see the things that experience teaches you.

What do you love the most about your job?Changing lives, especially the lives of young guys and girls; showing them that they can make anything of themselves in features, and showing them the value of self-confidence.

Sonia Bodla Agent/Booker Boss Models

any aspects you arent keen on?None to be honest, and if there are any, they usually last about five minutes and they are gone, so I dont recall them much. It is never personal.

Whats been the highlight of your career?The challenges I am faced with, the self-respect I have gained and the opportunity to have worked with such an amazing team. The eight years that I have spent working with them feels like a lifetime together!

What are your goals for the future?I will have succeeded if I can continue working in a business this frustrating, with all its daily challenges, and still embrace the work that I do!

advice for Wannabe bookersDont be big-headed or have a bullish ego as you can be reduced to a lamb in five minutes! Have barrels of self-confidence. If you have trust issues, dont touch this industry with a barge pole. Be willing to listen and take advice, to ask questions and be open-minded. Dont be too hungry for it, you might just burn out! Most importantly, enjoy yourself and have fun.

describe your job in three WordsChallenging, Rewarding and Stimulating.

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: peter rudden

Why did you choose to do this job? I always wanted to be up in the sky and to do something different. My dream was to be a pilot. I was unemployed for four years and looking for work when I found out that WBHO wanted to train people as tower crane operators. I applied, they called me, tested me in maths and English, and after that we went through training. A lot of people applied, but during training found out that they were scared of heights, or they failed the assignments. Eventually we were six women, of whom four failed. At the end of the training I was the only women, along with 15 men, who passed.

What training did you undergo? I was taught how a tower crane works. There is a computer screen in front of you in the cab that tells you everything: if the crane has a problem, it warns you; it shows the wind speed; it shows your load from the point of pick up to where to drop it; and how you must slew with the jib. This job is very precise and the computer helps with that. You learn about electricity:

there is an electricity box in the cab if there is a problem with the crane, you must be able to fix it. You must recognise when there is a problem and know when to report it.

What traits does a crane operator need to possess? Its not an easy job. People dont understand that women can do this they know that its dangerous and they think you will kill them! You cant be nervous; you have to be calm at all times. You carry a bucket of concrete weighing three tonnes and move it to another place. We sometimes move people to the top structure in man-cages, whilst having to avoid pylons. We also have cranes working next to each other, so you have to be very focused. You cant be scared because you are alone up there. Even though you have a banksman on the ground with

a radio telling you where to pick and drop off a load, you cannot just take instructions as they sometimes make mistakes. You must communicate at all times and be a team-player.

is experience as important as training? The training is very important. You must know what you are doing. A tower crane is a lifting machine if you treat it wrong, it will treat you wrong. However, experience makes you much more comfortable doing the job. The crane Im operating now is 70 metres but I can also operate a 90-metre crane. I was so proud in 2010. I pointed and said I built that stadium.

describe a typical dayI do my inspection of the crane before I climb up at 7am. I call my banksman to make sure the radios are connecting as we must

construction


pho

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: bruce sutherland

people dont understand that women can do this

building a bright future

Zoliswa GilaTOWER CRANE OPERATOR WORKED ON 2010 StaDium

be in contact all day. We have a tea break and then back to work. We work until lunch break and then straight through until 6pm. I make sure I go to the ladies before climbing up!

What do you enjoy most about your Work?I like my job because its my dream come true being in the sky. Ive learnt a lot of new things.

What arent you keen on? Guys used to give me a really hard time. When I started it was not easy, the foreman used to say I dont want women working in my area. But now that they see how well I work, they fight to have me working in their section.

Whats been the highlight of your career?The fact that Im doing something that very few women do. Now I have the confidence to do anything. A big day was when I met President Zuma at the 365 days to the 2010 World Cup kick-off. He said he had seen me on TV and was looking forward to meeting me. Another one was when the citys communications director organised for me to have my first flight in a helicopter that was so amazing.

What are you goals for the future?Id like to start a business to buy a small car to rent out. I still hope to become a pilot one day!

What advice Would you give someone starting out?You must fight for what you want. Dont say I cant do that, its for men. Just go for it. A woman who is a crane operator must be cool because men can be rude. You must be reliable and on time. You must be open to working overtime.

construction

Ultimately accoUntable

realised that whenever I learn something on the job there is always a wow moment.

Describe a typical DayThe first thing I do when I get to work is to crack a joke or two with colleagues. After that I read a newspaper online just to see whether there have been any events that affect any of our clients. After that we have an informal team meeting with regards to what the objectives for the day are. I interact with a lot of people on a daily basis, especially because we are often with clients. As strange as it may sound, auditing requires a lot of communication, so that definitely is a skill that one needs.

What Do you like the most about your job?My job has changed the perception I had about the South African government. It has taught me that

Why accountancy? Because I always liked accounting. It was my favourite subject at school, and at university I liked it even more. A lot of my friends did not like the subject, while I could not get enough of it.

What training DiD you Do?I had to go to university where I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in accounting. After that I signed up for a three-year article clerkship. I am currently in my final year.

What personality is best suiteD to this Work?I have seen both introverts and extroverts on the job and both do their jobs exceptionally well.

experience Vs training?Experience is just as important as formal training. With formal training someone explains something to you, but I have


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: jo

spies

Fidel Castro RolseTrainee accounTanTThe AudiTor-GenerAl of SouTh AfricA (AGSA)

life is not always black or white but sometimes a mixture of colours. It has also taught me that instead of always criticising, one should roll up ones sleeves and do some work to make the changes one wants to see in our country.

Which aspects are you least keen on?That will definitely be the long hours on the job! This job is deadline driven and one is sometimes required to work overtime just to get the job done. More hours on the job means less time with family, which is why I do not like overtime that much.

Whats been the highlight of your career to Date?The day I signed my article contract with the AGSA is definitely the highlight of my career so far. We value and recognise our people is one of the values of the organisation. AGSA made a promise to its employees, and as an employee I can say that they are sticking to it.

What are you goals for the future?I would like to make a difference in the lives of others. I know that I wont be able to change the entire world, but I believe that every little bit counts. So, if I can affect the lives of many South Africans in a positive way, it will be a mission accomplished. One of our other values at the AGSA is Our accountability is clear and personal, and this is another factor that definitely motivates me.

accounting

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: peter rudden


architecture

creating spaces for people

to live, work and play in

Hassan Asmal, DirectorarchitectACG ArChiteCts & Development plAnners

invading your spaceWhy did you become an architect? I was always interested in doing creative things and interacting with people. Architecture was not a well-known profession in our community at the time I chose to do it; this was an added challenge.

What training did you undergo? I obtained a certificate in Architectural Draughtsmanship at the ML Sultan Technikon in Durban, and a Bachelor of Architecture at UCT.

is there a career highlight that stands out for you?Winning an Award of Excellence, and many others. Seeing projects come to fruition and their impact on communities and the environment. Becoming National President of the SA Institute of Architects; thereby contributing to the development of architecture both in this country and in other parts of the world.

What do you like most about your job? The interaction with people, coming up with creative solutions and implementing them.

is there a type of personality best suited to this profession?One that asks questions, understands lifestyles, mixes freely and works well with others.

What advice Would you give to someone starting out?Keep an open mind and try to learn as much as you can during your formative years; this will equip you for the future.

describe your job in three Words Challenging Fulfilling Rewarding

Why did you choose to become a Welder? I had little choice. I grew up on a small island in the Adriatic that had very few industries, and I didnt like school very much. My dad was a welder and I used to help him from time to time when I was a teenager. I was never taught how to run a business I had to learn that myself.

What training did you undergo? I did a welding course at the shipyard in my home town.

is there a type of personality best suited to this Work? Someone who likes to be hands-on and who wants to try to make something on his own. Someone who is outgoing and creative, has stamina and a good eye for detail.

hoW does formal training match up to experience? Formal training teaches you the basics, experience teaches you everything else. Learning never stops in this industry.

describe a typical day on the job Usually I meet my workers at the workshop, order material that we need and then describe to them what needs to be done. There are always meetings with clients or architects. There is lots of driving involved between clients and sites, suppliers and galvanizers. I am very hands-on in my business.

What do you like the most? Independence, interesting challenges, being creative in order to meet a challenge, and the ability to come and go as I please.

What dont you enjoy? Traffic, unreliable workers and tax!

Whats been the highlight of your career thus far?I have been involved in some big projects in Cape Town, e.g. Boulevard Park, Virgin Active in Steenberg, The Pepper Club in Loop Street and the Crystal Towers

Ivo SolaSelf-employed Welder Sola Metal FabricatorS

at Century City. On all of them I was worried that I was in over my head, but what tools you dont have you can always hire and you take each day as it comes. I am also lucky enough to have friends who give me good advice and lend me equipment if needed.

your goals for the future? To grow this business to the next level, and as a side-business Id love to open a restaurant (cooking is my other passion).

What advice Would you give to someone starting out as a Welder? You need little investment, but you do need determination. You need to network and market yourself all the time. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone what you do. You never know what a person may be needing be it a simple metal staircase or a beautiful balustrade.

the job in three Words Dynamic Creative Fun

investment, but you do need determination

you need little

pho

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: peter rudden

tradesmanship


making sparks fly

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: su

pplied


conservation

shaping the future

Cameron McLeanSpecialiSt ecologiSt: aquatic ecoSyStemS & BiodiverSity planningeThekwini MunicipaliTy

ive always been passionate about the natural environment

Why did you choose conservation? I have always been very passionate about the natural environment. The move towards conservation therefore seemed a necessary and logical move for me.

is experience as important as formal training?Quality education is vital! All my decisions have to be scientifically defensible, which is knowledge that can only be gained while studying. In attempting to conserve natural areas, however, there is often conflict with other parties competing for the same land. Experience certainly assists in dealing with these types of issues.

What training did you undergo?All my training took place at the University of Kwa-

Zulu Natal. I completed a three year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biological Sciences, a one year BSc Honours degree in Marine Ecology, and a two year Master of Science (MSc) degree in Estuarine Ecology. The MSc coincided with an internship at the eThekwini Municipalitys Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department (EPCPD).

describe a typical day on the jobI arrive at work just after seven and reply to e-mails. One day is often very different to the next depending on priorities and deadlines. I am involved in

Post Matric, KZN 2013

Documents

times hard

post matric issn number

ctp printerspost matric

media andor

post matricphoto

big scheme of things

bad choices

bad influences