Young masters graduate defy the odds to break barriers in chemistry studies

Kgobokwane

A 29-year-old Chemistry Masters graduate and a former bursary holder from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has taken it upon himself to become a torchbearer for young professionals who want to join the sector to help convene lasting solutions to water challenges in the country.

Soft spoken Kagiso Komane from Kgobokwane outside Groblersdal, whom, besides the odds severely stacked against him, has obtained his Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

“I do not think that I have ever considered myself to be smarter than anyone I studied with. This was testament when my matric results came with poor results in Mathematics and Science, which I felt would hinder me to pursue a career in a science related field,” he said.

Komane has completed his matric at Ramatshagala Secondary School in 2011, however, performed poorly in both Mathematics and Physical Science.

“This then saw me having to upgrade my results for two years where I worked extra hard to ensure that my marks will get me in the chemistry field,” he added.

Komane committed to his studies and passed both Mathematics and Science on the third attempt, which enabled him to enrol for a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry at Tshwane University of Technology in 2014.

After obtaining his Diploma, Komane was awarded a bursary by the Department of Water and Sanitation, which funded his B-Tech Degree and Masters. The bursary covered full tuition fees, accommodation and food as per university guidance, books and stationery allowance as well as a monthly stipend.

“I stayed on the course until I finally obtained a Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry last year, 2022. This remains the biggest milestone in my entire life which I never would have achieved had it not been for the amazing and unconditional support from the department,” Komane said.

Komane has since become a mentor to university students where he offers free tutoring for chemistry classes during his spare time.

He is currently on a four-year internship programme within the department and his day-to-day job entails assessing water quality as part of the Blue and Green Drop Certification Programme, which takes into account the quality of drinking water along with the treatment of wastewater.

“I am also part of a team which is in the process of working to come up with solutions to address the Hartebeesport Dam hyacinth,” he said.

When asked what some of the downsides about his work are, Komane enthusiastically said: “There is absolutely nothing that I dislike about my job”.

He jokingly expressed that being a scientist comes with a misconception that one always has the answers to every problem.

My biggest goal in life is to inspire confidence to the generation that comes after mine. My desire is to see black children boldly take on opportunities in the chemistry field and grab whatever opportunity which may come their way to reach for their dreams,” he expressed.

Komane is one of the beneficiaries of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Learning Academy which was established in 2007, responsible to address specific scarce and technical skills gap in the sector through sponsoring study bursaries in the science and engineering disciplines.

The awarding of bursaries is done collaboratively with all universities in the country, to ensure that all bursars have the opportunities to successfully complete their studies.

Through the Learning Academy, students who previously benefited from the bursary programme are provided with employment contracts during which the bursars get relevant workplace exposure and additional training until they are ready to register as professionals with their relevant professional bodies.

According to the academy’s programme coordinator, Susan Andrews, the best is yet to come for Komane.

“Komane’s commitment to uplifting those who come after him is something which I think other young water professionals should aspire too. His work ethic is out of this world. He is a grounded young man who is going to break through many barriers in the future,” said Andrews.