HBK CHAT VOL: 22 ISS 1

HBK People

HBK CHAT

“Great pursuits require sacrifice, perseverance and discipline” - Emelia Mosima

What did you do to celebrate this milestone? I “celebrated” by treating my family to a dinner and spending time with them. What’s next? Possibly more academic pursuits such as an LLM or master’s degree. I have managed to secure the required fourth-year aggregate for master’s degree eligibility at my university of choice.

Take us through your educational background I have a National Diploma in Electronic Engineering. It was through this qualification that I joined the CSIRSatelliteApplication Centre which later became a part of SANSA. The month of March 2022 marked my 26th anniversary at SANSA. I also have certificates in technology leadership, and air, space and telecommunications law. I embarked on my LLB journey through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in 2012 and will be graduated on 1 April 2022. What inspired you to study LLB? I am actively involved in radio frequency spectrum policy, licensing and regulatory work. This field of study was almost a natural academic progression based on my day-to-day work responsibilities which I have, over the years, loved and enjoyed. The national and international legal and regulatory framework relating to space activities underwent many changes over the years and I foresee myself influencing or advocating for progressive reforms within the local and broader space sector. You took quite some time to complete your qualification, what kept you motivated? It took me ten years to complete the post-graduate degree. I had to look back every so often to reflect on the

letter I wrote to myself about why I embarked on this journey and what sort of possibilities may arise from it. Believing in myself was integral in bringing this goal to reality. Are you saying there was never a moment when you felt like giving up? There were indeed many, many such moments. The studies were very demanding and juggling between work, personal life and studies was not easy. I encountered many personal setbacks but I believe that great pursuits require sacrifice, perseverance and discipline. I had a conviction in what I was doing, and so I soldiered on. How did you balance work responsibilities, family demands and studies? I remained focused and managed my time well. Working off plans and timetables, even though I despised it, almost always paid off. Recognising my limitations, I tried to not overdo or overstretch myself by prioritising and making time for all the things I deem important. How do you feel now that you have completed your LLB degree? I feel relieved and grateful. It was a big sigh of relief when I received my final results. I amalsoverygrateful to SANSA and my family for their support.

10