Please tell our readers about yourself? I was born in Atlantis. Raised mostly by my mother and grandmother, until my stepfather entered my life. I attended Saxonsea Primary and Atlantis Secondary schools. For fun, I love visiting art galleries and travelling throughout South Africa to explore different cultures. I have been to almost every province! I am an avid reader and read about 30 books a year on average – excluding my course materials. I do not have many hobbies or special talents, apart from volunteering my time, energy and mind to community and development projects since Grade 9.
What did you study? What do you do for a living? I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Politics, Religious Studies and Sociology at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I have been employed by the university in many capacities, from computer lab administrator to my most recent work experience as assistant to the Director of Undergraduate Affairs.
You are currently in Chicago, USA to study. How did this come about? Chicago is not my ultimate destination, it is merely a pit-stop. I have much left to do in South Africa. Last year, I was invited to join the GoldenKey International Honorary Society, an honour accorded the top 15% in my course of study at the university. It is from here on that my path started leading me to the international community. Earlier this year I applied for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, a world class fellowship, funded by the AW Mellon Foundation in New York. They required that I submit my research interest and various other writing pieces. I was one of five students from UCT awarded the fellowship and thus found my way to Chicago.
I am formulating my research proposal for my honours year in 2018 at the University of Chicago, the third best university in the United States of America. Afterwards, I will present my research proposal to the Social Science Research Council of the United States. My research explores the paths to gangsterism for young males in Cape Town. It is not research aimed at providing explanations or solutions (yet), but to give a voice to young men in Cape Town involved in gangsterism. Too often, our community, the government and the police have set views on gangs and why they exist. I am trying to explore their existence even in relation to the coloured identity, history and politics. Mid-August I will be returning to UCT to finish my last six months before moving to honours and starting my research career.
How has this experience been so far? Chicago has been amazing. America truly is more privileged and developed than Africa or South Africa. The movies are pretty much accurate. However, that does not mean we are not good enough. I certainly am more than capable to do what every American or European can do. Perhaps, even better. This journey has also made me realise how much I need myself and support – you are truly your biggest challenger, motivator, admirer and supporter. Everyone else can be there for you, but if you are not comfortable being you and knowing your worth, it doesn’t mean much for others to support you. I have various people to thank for helping me on the path to find my worth – but ultimately – I had to walk that path myself, alone.
Describe yourself in three words? Driven, ambitious and humble.
Who or what is your biggest motivation/inspiration? Knowledge will always be my biggest motivation. I want it all. I have seen how knowledge can improve the lives of others and give hope where there was none. You should always learn, never stop. But learning does not only happen at university, college or school. Learning is everywhere and in every form. My greatest mentor to date has been Charles Marthinussen, principal of Atlantis Secondary. He has taught me that acquiring knowledge and learning comes at a price, as all good things do. I will be forever grateful to him for supporting some of my wildest dreams.
What do you still want to achieve? This article will be too long if I have to tell you what I am still planning on doing. Lets just say, in a few years I will have my first PhD and I would have studied in the United States and in the United Kingdom. I will be an influential author, with more degrees than necessary. The Mayor of Cape Town or President of South Africa will probably ask for my advice on drafting policies and other important matters. I will live my life happily engaging young people who want to become academics and make a change through beneficial use of their intellectual property. I feel this is my divine calling. Debitum Ante Omnia.
