NRF-SAASTA welcomes new cohort of graduate volunteers

NRF-SAASTA has welcomed a new cohort of 14 young volunteers as part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) National Youth Service (NYS) Programme.

This initiative placed 200 young people at 94 science host institutions nationwide, enabling them to gain workplace experience while contributing to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes.

For many of the new volunteers, this opportunity represents an important step from academic learning into the workplace.

Rachel Nkambule, a Science Communication and Engaged Research volunteer, said she looked forward to gaining practical experience in science communication.

“I am eager to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice and learn how science communication programmes are planned and executed,” she said. “I want to grow in communicating science and understand how science communication contributes to connecting science with society.”

Lethabo Selowa, a Planning, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation volunteer, said the opportunity would help him transition from student life to the professional world.

“Coming from university, this opportunity helps bridge the gap and creates an opportunity for experiential learning,” he said. “I get to apply what I have learnt in a work environment while understanding the importance of accurate information, proper documentation and reporting in supporting decision-making within an organisation.”

For Promise Maleka, a Public Engagement Platform volunteer, the programme offers an opportunity to develop her skills while helping make science more accessible to the public.

“Growth is my main focus,” she said. “This opportunity is unlike any other because we get to make science make sense. There is always something new to learn each day, especially how to break down complex scientific concepts for non-scientific audiences so they can understand and connect with science.”

The cohort also includes volunteers with specialised technical interests. Asanda Dhi, an IT volunteer, joins the programme with a set of basic skills gained while studying, which he hopes to expand even further while volunteering.

“I look forward to strengthening my technical skills and problem-solving skills and contributing to new challenges as I intend to build a strong foundation for my future in IT,” he said.

The NYS Programme forms part of efforts to provide young South Africans with meaningful opportunities to gain practical experience while contributing to programmes in the science, technology and innovation sector.

All volunteers will work alongside capable staff members and gain exposure to the organisation’s programmes and operations, while contributing their skills and perspectives to their science advancement work.

The organisation wishes all the volunteers a meaningful and rewarding experience as they begin their journey and develop skills that will support their future careers.