Vacation training is a crucial element of the BSc in Civil Engineering curriculum at the University of Cape Town. Mr. Njabulo Mathe’s academic journey led him to become a part of a research team, and the outcomes of their work have been featured in the September edition of the SAICE magazine.

Njabulo, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey into civil engineering at UCT?

Certainly, I’m Njabulo Mathe, a third-year student in the ASPECT Civil Engineering program at UCT. My interest in engineering began during my time at Horizon High School (now known as Star College JHB), a school with a strong focus on science and mathematics. That’s where I developed a passion for problem-solving and actively participated in Olympiads and science fairs. I knew I wanted to pursue engineering but didn’t realize the various branches within it.

After some research, I discovered that Civil Engineering is actively involved in solving real issues that impact people daily, especially in the context of South Africa. Improving my community and country is a driving force for me. It’s not just about what my peers and I want to achieve now but also about contributing to the future.

You conducted research during your vacation, focusing on public transport. Can you tell us more about your project and its findings?

During my July 2023 vacation, I worked at CSIR under the guidance of Dr. Mathetha Mokonyama. Our project aimed to explore whether analyzing departure times could assist in creating a PRASA service recovery timetable in Gauteng. We studied the movements of people living within 1 km of a railway station and compared this data with PRASA service timetables. The research revealed that the current timetables were generally incompatible with the movements, especially in the case of seven stations spread across the region.

Additionally, we observed that, concerning the Mabopane station, some nightly trips were omitted from the service. It’s noteworthy that females, more than males, preferred off-peak times, which could disadvantage them if services were reduced during those hours.

“Engineering is not just about codes and calculations; it’s about understanding socio-economic issues and blending them with engineering considerations.”

How do you hope your research will impact the public transport sector in South Africa?

My hope is that this research sparks a shift in how public transport services are designed, making them more customer-centred. Better public transportation that is accessible, affordable, and customer-focused can significantly reduce carbon emissions and transportation costs. This ties into sustainability goals, and it’s an industry that deserves careful attention for South Africa to achieve those goals.

You mentioned experiencing the real-world aspects of engineering during your research. How did this experience change your perspective on your future career?

It had a profound impact. Taking a train ride to understand the context of my research made me realise that engineering is not just about codes and calculations; it’s about understanding socio-economic issues and blending them with engineering considerations. It bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, and now I can contextualize my knowledge. Initially, I considered a managerial track, but now I’m more interested in becoming a policymaker.

How was the guidance you received during your research, and how did it affect your work?

I received excellent guidance. My supervisor, Dr. Mokonyama, shared a wealth of knowledge and resources. Even when he was absent for a week, he continued to guide me through calls and resources. His support gave me the confidence to produce quality work. He welcomed me to the industry warmly, and that made all the difference. At times, I felt overwhelmed, but his reassurance kept me going.

What advice would you offer to other undergraduate students considering research or internships in their field?

Ask questions—ask your supervisor questions. The internet can provide answers, but your supervisor knows what’s best for your research. Talk to your colleagues, too, as they can offer different perspectives. Believe in yourself and remember to have fun in the entire experience.