An ecstatic and grateful Mr Tsepo Sekhoasha graduated with a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics. His research was closely linked to the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) project, with his thesis focusing on the “Development of a Pointing Offset Measurement System for HIRAX”.  He was supervised by Professor Kavilan Moodley and Dr Anthony Walters.

Sekhoasha’s research contributed to the development of systems needed to support the accurate operation of the HIRAX radio telescope. HIRAX is an international radio astronomy project being developed in South Africa, with the main telescope array located in the Northern Cape in the Karoo. The project uses radio telescopes to study the Universe and is also providing opportunities for postgraduate students to gain experience in areas including mathematics, physics, engineering, data science and radio astronomy.

For Sekhoasha, completing his Master’s degree marks an important step towards his future career. He plans to pursue a career in education, with a particular interest in teaching Mathematics and Physical Sciences. He hopes to contribute to improving teaching methodologies that are suited to the South African context.  Although he is considering further studies at UKZN in the future, he is also making time for his interests outside academia. His hobbies include running and reading, activities that provide a balance to his academic and professional pursuits.

A quote that reflects Sekhoasha’s approach to learning are the words attributed to Michelangelo: “I am still learning.” The quote speaks to his belief that learning is an ongoing process and that there is always an opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills.

His message to future students reflects this same approach: “The world you’re entering is constantly changing and being good at just one thing won’t be enough. You’ll need to learn, adapt and step outside what’s comfortable. Don’t be afraid of difficult things. Often, the challenges that stretch you the most are the ones that teach you the most. Don’t limit yourself to what you already know or what you think you’re capable of. Stay curious. Keep learning. And when you have to, start again – that’s not failure, it’s how growth actually works. Life won’t always be easy. But choosing the hard thing, on purpose, is how you become someone you’re proud of.”

Sekhoasha’s journey from postgraduate research in Applied Mathematics to his ambition of contributing to education highlights the different pathways that postgraduate study can create. His work on HIRAX has also forms part of the wider development of skills needed to support radio astronomy and scientific research in South Africa.

Words: Prashina Ramcharan

Pic:  Supplied.