Dr Sphumelele Ndlovu asks a very intriguing question, does Africa need PhDs? And in his talk gives gives context by providing his personal background of how education was his only option of a better future. He then discusses how learners should be equipped with the right sets of skills, outside the academic knowledge in order for them to be able to navigate themselves successfully in life. Dr Sphumelele Ndlovu asks a very intriguing question, does Africa need PhDs? And in his talk gives gives context by providing his personal background of how education was his only option of a better future. He then discusses how learners should be equipped with the right sets of skills, outside the academic knowledge in order for them to be able to navigate themselves successfully in life.
[12/10, 16:58] Thobani Ndlovu: Dr Sphumelele Ndlovu is the Founder and Acting Managing Director at Indabuko PTY (LTD), a company
that is on a mission to solve energy challenges in South Africa and Africa at large through scientific
research and development. Ndlovu holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal
where he also graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in applied Mathematics and Physics,
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Master’s degree in Physics, which he finished in 11 months and
managed to publish two scientific papers in international journals.
Previously, Ndlovu worked at Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory under their Space
Geodesy Programme where he was on a project that aimed to on measure the growing distance
between the earth and moon using lasers. Prior to starting Indabuko, Ndlovu also worked as a Scientist
at the South African Weather Services in their Air Quality Department.
Ndlovu has earned recognition in the science and technology field. During his PhD, he was awarded
the best PhD presentation by the South African Institute of Physics. In 2016, he was selected as one
of the top 400 young scientists from across the world to participate in the prestigious annual Lindau
Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, dedicated to Physics. He was also recently awarded the 2019
Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans. Besides being engaged extensively in scientific
research, presenting scientific papers in national and international conferences, Ndlovu is an avid
believer in self-empowerment. He has published a book called Aiming for the Stars, which aims to
inspire young people to never let their current circumstances deter them from dreaming big. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx