Zama Katamzi hails from Clermont in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. She is a space Âphysicist working in the space science directorate of the newly Âestablished South African National Space Agency based in Hermanus, in the Western Cape. Her area of research is Âionospheric physics, which, in Âgeneral terms, can be used for radio wave Âpropagation for Âdifferent Âapplications such as Ânavigation with GPS.
Where did you study?
I did my grade one to grade four Âprimary schooling at Nikela Primary School in Ladysmith, ÂKwaZulu-Natal. Thereafter I moved to Montebello Combined School where I did grades five to seven. For high school, grade eight to Âmatric, I went to Sacred Heart Secondary School in Oakford, also in KwaZulu-Natal. I did my Âbachelor in science and honours degrees at the University of Cape Town and my master’s in science at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. I did my PhD at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.
Why is science great?
Science is applicable to everything around us. We use it to explain even the Âsimplest things, like when you throw a ball up into the air and it comes back down due to gravity.
How can young people get involved in your area of specialisation?
An interest in science, physics in particular, is required. One must do physical science and mathematics in school. They must then do an undergraduate degree in physics or engineering and a postgraduate degree in space physics or physics. The national space agency also has a wonderful science Âcentre in Hermanus, which pupils can use to get practical exposure to the world of science. For a pupil who wishes to pursue a career in science I Ârecommend Âgetting involved in Âscience events and exhibitions across the country and getting your schools involved, too, so that they can get exposure to what careers science offers.
Who do you admire most?
People who are determined to better themselves and their community, no matter what obstacles they are faced with in life.
What triggered your interest in science in general?
I became interested in science after watching the movies Deep Impact and Armageddon. I was amazed by the fact that what we take for granted — objects such as the moon and stars — is governed by physics. There are people who study things like that to understand them and how our Earth and our lives might be affected should anything change in our solar system.
How did you know about space science?
I knew about space science when I was doing my undergraduate degree in Cape Town. I originally wanted to do astronomy when I finished school, which I then did together with space science when I was doing my Âhonours and master’s degrees. However, I realised that I liked space science more than astronomy, so I continued with space science for my PhD and now I am working as a space physicist.
Was there a particular event or person that persuaded you to pursue a career in your specific field?
I was always interested in and enjoyed science, so the decision was not Âdifficult. But I also had great teachers who inspired me, as well as the full support of my family and friends.
What is your field of science all about?
It is about using the Âunderstanding of space technology and the nature of the planets, stars and universe to improve the lives of people in this country.
What value would you say space science adds to our lives in today’s world?
Without the technology of Âsatellites, we would not be able to have GPS technology, use our cellphones or even ATMs. Earth observation by some satellites also allows us to predict potential disasters, such as tsunamis, and helps government departments to plan better for housing, managing water resources, and so on. The uses are extensive and important and Âanyone who studies space Âscience, technology and engineering is a skilled resource for South Africa.
What do you do when you are not working?
I enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hermanus and use my time to run, play tennis, read (non-fiction), hike and socialise with friends and family.
What is your message to science Âteachers and pupils?
There are many opportunities in Âscience that I think are not widely advertised in schools or Âdisadvantaged communities. There is also a perception that you need to be a genius to go into a science-related field, which is not true. You just need passion for the field and to work hard. If you are passionate, go out there and find the opportunities that can help you and your school.
Help centres for teachers and pupils
- Centre for space research, Âfacultyofnatural sciences, University of North-West in Potchefstroom
- School of physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Department of physics and electronics, Rhodes University
- Department of physics, University of the Western Cape
- National astrophysics and space science programme, University of Cape Town; website: star.ac.za
- South African National Space Agency; website: sansa.org.za
- Space Science Directorate of the South African National Space Agency; website: hmo.ac.za
- Department of Science and Technology; website: dst.gov.za