Khalid Manjoo is a qualified satellite engineer who has always held leadership roles in which he has excelled. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the University of Cape Town in 2005 and is now the team leader for assembly integration and testing at SunSpace, South Africa’s only satellite manufacturing company.
The youngest engineer in his company, Manjoo was the assembly integration and testing lead engineer during the launch campaign in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, for South Africa’s first government satellite, SumbandilaSat, in 2009. During the launch he received widespread coverage on national radio and TV and was featured in Popular Mechanics magazine. He was also among the Mail & Guardian's 2012 200 Young South Africans. In 2011 Manjoo attended a two-month space studies summer programme hosted by the International Space University at the University of Graz in Austria. Here he received a certificate of completion with excellent results. The programme exposed him to the vast array of space disciplines. He is also an official presenter of space career outreach for the department of science and technology.
Which schools and university did you attend?
I started my schooling at Anjuman Islam Primary in Durban central and then went on to Orient Secondary School in Greyville. Between 2002 and 2004 I studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2004 I went to the University of Cape Town and completed my studies there in 2006.
What degree did you study at university?
A bachelor of science in electrical and electronic engineering.
How did you get to know about your current occupation?
It was by chance. I was caught between choosing to further my studies with a postgraduate degree, or going off to work for one of the major telecommunications companies. A colleague mentioned an advert for internship opportunities in satellite engineering. I immediately applied for the position and was ecstatic to receive a call inviting me to an interview.
Please explain what your job entails.
My responsibility is to integrate the satellite throughout all stages of its development and ensure that the final system is tested, fully functional, acceptable and ready for launch. My team is also responsible for the satellite launch campaigns.
Science is great because … it is all around us and understanding it allows us to understand life. It helps us to improve our economic, social and cultural wellbeing. It also raises awareness of the benefits of science and technology.
Who do you admire?
All those individuals who are passionate about what they do and who rise above the rest to fight for their goals and never give up.
What sparked your interest in science in general and, in particular, your current area of focus?
I have always been interested in science. With regard to my current profession, I guess it would have to be the opportunity to be part of something beneficial and knowing I can make a difference and improve the quality of life through my work. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to work towards a better future for humanity and developing technology that can help us to achieve this vision.
How can young people get involved in your area of specialisation?
At school they should take subjects such as mathematics, physical science and computers on higher grade. At university they should choose a career in engineering with a focus on electrical and electronic engineering. SunSpace also offers the option for pupils in grades 11 and 12 to spend a few weeks job-shadowing to determine whether satellite engineering is a career of choice for them or not. It is also worthwhile to notice that the career options in the area of space are as vast as space itself.
What do you do when you are not working?
I try to relax as much as possible. I enjoy reading, surfing the internet, playing soccer and gym. I also enjoy fundraising and organising community welfare projects and cultural events. I love spending time with my wife and planning weekend picnics and getaways whenever possible.
What is your message to science teachers and pupils?
In promoting science and technology awareness teachers should work with the government and industry to establish fun-filled and exciting outreach programmes for young pupils. If such an interest can be introduced to them while they are still young, the challenge to make a difference in the years to come becomes less difficult and more manageable. Also, although there is a concerted effort to encourage pupils to take maths and science in higher grade, there is also a need to uplift and enhance the technical teaching skills of teachers, many of whom are underresourced. To the pupils, always remember that life is all about balance — weigh the good against the bad and then make the right decision. You are the raw material from which great scholars, doctors, lawyers and, yes, hopefully, satellite engineers will be produced.
Where can pupils get more information on the subject?
SunSpace’s company website is: sunspace.co.za. The South African National Space Agency website is: sansa.org.za. Pupils can also email me at: [email protected].