The Cambridge cohort of 2020/21 and the teaching staff were particularly inspiring. Their knowledge and individual approaches to trying to solve the world’s most pressing challenges has had a positive impact on me.

Jabulani Nyathi

Motivated by a desire to make a difference and to build on his prior chemical engineering knowledge, Jabulani came to Cambridge to study for an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development as part of the 2020/21 cohort. His reasons for this were threefold.

“Firstly, it has become evident that in order to ensure sustainable growth within South Africa, where I am from, leaders are required to understand the multifaceted nature of solving issues caused by the country’s reliance on a predominantly coal-based grid and economy,” he said.

“Secondly, individuals are needed globally, who can innovate in engineering industries whilst accounting for the reality of climate change – the ticking time bomb. 

“Lastly, a personal acknowledgment of mine is the need to foster a community of like-minded individuals who can collaborate in a cross-functional manner to sustainably bring about benefit to society.”

For his MPhil dissertation research, Jabulani focused on South Africa’s Just Transition – a qualitative look at the various interventions that could be implemented in order to achieve sustainable production and tackle the country’s reliance on coal. Jabulani identified transition management, socio-economic development, and support mechanisms for coal workers, communities and the environment, as interventions that could help.

“I love the problem-solving side of engineering and the opportunity to use science in this process,” he said. “For me, this is my profession and passion and these skills are crucial in addressing climate change and its effects.

“I am currently an analyst consultant focusing on zero and low carbon fuels. I work in the Power Planning and Solutions unit of an engineering consultancy and I am involved in an array of projects there, from shipping decarbonisation studies to cost of service studies for utilities in sub-Saharan Africa.

“My current work involves South Africa and the ongoing energy transition, with my aim being to make a return to South Africa to aid in the implementation of this transition and further my research in the area.

“In the near future, I will gain valuable industry experience in the field of sustainability consultancy, focusing on sustainable infrastructure and operations. My goal is to continue working in the field of sustainable development, contributing my engineering expertise towards figuring out how net zero and the global decarbonisation agenda can be best implemented for the benefit of future generations.” 

Making your goals a reality

Jabulani’s message to others looking to follow a similar route into engineering is clear: believe to achieve.

“To other African youth considering engineering as a field to pursue, I would say it is important to believe it is possible to achieve the goals that you set out. There are people out there and opportunities that can aid in making these goals a reality.

“A lack of resources can often seem like a massive hindrance, but I am testament that somehow things can work out (I achieved scholarships to support my undergraduate and graduate studies), it just takes a bit of courage and perseverance.”

Joining the Cambridge community

Despite studying during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented its own challenges, Jabulani says he enjoyed his time at Cambridge.

“I look back on my time at Cambridge with gratitude for a unique experience, one that sits at the centre of knowledge creation and academia.

“My time at Cambridge was incredible for many reasons. Some of these include the opportunity to sing as part of the Magdalene College Choir, having the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and interacting with some of the most amazing and interesting people I have ever met.

“The year was, of course, challenging due to the pandemic, but the Engineering and Sustainable Development cohort of 2020/21, along with the teaching staff, were particularly inspiring. Their knowledge and individual approaches to trying to solve the world’s most pressing challenges has had a positive impact on me.”