Introducing Medupi Malema, our latest Brand Ambassador from South Africa!
If you are not a surveyor, what do you do?
I’m a Geomatics student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), majoring in Land surveying
How long have you been in the industry?
I am currently doing my final year (4th year)
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?
I am part of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), I’ve been with them for 3 years and I’m their bursary administrator for the University of Cape Town.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?
When I finished matric, I did not know anything about Surveying. So I had to do my own research to find more information about it. The youth from my area in Limpopo are facing the same problem, so I would like to increase the awareness of surveying and why its important in our community. Especially coming from a young person like I am.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?
Being able to understand how the world revolves around Geomatics and by this I mean, how the earth is Geoid and not what we have been told that it’s round, as well as how the coordinate systems of the world operates. I was never exposed to that, so having to learn about it when I got to university was a big transition for me. I believe it’s important to learn about the world as early as possible and that you’re never too young to learn. So I’m trying to increase the awareness of Surveying to the youth.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?
My starting point will be to educate the youth in my area about surveying by hosting small group meetings in public schools. I have already had an opportunity to host such at the school I went to, so I’m trying to increase the exposure to other schools especially disadvantaged schools. I am still going to keep doing the same even if I don’t become an Ambassador for GKIS, I just would like to be part of the team.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a workaholic so I like Landscaping, reading books, listening to podcasts, Socializing, music, art, Poetry, meditation and etc.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?
Persistency
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS?
A lot of members involved, more young adults joining the team. As well as disadvantaged schools getting the exposure to surveying.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in?
Geomatics is a broad field, there is a lot more one can do with geomatics. So why not build your brand and inspire others to do the same too. Reach one teach one.