Kgopolo Danny Ibang

Kgopolo would like to see a world doing something to reduce the number of suicides every year.

Kgopolo is studying for a BSc (Computer Science and Informatics) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He matriculated at Galaletsang Science Secondary School, Motibistad in the Northern Cape.

“Being perfect is not the key, but consistency is.”

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I am studying this course because it is my childhood dream, and since grade 9 I wanted to do information technology (IT) to become a cybersecurity professional.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

I was inspired by Network Chuck (Chuck Keith) on YouTube and by someone visiting our school in grade 11 to talk about her career.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I want to see the world doing something to reduce the number of suicides every year. They can do this by building human-like artificial intelligence ( AI) models that people can trust and talk to. This is one of my goals.

Where did you complete your schooling? (name of school and area where it is situated) Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

Galaletsang Science Secondary school . My teachers are caring and supportive in almost everything; they are friendly to talk to. When you do not have a book, they will reach out to help and even buy you a calculator.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

I like the way they challenged me. Every problem I solved correctly was like I was the next Bernhard Riemann[1], a 19^th century German mathematician (who laid the foundations of the mathematics of general relativity), and every wrong answer shows you where to improve.

[1] Bernhard Riemann – Wikipedia

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

I think these are people who are afraid to ask questions, or they only ask questions at the last minute. I will say to them to ask questions early-on and ask for assistance. They must also have that one friend who can explain a topic in their circle.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

If you need help, speak to someone that you trust and do not keep quiet because you matter.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

Apply early, even if the marks don’t make you happy, because you might find out that you qualify with your matric results, but you did not apply.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

A person who pushes work in difficult times and understands that being perfect is not the key, but consistency is.

A message to South African youth in general?

My message to the youth is to be yourself, believe in your potential, and surround yourself with people who will help you, listen to you, and be in your best interest.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

I want to say thank you for believing in me when no one else did (even myself) and I promise to make you proud.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

Levy Rossmann[2], a young American international chess master and content creator. I would say to him, “Thanks for showing me that to be successful I do not have to be perfect at what I do”.

[2] Levy Rozman – Wikipedia

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)