Visiting students from The Netherlands reflect on their time at the Chair
Arriving in Johannesburg, ready for our internship adventure.
Welcoming UJ-TRCTI Team
Upon our arrival in Johannesburg in early November, we were warmly welcomed by UJ-TRCTI, the Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation. The team at UJ-TRCTI made us feel at home from day one. Their enthusiasm and excitement about having us on board was contagious, and we immediately felt like part of the team. A key part of our experience was being paired with Dr. Oluwagbenga Apata, who mentored us throughout our internship. His guidance and support were invaluable, and he played a major role in helping us develop and refine our ideas.
Our amazing mentors and the UJ-TRCTI team, who made us feel welcome from the start.
Our Renewable Energy Project
Our project focused on implementing renewable energy solutions in areas with limited electricity access. As part of our task, we conducted a pre-feasibility study to determine the suitability of selected areas for renewable energy implementation and assessed the local community’s responsiveness to our ideas. To carry out this study, we conducted energy audits in Victoria Yards (Johannesburg) and Fisantekraal (Cape Town). This hands-on experience allowed us to apply our academic knowledge to real-world problems, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how our work could potentially have a positive impact.
Conducting an energy audit in Victoria Yards, Johannesburg.
Exploring South Africa
Beyond our internship, we were fortunate enough to explore Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the warmth and hospitality of the people. The pride they have for their country is infectious, and we quickly made many friends who were eager to show us the best spots in Johannesburg and introduce us to traditional South African experiences, like a “braai.” We also ventured into the breathtaking South African nature, experiencing the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, which left us in awe.
Exploring the beautiful landscapes of South Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our experience at the University of Johannesburg and in South Africa was more than we could have imagined. The internship not only helped us grow professionally, but it also gave us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, make lifelong friendships, and witness the beauty of South Africa. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone, and we would love to return ourselves one day!