N E W S & V I E W S • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 17 Meet Noxolo Ndlovu, NCT’s pride and joy, who hails from the majestic mountains of Tugela Ferry. Noxolo has been part of the NCT clan for two years. She started as an intern in May 2022 and assumed a permanent position as a Junior Research Scientist in January 2023. As a self-proclaimed professional student, Noxolo brings with her an impressive educational background, having completed all her university studies at Nelson Mandela University (George Campus). She studied forestry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and was recently awarded a PhD for her research project that investigated the environmental impact of pesticides within a South African forestry context (see next page). A typical workday for the devoted researcher can start as early as 05:30 or 06:00. She works closely with Innocent Mthembu (whom she refers to as Bab’Mthembu) and Craig Norris to manage NCT’s tree improvement programme. This entails planting and measuring trials, analysing data, and making recommendations regarding the best species to serve current and future markets under No x o l o Nd l o v u the prevailing and anticipated environmental conditions. She also handles the general administration of the programme and engages with various stakeholders and industry partners to meet the research needs of NCT members. Noxolo did not choose forestry; it chose her. Initially studying Dental Therapy at UKZN in 2011, she switched to forestry when Mondi offered her a bursary. Being raised by a single mother, she knew that the bursary would provide muchneeded financial relief. She doesn’t regret the career change, as she feels she was made to be a forester and thoroughly enjoys her job, especially being part of research and development, which is an essential pillar of sustainable businesses. Noxolo comes from a close-knit family and dislikes division or disunity in any relationship, as it drains energy and hinders productivity and progress. She looks up to her mother and grandmother, who have faced many challenges yet continued to love and care for those around them, selflessly giving their best to everyone. As she experiences life and its difficulties, she becomes more appreciative of their presence, strength, wisdom, and consistency. Given more spare time, she would spend more time outdoors and with people from all backgrounds, as she values learning from others. Her favourite pastime is reading non-fiction Christian books. She draws her life motto from a combination of a Bible verse (Zechariah 4:10) and a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Do not despise small beginnings! If you cannot fly, then run; if you cannot run, then walk; if you cannot walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Her latest obsession is walking. Long walks, short walks, morning walks, afternoon walks, evening walks — going for a walk always brightens her day! She is a sucker for beautiful, breathtaking landscapes and loves Cape Town and Switzerland.
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