SS Big Data Issue 13

SCIENCESTARS Issue 13 | December 2016/January 2017

CREATING CHANGE WITH BIG DATA

The FOUR V’s of Big Data

VOLUME Scale of Volume

From traffic patterns and music downloads to web history and medical records; data is recorded stored and analyzed.

40 ZETTABYTES

2005

[43 TRILLION GIGABYTES] Of data will be created by 2020, an increase of 300 times from 2005

6 BILLION PEOPLE have cell phones World population: 7 billion

It’s estimated that

2.5 QUINTILLION BYTES of data are created each day

VELOCITY

By 2016, it is projected there will be

18.9 BILLION NETWORK CONNECTIONS almost 2.5 connections per person on earth

2020

Analysis of streaming data

Modern cars have close to

100 SENSORS that monitor items such as fuel level and tire pressure

As a leader in the sector, IBM data scientists

In 2015

break big data into four dimensions; Volume,

4.4 MILLION IT JOBS

Velocity, Variety and Veracity.

Was created globally to support big data.

4 BILLION+ HOURS OF VIDEOS

VARIETY

are watched on YouTube each month

Different forms of data In 2014, it was anticipated thate there will be

420 MILLION WEARABLE, WIRELESS HEALTH MONITORS

30 BILLION PIECES OF CONTENT are shared on facenook every month

VERACITY Uncertainty of data 27% OF RESONDENTS

in one survey were unsure of how much of their data was inaccurate

1 IN 3 BUSINESS LEADERS don’t trust information they use to make decisions

CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

8 1 1 1 2 2 2 2

what is big data

2

international conference on

research infrastructure

5

mixo ngoveni king of the geeks

8

cloud computing

1

virtual reality viewers

2

khulisa training academy

6

THE NEW TOILET SYSTEM

9

LATEST GADGET AND APPS

REGULARS

6 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

editor's note

8

TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE

1 FACTS

4 PUZZLE

5

PUZZLE ANSWERS

6

SCIENCE NEWS

8 TOP 10 INDUSTRIES USING BIG DATA 8

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

NAME

SYMBOL

VALUE

Acceleration due to gravity

g

9,8 m.s-²

Gravitational constant

G

6,67 x 10 -11 N.m² kg -²

Charge on electron

e-

-1,6 x 10 -¹⁹ C

Speed of light in a vacuum

c

3,0 x 10⁸ m.s -¹

Coulomb’s constant

k

9,0 x 10⁹v N.m²C-²

Electron mass

mₑ

9,11 x 10 -31 kg

Permitivity of free space

Ԑₒ

8,85 x 10 -12 F.m -1

Planck’s constant

h

6,63 x 10 -34J.s

ED’S NOTE

team Science Stars

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Editor • Sihle Qekeleshe

The next big thing

Big data is making headlines everywhere, but before we focus on it being abuzz, we need to get a simple definition to help everyone understand it before it gets complex. “Big data is high-volume, high-velocity and high variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing that enable enhanced insight, decision making, and process automation” that is a definition from Gartner.

Big data is everywhere; it is being generated by everything around us at all times. To show that it is everywhere, even every digital process and social media exchange create it. It is transmitted through and by systems, sensors and mobile devices. Big data is generated from various sources at a huge velocity, volume and variety.

It is not possible to ignore the presence and impact of big data in daily life, whether you are in medicine or business, it is there.

In this issue we explain what big data is and how it is stored and analysed. If you’re looking for inspiration we have just the article for you, head over to page 15 for Mixo Ngoveni’s profile where he makes being a geek interesting and fun. Are you interested in studying Computer Science but you don’t know the best universities to study in? we have that covered too. Big data is a very vast topic and we think we have covered what you may need to know going forward, but further research will help.

Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz

Project Manager • Renata Williams Contributing writers • Thandile Mbana

• Oswald Kucherera

• Lauren Hartzenberg

• Denver Nazima

Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za Copyright 2016 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.

Science Stars is published by Roswika Media.

To be able to extract meaningful value from big data, you need to have the top processing power, analytics capabilities and of course skills. As vast as it is, big data is very interesting once you know what it is and how it works. New skills are needed to fully bind the power of big data.

We do hope you find this issue educational and fun, enjoy!

Sihle Qekeleshe Ediitor

6

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10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za

SMALL THINGS AMUSE

GREAT MINDS

“If I want to be a successful leader, I need to lead by example.” PRof SUPRAkAS SINHA RAy As chief researcher in the field of polymer nanocomposites at the National Centre for Nano-structured Materials at the CSIR, Suprakas is not only a thought-leader but also a brilliant team manager. Suprakas deals with molecules thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair, fiddling with their structure to make them stronger, lighter and even more fire-resistant. Rated one of the top 100 chemists in the world, Suprakas is a great asset to the CSIR and industry in South Africa.

BRIGHT yoUNG SCIENTISTS BEHIND ideas that work. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za

COVER STORY

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Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

COVER STORY

WHAT IS

BIG DATA?

Data Mining

by: Oswald Kucherera

A train of thoughts wheeled into my mind when I was confronted with this question. I had very little information and understanding of what ‘big data’ really is? But after doing my research, I was amazed at the vast potential big data has in far and near future, opening up an ocean of possibilities and opportunities for young people not only in Mathematics and Sciences but in other segments as well.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

9

COVER STORY

So what is big data?

titioners of medicine in respective fields, such as nanotechnology or nanomedicine

According to Gartner ‘big data’ is ‘high-vol-

are important. ‘Big data’ is useful in making

ume, high-velocity, and high variety infor-

balanced and informed insights in research

mation assets that demand cost-effective,

and development of new medicine, technol-

innovative forms of information processing

ogies or products. It is beneficial and allows

that enable enhanced insights, decision-

efficiencies in terms of financial costs, pro-

making and process automation. Volume-

ductivity and innovation in governmental

businesses or organisations collate and

processes.

collect data from a wide range of sources including business journals, social media,

In banking, with large amounts of informa-

newspapers and so forth.

tion coming in day and night, banks are faced with the pressure of finding new cre-

Velocity, a lot of data keeps coming in and

ative and innovative ways to manage ‘big

it has to be dealt with as soon as it comes

data’. Also in education with the dire need

in. Variety-the data comes in various forms

to transform systems and the curriculums

both structured and unstructured in busi-

into more open and inclusive, ‘big data’ can

ness journals, books or textbooks, video,

make a hugely significant impact in making

audio etc.

informed insights.

The term ‘big data’ was coined by John

In this competitive and ever-changing

Mashey and it is credited to his name. The

world, companies and businesses have

term has been in use since the 1990s.

professional people with expertise in sales

The concept became popular in the early

and marketing management, doing mar-

2000s, popularised by the META Group

ket research to understand the behaviour,

(now Gartner) industry analyst Doug Laney

needs and wants of customers, ‘big data’ is

who came up with the most widely used

increasingly becoming an asset.

definition of ‘big data’, the three Vs. The

However, the efficiencies and effectiveness

act of data collection can be traced back

of ‘big data’ depends on the people tasked

to the Egyptian Civilisation, one of the

with the comprehension of the information

earliest and oldest Civilisations on this

and formulating decisions or insights bas-

planet. Due to the rising need for keeping

ing on the available data.

track of records to ensure transparency and accountability, good governance and make

The challenges of ‘big data’ include dealing

informed decisions.

with data management. There is a shortage of data scientists, people with scientific and

‘Big data’ is fundamentally important in the

computational expertise and all this have

various fields and sectors of the economy.

a negative impact on the efficiencies and

Scientists, businesses, governments, prac-

effectiveness of ‘big data’.

10

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

It’s what we build

3112

We all dream of a better future. For ourselves, our families and our country.

SANRAL, as part of the National Development Plan, is improving and expanding vital road infrastructure.

In the process we are creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans.

We are proud to be a part of the National Development Plan, because we know that roads are more than just roads, they pave the way to a better future.

More than just roads

DST

International Conference on Research Infrastructure Science has no boarders

T

he first International Conference on

Very important issues were discussed at

participants focused on topics such as how

Research Infrastructure (ICRI) 2016

the conference, such as sustainability, the

RI could address global challenges like cli-

hosted on African soil wrapped up

socio-economic impact of research infra-

mate change and energy issues; the impact

with broad consensus that global coopera-

structure, human capital development and

of investments made in RI on issues of

tion is key in tackling global challenges,

big data management. Research infrastruc-

poverty, inequality and unemployment and

bridging the skills gap and growing inno-

ture (RI) plays an increasingly important

the need to manage big data.

vation hubs.

role in advancing knowledge and technology.

Science Stars was granted a chance to

Closing the conference, DST DirectorGeneral Dr Phil Mjwara said that RI was, by

attend the conference and also exhibit

Awarding winning scientist, Kevin Govender its nature, complex to govern and opera-

among other exhibitors. This event

who delivered the keynote address, echoed

tionalize. “No one country has the financial

attracted about 600 scientists, policy mak-

Minister Pandor’s sentiments, saying that

and human resources required,” he said

ers, academics and other stakeholders

RI was an enabler, and without people it

emphasising that cooperation was impor-

from 60 countries. The conference co-

was meaningless. He said “when we push

tant, making the expansion of partnerships

hosted by the European Union (EU) and the

human knowledge, are we leaving human-

across regions and sector crucial. We do

South African Department of Science and

ity behind? If we don’t manage this knowl-

hope that the partnerships formed will

Technology (DST), ran from 3 to 5 October.

edge it could result in greater inequality.”

definitely bring good results for the STEM

Those who were in attendance included

During the plenary and parallel sessions,

field and the world at large.

the EU Commission Director-General for Research and Innovation, Robert-Jan Smits, the EU Ambassador to South Africa, Marcus Cornaro, and Finnish Member of European Parliament, Henna Virkkunen.

DST Minister Naledi Pandor also attended the conference and exhibition. The Minister remarked that “research infrastructures should never be ivory towers, separate from society” the Minister said, adding, “Science knows no borders and partnerships are important, particularly in these difficult times.” The Minister also encouraged learners attending the exhibition to take up STEM subjects in high school and university, so that science is taken to a whole new level.

12

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DST

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

13

IDENTITY IS IN THE

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER “Dare to be different, but at the same time, stay true to yourself.” GUGULETHU MABUZA-HOCQUET These are very appropriate words indeed from the woman who has committed her research to identity protection.

The way Gugu sees it, your identity is all you really have – and the answer to protecting it, lies in iris biometrics.

She is exploring the unique iris properties of the South African population that may just hold the key to a uniquely South African security encryption system.

“Your iris does not only hold information such as your age, gender and race, it also says you are part of a demographic mix that is not found elsewhere in the world. Now imagine a future where those unique features in your eyes will protect the most valuble thing you have – your identity.”

Gugu describes the way she ended up in science as a “beautiful accident”. It’s certainly one to be thankful for.

BRIGHT YOUNG SCIENTISTS BEHIND IDEAS THAT WORK. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za

PROFILE

MIXO NGOVENI King of the geeks

By: Lauren Hartzenberg

H

e’s a young South African entrepre-

Ngoveni studied IT and Business

neur forging a pathway to success

Informatics at Tshwane University of

for young IT hopefuls, fostering

Technology and in 2010 was selected to

Science Stars got the scoop on Geekulcha’s

their learning and nurturing their inter-

represent the institution at the Microsoft

initiatives, where Ngoveni’s flair for busi-

est in technology. Meet Mixo Ngoveni, the

Imagine Cup. The following year Microsoft

ness began and the people that inspire

founder of Geekulcha, a tech hub based in

selected him as one of six Microsoft

him.

Pretoria that connects creative and ambi-

Student Partners in the country. He made

tious students with industry opportunities

Sowetan’s list of Top 100 Young Bosses

Tell us about your life growing up...

through a range of exciting events, work-

in South Africa and was named one of

I was born in Giyani, Limpopo. I did part

shops and hackathons.

Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South

of my high schooling there and moved to

Africans for 2015.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

15

PROFILE

Pretoria around 2001. I have always had an

Selected geeks representing Geekulcha on

exposure because of their connection to

interest in technology and business. During

campuses.

Geekulcha. It’s fulfilling knowing that one

my primary school days I sold Pokémon

• Geekulcha Internship: Industry readiness

is part of a movement that is empowering

and marbles, and in high school, I sold cell-

programme.

the lives of young ‘geeks’.

phone covers. I played a bit of soccer and rugby, but this ended when I started university. My tertiary years were spent mostly selling second-hand textbooks and airtime.

How does Geekulcha support students with an interest in tech?

People who make something of their lives from nothing. I admire their hunger, focus,

You will always be faced with determination, persistence and their ability challenges and lots of obstacles. to think differently. They inspire me and Stay focused on your dream even make me want to constantly improve and when the odds are against you. challenge myself.

Geekulcha is an entity where the young,

projects, network with industry leaders

Which skills does Geekulcha focus on developing?

What words of wisdom do you have for young people with big dreams living in challenging circumstances?

and obtain training to further improve and

We focus a lot on web and app develop-

You will always be faced with challenges

enhance their skills – all to empower the

ment, electronics and entrepreneurship.

and lots of obstacles. Stay focused on your

skilled, creative and ambitious tech minds connect, share knowledge, collaborate on

dream even when the odds are against you.

next generation with the confidence and multi-disciplinary skills needed to compete

How can technology change the world? Work hard towards achieving it and don’t

in the new economy.

Technology is already changing our world;

forget to have fun while chasing after it.

it’s making it a better place. Information

We do this through the following initiatives:

is easy to access, communication is much

• Geekulcha Makers: Combining mobile

and our devices are becoming smarter.

with electronics and hardware.

faster, transportation more advanced Unfortunately, technology can also change

Interested?

• Future Geekstars: Introducing high

and influence the world in a negative way.

Connect with Geekulcha on:

school pupils to the world of technology.

Cyber bullying has grown and our security

• Geekulcha Vacation Work: School holiday

is at a huge risk because of technology.

Facebook: Geekulcha

training programme for high school pupils. and girls within the ICT space.

What Geekulcha achievement are you most proud of?

• Geekulcha Student Ambassadors:

Seeing young people get jobs, projects and

• Raeketsetsa: Empowering young women

16

Twitter: @Geekulcha Instagram: @Geekulcha

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Join the geek community at: geekulcha.com/join.

3581/E

Empowering women for roads.

SANRAL is committed to creating a path of growth and development for women in engineering and in business to ensure long-term sustainability of critical skills in our economy and our country.

We salute all those female trailblazers and achievers who dared to join us on the road less travelled.

CLOUD COMPUTING

CLOUD COMPUTING A metaphor for the Internet

“

An internet-based computing that

that cloud computing allows institutions to on a small scale and for short term proj-

provides shared computer process-

avoid up-front infrastructure costs.

ects. It might help reduce staff and hard-

ing resources and data to computers

With all the hype around cloud computing,

ware costs, but the overall price tag could

and other devices on demand” what are

there are still disadvantages you need to

end up higher than you thought.

we talking about, you may ask. We are

consider before taking a step towards cloud

talking about cloud computing, in simple

computing. Here are two distinct disadvan-

terms, cloud computing means storing

tages and advantages:

Advantages: Automatic software updates

and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of storing it in your com-

Security and privacy

Suppliers take care of the updates for

puter’s hard drive. The cloud is just a meta-

Cloud service providers may have the best

you and roll out regular software updates,

phor for the Internet.

security standards in place, storing impor-

including security updates, so you don’t

tant server may leave you vulnerable to a

have to worry about wasting time main-

Businesses can undoubtedly, reap huge

lot of risks. Your cloud is supposed to be

taining the system yourself.

benefits from cloud computing. Cloud

protected, yes, but one must not forget that,

computing and storage solutions enable

remote access is your responsibility plus no You can work from anywhere

users and enterprises with various abilities

system is perfectly secure, you just have to

With cloud computing, anything is possible,

to store and process data in third-party

be careful.

well if you have an internet connection.

With most serious cloud services offering

data centres that may be located far from the user–ranging in distance from across

Cloud computing costs

mobile apps, you’re not restricted by which

a city to across the world. Research shows

Cloud computing can be pricey, especially

device you have.

18

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

BIG DATA TRENDS

FIVE BIG DATA TRENDS The impact of big data in SA

T

he use of Big Data has in South Africa over the past two years has helped businesses to reduce costs,

be more innovative and gain a competitive advantage. There are a number of technical definitions for Big Data, but now we focus on a definition that refers to applying scientific principles to data in order to produce actionable insights.

According to an article by Yudvir Seetheram, on Memeburn, here are five trends on the growth of Big Data and how it is actively being used by businesses.

1

It is now being offered at universities The Big Data hype has come with an

increase in awareness of how collect-

ing and analysing data can offer benefits

insights that can then be used instantly.

ances. By essentially creating your own “home” web, you can easily order groceries

3

You’re now legally obliged to manage it

online (or your fridge can do it for you),

To mitigate the impact of potential

automatically record your favourite episode

financial crises, regulators both globally

on TV and even watch over your house

required for these roles, many universities

and locally are enforcing stricter man-

while you’re on holiday. The glue that holds

are now offering analytics degrees – effec-

agement of data, especially in financial

these elements together is known as the

tively preparing the future generation to

institutions. Banks need to have accurate

“internet of things”. Arguably, this data

function in the analytics world once they

and reproducible credit reports as per

reveals much about your preferences, which

begin their working careers.

Basel regulations. This means that a bank

can be used to find suitable products that

needs to prove to a regulator that what’s

would make your life easier.

to businesses. Given the specialist skills

2

You can now see it

in its reports can be backed up with data.

Data is only useful if it produces

Similarly, to avoid the misuse of data, South

5

You can now make money from it From a business perspective, being

some positive outcome. Simply storing it

Africa is set to enforce the Protection of

becomes meaningless, until, at the very

Personal Information Act (POPI) this year.

least, a report showing trends is produced.

This act protects the consumer’s personal

for survival and profitability. Businesses

The simple act of visually seeing data will

information from misuse by any business.

are investing more capital in analytics and

increase, as more analysts utilise simple or even commercialised software to display data to their stakeholders. Unlike in the

data, in order to derive customer insights.

4

You’re now part of it

While there is still a long way to go, finan-

We are living in an age where we have

cial institutions are also actively using Big

past, when stakeholders had to ask for data, become more connected to electronic platthey will now be proactively provided with

able to understand customers is essential

forms – from social media to kitchen appli-

Data to truly understand their customers in order to offer them tailor-made solutions.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

19

FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential.

Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement. a combination of the best practices of both the Kagiso Trust • Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and and the Shanduka Foundation. individuals to invest in education by adopting disadvantaged schools throughout South Africa. Through its model of Whole • Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) develops qualifying 100% School Development, the foundation aims to improve the black-owned businesses to a level where they may gain academic, infrastructural, social and security environment meaningful access to markets, networks and finance. This is in schools, enabling sustainable excellence in teaching and conducted via enterprise and supplier development activities learning. The foundation creates opportunities for temporary within its small business incubators where members are employment of community members and for local businesses provided with a working environment and support services that will enable them to thrive, and Shanduka Blackpages, an to get involved in improving schools. It works closely with online enterprise and supplier development portal. communities and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders.

• The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises holistic holiday work • Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) is a collaboration between programmes for all its students. the Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust and Shanduka Foundation to develop and implement a district• The Shanduka experiential work programme provides wide school development model. It is a five-year programme opportunities for selected graduates and job seekers within that will work in over 400 schools, in two districts, utilising the Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

VIRTUAL REALITY

VIRTUAL REALITY VIEWERS Entertainment in the virtual world

E

ntertaining children isn’t easy in

before giving your child.

Its key features are:

these days especially during the holidays. The hardest thing of all is

So are you thinking about treating your

entertaining and educating at the same

family to a little virtual reality this holiday,

• Inexpensive

time. During this time, your gadgets; smart-

but do not know what to buy?

• Compatible with most smartphones and

phones and tablets must be your best

According to CNN, Virtual Reality view-

iOS or Android apps labelled “VR” (except

friends. Kids love smartphones with fun

ers are inexpensive, handheld devices

for the View-Master, which uses specially

games and apps.

that offer three-dimensional views and

designed apps)

the feeling of being in a different place.

• More like a 3D movie than true VR

The internet has thousands of fun apps for

The viewers’ lenses work by extending the

• Best for educational content and games

smartphones, tablets and iPads. Some apps

depth of static images or animation, but do

• Selection of high-quality apps is currently

will entertain your kids, but only for some

not allow you to interact with your envi-

fairly limited.

time, while some apps will keep them

ronment. To use them, download any app

glued to the screen to a point of having a

labelled “VR” in either iTunes or Google

low battery. Choosing child-friendly apps

Play, launch the app, and insert your smart-

So go on and try it out, everyone at home

is essential, not all apps are child-friendly

phone into the viewer. Most viewers use

will love it. The Virtual Reality viewer and

so be sure to always check the best edu-

your phone’s button or another basic input

the best fun educational apps will be like

cational apps, maybe try them out yourself

to control the action.

school, but on their on terms.

KHULISA ACADEMY

KHULISA TRAINING ACADEMY Breeding IT excellence

By: Lauren Hartzenberg

cal aspects of high-performance computing as well as practical experience.

Natasha Reuben, head of transformation at Dell South Africa, gave us the scoop on what the programme entails.

Describe the training provided at Khulisa Academy: Through Dell’s initiatives over the years, the company has always displayed a passion for uplifting the youth of South Africa. There has been a significant focus on building a strategy that helps boost our own national development through a clinical approach to the advancement of ICT skills. The Khulisa Academy’s training is specialised and specific to the high-performance computing industry, so we worked closely with the Dell team and the CHPC to design the curriculum.

The programme is for both matriculants Natasha Reuben

and graduates, which means we had to consider the different levels of IT knowledge

K

hulisa Academy is a training facility

is the product of a partnership between

each student had. In doing so, most of the

aimed at growing the skillset and

Dell, the Department of Trade and Industry

first half of training is dedicated to ensur-

experience of young South Africans

and the Centre for High-Performance

ing the students are all at the same skill

pursuing careers in high-performance com-

Computing (CHPC), a division of the Council

level, while we pay special attention to our

puting. Its essence lies within the name,

of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR). It

matriculants in ensuring their understand-

which means nurturing in isiZulu, while its

aims to not only grow the ICT skills base in

ing and pace of working is the same as the

focus is on the empowerment of talented

South Africa but to also produce skills that

graduates. We then introduce them to Linux

students from economically disadvantaged

are relevant to disruptive technologies such and a variety of coding languages.

communities.

as high-performance computing, cloud com-

Located in Johannesburg, the academy

puting and big data. Students gain essential Who is eligible to join the programme? skills during the process, including theoreti- The academy is open to all post matriculant

22

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

KHULISA ACADEMY

Students and Academy manager

and post IT graduate students across South

ary while studying, and will be assisted

Africa. Due to the nature of the training,

with employment opportunities thereafter.

technology, but not the resources to pursue it?

the criteria we outline for candidates is

In addition, at least ten students will be

Youth deserve a seat at the educational

very stringent, looking carefully at their

supported in the start-up of their own busi-

technology table to encourage them to

academic results. The candidates do not

nesses after completion of their studies.

make a direct impact on technology around

need to have specific knowledge of high-

the world. It’s important to never give up

performance computing, but they do need

This ensures that progress made in training

on your dreams, no matter how tough your

to have a passion for IT.

continues afterwards in the hope of build-

situation may seem. There is a better future

ing long-term careers for every graduate.

for our youth and it starts with our thinking.

What is the application process?

The programme is structured to support

Never settle for less than what you imag-

All candidates can apply via our website

practical workplace experience, to offer

ined possible for yourself.

www.khulisaacademy.co.za.

students independence and a sustainable

Alternatively, they can contact

livelihood.

For more information, visit Khulisa

wendy@khulisaacademy.co.za.

The students receive a market-related sal-

What words of wisdom do you have for young people with a keen interest in

Academy’s website at www.khulisaacademy.co.za.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

23

There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.

REMOTE SEN SIN

Y ENGINEER C EN

SPACE WEA TH

RADIO FREQ U

NS TECH TIO NI A C ER

N IA

SATELLITE O P

However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!

G

CHER SEAR E R

ORECASTER F ER

WeWe useuse communication communication satellites satellites every every dayday when when we we watch watch Digital Digital Satellite Satellite television television (DStv), (DStv), access access thethe internet internet or use or use ourour cellcell phones. phones.

Navigation Navigation apps apps useuse GPSGPS satellites satellites to accurately to accurately steer steer youyou to your to your requested requested destination. destination.

Spacecraft Spacecraft areare launched launched intointo space space on rockets on rockets andand need need to be to be monitored monitored along along thethe way. way.

SANSA SANSA provides provides launch launch support support andand recently recently assisted assisted twotwo Mars Mars launches launches – NASA’s – NASA’s Mars Mars Science Science Laboratory Laboratory andand India’s India’s Mars Mars Orbiter Orbiter Mission.

Mission.

Weather Weather in space in space cancan damage damage satellites satellites andand interfere interfere with with ourour technology technology likelike GPS, GPS, cellcell phones phones andand internet. internet.

SANSA SANSA keeps keeps a a close close eyeeye on space on space weather weather to protect to protect ourour technology technology in in space space andand on Earth. on Earth.

Images Images from from satellites satellites are are used used to develop to develop maps maps andand monitor monitor natural natural disasters disasters likelike floods floods andand droughts. droughts.

South South African African National National Space Space Agency Agency

Tel +27 Tel 12 +27 844 120398 844 0398 | Fax| +27 Fax 12 +27 844 120396 844 0396 EmailEmail information@sansa.org.za information@sansa.org.za | Website | Website www.sansa.org.za www.sansa.org.za

DST

THE "LOW POUR FLUSH TOILET SYSTEM" Innovative santitation technologies in Eastern Cape

A

n innovative technology introduced in Ndakana village in the Eastern Cape has improved access to qual-

ity sanitation while saving water for the people in the rural area.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched an off-grid sanitation technology solution called the “low pour flush toilet system”, which is already benefiting over 120 households in the village, in the Amathole District Municipality. The system is low maintenance and uses only two litres of water for one flush.

DST Deputy Director-General for Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships, Imraan Patel speaking at the launch of the Water-saving innovative sanitation solution in rural Eastern Cape

The initiative is a partnership between

service delivery complaints. The Corrective

Director-General for Socio-Economic

Action Requests Report System (CARRS)

Innovation Partnerships, Imraan Patel, said

is a web-based technology to improve

the system represented a significant step

the efficient management of water leaks

up the sanitation ladder from VIP latrines,

designed by the Council for Scientific and

which were associated with poor user

Industrial Research (CSIR).

experiences.

tions, maintenance and sludge removal.

The CARRS project is currently being

“What started a pilot study with 20 house-

piloted in eight district municipalities

hold toilets has now grown with over 600

The toilet system was designed to have a

around the country; in Amathole, Capricorn

of these innovative sanitation systems

and Vhembe in Limpopo, Ehlanzeni in

implemented country-wide,” he said.

Mpumalanga, iLembe in KwaZulu-Natal,

Mr Patel also added that while most South

and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka

Africans aspired to have a flush toilet, it

Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum in

was technically challenging to deliver this

the North West.

sanitation technology to all unserved com-

Speaking at the launch, the DST Deputy

munities.

the DST, the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at demonstrating innovative sanitation technologies in rural areas in South Africa. The initiative identifies appropriate sanitation solutions that have social acceptance, with low opera-

look and feel similar to a full flush toilet but enables greater flushing efficiencies and robustness.

The Department launched another new system to help municipalities improve their turnaround times when attending to

26

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST

“The cost of constructing such infrastruc-

“The pilot testing indicated high user

Science and Technology will undoubt-

ture is high and there are limited resourc-

acceptance, significant water saving com-

edly assist us in providing services for our

es, including valuable drinking water, to

pared to full flush toilets and less trash

people amidst challenges we face in water

flush down the pan. Through innovative

disposal. This part of the new wave of

provision.”

approaches, we are able to simultaneously

innovators investigating alternative sanita-

achieve our national development targets

tion methods, bringing renewed attention

The launch of these two projects came a

by providing communities with a technol-

to an oft-neglected service,” he said.

few days before World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day is coordinated by the United

ogy that matches their aspirations, while being economically and resource efficient,”

Executive Mayor of Amathole District,

Nations in collaboration with governments

said Mr Patel.

Councillor Nomfusi Winnie Nxawe also

and relevant stakeholders to raise aware-

welcomed the initiative, saying it will

ness about thousands of people who still

improve the life of the people in the area.

do not have access to proper sanitation

Commenting on the significance of the

around the world – despite the human

system, WRC Executive Manager, Jay Bhagwan, said the low flush addressed the

“We are grateful that we get to put to test

right to water and sanitation. The UN esti-

aspirations of many South Africans for a

technology and ways in which it can be

mates that over 200 million people in the

flush toilet while overcoming the logistical

used to make the lives of our people bet-

developing world still do not have access

challenges involved with standard sewer-

ter. As a drought-stricken district, includ-

to safe drinking water and 2,5 billion can-

age and working within the limits of the

ing Amahlathi, all the technology being

not access proper sanitation. A large per-

country’s water resources.

provided by the national Department of

centage of these are in Africa.

The launch of another new system to help municipalities improve their service delivery.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

27

GADGETS AND APPS

LATEST APPS AND GADGETS Shaping the use of mobile devices

W

e live in a fast-paced world,

LG V20 smartphone

increasingly driven by apps.

Following its success in the international

Research from IT News Africa

market, the LG V20 smartphone is set to

suggests that the estimated number of

arrive on South African shores in November

apps and gadgets in the tech world is

2016.

increasing really fast. The reality is that use their mobile devices and we have the

Banking app for kids from Standard Bank.

latest news on apps and gadgets.

Banks are always aware of the need to

mobile content is shaping the way people

attract new customers at a young age, so

Huawei Technologies wants to be the world’s second-largest maker of smartphones

Standard Bank has announced plans to launch a Kidz Banking App aimed at youngsters aged between 6 and 11.

China’s Huawei Technologies wants to be the world’s second-largest maker of smartphones in the next two years. Having made its presence felt, as a builder of telecommunications networks, Huawei has been active in the consumer devices market for only a few years and is now the third-biggest smartphone maker after Apple and the world leader, Samsung.

Best education app

admirably approachable way.

Khan Academy is a portal to a higher educational dimension and is the place to go if you’re interested in learning pretty much

BlackBerry has announced the latest in its series of Android smartphones

anything Sciences, Mathematics- or Physics- As part of BlackBerry’s transition towards

28

related.

a device software licensing strategy –

The app is still pretty fresh-faced –

which allows it to focus on putting “the

although Khan Academy itself has been

smart on the phone” – the DTEK60’s hard-

going strong for almost 10 years – but it

ware is manufactured by TCL and comes

puts more than 10,000 videos at your fin-

equipped with the trusted security software

gertips, covering all learning levels in an

BlackBerry is known for.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

UNIVERSITIES

THE BEST UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE Computing on a different level University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) University of the Witswatersrand have invested over R4 million in furnishing its new computer laboratory with the initiative

sions in its Department of Mathematical

of Cape Town.

to deliver courses that have a “large com-

Sciences.

The university offers a BSc in Computer

puting component”.

Science degree to students, which also It is one of the smaller computer science

caters for those wanting to study computer

Students are introduced to high-perfor-

departments in the country, but students

engineering or computer game develop-

mance computing, data science and big

are highly sought after by the industry

ment.

data, mobile computing, artificial intelli-

because of their strong programming skills

gence, networking, databases, and theoreti-

and solid theoretical basis.

cal computer science at the University.

University of Pretoria (UP)

Rhodes University Rhodes University offers an undergradu-

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

ate degree in Computer Science, a BSc in

UJ is the only university faculty in the

Information Systems, and a four-year BSc in

The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of

southern hemisphere that offers a BSc IT

Software Development.

Engineering, Built Environment and IT

degree accredited by the British Computer

The Computer Science department is head-

(EBIT) is ranked in the top 1% globally –

Society, the Chartered Institute for IT.

ed by Professor George Wells, who com-

according to International Science Index’s

pleted his PhD in Parallel and Distributed

Essential Science Indicators.

Students studying at the Academy are able Computing at the University of Bristol.

UP’s modern and well-equipped facilities

to forego the examinations to become

in the EBIT faculty has been one of the key

internationally Chartered IT Professionals.

attractions on campus.

Stellenbosch University

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Computer Science as a major for the BSc

Computer Science is taught as a major

degree and in the BSc(CSIT) programme

The Computer Science division at

subject in the Bachelor of Science degree

at its Pietermaritzburg and Westville cam-

Stellenbosch University is one of three divi-

within the Science Faculty at the University puses.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

29

FACTS

BIG DATA FACTS What you did not know

D

ata is a large amount of information that is too, complicated and dynamic for any regular data tools to capture, store, manage and later analyse.

Data allows you to analyse recurring trends and gives an indepth understanding that assists in creating valuable and innovation much faster than normal data capturing methods.

• Over 90% of data in the whole world has been created in the past 2 years.

• 40, 000 queries are searched on Google every second, which means 3.5 billion.

• Every minute 204 million emails are sent, 1, 8 million Facebook likes are generated, 278 thousand Tweets are posted, and 200, 000 photos on Facebook are uploaded.

• Approximately 100 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute and it would roughly take around 15 years to watch every video uploaded by users in one day.

• In 2016 there will be over 1.2 billion smartphones in the world (which are stuffed full of sensors and data collection features), and the growth is predicted to grow.

• In 2016 more than 1.6 billion smartphones will be purchased globally.

• According to the World Bank, 75% of people own a cell phone.

• 570 new websites are created every minute.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

31

CODING

AFRICA CODE WEEK Coding, the literacy of the digital age

A

frica Code Week is an exciting new initiative to help

school subjects such as Mathematics and Art. This is done in

young Africans from 8 to 18 years become the digital

a vibrant digital environment that allows children to become

creators of tomorrow. This promises hundreds of coding

proficient at computer coding in a short period of time, you will

workshops to kids and youth from 3 different age groups (8-11,

truly be astonished.

12-17 and 18-24) across 15 African countries (Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar,

Over the next 25 years, Africa’s working-age population will

Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Togo and

double to one billion, exceeding that of China and India. In the

Tunisia).

meantime, the digital skills gap is widening. While coding has the power to put millions of young Africans on the path to suc-

Africa Code Week the award-winning continent-wide digital lit-

cessful careers, empower them and build sustainable growth,

eracy initiative was celebrated at the Cape Town Science Centre.

companies in Africa are currently struggling to hire enough

Activities include – coding workshops on Scratch and Swift, data

qualified IT talent.

story-telling workshops, robotics workshop and more… and of course, a good dose of Science is always on offer at the CTSC!

Coding is the literacy of the digital age indeed: a whole new language for children to speak fluently and express themselves

Coding is taught through the introduction of “Scratch”, an appli-

in the 21st century. This is what brought SAP, the Cape Town

cation that combines youthful creativity and curiosity with

Science Centre and the Galway Education Centre to join forces and give birth to Africa Code Week. Last year, the initiative empowered 89,000 youth across 17 countries to either write their first lines of code or simply touch a computer for the first time.

32

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

3527

“

At my math and science. And it paid off.

SANRAL’s scholarship programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to pave the way for my success.

”

Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams of doing well and going on to study at university.

It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better nation for us all.

www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)

DST

JUNIOR JAVA CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME Coding, the next big thing

A

frica Teen Geeks (ATG), a Non-Profit

Lindiwe Matlali, ATG founder and CEO,

Jane Richardson, Oracle Academy direc-

Organisation, in partnership with

remarked that the programme is aimed

tor for EMEA, said that this initiative is to

Oracle and Unisa, has launched the

at showing the previously disadvantaged

make the pupils creative. She says that by

Junior Java Certificate programme. Under

youth that, despite their circumstances;

learning Java, which is of the most widely

the partnership, Oracle sponsors the Junior

they should bear in success is achievable

used programming languages in the world;

Java Certificate programme while Unisa

with the correct application of hard work

learners will be equipped to compete on a

supplies the learners with its Science labs

and tenacity.

global scale.

across the country.

ATG passionately wants to introduce coding

ATG is also working on empowering girls to

Like Science Stars magazine, the pro-

to previously disadvantaged pupils, at every

venture into coding through the #GirlGeek

gramme is targeted to learners from previ-

age. If learners learn the fundamental tech-

campaign.

ously disadvantaged schools across South

niques of coding, it will be easy for them to

Africa and it officially launched this year

increase their skillset and also boost their

In SA there is 55% female workforce but

at the University of South Africa’s (UNISA)

confidence. ATG is also engaging with the

only 20% of women are in ICT careers

Florida campus, in Johannesburg. Over 100

Department of Education, to help in the

and only 23% of girl students doing IT at

pupils attended the event.

training of teachers.

school.

34

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

HEALTHCARE

BIG DATA IN HEALTHCARE Optimizing facility performance

By Thandile Mbana

W

hat is big data? It is a term for datasets that are so

ways where technology has the potential to transform medicine

large or complex that the traditional way of processing

and the healthcare system, thus creating a faster and better form

data are inadequate to deal with them.

of medical care. Better health profiles and better predictive models can be built using big data, where it will revolve around indi-

Big data is often characterised by the 3Vs. These 3 Vs are:

vidual patients so that said patients can be better diagnosed and

• The extreme volume of data,

doctors will be able to treat the actual disease.

• The wide variety of data types and • The velocity at which the data must be processed.

Big data allows the use of a large volume of information around multiple scales for what constitutes a disease; this goes from the

The term does not equate to any specific volume of data.

DNA, proteins, and metabolites to cells, tissues, organs, organ-

However, it is often used to describe terabytes (a unit of informa-

isms, and ecosystems. Those are the scales of the biology that is

tion equal to 1,024 gigabytes), petabytes (a unit of information

needed to be modelled by integrating big data. If that is done, the

equal to a million gigabytes) and even exabytes (a unit of infor-

models will evolve, the models will build, and they will be more

mation equal to 1billion gigabytes) of data captured over time. It

predictive for given individuals.

is not the amount of data that is found to be important, but what the different organisations choose to do with the data.

When big data is used the right way, it will allow a revolutionary way of diagnosing and treating patients. It will not only benefit

Having data-driven approaches to research can help patients, in

the patients, but also

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

35

SCIENCE NEWS

SCIENCE NEWS The Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) of South Africa has been recognised in the annual HPCwire Readers and Editors Choice Awards, presented at the 2016 International Conference on High-Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis (SC16), in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The South African National Parks has launched a campaign to preserve the home of the Seahorse in the Knysna, Swartvlei and Keurbooms estuaries.

The Knysna Seahorse, or Hippocampus Capensis, is a fish species that grows up to 12 centimetres. It is the first Seahorse species to be classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor inaugurated the first 16 dishes of the MeerKAT telescope – and unveiled its first image. By the end of next year, the MeerKAT telescope, which is South African designed and built, will comprise 64 dishes.

36

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched an off-grid sanitation technology solution called the “low pour flush toilet system”, which is already benefiting over 120 households in the village, which is in the Amathole District Municipality.

Rogeema Kenny, a Cape Town engineer, trained over 1 000 young people in basic coding skills in and around Cape Town in nine days, as part of this year’s Africa Code Week (ACW) initiative. She is also an author, motivational speaker, and activist aiming to bring digital literacy skills to marginalised communities in the greater Cape Town region.

Since the first robot was introduced more than 50 years ago, industrialised robots have been at the forefront of automotive manufacturing. 320 new robots have been installed at Volkswagen Group South Africa’s (VWSA) Body Shop as part of the new major investments in the Uitenhage factory.

DST

The South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap The vanguard of scientific nations

T

he Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, unveiled the South African Research

Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) in Cape Town, on the side-lines of the International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) 2016.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) developed the strategy to develop big science infrastructure projects as a means to attract scientific talent to Africa.

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is one such initiative, bringing together scientists in disciplines such as mathematics, physics, computer science and other fields, to build the largest scientific infrastructure on the continent.

The Roadmap was also developed with

Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, unveiled the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) in Cape Town

the understanding that access to adequate and relevant research infrastructure is

ects, namely, the SKA.

essential to promoting quality outcomes

in research and development infrastructure, R1,5 billion in cyber-infrastructure, and

and research, to develop a competitive and

Speaking at the launch, Minister Pandor

sustainable National System of Innovation.

said, the development of national or

Research infrastructure refers to facilities,

regional research infrastructure roadmaps

With additional funding from National

resources and services used by the scien-

was a new phenomenon, and the SARIR put

Treasury, the DST will roll out seven

tific community for research that enables

the country “in the vanguard of scientific

research infrastructures over the next five

the generation, exchange and preservation

nations”.

years. These will include an expanded

of knowledge.

R3,5 billion in the Meerkat and SKA project.

terrestrial and freshwater environmental The Minister said the strategy was the peak

observation network, a nuclear medicine

South Africa has demonstrated its science

of a long and deep commitment by South

research facility, a network of health

and research capability and is acknowl-

Africa to infrastructure development, for

and demographic surveillance sites and

edged as a natural home to one of the

which the Department had over the last

a national centre for digital language

world’s most significant infrastructure proj-

eight years invested more than R2,7 billion

resources.

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

37

TOP 10

TOP 10

INDUSTRIES IMPLEMENTING BIG DATA The next big thing 2. Energy

1. Travel How is data being used?

By using historical data collected on customer journeys companies can predict when there will be higher and lower demand for fares.

How is data being used?

Using data insights can help make energy industries more efficient and help cut costs. Also, by studying historical demand, power plants can predict energy demands to provide the exact quantity of energy required.

4. Finance

3. Insurance How is data being used?

By using more powerful data analytics tools it becomes easier to build a clear picture risk-related to one cus-

How is data being used?

The financial industry uses live and historical data to gain insight into new opportunities fast, while at the same time gain a competitive advantage over rivals.

tomer in particular.

6. Health 5. Agriculture How is data being used?

To reduce waste, farmers use data and predictive analytics to have a better idea of exactly how much food will be required to

How is data being used?

Data can be used to analyse long term trends – such as ageing populations in advanced economies – and help policy makers and practitioners re-orientate their skills and methods to the needs of a different kind of patient.

feed livestock. By providing animals with the correct amount of food, farmers will be able to save and reduce risk while raising healthy animals.

8. Education 7. Mining

How is data being used?

How is data being used?

When students move from one classroom to another and meet

By using data to better plan logistics, mining compa-

different teachers throughout the day, it becomes difficult to

nies can improve their preparation for delivery of their

track an individual student’s progress. However, various applica-

wares from the ground to the buyer.

tions are using data collected in schools to provide teachers with a more unified insight into their students’ academic progress and allow them to spot problems and provide additional support when needed.

9. Telecoms

10. Retail.

How is data being used?

Data analytics can help segment the market by providing the exact amount of deals for different customers needs.

38

How is data being used?

Retail data analytics allow retails stores to always provide the

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

exact amounts of products needed by customers.

FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young graduates, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential.

Through a set of complementary programmes, Shanduka Foundation creates opportunities for educational development, career growth and the acquisition of entrepreneurial capabilities.

•

Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to adopt disadvantaged schools with the aim of improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.

•

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises vacation work in companies in the Shanduka Group.

•

The Shanduka internship programme provides experiential training for selected learners and job seekers within Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

•

Shanduka Black Umbrellas nurtures qualifying 100% black owned businesses by providing meaningful access to markets, networks and finance through its small enterprise incubators and online procurement portal.

Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.

To find out more about the work of the foundation and its programmes, visit

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

JOBS & SALARIES

BIG DATA JOBS AND SALARIES

The PayScale salary survey has revealed the average pay packages of Big Data professionals, including programmers, managers, web professionals, and support staff. Here some big data professions you might want consider in future.

How much professionals earn

The average salary for a Business Analyst, Finance/Banking is

The average salary for a Business Consultant is R246,605 per year.

job.

R309,899 per year. Experience strongly influences income for this

Experience strongly influences pay for this job. Skills that increase salaries for this job the most are Business Process Engineering

The average pay for an Analytics Manager is R634,439 per year.

and Project Management.

The average salary for a Systems Administrator is R204,460 per year. Most people with this job move on to other positions after

A Senior Data Analyst earns an average salary of R368,344 per

20 years in this career. Skills that are associated with high pay for

year. After 10 years’ experience in this career, most people move

this job are VMware ESX, Microsoft SQL Server, and Linux.

on to other jobs if they have more than. Skills that are associated with high pay for this job are Microsoft Excel and Data Analysis.

A Data Analyst earns an average salary of R218,054 per year.

Experience strongly influences pay for this job. The skills that

The average pay for a Product Analyst is R295,550 per year. A skill

increase pay for this job the most are SAS, SQL, Microsoft Access,

in Product Management is associated with high pay for this job.

Microsoft SQL Server, and Microsoft Office.

40

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

QUIZ

QUIZ Big data analytics technologies are vital for today's organisations.

Test your knowledge of data analysis tools and strategies

1

Just collecting and storing information isn’t enough to produce real business value. Big data analytics technologies are necessary to: A. Formulate eye-catching charts and graphs B. Extract valuable insights from the data C. Integrate data from internal and external sources D. Input, store, distribute information

2

The method in which companies analyse customer data or other types of information in an effort to identify patterns and discover relationships between different data elements is often referred to as: A. Data mining B. Data Base C. Data digging D. Customer data management

3

A. The creation of a plan for choosing and implementing big data infrastructure technologies B. The interrelatedness of data and the amount of development work that will be needed to link various data sources C. The safety and security of information D. The ability of business intelligence and analytics vendors to help them answer business questions in big data environments

7

True or false? For organisations that aren’t currently looking to do big data analytics, there is little or no benefit to examining the data they’re retaining and evaluating how it’s being used.

A. True

True or false? To maximise the benefits of big data analytics techniques, it is critical for organisations to select the right tools and involve people who bring needed analytical skills to a project.

A. True B. False

4

6

Companies that have large amounts of information stored in different systems should begin a big data analytics project by considering:

What is the recommended best practice for managing big data analytics programs?

A. Adopting data analysis tools based on a laundry list of their capabilities B. Letting go entirely of “old ideas” related to data management C. Focusing on business goals and how to use big data analytics technologies to meet them

B. False

8

What is the name of the programming framework originally developed by Google that supports the development of applications for processing large data sets in a distributed computing environment?

A. GDrive B. MapReduce C. Hive D. ZooKeeper

D. Capture and store valuable information

5

True or false? A big data analytics strategy is often defined by the three V’s -- volume, variety and velocity -- which is helpful but ignores other commonly cited characteristics, such as complexity and variability.

A. True B. False

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

41

PUZZLE

SUDUKO Challenge yourself by trying this puzzle!

Goodluck

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Data Analyse Capture Coding Internet Analytics Information Algorithms Storage Processing Tabulator Electronics Digital

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

ANSWERS

ANSWERS

Women in Science Issue

SUDUKO

SCIENCESTARS

Special Edition | November 2016

SCIENCE MEETS BEAUTY

9 2 5

4 8 3

1 6 7

3 5 8

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WORDSEARCH

QUIZ 1. C- Women’s empowerment and its link to sustainable

W M

O

N

T

H

F

L

E

E

K

O

M

development

S

A

P

H

Y

S

I

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O

G

Y

A

K

2. D - Innovative use

C

O

L

B

I

O

L

O

G

Y

N

T

M M

of Information and

X

W O

M

E

N

H

M

Y

Z

Communication Technology

P

I

A

N

E

E

S

C

W O

M

E

E

T

E

A

A

C

S

3. A - Dr Muthoni Masinde

E

E

T

X

E

N

Z

N

M

K

N

R

O

O

4. D - Annual

C

Z

E

B

R

A

T

A

C

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D

I

L

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5. B - Research & Development

N

T

S

I

N

A

T

O

B

M

E

N

O

N

(R&I)

E

C

O

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G

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G

D

6. D - 11 August 2016

I

X

U

U

C

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I

W

7. B - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

C

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B

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A

8. A - Caroline Pule

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Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

43

DST

WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL STUDENT CLUSTER COMPETITION The A team

T

he Minister of Science and

and applications.

the centre entered a team of undergradu-

Technology, Naledi Pandor, has

The awards ceremony took place on 8

ate students chosen in the 2015 National

applauded a team of six students

December 2016 at the 10th National

Student Cluster Competition, and took the

from the Universities of the Western Cape

Conference of the Centre for High-

overall prize once again, beating 11 other

and Stellenbosch who will be represent-

Performance Computing (CHPC), held in

contenders from across the globe.

ing South Africa at the International

East London, under the theme “The Last

Student Cluster Competition to be hosted

Decade of Accomplishment, the Next

The International Student Cluster

at the 2017 International Supercomputing

Decade of Opportunity”.

Competition is regarded as the premier

Conference (ISC) in Germany.

international high performance computing The CHPC is a key component of South

student competition, involving teams from

The team was selected from 10 teams from Africa’s national integrated cyberinfrastruc-

prestigious universities around the world,

various universities in South Africa, who

ture system, implemented by the Council

such as Purdue University, the University of

this week battled it out to demonstrate

for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Colorado Boulder and the National Energy

their cluster building and high-perfor-

on behalf of the Department of Science

Research Scientific Computing Centre

mance computing skills.

and Technology.

(USA), Nanyang Technological University

Dell EMC generously sponsored the hard-

(Singapore), the University of Science

ware for the national competition, and

and Technology of China (China) and the

At the National Student Cluster

Competition level, the students compete to Eclipse Holdings, Mellanox and Bright demonstrate the incredible capabilities of

Computing sponsored the prizes. For the

state-of-the-art high-performance cluster

international competition, Dell EMC will

University of Hamburg (Germany)

The winning team members are:

hardware and software. In a real-time chal- provide the team with equipment, travel,

• Mishka Mohamed (University of the

lenge, teams of undergraduate students

Western Cape);

accommodation, meals and training.

• Kyle Jordaan (University of the Western

build small high-performance computing clusters on the exhibition floor, using hard- The CHPC is not a newcomer to the ISC

Cape);

ware provided by CHPC and its industrial

Student Cluster Competition, having won

• Tyrone de Ruiters (University of the

partners, and race to demonstrate the best

the top prize in 2013 and in 2014, and

Western Cape);

performance across a series of benchmarks taking second place in 2015. This year

• Liam Doult (University of the Western Cape); • Philip Goosen (Stellenbosch University); • Lydia de Lange (Stellenbosch University).

The reserves are Emma Clark (University of the Witwatersrand) and Ella Wilby (Rhodes University).

Congratulating the winners, Minister Pandor

Minister Naledi Pandor and the winning team members

44

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

wished the team every success in taking on the competition next year.

DST

SOUTH AFRICA RAISING THE BAR OF SUPERCOMPUTING Celebrating 10 years of high-performance computing

I

f you want to model weather systems,

“High-performance computing has grown

perform advanced computational

tremendously since its inception. When

mechanics, simulate the impact of cli-

we started, there were about 50 users

mate change, study the interaction of

across the country, but over the years it has

lithium and manganese in batteries at the

increased to over 700 users. More so, these

atomic level, or conduct the next experi-

systems have also been integrated into

ment of your latest in vitro biomedical

universities, thus improving students’ skills”,

technique virtually — and you want to do

adds Sithole.

it in Africa — then there is only one place to go; the Centre for High-Performance

In 2012, the centre introduced the Student

Computing (CHPC).

Cluster Competition as a component of its Winter School. South Africa has won the

South Africa is celebrating 10 years of

International Supercomputing Conference

high-performance computing in the country (ISC) Student Cluster Challenge on three since the launch of the CHPC in 2007.

occasions (2013, 2014 and 2016) and com-

Within a period of 10 years, scientists at

ing second only in 2015. The students who

the CHPC, which is hosted by the Council

have come through this programme have

for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), gained a good understanding of high-perhave managed to build the fastest com-

formance computing and they contribute

puter in Africa named Lengau, a Setswana

to growing this industry in the country and

name for Cheetah. This computer has

continent as a whole.

already improved South Africa’s competitiveness in the research and development

For the country to grow at the required rate

space globally. Lengau is ranked 121 on the as set out in the National Development world’s Top 500 list of supercomputers.

Plan, it needs to change gear building

“The launch of the supercomputing facility

capacity in the production and dissemina-

in South Africa is evidence of our determi-

tion of knowledge. The CHPC represents a

nation to be globally competitive in certain deliberate move by this country to invest in areas of science, and of the competence

modern research and development.

of South African scientists and engineers to develop, implement and maintain such

“High-Performance Computing has been

cutting-edge technologies”, says Dr Happy

put to good use in research in climate

Sithole, Director at the CHPC.

modelling, thus we are able to make reliable and accurate weather forecasting as

The computer gives scientists an oppor-

well as process data fast. There has also

tunity to conduct their research locally

been improvements in tackling challenges

without having to travel abroad for higher

in the health systems as well as the Square

performance computing infrastructure.

Kilometre Array”, concludes Sithole.

45

EXPERIMENT

LIFTING ICE CUBE

EXPERIMENT

You will need:

Procedure:

While the string is dangled down onto

• Glass of water

Drop an ice cube in the glass of water.

the ice cube, sprinkle a bit of salt on

• Ice cubes

Take the string and dangle the end of it

the ice cube. Set aside for a few min-

• String

on the ice cube, and then keep it still.

utes. After some time, try to lift the string and observe what happens to the

• Salt

ice cube.

Discussion: When you placed the ice cube in the glass of water, two processes started to occur: the ice started melting into the water and the water started to freeze. Because the two processes have been happening simultaneously, we can say that the ice and the water are in dynamic equilibrium.

When we sprinkle salt on to the ice cube, the state of equilibrium is disrupted. The salt molecules dissolve and join the water molecules thus changing the water’s rate of freezing. The rate of melting is now much faster than freezing hence causing the ice to melt.

46

Science Stars Magazine Big Data Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference

DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E

Draw up a study timetable.

FCB CAPE TOWN 10007095CT/E

Study tips

Don’t procrastinate!

Make flashcards, use acronyms, sing jingles - anything to help you remember.

Exercise and eat correctly to combat stress.

Use tables, flowcharts and figures - pictures can help you remember facts.

Get up a little earlier on the morning of an exam - it will allow you time to have a proper breakfast and you will feel calm when you arrive at your exam venue.

Create a study environment free from clutter and distractions.

If the workload is too big, join a study group. But make sure you actually study.

Get a decent night’s sleep. It helps with your concentration.

Go over as many past papers as you can.

Don’t postpone difficult topics when studying tackle the hard bits first.

Good luck!

At Engen, we want to give you some extra encouragement during your final exams because we understand that education is the first step to a brighter future.

That’s one of the reasons why we invest in subjects that will be of long-term value to our business and South Africa. For nearly 3 decades, Engen Maths and Science Schools have provided extra tuition to learners in grades 10 to 12 across the country. Engen wishes you every success for your final matric exams. www.engenoil.com/education