Studying abroad introduces students to new experiences, perspectives, and cultures, providing an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth, and for some, these opportunities can feel out of reach.
However, Ndjate Katambwe has been fortunate as he was recently awarded the MEXT Scholarship 2024. The MEXT is a scholarship given by the Japanese government under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology to international students who wish to study in graduate courses at a Japanese university. Ndjate has now enrolled in a doctorate course at Tohoku University.
Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a French-speaking country, Ndjate had to learn English first after he was accepted to study Chemical Engineering at CPUT in 2014. From there he went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering Summa Cum Laude under the supervision of Prof Tunde Ojumu and Prof Leslie Petrik in 2022.
Reflecting on his successful academic career, Ndjate says: “I really did have a great supporting system from family to friends, colleagues, peers and church. They all play a major role in my academic journey. It keeps the fire burning in me to be surrounded by people who believe in me and push me to strive for greatness and never stop believing in my dreams.”
He continues: “I really am grateful to receive this scholarship because I know that it is not easy to be selected and awarded the scholarship with so many people taking part. I am happy and look forward to this new chapter in my life and academic journey.”
The firstborn of a family of five always watches his hard-working father providing “for us and that is so inspiring to be there for your loved ones”. To do research, the football fanatic was inspired by Petrik. “Oh man, just how dedicated she is to research work and her students. The way she treats other people with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
“She will forever be my greatest inspiration. Firstly, we are human, and then all the others follow.”
The scholarship that he received shows that whenever “we decide to work together we can achieve big and great things”. “It also shows that we are able and have the capacity to go international by seeking more collaborations which exposes students and the university to so many opportunities like the one I received. I am a proud ambassador of CPUT in general and of the Department of Chemical Engineering in particular.”
His research focuses on carbon capture and utilisation; however, he says there is not an official title yet, “but we are looking into direct ocean capture (DOC). Trying to capture CO2 directly from the ocean”.
Predicting the future is not always easy but Ndjate, who likes hiking, would like to have a career as a researcher. “Because this is what really pushed me to come this far to PhD level.”
When he was a lecturer at CPUT he tried to find a balance between his busy schedule and family and keep it in check. “Because research can really consume you and you forget about other priorities in life. Like Jim Rohn once said, ‘When you work, work. When you play, play. Don't play at work. Don't work at play. Make the best use of your time. When you are working pour it on and when you are playing - have a good time, but don't play at work.’ It is so easy to mix the two.”
Hiking helps his mind to relax and think about other things other than work. “I do my best to spend some quality time with friends and family.”
He also revealed that that CPUT had alleviated his financial burden and for that, “I will forever be grateful. The support is immeasurable because, behind every student who graduates, there are thousands of people working behind the scenes. And for that, I extend my gratitude to every single one of them [staff] for the role that they are playing in our journey as students.”
