In this blog, we’d like to introduce a member of the Datamine Africa team, Bonolo Maforah. Bonolo has been at Datamine for a little over 2 years as a Database Geologist, supporting and assisting clients using the SABLE solution. Get to know her a little better through the interview below:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a Geologist who enjoys working with people. I graduated with my honours in Bachelor of Science Majoring in Geology at the University of Free State where I became close with Megan Purchase the lady who worked at the Geology Department. I used to tease and refer to her as “lab rat” because of her peculiar interest in Geochemistry and Mineralogy. I volunteered to be her lab assistant and that’s where I gained experience relating to XRD and XRF sample material analysis, correct sample preparation procedures and the calibration of sample analysis machines. I did this because I wanted a practical sense of the role of lab assistant in preparation for the job I was going into. I really enjoyed my days as a lab assistant because it gave me a good feel for Geology.
What is it like to work at Datamine?
Datamine South Africa is my work family, they allow me to enjoy being myself-a people’s person. It’s a place where I’m encouraged to strike a balance at this work-life thing; to apply myself and learn more.
What inspired your career in this industry?
It’s more who inspired me – my cousin. He was a survey assistant at Lonmin Marikana. He worked closely with the Geologists there. I observed the way he worked and the relationships he had with the Geologists in particular, he admired and respected them. His experience made me want to be one of those Geologists that he looked up to and I became that much more curious about Geology. I googled more about it and ended up falling in love with Geology.
What are some of the challenges you help your clients navigate during consulting sessions?
/ What are some of the challenges in your role?
When clients do not meet the requirements needed to make the application responsive, I help clients understand why SABLE is refusing to respond and how SABLE is meant to make their life easier to achieve data integrity. I help the users setup the application and train them on how the application works.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role / the work you do?
When I learn something new and finally make sense of the gibberish that the computer speaks. For example when the application tells you that you are trying to do something it cannot recognize and you don’t know what is that something is. When I figure out what that something is, I get excited!
What are your best memories from your career?
The very first tour I got of the South African office, I still remember how the people where so friendly and warm. The intern parties and luncheons in the beginning of my internships- I miss those- THAT was the time to be ALIVE! I remember going to the Tharisa Minerals head office for the first time. I really never thought I would step foot in a mines head-office – That is a moment I will never forget.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I enjoy a good laugh! I find humour in everything! I’m open to new things, love hiking and have an obsession with succulents.
Interested in working or connecting with Bonolo? Contact her directly via LinkedIn here or send us an enquiry.
