BUA Vol 8 Issue 2_April_Monday

Building science society promotes academic growth
By Asiphe Mjongile
On March 27, the department of building science launched a student society. The purpose of society is to bridge the
gap between academia and the construction industry at large by providing extracurricular knowledge among students.
Students from 1 st year till postgraduate who are specialising and studying building science gathered to share their
knowledge and experience within the construction industry and the challenges that they face after graduating.
R
undzani Muthelo, the Head of Department (HOD), explained
what building construction is all about by engaging with
students and asking them what they understood about the
course. He also shared the vision, mission, and strategy for where
they are going.
“The vision of this department is to pave the evolution of building
sites through digital innovations. Our mission to get there push the
boundaries of construction methodologies through the integration
of cutting-edge digital technologies, and the strategy to do that
is through collaborative research, education, and engagement, he
said.”
Jonathan Ilunga, who is the chairperson of the society, highlighted
the benefits the students receive from the society. He said the
benefits range from peer-to-peer academic support, networking
with construction industry practitioners, and professional guidance
as well as socialising to make the academic journey smooth and the
transition to the industry world easy.
"The way for students to be involved in the
society is to share with us non-academic
topics, they would like clarity on, together
we will find more suitable way to make it
happen," he stated.
He stated that all building science students are to be involved in
society, as their plan of action involves all students at all levels of
study. He elaborated that the student society will organise different
activities such as the road to professional registration, hopefully in
May, mentor speed dating, fun days, as well as the year-end function
and other events according to the need to be addressed.
Langanani Muthembi, a Master of Building Science student, shared her
experience as a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
She said she gained more insight into construction because she has
been attending webinars where they have many discussions about the
construction industry. She has also attended physical events like the
Big Five Construct South Africa, where she engages with professional
people in the industry who have more experience.
“Right now, through my membership, I am a tomorrow ‘s leaders
representative of the Johannesburg committee hub, she said”.
Thabo Matshonge with Siyasanga
Ntissa (student studying Diploma
in building science)
Building Science students and staff members
page
17
BUA