On Thursday, September 19, DiscoverE partnered with the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation on Chats with Change Makers. Our student host Enrique got to interview Change Maker Ayanda Nyikana, a project manager and mechanical engineer who started APARA Global in South Africa, a company that recycles plastic into fabric, creating fresh and unique apparel.
Chats with Change Makers is designed to showcase real engineers and technicians to students in grades 4-12 and make real world connections to the engineering profession, as well as reflect the diversity of the students who participate!
You can watch the full interview below, but here are some of our favorite bits!
Question: What impact has your company had on reducing plastic waste in South Africa?
Answer: It has a huge impact. So currently in South Africa, there’s about 8% of waste that is recycled. So the rest of the 92% is landing on the landfills. So we are currently impacting that number, that 8% is growing every day in South Africa because of businesses like Apara Global in the recycling industry.
Question: So I understand that you’ve been an active volunteer at the South African Chapter of the Project Management Institute. How has your involvement in PMI impacted your career path.
Answer: So my involvement with the chapter has had a significant impact in my career path. As a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals, gain valuable experience and expand my network within the project management industry. And one of the key ways in which my involvement in at PMI has impacted my career is through the knowledge and skills that I have gained through attending network events, through being involved within the organizations that have partnered with the chapter. I’ve been able to stay up to date with the latest trends, best practices and project management. This has not only just helped me to improve my own skills and also my performance as a project manager, but has also enabled me to take on more challenging projects and also in my business to expand and be globally in recognized.
Question: So what advice would you give to young engineers like me or entrepreneurs?
Answer: I would advise you to always stay curious and seek out opportunities for continuous learning and growth. So, the world is constantly evolving. It is important to stay up to date with everything that is happening around the engineering and entrepreneurial space. By staying curious and open-minded, you’ll be better equipped to adapt to changed circumstances and seize new opportunities as they arise.
