CONTENTS
Scientist Lesego Moloko at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
What Lesego does
Lesego Moloko’s work as a senior scientist in nuclear reactor physics entails providing calculation support by developing models to simulate facilities of interest and performing safety analysis, radiation shielding and criticality calculations to ensure the safe operation of these facilities.
Lesego also performs material activation analysis, and conducts optimisation studies for various commercial products.
These products include industrial and medical isotope production for use in nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic applications, for both South African and international communities, as well as silicon doping for the semi-conductor industry.
In addition to his responsibilities as a nuclear reactor physicist, Lesego is actively involved in initiating and coordinating research programmes, and training and mentoring university students and Necsa junior staff.
High-flying nuclear scientist cherishes his NWU roots
Science is a great collective endeavour that responds to societal needs and global challenges, enabling humans to live longer and healthier lives while also finding practical solutions to everyday problems and unravelling the universe's grand mysteries.
One of the people who understands the impact of science in our day-to-day life is alumnus Lesego Ernest Moloko.
Lesego is a senior scientist in the Research and Development group of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited (NECSA), which conducts research and development in nuclear energy and radiation sciences and technology.
Lesego is currently a PhD candidate in nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University (NSCU) in the United States.
From humble beginnings
Born in Go-Matlhaku village in Mahikeng, Lesego says he came from a very humble background, fed bread and butter by his grandmother.
“She had to pay for my studies from her meagre monthly government grant.”“Despite these challenges, I managed to complete my secondary school education, obtaining good grades and a university entry.”
Today Lesego lives in Pretoria and is father to Tshegofatso, his six-year-old daughter and Kutlwano, his 16-year-old son.
Working in the global arena
During his career, Lesego has been involved in various collaborative technical projects, facilitated through international bodies and aimed at promoting excellence in advanced nuclear technology.
These bodies include the International Atomic Energy Agency and organisations within the French nuclear industry, such as the Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Energy Agency operated under the framework of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
It all started here
Lesego attributes his success to the formidable foundation that was established during his time as a student with the NWU’s Centre for Applied Radiation and Technology programme.
He says the centre’s training model gives students the opportunity to visit and perform experiential training in industry, mostly in the nuclear industries.
“The industrial visits were very refreshing and exciting,” Lesego recalls.“In most cases the visits felt like going on vacation, although it meant quite the opposite.
“I really enjoyed these visits and would say this is the best working model for any university to embrace and implement, as it ensures industry-orientated learning.”
Industrial visits are also an excellent opportunity to apply the theory learnt, physically experience related activities and interact with experts in the field of nuclear engineering and science.
“Furthermore, this kind of interaction opens up employment opportunities,” he says.
With trailblazers such as Lesego harnessing the power of science, technology and innovation, more equitable and sustainable development is in sight. Up-and-coming young scientists are sure to draw inspiration from his example.
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Lesego visits the CERN Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. (CERN is the acronym for Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research. It also refers to the European Laboratory for Particle Physics.)
Recognising the power of knowledge
Science enthusiast Lesego Moloko holds an impressive list of academic achievements.
These are a BSc in physics and applied mathematics, a BScHons in physics and two MSc degrees. One of the MSc degrees is in applied radiation science from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, and the other one is in nuclear engineering from the Potchefstroom Campus.
To date, Lesego has participated in and presented a number of papers at both local and international conferences and workshops. He has also written technical reports and journal articles in his chosen field of nuclear engineering.