Geologist Marakabei speaks on rare career path
MPHO RAMOLULA
27-year-old Senate Marakabei is an Engineering Geologist from Mazenod, a few kilometres out of the capital city, Maseru.
The young woman is making significant contributions to her country’s infrastructure development.
Currently, she is a key member of the team constructing the ambitious 38-kilometre Polihali to Katse Water Transfer Tunnel – a project of national importance.
Her work involves applying geological principles to engineering challenges, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the tunnel’s construction. This hands-on role demands not only technical expertise but also resilience and problem-solving skills in a challenging and often demanding environment.
Her journey into the captivating the world of geology is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take.
Senate’s early life, spent as a bookworm engrossed in literature, painted a picture of a possible future editor – a job far from being a geologist.
It was a high school Geography lesson, a spark ignited by curiosity that steered her towards a scientific path. The realization that geology provided a tangible connection to the Earth, the ability to literally make a living from it, ignited her passion.
She felt drawn toward the subject after further research that proved to be very interesting. Proudly she acknowledges the significant influence of her mother’s career in a field dominated largely by men.
This, she says, helped inspire an appreciation for a work environment that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration, where would she learn to value her contributions even in a male-dominated environment.
The opportunity to work in such an environment provided her the drive, the ability, and confidence to make a difference in a work environment that had little to no female representation. This appreciation became a defining factor in her journey.
“I would like to think I was influenced by my mom to take a course predominantly dominated by men,” she says, reflecting on her early life experiences.
“I worked with animals in range management, and most of my colleagues were men, so I think I subconsciously picked up a working environment like that. My interest in geology came in much later.”
“I was a bookworm growing up and I was fascinated by literature and the ability to paint pictures with words,” Senate reflects on her initial interests.
“Then, I thought I would become an editor at a publishing house. I had no idea what geology was while growing up.”
The support of her family proved crucial in her academic journey.
“My family has always been big on education, so I believe their support came naturally, well it felt like it anyway. While they may not have necessarily known the ins and outs of geology, they trusted my decision and supported me.”
This familial support was essential in overcoming challenges.
Senate’s academic journey has been marked by both triumphs and trials.
A product of Soofia International School, where her academic excellence allowed her to skip a grade, she also achieved significant success in high school debate, representing her school well at national level.
Her undergraduate studies at Rhodes University, South Africa, led to a distinction in geology, followed by an Honours and Master’s Degree from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
This rapid progress in her education has made her a success story, inspiring young women to pursue similar careers.
“I am a proud product of Soofia International School which at the time was Soofia English Medium School where my grades had me skip Grade 9 (Form B) and I was part of the winning team at the 2013 Lesotho Revenue Authority National High School Debate,” she recounts.
“I did my undergraduate at Rhodes University where I was head student at my residence in my final year, and I graduated with a Distinction in Geology. I pursued my Honours and Masters at the University of Cape Town, completing both degrees in record time.
I have been a Senior Tutor in the Geological Sciences Department which was quite the experience.”
Senate credits her teachers and mentors with nurturing her scientific curiosity.
“My teachers at Soofia International School played quite a role in laying the foundation for my love of science and academia in general,” she says.
“They ensured that I excelled as a student by creating a space where I could ask questions without the fear of looking stupid.”
The path to her current position wasn’t always smooth.
“My biggest challenge has always been securing the right funding, enough funding or just funding itself,” she admits.
“One is constantly challenged and adapting as an international student.”
She further details the emotional toll of financial struggles and logistical challenges she faced during her Honours and Masters years. She speaks of imposter syndrome, adjusting to a new city, and a new learning system, all the while supporting herself financially.
“My Honours was incredibly challenging, but I survived it, and I got into Masters with funding which was cut in my second and final year,” she states.
“By this time, I think I was accustomed to struggling as a student and I was Senior Tutor and tutoring privately so I used that to cover my fees and sustain my livelihood so I could graduate. I am eternally grateful for the efforts of my mother during this time as well.”
Senate shares this information to inspire others who may face similar challenges.
Her professors, such as Associate Professor Steffen Büttner at Rhodes University and Professors Phillip E Janney, Chris Harris, and Emese Bordy at the University of Cape Town, were profoundly influential.
Professor Büttner’s emphasis on understanding over memorization, and the others’ mentorship on detail and critique, fostered her development as a critical thinker and skilled communicator.
“At Rhodes University, one of my lecturers, Associate Professor Steffen Büttner discouraged rote learning (memorization and repetition of information). His emphasis on meaningful learning which involves understanding and application changed my approach on solving problems,” she reveals.
“My Honours and MSc Supervisors at UCT; Professor Phillip E Janney and Professor Chris Harris (who’s now Emeritus) taught me the importance of detail and critique. They have made me a better writer and thinker in more ways than one.
Professor Emese (pronounced Emeshe) M Bordy, also at the University of Cape Town largely not only influenced my academic development but also my work ethic as an individual.”
“The lessons I have learnt from them have not only influenced my academic development but also my approach to the work I do currently,” she reveals.
Her current role as an Engineering Geologist for LHDA’s Phase II project on the 38-km Polihali to Katse Water Transfer Tunnel is a direct reflection of her passion and commitment.
A typical week involves fieldwork, detailed mapping, and analysis, requiring not only strong technical skills but also excellent problem-solving abilities. She details the varied aspects of her job, touching on the meticulous nature of her work and the importance of teamwork.
“Right now, I am working more so as an engineering geologist, which concerns itself with applying principles of geology and engineering to various fields and for me that’s in construction,” she explains.
“A week involves numerous visits to site to digitally map our tunnel excavation faces and determine support, monitoring, analysis and review of tunnel stability and numerous reports of said activities. There are probe holes, pull out tests, and coring as well.”
“I would say the most rewarding aspect is seeing something come out of nothing,” she reflects.
“Every day that I am at work I see the joint efforts of various teams come to fruition. I enjoy seeing the physical rewards of what I do; the tunnels reaching their milestones and being a part of that is absolutely rewarding.”
She notes that the demanding hours and shift work can sometimes be challenging.
“The hours can sometimes be long and gruesome, and it can take a while for the body to get used to working the nightshift,” she admits, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the profession.
This project, the 38-km Polihali to Katse Water Transfer Tunnel is truly an exciting one for her.
“I would say my current project is truly one for the books,” she says.
“I am currently an Engineering Geologist for one of the LHDA’s Phase II Projects where we are constructing the 38-km Polihali to Katse Water Transfer Tunnel.”
She underscores the importance of fieldwork.
“I look forward to the lake tap drilling that’s taking place in our site at Katse,” she says.
“The walk down to the lake is a bit challenging as the terrain gets quite steep so being in top physical shape is important, also getting the equipment down was probably a logistical nightmare.
In addition, the fact that its offshore drilling is a great learning opportunity for me.”
Technology has significantly impacted her work.
“It’s made things easier, safer and more time effective,” she notes.
“For instance, in mapping, instead of sketching and physically measuring joint dip angles and directions using a geological compass, I just use photogrammetry.
I take overlapping pictures with a special camera and import those images onto a software called ShapeMetrix that creates a 3D Model for me to critically analyse the excavation face. There is also 3D laser scanning as well,” she adds.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a constant challenge for Marakabei.
The nature of her work, with its demanding hours and frequent fieldwork, demands a meticulous approach.
“Discipline. It has been the cornerstone of my life for years and I believe it’s one of the things that have gotten me this far,” she says.
“I am grateful to be surrounded by people who understand the nature of my work and just how demanding it can be. Clear communication as well, most people in my circle have known me for years and understand when I am unavailable due to work.
I communicate this quite regularly and ahead of time especially when I foresee a hectic day or week,” acknowledging the importance of her support network.
“I am an avid reader, so I probably have my nose in a book by an African author or something to do with Philosophy,” she says about her hobbies.
“The support systems I rely on (friends, family, colleagues) are vital because I rely on them in different ways and for different reasons.”
She shares how her family and friends support her mental wellbeing, especially during stressful times.
“On a personal note, my family and friends are my go-to when I feel like my mental health is taking a knock. I also rely on a few female colleagues who were in my shoes at one point in their lives when I feel overwhelmed,” she adds.
Public Eye probed into her short term and long-term professional goals.
Senate’s professional aspirations are clear and driven. She seeks registration with SACNASP, completion of the Strata Control Exam, and further skill development in tunnel engineering.
Her long-term ambition involves a transition into geotechnical engineering, with a focus on acquiring the necessary expertise and certifications.
“Short-term, definitively being professionally registered with SACNASP and taking the Strata Control Exam by the South African Chamber of Mines quite soon.
I am also taking a few courses to hone my skills in Tunnel Engineering so I would like to finish those and then register for another Masters Degree or a PhD. I have wanted a PhD since I was probably 13 or 14,” she states.
“Long – term, I would like to pivot into Geotechnical Engineering, so the plan is to take the Rock Mechanics exams over time and become a Rock Engineer.”
She expresses her passionate interest in applying soft computing methods and artificial intelligence in construction practices.
Senate also reflects on the growing interest in research and applications of geology in the modern construction industry.
“Right now, I am really interested in the application of soft computing methods and artificial intelligence in construction practices,” she states.
“The application of soft computing methods and artificial intelligence in construction practices.”
“I think this requires a multifaceted approach involving both institutional and cultural change,” she advises in response to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in geology.
Senate continues: “I think promoting early engagement and interest in geology through STEM outreach programmes for young girls is key if we want more women in the field. Increased visibility and the promotion and access to older women in leadership positions through mentorship programmes.
I think it’s also important to foster a collaborative culture of allyship with male colleagues, where they actively support and advocate for women’s representation, opportunities and rights in the field through things such as the building of inclusive teams in professional settings.”
Her experiences highlight the unique challenges and rewards of being a female geologist in a male-dominated field.
“In some instances, one does experience that trickle of stereotype or biasness in a field that is predominantly male, whether it’s done unconsciously or not, and I think this is where self-advocacy and ally ship comes in,” she admits.
“Nonetheless, being a female geologist is a personal fulfilment.”
Her advice for aspiring female geologists is clear.
“Be malleable, be teachable and be willing to do the work. Be open minded to what you could become from studying Geology. I would say that I had quite a relatively narrow perspective of what becoming a geologist would be starting out in university but fortunately that didn’t hinder my progress in relation to taking up opportunities that were presented before me.
Be resilient, have a thick skin. Your qualifications can get you through the door, but your character will keep you there. Be competent, advocate for yourself and do not be the tea girl,” she adds.
Marakabei’s journey underscores the importance of strong support systems, mentorship, and a resilient spirit in navigating a challenging yet rewarding career path.
“Sometimes your network is your biggest resource,” she says.
“If you’re still in school, become a member of your Departments Rock Sock, (Rock Society). Sign up for student affiliations with relevant Geology Associations or Organizations, it makes it easier to seek out mentorship from senior female geologists in the industry or academia.
Actively participate in webinars or online courses and field work opportunities. The webinars can help build specific skillsets and fieldwork opportunities are a great way to gain hands on experience in the field. You might even make a quick buck from being a field assistant.
So basically, build a strong support network, seek mentorship and actively participate in your professional development.”
On strategies she has developed to navigate the male dominated filed, Senate said: “answering this question is a bit tricky because I am not sure whether male-dominated, in this case comes from a perspective of equality of opportunity or equality of outcome.”
“Nonetheless, I have somewhat built a strong support network of female and male mentors who I ask for guidance, I have developed a strong work ethic and I’m not afraid to advocate for myself. Being consistent and reliable has helped build a level of trust with my colleagues.
In essence, it’s been a blend of confidence, proactive engagement and gradually building sustainable professional relationships based on mutual respect,” explained Senate.
When asked about advice for maintaining a healthy work life balance in a demanding career like geology, her answer was short yet profound.
“Be disciplined to the work. When it’s time to work, do that. Focus and do that. Also, try not to take the work home with you so boundaries are important in that regard,” she advises for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Her story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female geologists. Her journey from a literature enthusiast to a young leading-edge Engineering Geologist is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a supportive network.
The 38km Polihali to Katse Water Transfer Tunnel project, where she is working, not only brings the promise of a more sustainable water future to Lesotho but also highlights Senate’s potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Her unique and profound approach will undoubtedly help shape the future of water infrastructure in her country.
