As part of our commitment to growing and enabling a community of well-skilled network engineers, we recently welcomed our first junior network engineers under our learnership programme in conjunction with Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS).

Meet Zikhona Kasana, Junior Network Engineer:

I am a 23-year-old young lady born in the Eastern Cape but was raised in Johannesburg by my Mom. I’m currently doing a work-based learnership here at Workonline and completing my studies at UNISA. I am an inquisitive young lady that is always eager to learn. I’m very motivated and open to any challenge especially challenges that will take me out of my comfort zone.

What makes me want to work for Workonline?

Apart Workonline being one of the leading wholesale transit companies, l want to work here because l see an opportunity to grow. I’ve only been here for quite a short period of time and already l have been inspired by the work ethics of my colleagues. I see an excellent opportunity to grow in the company.

What makes me want to be in the Internet industry?

The world has evolved, and we are currently in the 4th Industrial Revolution. I’ve always been intrigued by how the Internet works but was clueless of where to start. There are endless opportunities in terms of careers in the Internet industry and one that l am pursuing in the long run is into the digital economy.

More about Zikhona:

Favourite app? Facebook and LinkedIn

Android/IOS? Android

Favourite streaming service? Netflix

Favourite tech thought leader? Ben Maddison

Technology nostalgia moment? Playing Snakes on my Mom’s Nokia 3310

Outside of work? Socialising with friends, playing puzzles from magazines and writing.

What’s exciting about working for a wholesale Internet company in Africa? I’m part of a company that serves many companies by providing them connectivity to the Internet. We give them a fast, secure and reliable Internet connection. It feels good knowing that I work for a company that provides services that are essential for lots of other companies to succeed.

Challenges: Keeping up to date with new developments in technology would be the biggest. Then too, dealing with private data of clients, so being careful and disciplined knowing that a mistake could result in serious compromise.

Opportunities: There are no limits. There is so much to learn and career diversification

One thing l want people to know about the Internet in Africa: It plays a significant role in the economy: it presents a major opportunity to Africa as it contributes to 1,1% to the overall African GDP

In our next issue, we’ll introduce you to Zikhona’s colleague, Junior Nkala.