How would you describe yourself in one word?
Perseverant. As an international student in a foreign country, perseverance is essential. Sometimes you want to give up; but you have to keep going.

Who is Dr. Eric Bakama? What are your interests outside of academics?
I enjoy PC gaming, but I have less time for it now. My favourite game is Gran Turismo, and we’re still waiting for GT6. I was in university, now I’m a doctor and married, and it’s still not released (laughs). I married a wonderful Congolese woman last year. We met in Congo, and she studied public relations here. I also play acoustic guitar and am part of a worship team.

People say you are the coolest lecturer at UJ. What’s your response to that?
(Laughs) I believe lecturers should be approachable and close to students. After university, students face real-life challenges and work environments. Students need to connect with their lecturers; learning happens faster when they can relate to you.
Growing up, we had distant relationships with our parents; you couldn’t enter your father’s living room (laughs). Now, parents want to bridge that gap. The same applies to students; if they see you as distant, they won’t ask questions, and you can’t help them. 

From Imani to a PhD in Quality Engineering: How would you describe your journey in one word? Can you walk me through your journey? What was the original plan?
My dad’s dream was for us to become medical doctors. So, I grew up with that goal and studied at Imani. When I came here, I couldn’t study medicine at Wits. I wanted something related to medicine, so I applied for radiology and biomedical sciences but was rejected due to lack of an internship and my high school grades. I went to UJ internationalization to find
out why I was rejected. They suggested a few options in engineering: construction, electrical.  I didn’t like engineering until I saw operations management and decided to try it. The plan was to study operations management for a year and then switch. But the first lecture was so impressive that I stayed.

What’s it like being a young lecturer?
I started lecturing at 23 or 24, the youngest in the department. Most lecturers had taught me,
and I had classmates in my classes. I am short, and some students, like you (Ben), are tall (laughs). My accent was another challenge, but I embraced my diversity, which helped my self-confidence.

I know you have a business “Art Conscient”. Can you tell us about it?
I started a business in my first year, initially as part of schoolwork, and continued to run it. I always wanted to be in business like my father. We sold through various platforms in South Africa and built a shop in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). However, my career progressed faster than the business, so I had to focus on my career.

Dr. Eric Bakama: “Setting an example is crucial. We should be united, not envious of each other. We shouldn’t settle for mediocrity; we must strive for excellence.
When I arrived in 2012, there weren’t many Congolese graduates, and I was told university was tough. I remember scoring 24% initially (laughs). I started with English and then applied to UJ, I didn’t where to go. I remember walking from Braamfontein where I used to live to the DFC campus (laughs). Without role models, my family, friends, and faith supported me. Now, there are systems and platforms like UJCS to help people from Congo.”

In your interview with Channel Africa, you mentioned students 4.0 and your thesis on Quality and Smart Education. How can this benefit our continent and Congo?

I stayed in academia because I realized a country needs well-educated people to progress. Historically, there have been four industrial revolutions impacting how people live.
The first two revolutions improved world economy and efficiency in production. The third revolution brought computers, the internet, and globalization.
Now, we are in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) characterized by rapid technological advancements.
My thesis studied the South African education system’s use of technology in teaching. The 4IR changes how we teach and affects students, who now prefer learning through social media like TikTok. My thesis focused on adapting teaching methods to the 4IR. It will be available in the second half of the year.
In Congo, our education was outdated. We need specialists, not generalists. The South African education system is advanced compared to Congo but has room for improvement. In developed countries, colleges train you to work for others; universities train you to create and solve problems. We need to teach entrepreneurship. A country develops through the private sector, not just government. Quality education changes how we live and vote.

I know you are active in our community. What changes would you like to see in your community and country?

As a lecturer, I have at least three Congolese students in my class every year. My goal is to impact and inspire them. Even if you impact just one person, it can bring change. We shouldn’t underestimate small efforts.
One of my goals is to open a school of management. People lack knowledge about management; it’s not just business management but also quality and operations management. In African languages, there’s no word for management or manager.
Without a term, you can’t address it. Teaching people management skills will help develop our country and continent.

 Benjamin: To conclude, I have a few questions.

How did you handle the popularity and attention?

I am excited but must be wise. I need to be careful about what I say now (laughs). I like the Bible verse: “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14-16. I like that I put the country on the map and inspire people. Although popular, I know it’s for God’s glory, and I want to stay humble.

What advice can you give to Congolese students in SA? 

Adapt to the environment, fit in, make South African friends, learn from others, and embrace the culture.

Many Congolese struggle to find jobs in SA. What could be the reason and possible solutions?

We often choose fields based on our country’s system. In Congo, we mostly study law, economics, medicine, or engineering. In South Africa, there are many different fields.
For instance, People don’t know what quality engineering is.
We need to research and get information on critical skills. We shouldn’t blame South Africans for prioritizing their citizens. You take care of your children before your neighbour’s kids. Our part is to excel in what we do.

What advice can you give to the UJCS?

Organize workshops to educate people, identify, and collaborate with Congolese businesses in South Africa.

If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

“Be still and know that I am God.” I am an overthinker; there are pros and cons to that. You plan ahead but also try to control too much. I would never have imagined ten years ago that I would become a doctor today. We often worry about things beyond our control. Take one step at a time and trust God for what is not within your control.