When I first arrived in China in 2022, I was overwhelmed with uncertainty, fear and a sense of cultural alienation. I had no idea what awaited me in this very different country that felt even stranger because of the lingering effects of a global pandemic.
But in the midst of this maelstrom of change, one person stood out, Dr. Sibusiso Reuben Bakana. Introduced to me by a friend, Reuben became more than just a helpful guide through Beijing's winding streets and complex systems - he embodied what perseverance, determination and human leadership looks like in practice.
Bakana, or Reuben as he is known by his colleagues, recently completed his doctorate in engineering at the prestigious Beijing Aerospace University (Beihang University), where he specialized in computer applied technology in the School of Computer Science and Engineering. His research was not just a pursuit of academic prestige, but had real significance. His PhD thesis focused on "Wild Animal Detection and Behavior Analysis in Security Videos", a project that gave rise to cutting-edge models such as WildARe-YOLO, WildPose and WildAction.
At first glance, these titles may seem like just another collection of academic jargon. But for conservationists and technology experts alike, they represent a potential breakthrough - AI-based solutions designed specifically for resource-constrained environments.
These models are more than just lines of code; they have the potential to revolutionise wildlife monitoring and make a significant contribution to the fight against poaching and environmental protection, particularly on the African continent where such innovations are urgently needed.
But the story of Reuben is not just about technical achievements. It's about sacrifice. For eight long years he lived in China, studying in isolation and lockdowns, without once returning home to Johannesburg. He lived through the height of the Covid-19 pandemic alone and missed weddings, funerals and family events in South Africa. His determination came at an emotional cost, but he bore it with the quiet resilience of someone who cares deeply about the big picture.
Bakana was born and raised in Ivory Park, a township in Johannesburg, and his journey is rooted in community and activism. Before embarking on his PhD, he had a decade-long career in the South African electrical sector, particularly at City Power. He also served as a union leader in the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), representing workers at a time when the protection of workers' rights was more necessary than ever.
His activism extends far beyond the workplace. Reuben is a product of South African student and youth political structures, including SASCO, ANCYL and ANC. He has always been a vocal advocate of renewable energy, even before it became a popular or politically expedient issue. As a former Senior Energy Advisor in South Africa, he advocated for progressive and sustainable solutions in a system that was still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. He was - ahead of his time - and still is. In China, he continued his leadership. He became the first chairman of the South African Students Association in China, where he provided support and advocacy for hundreds of young South Africans far from home.
His involvement and contribution to the Diplomatic Society (www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za) in China also underscores his deep sense of national and continental representation. Let us not forget: Bakana is the only known black South African to have earned a PhD in artificial intelligence from Beihang University, a fact that is both inspiring and disturbing. In 2025, it is still rare for black academics to hold high-level positions in STEM fields, especially abroad and in new technologies such as AI.
Its success should be celebrated but also seen as a call to action: to encourage more young Africans, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, in their pursuit of STEM subjects without borders.
Bakan's story is one of discipline and delayed gratification that resonates at a time when instant success is too often celebrated. It has not gone viral.
He did not take the path of least resistance. He bowed his head, stayed true to his mission, and became an example of what is possible when determination is combined with purpose. In a world that quickly deifies superficiality, we must learn to value stories like Reuben's. Stories of those who persevere, who innovate for the greater good, who do not elevate themselves above others but help them on their journey. He is not just a doctor of engineering - he is a doctor of perseverance, of innovation that puts people first.
Its success should be celebrated, yes, but also seen as a call to action: to encourage more young Africans, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue STEM fields without borders.
So yes, when I landed in China, disoriented and uncertain, I met someone whose calm presence and principled way reminded me why we fight, why we study, and why we build. Reuben may have walked across the stage at graduation in Beijing, but his journey began long ago in the dusty streets of Ivory Park - and it is far from over. South Africa and the continent would do well to invest in minds like his. Because when we support excellence, when we support those who serve science and society, we all rise.
Michael Andisile Mayalo
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH
* Mayalo is an independent analyst and writer, the article was first published on IOL
English 
Czech 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German