In a world where the earth beneath our feet is often taken for granted, there are those who dedicate their lives to understanding it. Geologists are storytellers of the planet’s history, interpreting rocks, minerals, and formations to reveal the Earth’s secrets. One such storyteller is Rilwele Tshikovhi, a geologist in South Africa’s oil and gas industry whose journey blends passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to impact. From early curiosity to navigating male-dominated offshore rigs, Rilwele’s path is proof that the ground we stand on holds more than just dirt — it holds opportunity, challenge, and wonder.
From Curiosity to Career Choice
Rilwele’s interest in geology wasn’t born overnight. “I’ve always studied maths and science from a young age,” she recalls. Her natural curiosity led her to science expos and competitions like the Maths Olympiad. By Grade 11, geology had emerged as a clear option. A pivotal moment came during her university registration, when a professor convinced her to pursue it, assuring her she’d make a good geologist. That conversation planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion.
Her academic path is a testament to commitment: a BSc in Geology from the University of the Witwatersrand, an Honours degree from the University of Limpopo, and later, an MSc in Industrial Engineering. Yet, despite the additional qualification, she remains firmly rooted in geology — a field she describes as “diverse, challenging, and deeply rewarding.”
Life as a Geologist in Oil and Gas
Today, Rilwele works for the Petroleum Agency SA, the national regulator overseeing oil and gas exploration and production. “We interpret data from companies exploring offshore and onshore, quantify resources, and promote them to attract investment,” she explains. While many picture geologists in the field, hammer in hand, much of her work is done in front of a computer — analysing geophysical and geological data, predicting rock types, and assessing the potential for oil and gas.
But office work hasn’t kept her from the field entirely. One of her most memorable experiences was working offshore on a drilling rig and later on a seismic acquisition vessel. “It was a completely different environment — 12-hour shifts, male-dominated, and far from the office setting I was used to. But it gave me a deeper appreciation for the process behind the data I interpret,” she says.
Resilience in a Volatile Industry
Like many in specialised industries, Rilwele has faced career instability. After completing her internship, she endured nearly two years of unemployment. “It was the most challenging time of my professional life,” she admits. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come, she went back to university, enrolling in a postgraduate diploma in industrial engineering. That decision not only expanded her skill set but also positioned her for re-entry into the industry — with the same company that had once hosted her internship.
This experience cemented one of her most important career lessons: resilience. “You have to know your limits, work hard, and learn how to get back up when you fall,” she says. “The oil and gas industry is affected by global oil prices, so you need to prepare for uncertainty.”
The Rewards and Realities of the Job
For Rilwele, the most fulfilling part of her work is simple: passion. “I love geology. I’ve always loved rocks, mountains, and the processes that shape the Earth,” she says. Alongside the satisfaction of working in her dream field, she enjoys meeting inspiring professionals, learning daily, and, she admits with a smile, “the salary is also a beautiful reward.”
However, she is realistic about the profession’s challenges. The specialised nature of geology can limit career mobility. “If you’re in oil and gas, your skills might not easily transfer to mining or other fields,” she notes. It’s why she advises young geologists to diversify their skills — pairing geology with computer science, economics, or finance to broaden employability.
Geology, the Environment, and the Future
Working for a regulatory body means environmental and community considerations are central to Rilwele’s work. Stakeholder engagement, environmental compliance, and education are part of the process before exploration activities can proceed. “We’re aware that finding resources comes with responsibility — to the environment and to the communities in which we work,” she emphasises.
She also sees geology playing a role in global challenges like energy transition. In South Africa, where coal dominates, oil and gas could help diversify energy sources while the country shifts toward renewables. “It’s about transitioning responsibly,” she says.
Advice for Aspiring Geologists
To young women and underrepresented groups considering geology, Rilwele’s message is clear: passion is essential, but planning is critical. “Diversify your studies so you’re not limited to geology alone. That way, if opportunities in your field are scarce, you have other options.”
She also shares a broader piece of wisdom: “Find something you’re good at and work around it. Learn about the economic trends and the skills of the future so your career choice remains relevant and sustainable.”
Looking Ahead
Currently, Rilwele is pursuing her MBA at the University of Cape Town — a step toward becoming a transformational leader in Africa. “I want to inspire, spread positivity, and have impact,” she says. Her eyes are set firmly on the future, but her feet remain grounded in the passion that started it all.
Her parting words are as grounded as the work she does:
“In whatever situation you find yourself in, it’s not the end. Work with what you have, rise above it, and strive to impact people around you. Be optimistic, work hard, and spread positivity wherever you go.”
