Department of Science and Innovation honours the best and brightest in science at the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards

Department of Science and Innovation honours the best and brightest in science at the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards

Published by DSI 16 August 2024 at https://www.dst.gov.za/index.php/media-room/latest-news/4351-department-of-science-and-innovation-honours-the-best-and-brightest-in-science-at-the-2024-south-african-women-in-science-awards 

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande lauded the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) as an important initiative that recognises and celebrates the women researchers and scientists pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation for the benefit of everyone. 

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) hosted the 2024 SAWiSA on 15 August 2024 in Mbombela.  Now in its 18th year, this prestigious annual event honours the exceptional contributions of women to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) in South Africa.

"The highest honour and privilege bestowed on our scientists and researchers is expanding the understanding of the universe, our world, our society, and ourselves – which are very complex subjects to understand, and thus require special talents," said the Minister in his opening address at the awards.

This year's ceremony was vibrant and inspiring, showcasing the remarkable achievements of women scientists and researchers who are breaking new ground in their respective fields.  The theme for this year's awards, "Transition towards an innovation economy: the role of women leaders in STEM", highlighted the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

One of the distinguishing features of SAWiSA is the fact that the event is hosted in a different province each year, which offers the entire nation the opportunity to appreciate and celebrate a prominent woman hailing from that province. 

Taking place in Mpumalanga this year, the SAWiSA honoured world-renowned artist, Esther Mahlangu, by renaming this year's master's and doctoral fellowships to the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowships.  The guest of honour attended the event last night and received a standing ovation.

"Dr Esther Mahlangu is a renowned artist from this province who has brought the vibrant art of the Ndebele people to the global stage.  Her artistic contributions have played a role in promoting innovation, cultural preservation, and economic development in South Africa and beyond," said the Minister.

He added that she exemplifies how the innovation economy extends beyond just the natural and engineering sciences.  "Her accomplishments epitomise the theme for this year's SAWiSA, 'Transition towards an innovation economy: the role of women leaders in STEM'".

This year's keynote address was delivered by Prof. Sonya Smith, Professor and Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at Howard University, Washington.  In 1995, Prof. Smith was the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia.  She joined the faculty at Howard University in 1995 and is the first tenured female professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

Prof. Smith said she was honoured to participate in the SAWiSA and praised South Africa for recognising the achievements and contributions of women in STEM.

She added that, for centuries the participation of women in STEM has been marginalised, overlooked and under-valued. 

"The inclusion of women, and particularly black women, in these fields is not just a matter of diversity, but is a powerful catalyst for innovation, equity and societal progress," said Prof. Smith.

Among the evening's festivities was the awarding of the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowships to women scientists and researchers who are pursuing their master's or doctoral studies and already hold scholarships from the National Research Foundation or other DSI agencies.  The fellowships are worth R75 000 for master's students and R95 000 for doctoral students. 

The funding can be used to top up tuition fees or enhance students' academic programmes by covering the costs of conference attendance or specialised research materials and equipment required to complete their degree.  The recipient may also use the funding to spend three to six months at an international research institution for the purpose of expanding her research experience.

The recipients of the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Master's Fellowships are as follows:

• Ms Pearly Joubert, University of Cape Town.
• Ms Wendy Mabhulusa, University of South Africa.
• Ms Nonkululeko Malomane, University of South Africa.
• Ms Anele Mthembu, University of the Free State.
• Ms Kathleen Charlton, University of Cape Town.
• Ms Thandokuhle Gama, University of the Free State.

The winners of the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowships are as follows:

• Dr Gabriella Hyman, University of the Witwatersrand.
• Ms Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, North-West University.
• Ms Nokukhanya Thembane, University of the Witwatersrand.
• Ms Mienke Knipe, Stellenbosch University.
• Ms Philadelphia Ngobeni, University of Cape Town.
• Ms Shavani Naicker, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Ms Kelebogile Gasealahwe, University of Cape Town.

The Distinguished Young Women Researcher awards are made to emerging women scientists or researchers below the age of 40 for their outstanding contribution to advancing science and building the knowledge base in their areas of research.  

The winners are as follows:

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Prof. Lieketseng Ned, Stellenbosch University.
• Natural and Engineering Sciences: Dr Taskeen Docrat, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
• Transition Towards an Innovation Economy: Dr Charlotte Maserumule, Mintek.

The Distinguished Women Researchers category awards are made to women scientists or researchers who are actively involved in research, have at least five years of postdoctoral experience, and who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing science and building the knowledge base in their respective disciplines.

The winners are as follows:

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Prof. Caroline Ncube, University of Cape Town.
• Natural and Engineering Sciences: Prof. Zodwa Dlamini, University of Pretoria.
• Transition Towards an Innovation Economy: Prof. Zukiswa Zingela, Nelson Mandela University.

The SAWiSA serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role that women play in advancing science and innovation in South Africa.  As we look to the future, the DSI remains committed to supporting and empowering women in STEM to ensure that their contributions continue to shape the country's progress and development.

The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards.  Your achievements inspire the next generation of women scientists and innovators to reach new heights in their careers.

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation.

For more information, please contact Pontsho Mantlhakga at 066 185 1501 or Pontsho.Mantlhakga@dst.gov.za.