Cape Town — The national Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has anointed three professors as its 2024 Distinguished Women Researchers.
Professor Caroline Ncube from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Law, whose research focuses on intellectual property law and its impact on innovation, particularly in education, health, climate change, and economic development, won in the humanities and science category. Her fellow honourees were Professor Zukiswa Zingela, executive dean of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, who was recognised for her contribution to natural and engineering sciences, and Professor Zodwa Dlamini, a professor of molecular oncology at the University of Pretoria, who won in the Transition towards an Innovation Economy category. The three women each won R105 000.
According to UCT, the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) were held by the DSI in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Thursday, 15 August, to celebrate the achievements of women scientists and researchers, highlighting them as role models.
The 2024 SAWiSA theme, “Transition towards an innovation economy: The role of women leaders in STEM,” highlights the inclusive innovation economy, which spans creative industries, energy, environmental management, caregiving, the social sector, public services, and often-overlooked contributions.
#SAWiSA2024 winners in the Distinguished Women Researcher category.Humanities and Social Sciences: Prof Caroline Ncube @UCT_news Natural and Engineering Sciences: Prof Zodwa Dlamini @UPTuks
Transition Towards an Innovation Economy: Prof Zukiswa Zingela Nelson Mandela University pic.twitter.com/Fgc2el8Kh9
— DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & INNOVATION (@dsigovza) August 20, 2024
Renowned artist
In addition, seven PhD students won Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowships, worth R95 000 each, while six Master’s students won fellowships worth R75 000 each.
The fellowships are named after South African artist Esther Mahlangu, who received a standing ovation at the glittering event.
“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,” Minister of Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande said at Thursday’s event.
Three young researchers under the age of 40 were also honoured as Distinguished Young Women Researchers. They are
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Professor Lieketseng Ned, an associate professor and head of the disability and rehabilitation studies division in the faculty of medicine and health science at Stellenbosch University.
- Natural and Engineering Sciences: Dr Taskeen Docrat, a scientist at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
- Transition Towards an Innovation Economy: Dr Charlotte Maserumule, the chief scientist in the advanced materials division at South Africa’s minerals research organisation, Mintek.
‘Cloak of honour’
UCT’s Ncube said of her award: “Being among all the finalists of the 2024 SAWiSA awards was a great affirmation. Just looking around and seeing generations of women in science all on a mission to heal the nation and world with their work was so inspiring. It shows us what women in science and academia can achieve and what those following us can also achieve. Igama lamakhosikazi malibongwe (Praise be to womankind).”
NMU’s Zingela recognised her colleagues – Dr Pumeza Kota-Nyati and Professor Zoleka Soji – for their contribution to the Enhanced Preparedness Training (EPT) project at NMU.
Zingela also recently published a book about the EPT programme she developed over the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My first love is medicine while mental health and empowering others through education and sharing of knowledge are my passion,” Zingela said after the awards
“This is what drives the work I do. When the accolades and awards follow, I see them as a cloak of honour one has to wear, if only to inspire others.
“How else is a little girl growing up in Zwide to believe it is possible to reach for the stars in whatever field you set your heart on?”
Remarkable women
Reflecting on the event, UCT’s acting deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, Professor Jeff Murugan said: “We are proud of the recognition received by so many of our women in science for their outstanding work in their respective fields, especially as we celebrate Women’s Month.”
Four UCT Master’s and PhD students were among the recipients of Esther Mahlangu fellowships.
“A concerning gender gap persists worldwide in STEM fields where women are still under-represented. By supporting their success and highlighting their achievements, we contribute to strengthening the presence and influence of women in STEM disciplines” Murugan added
Dr Linda Mtwisha, executive director of research at UCT, said the awards highlight the brilliance, dedication, and innovation women bring to their work daily.
“Their achievements remind us of the indispensable role women play in shaping the future of science and technology. UCT is home to some truly remarkable women who are trailblazers across various fields and are driving impact in the world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and to empowering diverse research voices that enrich our understanding of the world while leading the charge in STEM research and innovation.”
UCT’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond celebrating current women scholars. Initiatives like the Emerging Researcher Programme (ERP) are advancing the diversity of its academic staff.
“We aim to empower early career researchers, especially women, to strengthen their research capabilities and ensure their voices are heard in the global academic community. This support will help make academia more inclusive and representative of the world,” Mtwisha said,
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Compiled by Lauren Petersen
