NSTF-South32 Awards 2025

NSTF-South32 Awards 2024-2025 Winners

Honouring outstanding South African contributions to the world of science, engineering, technology and innovation

‘Science Oscars’ celebrate South African excellence

THE National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) recently held its prestigious annual NSTFSouth32 Awards to honour and recognise outstanding South African contributions to the world of science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation.

Dubbed the “science Oscars” and now in its 27th year, the Awards has grown into the largest and most influential platform for celebrating ingenuity and outstanding contributions in SET across the country.

This year’s key message – SET is poised for a quantum leap – aligns with the theme of “quantum science and technology”. A special award has also been introduced to honour an outstanding South African contribution in this field. South Africa has the potential to leap forward in its development with the help of research and innovation. NSTF also expects to leap forward to the next 30 years; going from strength to strength.

Moreover, this year’s ceremony held particular significance, as it coincided with the NSTF’s 30th anniversary. Held simultaneously in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the event featured 90 finalists, with engaging multimedia presentations and the announcement of winners across 16 diverse categories. Among the evening’s highlights was the conferral of the NSTF Ukhozi Award to long-time NSTF associate and civil engineering champion, Dawie Botha.

The event also honoured the latest cohort of the Brilliants

Programme – top-performing matriculants in mathematics and science, who are nurtured as future leaders in the STEM fields.

The NSTF-South32 Awards plays a crucial role in recognising long-term, high-impact work in a sector that often demands years of dedication. It also elevates the visibility of role models, promotes diversity and transformation, and encourages youth engagement through extensive outreach and media initiatives.

Recognition of excellent work is itself a great incentive for people working in SET, where the work is typically long-term and demanding in skills, time, money, effort and sacrifice. It is a motivator for students and young researchers, and practitioners. It’s inspiring for school learners and undergraduate students. Ensuring that there’s recognition at the top holds up role models for all those further down who are struggling their way up to the top.

The awards are an exciting celebration of South African science, engineering, technology and innovation – a fitting tribute to the nation’s brightest minds and boldest thinkers.

The NSTF not only hosts the annual awards, it also facilitates national discussion forums that bridge the gap between science and society, engages in policy dialogue, and highlights the practical value of research in addressing South Africa’s challenges.

Niehaus NSTF Executive Director

BRANDSTORIES

Content & Co-ordination: MaryAnne Isaac | Design: Stuart Senar | Editor: Linda Zakas

Scientist, Innovator, Mentor

From leaves to lives, Prof Liza Korsten’s four decade mission to make food safer for all

JAMAINE KRIGE

PROFESSOR Liza Korsten’s journey as a scientist began not in a sterile lab, but under the open sky, among leaves and fields.

As a girl, she was captivated by the natural world, especially plants. This curiosity matured into a passion for plant pathology, a field that would prove vital in tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: food security.

“Science became my life’s work, research my passion and mentoring students my mission,” she recalls.

Now recognised with the prestigious NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award, Korsten reflects on a four-decade career that saw her evolve from a pathologist tinkering with fungi to an internationally- renowned scientist influencing food policy, championing sustainability and mentoring African researchers.

Seeds of curiosity, roots of purpose

Her foundation in microbiology laid the groundwork for breakthroughs in plant-pathogen interactions. “I always knew I wanted to work with nature,” she says. “Plant pathology became a calling; combining biology with impact. It connected science with a moral purpose: to make food safer for everyone.”

Her career began with a breakthrough: developing South Africa’s first biological control agent for leaf and fruit diseases. At a time when chemical pesticides dominated, her innovation was a game-changer offering a safer, sustainable solution now standard in farming. “Today, these products benefit both farmers and consumers,” she says. “But back then, it took courage to offer something new.”

Food safety from soil to table

As trade and health demands grew, her focus expanded. “Food safety became central. It wasn’t just about pathogens; it was about the whole food system from soil to table.” This systems-thinking approach positioned her at the forefront of a new science – blending microbiology,

pathology, policy and regulation to secure food while never losing sight of farmers.

Korsten has served on global food safety bodies including WHO, FAO, GFSI, ISO and SA’s security panels. Recently, she joined ASSAf’s Food Safety Forum. Locally, she co-directed the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of Pretoria (UP), built ISO-accredited labs and advised national panels.

Her current focus is antimicrobial resistance in the water-plant-food nexus, linking food safety with global health. Despite accolades, including ranking in the top 2% of scientists globally, she remains grounded. “Science should improve lives. It’s not just a career; it’s a lifestyle. And it’s fun.

“The NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award isn’t just for me. It honours every student, farmer and colleague who’s walked this road with me.”

The Cosmic Detective

Stellenbosch astrophysicist Prof Yin-Zhe Ma leads the hunt for the Universe’s ‘missing matter’

JAMAINE KRIGE

WHEN most people gaze at the stars, they see beauty. Prof Yin-Zhe Ma sees puzzles – vast cosmic mysteries woven into the fabric of space and time. One of the most perplexing of these is the case of the universe’s missing matter; and he’s made it his mission to find it.

“From the cosmic microwave background, we know that baryons – the building blocks of matter like protons and neutrons – make up about 4.8% of the universe’s total density,” explains Ma, an astrophysicist and full professor at Stellenbosch University.

This cosmic gas exists in a temperature sweet spot that makes it nearly invisible – too cool to emit detectable X-rays, too warm to form stars. But Ma, the recipient of the NSTF-South32 TW Kambule Researcher Award, has not been deterred: “My work is to develop new estimators that extract these invisible signals from vast datasets.”

His approach combines multiple astronomical surveys – galaxy surveys, gravitational lensing and the SunyaevZeldovich effect – to tease out incredibly weak signals from cosmic data. His breakthrough came when he realised that the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Lensing Survey had accumulated enough data to achieve detection when cross correlated with Planck satellite observations.

“This tells us not just where matter is, but how galaxies form and evolve and how energy flows through the cosmos,” he explains. “I stand at the ‘edge of discovery’ and always keep both theories and observations in mind to be the first to achieve detection if the data becomes mature.”

Ma’s fascination with the stars began as a child, but it was a fateful lecture at Nanjing University in 2003 by renowned Chinese cosmologist Prof Tan Lu that lit the spark: “He explained dark matter and neutrinos so simply and I was hooked. I followed him to the bus stop after the talk, full of questions.”

Now based in South Africa, Ma is building the country’s reputation as a hub for computational astronomy: “Science isn’t mainstream here yet. People come for beautiful scenery, tasty wines and exotic animals – but

not for astrophysics. That must change.”

His advice to young scientists? “Build a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. I don’t think they are separate work; they’re part of my life. Do you think my first language is Chinese? Absolutely not! My first language is equations.”

For Ma, the NSTF-South32 Award is more than personal recognition. “It’s a message that science matters in SA. We are not spectators – we are contributors to the global conversation.”

African-led neuroscience research earns national science recognition

DR Rachael Dangarembizi, a neuroscientist at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been awarded the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher at the NSTFSouth32 Awards.

The award recognises her pioneering research on cryptococcal meningitis (CM) – a disease that continues to cause untold devastation in sub-Saharan Africa, yet remains significantly under-researched.

For Dr Dangarembizi, the award is both a personal milestone and recognition of work that confronts one of the region’s most urgent and overlooked public health challenges. “Research on fungal infections has been historically neglected in research, funding and policy – yet it is urgent and important. This is especially true for Africans, because we lose hundreds of thousands of people every year to brain infections caused by fungi,” said Dangarembizi.

Addressing fungal infections of the brain

CM is a deadly fungal infection of the brain and the leading cause of meningitis-related deaths in people living with HIV. The disease primarily affects populations in sub-Saharan Africa, where barriers to timely diagnosis and access to effective treatment remain widespread.

In South Africa, the burden of CM is especially high and its consequences profound. Determined to shift the focus toward this neglected illness, Dr Dangarembizi established Africa’s first dedicated laboratory for this research, known as the CryptoLab, based at UCT. Her work examines how CM causes brain injury, with the aim of improving understanding of the disease and contributing to the development of more effective interventions.

She dedicated the award to her students: “I have an army of young and energetic students who are pushing this work here in Africa. We’re the first lab to do this, and they are doing well. This award is for my students.” She also acknowledged the institutional support that made the work possible. “I would like to thank my institution, UCT, for providing me with an enabling environment.”

In addition to conducting research and supervising postgraduate students, Dr Dangarembizi, a recent awardee of the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) African Research Leader Award, is the current chairperson of the Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS), the regional neuroscience society for 10 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

One of her goals is to advance neuroscience research in developing institutions – and as part of her academic citizenship, she lectures neuroscience at low-resourced institutions in sub-Saharan Africa including the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe.

DUT CELEBRATES RESEARCH EXCELLENCE:

Professor Faizal Bux, Director for Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at DUT, Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, winner of TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award and Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT.

WE ARE IMMENSELY PROUD OF BOTH DR TETTEH AND PROFESSOR BUX FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO HIGH-QUALITY, IMPACTFUL RESEARCH THAT STRENGTHENS DUT’S ROLE AS A LEADER IN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION.

DR TETTEH NAMED EMERGING RESEARCHER WINNER, PROF BUX FINALIST AT THE 2024/2025 NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM (NSTF) SOUTH32 AWARDS.

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh and Professor Faizal Bux at the 2024/2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Awards — South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars.’

Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Senior Researcher in DUT’s Green Engineering Research Group, won the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award, which honours outstanding early-career researchers. His innovative work in the water-energy nexus and green engineering has boosted DUT’s global research footprint. Dr Tetteh has published over 60 journal articles, conference papers and book chapters, while mentoring and supervising numerous honours and postgraduate students.

“Being acknowledged as the winner came as a shock to me,” said Dr Tetteh. “Last year I was a finalist but did not win. My mentor, Professor Sudesh Rathilal, reminded me that these things take time. This award recognises the dedication of my team and the support from DUT, my family and friends.”

Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, said, “Dr Tetteh’s recognition is a proud moment for DUT and aligns with our ENVISION2030 commitment to research excellence and societal impact.”

DUT also proudly recognises Professor Faizal Bux, Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, who was a finalist in the Lifetime Award category for over 15 years of impactful research and leadership in wastewater innovation. His nomination underscores the national and international stature of DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, as a leader in innovative water research. In addition to heading the institute, Professor Bux holds the DSTI/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Wastewater Treatment. He is celebrated globally for reimagining wastewater as a valuable resource, with sustainable solutions that protect the environment and generate economic potential.

DUT extends heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s NSTF winners and finalists whose work continues to inspire and drive positive change.

Celebrating 21 years of impact: DUT’s vision for innovation and excellence

THIS year, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly celebrates 21 years as a dynamic force in South African higher education.

Since its formation in 2002 through the merger of ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has grown into a trailblazer in research, innovation and teaching – with seven campuses across Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

DUT offers diverse programmes across six faculties: Accounting and Informatics, Applied Sciences, Arts and Design, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, and Management Sciences. The DUT Business School, part of the Faculty of Management Sciences, is accredited by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and is a member of the South African Business School Association (SABSA). Its applied curriculum is designed to produce socially responsive business leaders.

At the heart of DUT’s mission is a deep commitment to innovation and cutting-edge research. With 20 dedicated research focus areas – from biotechnology to energy sustainability – the university continues to earn national and global recognition, including the prestigious Focused Research Advancement Award from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Guided by the strategic framework ENVISION2030, launched in 2020, DUT is shaping a creative, entrepreneurial and globally responsive academic community. The strategy outlines a bold vision for transforming lives and livelihoods through education, innovation and community engagement.

The university’s tagline “Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.” reflects its holistic approach to education. Through platforms like the Innobiz Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, students receive both theoretical and hands-on training, equipping them to become change-makers in their fields.

DUT’s pursuit of excellence continues to gain international traction. In 2024, it was ranked 11th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, securing its place as South Africa’s top university of technology and fifth overall in the country.

As part of its 21st year celebration, DUT is inviting applications for its 2026 Master’s and Doctoral programmes, with full scholarships available for qualifying candidates on its website: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za.

Undergraduate students wishing to apply for 2026 can do so via the Central Applications Office.

For more details on all DUT offerings, visit  www.dut.ac.za

DUT researcher wins coveted award at 2025 ‘Science Oscars’

DOCTOR Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, senior researcher in the Green Engineering Research Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has won the prestigious TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award at the NSTF-South32 Awards.

Tetteh’s innovative research in the water-energy nexus highlights DUT’s global research footprint. He was recognised as an exceptional researcher for his multidisciplinary research interest, leadership and innovation which continues to shape sustainable environmental engineering.

Sharing his excitement on winning his first NSTF Award, Dr Tetteh said: “I am excited about the recognition but deep down being an emerging researcher comes with lots of demands, you have to be disciplined, committed and persevere in order to overcome some of the challenges.”

He shared that winning this award also promotes the hard work, dedication and commitment of his team at the Green Engineering Research Group. He expressed his gratitude to DUT for giving him the platform for his research, as well as his family and friends for their consistent support.

Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola, deputy vice-chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT said, “Dr Tetteh’s recognition at the NSTF Awards was a very proud moment for DUT and a powerful endorsement of our ENVISION2030 commitment to excellence in research, innovation and societal impact. His work exemplifies the values we seek in our emerging researchers at DUT.”

Tetteh’s mentor, Prof Sudesh Rathilal, who is the executive dean in Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, shared his congratulatory remarks. “I am extremely proud of him and his achievements. He has achieved a lot for himself, the Green Engineering Research Group, the Department of Chemical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and DUT as a whole,” said Rathilal.

Some of the new research areas under Tetteh’s development include magnetic separation technology, green hydrogen production technology and smart water systems.

The legendary leader

A digital sentinel: dr Jabu Mtsweni’s leadership elevates national cybersecurity

DR Jabu Mtsweni is the winner of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Management Award. Known as the “Science Oscars”, these awards honour individuals who have made significant contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.

Dr Mtsweni’s recognition specifically highlights his impactful leadership at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), particularly in the critical fields of cybersecurity and secure identity systems.

His work at the CSIR is guided by a clear vision and specific goals. He shared that his career journey is rooted in an early interest in science and technology. He recalls the moment he first realised the importance of scientific leadership and management, and how it clicked into place for him. Dr Mtsweni believes that meaningful and impactful leadership is essential for shaping discovery and innovation, and for incubating scientific and technological growth. His leadership has resulted in notable outcomes, including patented technologies, licensed solutions, and support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Managing a large, multidisciplinary team of technologists and engineers requires a unique approach. Dr Mtsweni’s leadership ensures that his team’s research translates into tangible, real-world applications and impact. In his opinion, while critical competencies are essential for scientists and researchers, soft skills are equally crucial for success as a leader or manager in science, technology,

engineering and technology (STEM) fields. He emphasises the importance of collaboration in his work and has actively fostered it to achieve real-world impact. He believes that fostering young leaders and actively engaging in capacity-building is vital for the industry. He supports the development of emerging talent to cultivate future leaders in science, engineering and technology.

Dr Mtsweni believes that awards like those from the NSTF are important for the industry. Receiving the NSTF-South32 Management Award is a testament to his professional journey and personal dedication. When asked about what winning the award means to him, he stated that it is both personally and professionally significant.

Capacitating engineering passion

Prof Fitchett recognised for excellence in engineering research capacity development

PROFESSOR Anne Fitchett, a retired honorary associate professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wits University, was one of two winners in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category.

This award recognises individuals with demonstrably outstanding leadership in increasing the participation of young engineers and technologists in further research in their chosen science, engineering and technology fields, over the past five to 10 years.

Fitchett was awarded for successfully, since 2004, facilitating entry and smooth passage for engineering undergraduates. The award further recognises her role in creating an enabling environment that supports a passion for engineering and the enrolment of postgraduate researchers.

Accepting her award, Prof Fitchett said: “Engineering research capacity development is absolutely critical at this point in history and especially in our region, where we are constantly being tasked with providing locally appropriate and affordable solutions for problems as diverse as infrastructure management, climate adaptation and socioeconomic development. At the same time, we have a serious shortage of engineers and an even greater shortage of local engineers engaging actively in research to inform our society of innovative solutions.”

Fitchett has been fortunate through most of her career to have played an active role in promoting, developing and delivering engineering education, she said. “Over decades, this has allowed us as an institution at Wits to nurture research in engineering – starting from an undergrad’s first year of study, through to doctoral level. This has always been a team endeavour – whether through attracting students that reflect our rich and diverse demography, or through programme and curriculum design that exposes students to research and lifelong learning.”

In this respect, Fitchett acknowledged the contribution of the various deans of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits who served while Fitchett was assistant dean. “The most noteworthy being Bea Lac-

quet and Ian Jandrell,” she said, adding that various heads of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and faculty registrars, had also played a key role in this regard – particularly Carol Crosley, the Wits registrar, and her deputy, Nicoleen Potgieter.

“I would like to thank Rob Drennan (recently retired director of Research Development at Wits) for nominating me for this award, and lastly and most importantly, my daughter Jennifer for helping me to overcome my imposter syndrome and editing my motivation. Her credentials are well-known in this forum as the 2024 winner of the award for science communication.”

Driven to innovate

From research labs to off-road rigs, Vehicle dynamics Group is training the engineers of tomorrow

JAMAINE KRIGE

AT the University of Pretoria’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Vehicle Dynamics Group (VDG) is driving change – both literally and figuratively.

This year, the small but effective team, led by Prof Pieter Schalk Els, received the Engineering Research Capacity Development Award in recognition of their pioneering work in off-road vehicle technologies and postgraduate training.

Specialising in heavy-duty vehicles used in mining, agriculture, construction and forestry, VDG plays a pivotal role in the industries that power South Africa’s economy.

VDG’s research spans a wide range of applications –including tyre testing, advanced mechatronics to improve ride comfort, and collision-prevention systems for large vehicles – that are already transforming international mining safety standards.

“We’re very well positioned in terms of simulation and testing capabilities, and we’re facing the kind of complex challenges that drive meaningful research,” Els explains.

This seamless connection between industry needs and academic exploration has helped VDG attract top talent and forge international partnerships. To date, the group has trained and graduated more than 50 postgraduate students, many of whom now hold influential positions around the world.

“Our students are the real impact of our work,” says Els. “We’re proud of the research papers, but our greatest legacy is the calibre of people we send into the world.”

This student-first mentorship approach lies at the heart of their success: “All you can do is show students why the work matters and then give them the space to thrive. That’s the secret to building strong postgraduate programmes. You have to be openly passionate, ignite their curiosity and create an environment where they can become the best version of themselves.”

The group is now looking to the future, developing AI-driven systems and autonomous vehicle technologies for off-road applications. Their work in rough terrain collision prevention is opening doors to international collaborations – showing that South African engineering is not just keeping pace but setting the pace.

Winning an NSTF-South32 Award not only validates the team’s contributions, it shines a spotlight on the untapped potential of local engineering excellence.

“Many excellent research efforts in SA are not wellknown locally, although our researchers have high-international visibility. These awards give South African science the recognition it deserves,” says Els. For young engineers, Els offers simple but powerful advice: “Find something that makes you tick, and a mentor who inspires you. At VDG, your only limit is yourself.”

Water warrior wins top award

A CAPE Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) researcher has been recognised for her work into improving South Africa’s devastating water poverty problems.

Professor Bongani Ncube is the winner of the NSTFSouth32 Water Research Commission (WRC) Award.

Since April 2022, Ncube has led the SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation, focusing on water security and governance. As such, she is one of roughly 270 DSINRF SARChI Chairs – all held by distinguished experts at various South African universities.

Reacting to the win, Ncube said she was grateful for the support of her colleagues who had motivated her to submit a portfolio of work for consideration.

“The compilation needed a lot of time and focus. It took evenings of writing and rewriting to ensure the submission was solid,” she added.

that is a sign of a lack of peace,” she said. “In areas like that you cannot say that people are at peace. They are not living under normal conditions. They have that stress of where they are going to get water. That is a challenge to people’s livelihoods and internal peace for communities.”

Ncube added that climate change and drought add a further layer of complication when it comes to water access. Fortunately, her expert work in this critical field is gaining recognition on national and international levels – adding to the mounting pressure for greater access to this precious resource.

Ncube’s research spans many decades. In 2024, she was featured in a NRF World Water Day special report and reflected on how water insecurity, unless curbed, will continue to fuel protest action in the country. In that report, Ncube said residents in impoverished areas are under immense pressure to source water, adding to an already heavy burden on them.

“We see protest action for water in the country;

“Since the inception of the research chair, we have established active collaborations in Sweden, France, Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom, along with various national partnerships.”

CPUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Marshall Sheldon says Ncube’s achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, innovative research and impactful contributions to the field of water and sanitation.

“She continues to elevate the reputation of CPUT on both national and international platforms, and we are immensely proud of her. May this award be one of many more to come,” said Sheldon.

CPUT transforms its students through world-class researchers who inspire knowledge production and cutting edge innovation.

Apply now to become part of the CPUT research community, with a wide variety of postgraduate study opportunities available across our six faculties.

To apply, visit the CPUT website www.cput.ac.za

Sponsor: WRC

Water warrior wins top award

Prof Bongani Ncube’s mission to put water back in the hands of the people

JAMAINE KRIGE

FROM the parched soil of rural Zimbabwe to the policy corridors of South Africa, Professor Bongani Ncube has never lost sight of one truth: water is life, and access to it must be just.

“I was born and raised in the village, and I am the daughter of smallholder farmers,” she reflects. “Working in water and agriculture was part of my upbringing.”

That upbringing now fuels a career at the forefront of the continent’s water revolution, earning her the NSTFWRC Award at the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards.

As the SARChI Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Ncube is leading a transdisciplinary research agenda that fuses engineering, economics, governance and grassroots knowledge. Her team includes 30 postgraduate students across three faculties and five South African universities – a growing community of practice working to transform water governance and economics from policy to practice.

But her greatest strength lies in the way she works, ensuring that those most affected by water scarcity are finally heard, valued and empowered. “We don’t just research communities; we work with them,” she explains. “We value their lived experience as much as academic expertise.”

Her eureka moment came in 2013 during research into indigenous knowledge and drought. “Doing interviews with smallholder farmers, all I could hear was the unequal access to water and how emerging and subsistence farmers struggled to access the resource. I saw a huge gap in understanding the challenges they faced.”

That gap became her life’s work. While SA may have “world-class water legislation and policies”, she says that implementation is still uneven, and smallholder farmers face barriers that can take decades to overcome.

Ncube’s solution? Rethink the system. Her participatory research model makes farmers active and equal partners in co-developing solutions. And her work goes beyond

technical fixes – it’s about shifting power. “One farmer told me they see researchers as people who can compile and express farmers’ needs in ways the government recognises. I thought that summed up our role very well.”

But the journey hasn’t been easy. As a woman in male-dominated spaces, she’s faced barriers, prejudice and institutional resistance. “I emigrated out of frustration after being overlooked for a leadership role,” she recalls. “But every detour taught me resilience. The work has always been bigger than me.”

Now, with global partnerships in France and Canada, her model is gaining international traction. “The future of water governance is collaborative, inclusive and just. We must keep building systems that honour the voices of those most affected – because that’s where true transformation begins.”

For Ncube, the NSTF-WRC Award is a shared milestone. “This isn’t just my win; it’s our win – the communities, farmers, students, collaborators and my institution. This award amplifies our collective voices and the work we’re doing together.”

NSTF-SAMRC

Sponsor: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Genomics for justice

Prof Moosa brings cutting-edge diagnostics to the continent’s most vulnerable patients

JAMAINE KRIGE

IT WAS in a neonatal ward that a young medical officer encountered a puzzle that would reshape her career and help transform genomic medicine across Africa.

“It was a genetic diagnosis – and from that moment, I never looked back,” recalls Professor Shahida Moosa, winner of the NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award.

“That experience showed me the profound power of a diagnosis – not only for the child, but for the entire family.”

Now head of medical genetics at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Moosa is creating spaces where patient care and scientific discovery go hand-in-hand. With her team, she is working to ensure African families are not left behind in the global genomics movement – even when conditions are rare and answers hard to find.

“I always imagined I would become a paediatrician, but I found myself drawn to children with complex and unexplained conditions,” she says. “These were the patients for whom every test came back negative, and standard treatments offered little relief.”

Many of these cases had an underlying genetic basis. “I became acutely aware early in my career of the stark inequities patients face across the country.”

After earning a PhD in Germany, she returned to South Africa to launch Genomics for Health in Africa (GHA), a programme offering free genetic testing and counselling, while training the next generation of African genomic scientists.

One moment stands out: a mother who had blamed herself for her child’s condition for 21 years, thinking it was caused by cheese she ate during pregnancy. “When I explained it was genetic and not her fault, she broke down in tears. That reminded me why this work matters. Diagnosis isn’t just science – it’s healing.”

She also launched Africa’s first Undiagnosed Disease Programme and is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to help clinicians identify rare conditions, even in remote settings.

Her advice to future changemakers? “Start with purpose, lead with empathy and never wait for permission.”

Winning the Clinician-Scientist Award, she says, brings visibility to the need for equity in genomics and the prioritisation of rare diseases: “We are proud to be part of a new era that moves beyond extractive, ‘helicopter’ science. The question is no longer whether we can do this in Africa, but how far we can lead.”

Sponsor:

From waste to watts

Prof Nobanathi Maxakato turns trash into treasure with breakthrough fuel cell research

JAMAINE KRIGE

WHILE the world races to decarbonise and South Africa battles crippling load shedding, one scientist is proving that the solution might lie not in expensive imports or elusive technologies, but in our trash.

Associate Professor Nobanathi Wendy Maxakato is pioneering a radical path to clean, affordable energy using nanotech to turn everyday waste into high-performance fuel cell materials.

The recipient of the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award, Maxakato’s research challenges the dominance of existing technologies while reimagining energy innovation as something local, inclusive and deeply sustainable.

Her work at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Chemical Sciences tackles a key hurdle in fuel cell technology: replacing costly platinum group metals (PGMs) used in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). By synthesising a unique class of carbon nanomaterials composed of multiple concentric fullerene shells, known as carbon nano-onions, from agricultural and municipal waste through a low energy flame pyrolysis process, Maxakato is developing affordable electrocatalysts that could power everything from vehicles to rural clinics.

Her journey into electrocatalysis began during her MSc at the University of the Western Cape and deepened during her PhD at the University of Pretoria.

A breakthrough came in 2020, when her team developed a green flame pyrolysis method to synthesise carbon nano-onions from waste. This reduced energy input while maintaining high catalytic performance.

“It wasn’t just a technical achievement,” she explains. “It crystallised the impact of our broader vision – turning local waste challenges into clean energy solutions for the global good.”

With more than 65 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1700 citations, Maxakato believes success isn’t about numbers. “I define success by the real-world applicability of my research and by the success of the students and collaborators I’ve mentored.”

As SA continues to face energy insecurity and climate change, her innovations offer hope. “Fuel cells can help diversify our energy mix, alleviate load shedding and reduce dependence on coal.”

She’s forging international partnerships in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Latvia and Germany, and incorporating tools such as machine learning, density functional theory and bio-based nanomaterials.

Despite limited infrastructure and funding, she sees constraints as catalysts: “By leveraging local strengths, embracing creativity and building collaborative networks, it’s possible to generate sustainable and globally relevant solutions.”

Winning the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award is, for her, a springboard. “It’s recognition for green chemistry and inclusive science – and it gives me a bigger platform to inspire and mentor the next generation.”

Her advice to young researchers? “Be bold. Be interdisciplinary. Prioritise sustainability. And always connect your work to real-world needs. That’s where true impact happens.”

Sponsor:

Collaboration, innovation and empowerment

Centre for Community Technologies integrates research and scholarship with real-world impact

THE NSTF Science Diplomacy Award for Africa acknowledges Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies (CCT) for its exceptional efforts towards fostering cross-border scientific collaboration, innovation and empowerment throughout Africa.

Led by distinguished Professor Darelle van Greunen, CCT director and professor of Information Technology at NMU, the centre has become a continental leader in integrating academic research with realworld solutions; using digital innovation to address critical societal needs in health, education and community development.

The NSTF-South32 Awards, widely known as South Africa’s “Science Oscars,” recognise the special and distinctive ability of CCT to integrate research and scholarship with impact.

It employs technology not simply as an enabler but as a driver for holistic development, socio-structural change and digital equality.

“This recognition affirms our mission to use science and technology as instruments of inclusion and shared progress,” said Prof Van Greunen.

“At the CCT, we believe in science that is empathetic, collaborative and rooted in the lived realities of African communities.

“Our work is guided by the principle that ‘knowledge knows no borders’ and that progress is most powerful when it is co-created.”

Through initiatives in digital health, inclusive education and technological empowerment, the centre has fostered pan-African partnerships that promote knowledge exchange and innovation tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

The CCT extended heartfelt gratitude to the NSTF for recognising the growing importance of science diplomacy in shaping a more connected and equitable Africa.

The award is shared with all African partners, funders and communities who continue to walk this journey of transformation.

“This award inspires us to deepen our commitment to using science as a bridge – between people, countries and sustainable futures,” concluded Prof Van Greunen.

Prof Van Greunen is a scientist committed to using science to create real, practical change in everyday life. Guided by the philosophy “in Africa, for Africa, by Africans”, she believes in making complex scientific ideas accessible and relevant to all.

The centre’s model is based on co-creation with communities, valuing their experiences and insights. Rather than solving problems for people, she collaborates with them using science to bring their ideas to life. To her, science is not just about knowledge; it’s about courage and action, turning thought into meaningful impact.

Sponsor: Agricultural Research Council

Recognising research innovation

UJ’s Prof olaniyi Fawole wins prestigious ArC Award

THE University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Professor Olaniyi Fawole flew the orange flag high at the 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Awards – earning distinct recognition for innovative agricultural research driven by impact and sustainability.

Now in its 27th edition, the awards ceremony was hosted under the theme Quantum Science and Technology.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Blade Nzimande gave the keynote address. He highlighted the importance of reimagining the public science system into a transformed, responsive and agile system away from the spatial, gender and racial divides in Africa.

“The public science system is still characterised by the underrepresentation of black people and women. Talent is in all communities. We need to make sure we organise science, technology and innovation below the national level.”

Nzimande said that through science, technology and innovation, a better South Africa was possible.

Prof Olaniyi Fawole won the NSTF-Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Award, a new award category at the NSTF-South32 Awards. His research work highlights sustainable postharvest technologies.

“I am humbled to have received this award; this very first edition of it. This recognition goes beyond me. It affirms the value of science. In Africa, postharvest loss is threatening food and livelihoods. My work focuses on

preserving what we grow, creating value and building the next generation of scientists. With 17% of the world’s population, but under 2% of them scientists, Africa must invest in its talent. This award strengthens our commitment to the future – the one we deserve.”

He thanked his students, past and present, as well as the university for giving him the opportunity to thrive.

Prof Fawole is the UJ DSTI/NRF SARChi chair holder: Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research and the director of the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC) at UJ.

This recognition places UJ at the forefront of impactful, interdisciplinary research, innovation and sustainability in South Africa and beyond.

Awards

The whale whisperers

Four decades of pioneering data and observing patiently are decoding our changing oceans

JAMAINE KRIGE

IN the vast expanses of South Africa’s coastal waters, a team of dedicated scientists has been quietly conducting one of the world’s most important marine mammal studies.

For nearly 40 years, the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria (UP) has been watching whales – and what they’ve learned is transforming our understanding of ocean health and climate change.

“We study whales not just to protect them, but because they’re indicators of something much bigger,” explains Dr Els Vermeulen, the unit’s research manager. “When whale populations change, it often reflects shifts in the entire ocean ecosystem.”

Since 1969, the Whale Unit has tracked southern right whales with extraordinary consistency. Their long-term data has revealed worrying trends: fewer calves, shifting migration patterns and declining body condition – all linked to warming seas and reduced prey in Southern Ocean feeding grounds.

This uninterrupted aerial survey, among the world’s longest-running whale monitoring programmes, has produced a dataset so robust it’s reshaping how scientists understand the ocean and how policymakers protect it. It also earned the unit the NSTF Data for Research Award.

“Short-term studies would never have picked this up,” Dr Vermeulen notes.

What began as a simple observation project has grown into a multidisciplinary research powerhouse. Today, drones capture high-resolution images without disturbing the animals, satellite tags monitor their movements across thousands of kilometres, and genetic and hormone analyses provide insight into health and stress levels.

Beyond academia, the Whale Unit’s data is helping shape policy. It informs SA’s Biodiversity Management Plan for the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, guides the identification of Important Marine Mammal Areas and contributes to international frameworks such

as the International Whaling Commission and the Convention on Migratory Species.

Education and mentorship are also central to their mission, with a strong emphasis on developing young scientists, especially women and underrepresented groups, to carry this work forward.

The team’s next major step is the establishment of the South African Whale Centre, which is envisioned as a public hub where science meets society through storytelling: “We want people to understand why marine conservation matters and how each of us can help protect our oceans.”

Despite their impact, the team operates on what Vermeulen describes as “insecure funding and a shoestring budget”. Their dedication fills the gap, powered by “a shared sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to whale conservation”.

Winning the NSTF Data for Research Award honours both legacy and future.

“It recognises the passion, resilience and hard work of every team member, past and present. It also serves as a tribute to the late Prof Peter Best and his enduring vision for whale science in South Africa,” says Vermeulen.

From idea to industry

Stellenbosch’s Innovation and Commercialisation Unit turns academic research into real-world solutions

WHILE many universities stop at research and publication, Stellenbosch University (SU) has built a dynamic ecosystem that takes ideas from the lab bench to the launch pad – creating more than 30 thriving spin-out companies and Africa’s first university-focused venture capital fund in the process.

With a powerhouse model uniting research, business and technology, the university’s Innovation and Commercialisation Unit is turning academic research into global ventures, earning it the prestigious NSTF-South32 Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation.

Led by chief director Anita Nel, the unit comprises three key components: the Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which manages intellectual property (IP); the LaunchLab, which provides incubation services; and University of Stellenbosch Enterprises (USE), which forms and nurtures spin-out companies. This threefold approach ensures that promising innovations don’t fall through the cracks.

“Our job is to make innovation matter,” says Ravini Moodley, TTO director. “South Africa is full of brilliant researchers.”

That system includes IP training, investor readiness coaching, start-up platforms and translational funding. Signature tools such as the Spin-Out Guide, Instant Start-up Platform and Translational Fellow Programme help remove friction from the innovation pipeline and turn postgraduate research into market-ready ventures.

Stellenbosch Nanofibre Company partners with international firms such as Taiki USA to produce nanofiber-based medical and skincare products. Urobo Biotech converts bioplastic waste into high-value materials and Banzifeet creates anatomically designed school shoes based on paediatric foot research. “What sets us

apart is our systematic approach,” says Moodley.

Their impact goes beyond spin-outs. The unit conceptualised and raised the University Technology Fund (UTF), Africa’s first venture capital fund focused on university-born technologies. Fund 1 closed in 2024 after investing in six institutions. Fund 2 is already backing new ventures with an expanded scope that includes alumni-led start-ups.

“Innovation means translating ideas into impact –commercial, societal or environmental,” Moodley adds. “We’re not just building companies. We’re building a culture of innovation that uplifts society and strengthens SA’s knowledge economy.”

For aspiring innovators, her advice is clear: “Start with curiosity, but align your innovation with a realworld need. Seek market feedback and don’t be afraid of difficult questions.”

Winning the award is validation for what the unit has achieved. As Moodley puts it, their work goes beyond revenue. “It’s about building a sustainable innovation culture that uplifts society, contributes to economic development and showcases what South Africa can offer the world when academic excellence meets entrepreneurial intent.”

INNOvATION AWARD: SMME

Prize sponsor: National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO)

Healing through heritage

Prof Namrita Lall translates traditional wisdom into modern medicine

JAMAINE KRIGE

PROFESSOR Namrita Lall has turned a childhood belief in the healing power of plants into a groundbreaking career in science, innovation and community upliftment.

“I grew up using alternative plant-based medicines for things like indigestion and headaches,” says Lall, who is the DSTI/NRF Research Chair in Phytomedicine at the University of Pretoria and the winner of the NSTFSouth32 Award for Innovation by an SMME.

That early faith has blossomed into more than 30 prototypes and commercialised products, more than 40 patents, and research that ranks in the top 1% globally in pharmacology and toxicology.

Her innovations span natural treatments for cancer and drug-resistant TB, cosmeceuticals for pigmentation and ageing, and SA’s first plant-based oral care solution targeting periodontal disease. One compound, 7-methyljuglone, ranks among the top three natural products globally for TB treatment, while Limunone is now sold in pharmacies nationwide.

Each formulation undergoes rigorous lab work, human clinical trials and safety testing. But for Lall, innovation extends beyond science. “These enterprises using my research aren’t just spin-outs; they’re engines of local economic development.”

Lall bridges the academic and commercial worlds uniquely. Her students – predominantly women from historically disadvantaged backgrounds – learn intellectual property, market analysis, regulatory compliance and product development.

The most exciting part? “Our students are not only getting a degree, we’re actually doing something that could benefit mankind.”

Her plant selection follows two approaches: ethnobotanical selection based on traditional community uses and phytochemistry-driven selection targeting plants rich in specific compounds.

“We test these to see if we can validate their medic-

inal value,” she explains.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Unpredictable plant compounds, limited trial funding and balancing family with academic demands create significant challenges. “A lot of women carry a heavy burden of guilt. When we’re at work, we’re thinking about home, and at home, we’re thinking about work.”

She says it takes hard work to achieve success. “Of course, it helps if you are passionate about what you do; this helps one handle the pressures and disappointments a lot better.”

Winning the Innovation Award extends beyond her individual achievements to the communities, students and traditions behind every breakthrough.

“Recognition like this, especially for women researchers, showcases our valuable contributions to science and provides us with exposure,” she says. “My work is not just about the research. It’s about restoring value to our traditional knowledge, empowering women and youth, and creating products that the world needs.”

Voice for the dead

Forensic pathologist Prof ryan Blumenthal turns autopsy tables into classrooms for the living

JAMAINE KRIGE

WHEN Professor Ryan Blumenthal speaks about death, it’s with a reverence that makes the living sit up and listen. In the sterile silence of the mortuary, he has found his calling as a voice for those who can no longer speak.

A senior specialist forensic pathologist and associate professor at the University of Pretoria, this year’s NSTFSouth32 Communication Award winner is on a mission to share the lessons of the dead with the living – transforming one of medicine’s most misunderstood fields into a platform for public education and social impact.

reveal hidden conditions and drive medical innovation.

“Forensic pathologists are not just doctors, scientists or academics. We are a special kind of medical expert,” he says. “We do not break. We do not quit. We do what must be done.”

An autopsy is more than a medical procedure – it’s a search for meaning, justice, and often closure. “There are lessons to be learned about life when studying death. We perform autopsies not just to catch criminals, but to prevent unnecessary deaths.”

This belief underpins his communication mission. “I think what separates my work from other forensic pathologists is that I focus on life, whereas they focus on death,” he says. “By using clear, relatable language and storytelling, I simplify complex or emotional topics while staying true to the science – respecting both the facts and the audience.”

Blumenthal’s approach is as much philosophical as it is scientific. He distinguishes between “autopsies of documentation” and “autopsies of discovery” – the latter unlocking mysteries that challenge conspiracy theories,

“Forensic pathology is a powerful tool to combat misinformation. There will always be a need for truth and integrity in society,” he says.

Science communication, he explains, is one way to honour that oath and redress the imbalance in how society processes violent death. “The focus is almost always on the killers; even the court cases bear the names of the murderers, not those who died. It feels wrong.”

Despite the emotional and physical toll of his work – which is often “exhausting, dirty, backbreaking and dangerous” – Blumenthal finds meaning in the intellectual challenge and human impact. “When I’m not performing autopsies or teaching, my life feels empty.

“Forensics bridges the gap between science and society,” he says. “Winning this award affirms that my efforts in public science communication have contributed meaningfully to societal progress.”

He emphasises that effective science communication requires the same methodical approach as an autopsy –careful, thorough and always in service of the community.

Bridging the gap

Prof Ngece-Ajayi recognised for work promoting STEM education

P ROFESSOR Fanelwa NgeceAjayi, deputy dean for research and innovation in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), was recently acknowledged for her work in furthering STEM education and access to university.

The organisation she leads –AmaQawenge Mfundo – won the NSTF-South32 NGO Award.

AmaQawenge Mfundo was established to bridge the gap between high school and university for matric learners from under-resourced schools, particularly in the sciences. Its work currently benefits learners at Luhlaza and Joe Slovo high schools in Khayelitsha.

In response to receiving her award for her work with AmaQawenge Mfundo, Prof Ngece-Ajayi expressed her gratitude, but also praised the hard work of the learners who are part of the programme.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects not only my work but the passion and resilience of every learner, volunteer and partner who has been part of this journey. Making STEM education accessible to learners in marginalised communities is about more than teaching science; it’s about opening doors to opportunity, inspiring problem-solvers and equipping the next generation to tackle the challenges facing our country.

“This recognition affirms the vision we share at UWC that education, especially in STEM, can transform lives and drive South Africa’s growth and development,” said Prof Ngece-Ajayi.

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor David Holgate congratulated Prof Ngece-Ajayi on the recognition of her community outreach and her work in

building bridges to university access.

“The NSTF Awards are truly sought-after accolades.  The national scientific community comes together for an evening of recognition, razzmatazz and publicity for the awards ceremony dubbed the ‘Science Oscars.

“Being honoured on that stage among your peers is a cherished achievement for any scientist.  More fundamentally, the awards are the result of serious scientific scrutiny, and reflect the depth and impact that come from hours of dedicated hard work and commitment.

“In the case of Prof Ngece-Ajayi, the acknowledgement for her truly meaningful outreach and life-changing interventions in the community bears testimony to the profound respect that we all have for her work – work that bridges what is so often a divide between hard science and people at the margins of our society,” said Prof Holgate.

He added that the recognition for Prof Ngece-Ajayi speaks to the heart of what makes UWC unique, and that leading research is part of the opportunity offered to the community.

Developing a new generation

Prof Andrew Forbes awarded for building capacity in quantum science and engineering research

THE 2025 NSTF theme is Quantum Science and Technology. This is in alignment with the United Nations proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology”.

‘Our future is quantum’

Andrew Forbes, distinguished professor in Physics at Wits University and director of the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI), won the Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology. The award recognises Forbes for driving the strategy for developing a new generation of quantum scientists – with some 90 young researchers supported and supervised across the country – and for creating a lasting and far-reaching impact in quantum science and technology in South Africa.

“All awards are of course retrospective; they look to the past - but the past is the stepping-stone into the future. Our future is quantum. We want to see a quantum economy for South Africa. We want to see a trained, quantum-literate workforce. So I look forward to that future and hopefully you will join us in it,” said Forbes in his acceptance speech.

SET for a quantum leap

He also paid tribute to his team, including two former students who are now researchers in their own right (and finalists in the awards), as well as to his wife and his university.

“Even teams can’t do great things without the right environment - and at Wits, we have a fantastic culture of excellence and a wonderful environment in which to do cutting-edge research. Thanks to Wits for that fantastic context for doing research.”

Professor Lynn Morris, deputy vice-chancellor: Research and Innovation at Wits, says: “Congratulations to Prof Forbes and Prof Anne Fitchett for awards that not only recognise their research excellence, but are awarded in the innovative and significant categories of capacitating quantum tech and engineering. We applaud all the Witsies who were finalists in the NSTF-South32 awards. Their excellence in categories as diverse as research management, water research and research data is testament to the breadth of expertise at Wits University. These scientists are all winners at Wits.”

Bridging a nation

Civil engineer dawie Botha honoured for lifetime of youth development, infrastructure insight and SET impact

JAMAINE KRIGE

DAVID Benjamin “Dawie” Botha has spent his life building South Africa - not only in steel and concrete but also through leadership, mentorship and visionary thinking that has shaped the country’s engineering landscape for more than five decades.

He has now been honoured with the NSTF Ukhozi Award for his extraordinary lifetime contributions to South Africa, and to the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF).

The NSTF Ukhozi Award, symbolised by the eagle for its sharp vision and far-reaching impact, recognises individuals whose leadership and influence have left a lasting imprint on South Africa’s science, engineering and technology (SET) ecosystem. For Botha, a civil engineer raised in De Aar in the Northern Cape, the award represents a full-circle moment.

“The day I received a bursary to study civil engineering, my life changed forever,” he recalls, sharing how his widowed mother wept tears of joy. “It gave me the foundation to dream – and then to build.”

From his early career in municipal engineering and at the SA Housing Trust, Botha quickly became a force for transformation. As executive director of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) from 1991 to 2010, he expanded the organisation’s global footprint and helped establish the Africa Engineers Forum - forging partnerships with institutions like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers.

Botha is perhaps best known for spearheading South Africa’s Infrastructure Report Cards, critical assessments that have informed government policy and investment planning since 2006. These reports, he believes, highlight the central role of engineers in national development: “Engineers are responsible for the systems that sustain life

and the very source of what a country needs to survive, grow and prosper.”

A passionate advocate for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, he helped launch the International Bridge Building Competition and AQUALIBRIUM, reaching thousands of learners and inspiring future engineers. His vision also led to the creation of STEMulator.org – a digital learning and career guidance tool under the NSTF that introduces learners to SET careers in an interactive way.

As chair of the NSTF’s proSET sector and a long-standing executive committee member, Botha has championed collaboration, equity and youth development. He received the NSTF Management Award in 2011 and authored Travels with Civils in 2014, showcasing infrastructure across South Africa.

Humble about his accolades, Botha credits his faith, teamwork and belief in science and engineering to uplift society. “This award isn’t just about me. It’s about the learners, professionals and communities who made this journey meaningful.”