DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2024 SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS
The Department of Science and Innovation is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), the country's annual celebration of women excelling in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
This year, the awards ceremony will be held in Mbombela in Mpumalanga, on Thursday, 15 August, under the theme "Transition towards an Innovation Economy: The Role of Women Leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics".
The initiative profiles women scientists and researchers who serve as role models for younger women, and encourages those who are starting their careers as researchers and scientists to continue in STEM-related careers. Registered master's and PhD students stand to win fellowships to support their studies in areas ranging from indigenous knowledge systems to astronomy.
The 2024 SAWiSA finalists (in alphabetical order of surname) are as follows:
Women and Young Women Researchers
Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, North West University
Prof. Helena Barnard, University of Pretoria (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
Prof. Zodwa Dlamini, University of Pretoria
Dr Taskeen Docrat, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Prof. Pragashnie Govender, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Dr Charlotte Maserumule, Mintek
Prof. Stephanie Midgley, Western Cape Department of Agriculture
Prof. Caroline Ncube, University of Cape Town
Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha, University of South Africa
Prof. Lieketseng Ned, Stellenbosch University
Prof. Sisanda Nkoala, University of the Western Cape
Prof. Tlou Ramoroka, University of Limpopo
Prof. Thandiwe Sithole, University of Johannesburg
Prof. Zukiswa Zingela, Nelson Mandela University
Students
Ms Kathleen Charlton, University of Cape Town
Ms Thandokuhle Gama, University of the Free State
Ms Kelebogile Gasealahwe, University of Cape Town
Ms Gabriella Hyman, University of the Witwatersrand
Ms Pearly Joubert, University of Cape Town
Ms Mienke Knipe, Stellenbosch University
Ms Nonkululeko Malomane, University of South Africa
Ms Wendy Mabhulusa, University of South Africa
Ms Anele Mthembu, University of the Free State
Ms Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, North West University
Ms Philadelphia Ngobeni, University of Cape Town
Ms Shavani Naicker, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Ms Nokukhanya Thembane, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Details of the event:
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2024
Time: 18:00 – 21:30
Venue: ANEW Resort White River in Mbombela
Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation.
To attend the event in Mbombela contact Veronica Mohapeloa (083 400 5750 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Pontsho Mantlhakga (081 589 4369 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
