Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha : Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards Women’s Development
As the country celebrates Women's Month, the Department of Science and Innovation
is introducing phenomenal women scientists and researchers who are finalists in it annual South African Women in Science Awards.
Meet Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha, a SAWISA finalist. Dr Ndaba-Vatsha joined the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions at the University of South Africa as a senior lecturer in February 2024.
Her research focuses on improving energy and crop production through biological and nanotechnology techniques, particularly using non-edible feedstock like cellulosic biomass for fuel energy production and waste valorisation to develop agricultural fertilizers, embracing a circular economy approach.
Dr Ndaba-Vatsha has published over 25 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on nanofertilizer development and biofuel production, edited one book, and contributed non-peer-reviewed articles to public domain magazines. Her work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) two (Zero Hunger) and seven (Affordable and Clean Energy), through advancements in clean energy and food production. Dr Ndaba-Vatsha has won several awards, including a 2019 L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award and being named one of the Mail & Guardian's 2023 Top 200 Young South Africans in the technology and innovation category. The Government Communication and Information System also featured her as a trailblazer in their August 2023 Public Sector Manager Women's issue magazine.
Dr Ndaba-Vatsha has presented at national and international conferences and workshops in Austria, China, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Senegal. She has successfully mentored one postdoctoral fellow and one PhD student. Furthermore, she has supervised one master's (cum laude) and one PhD student and currently supervises three PhD and two master's students.
Dr Ndaba-Vatsha is a full member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and is registered with SACNASP. She is also part of the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science alumni community.
