Empowering the Future: Meet the Doctoral students of the SAWiSA DSTI–Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri Fellowship

The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) not only celebrates excellence among distinguished and emerging women scientists — it also paves the way for the next generation of innovators. Meet the brilliant doctoral candidates shaping the future of science in South Africa.
Ms Linda Maqutu holds an MA in Philosophy, specialising in Medicine, which she completed with distinction in 2023. Ms Maqutu is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at UJ, with a research focus on the decolonisation of medicine. Her work critically examines the epistemic implications of integrating African traditional healers into mental healthcare, particularly in the evolving context of artificial intelligence (AI).
Her research challenges dominant paradigms in science, technology, engineering and medicine by exploring how indigenous and biomedical knowledge systems can ethically and effectively interact. Central to her work are questions of epistemic injustice, equity and the development of culturally sensitive, patient-centred mental health frameworks that do not marginalise non-Western systems of healing.
Ms Maqutu's research advocates for inclusive innovation and a shift in public health discourse towards amplifying African knowledge systems, voices and leadership. Her work aligns strongly with the SAWISA theme of "Her Voice in Science", highlighting the essential contributions of African women in philosophical, scientific and technological spaces that have often been shaped by Global North priorities. During her master's studies she received multiple merit awards for academic excellence. She has published a commentary titled "Challenging Philosophical Instincts and Embracing Complexity: A Commentary on Elizabeth Barnes's Health Problems" in Philosophical Psychology, with further publications underway as part of her article-based PhD.
Ms Maqutu has presented her work at several prestigious platforms, including the launch of the Centre for Philosophy of Epidemiology, Medicine, and Public Health (a collaboration between UJ and Durham University), the 2023 Philosophical Society of Southern Africa Conference.and the 2024 Philosophy of Medicine Roundtable. Her voice in science stands for complexity, justice and transformation as hallmarks of Africa's scientific future.