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 Motheo Meta Tjebane holds an MSc in Construction Management from UJ and a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a lecturer in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at MUT. She is currently pursuing a PhD with a research focus on developing an AI-driven framework for optimising asset information management in South African hospitals.
Her research explores the use of advanced AI technologies, including machine learning, predictive analytics and digital twins, to enhance the efficiency, accuracy and sustainability of hospital asset management systems. By addressing persistent challenges such as poor data quality, underutilised assets and maintenance backlogs, her work aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure resilience and support informed, evidence-based decision-making. Ms Tjebane's research aligns with national goals around digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure and improved public health service delivery. It directly supports innovation with tangible societal impact, in line with the theme of technological advancement in science and engineering. She was recognised as the Best Undergraduate Student and was named on the UJ Dean's Merit List in 2017. Her commitment to academic development is reflected in her co-supervision of two master's students to completion, contributing to knowledge transfer and mentorship in her field.
Ms Tjebane has published four peer-reviewed articles in respected journals including Frontiers in Built Environment, Sustainability, Drones, and Infrastructure Asset Management. She has presented her work at four international and two national conferences and contributed four book chapters to edited academic volumes in construction and infrastructure management. Through her research and academic mentorship, Ms Tjebane is advancing innovation in healthcare infrastructure while empowering the next generation of construction management professionals.