DSTI announces finalists for the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards

6 August 2026

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 march of 20 000 women to the Union Buildings, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

Celebrated annually during Women's Month, SAWiSA recognises and rewards excellence in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) by South African women. The awards also celebrate outstanding researchers and scientists whose achievements inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue careers in ST&I.

This year's theme, "Placing Women at the Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation," aligns with the Department's mantra of "Placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society." The theme underscores the critical role that women play in advancing scientific excellence, driving innovation and contributing to South Africa's socio-economic development.

The DSTI Fellowships have been renamed in honour of the late Prof. Shirley Keolebogile Motaung, one of South Africa's most distinguished black women scientists and academics. The DSTI-Prof. Keolebogile Motaung Fellowships will be awarded to young women pursuing their master's and doctoral degrees in recognition of their academic excellence and research potential.

This year the Department is introducing a new look and feel for SAWiSA, to support the strategic commitment to place women at the centre of science, technology and innovation. It strengthens the visibility of research excellence, reinforces SAWiSA's role as a transformation instrument, and creates a recognisable platform through which awardees can inspire public participation in science, mentorship and future talent development.

The new look combines scientific symbolism, feminine strength and South African identity, and will be reflected in the logo, trophy and overall branding.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 20 August 2026 at the NH Johannesburg, Sandton Hotel.

The 2026 SAWiSA finalists are as follows:

Prof. Agnes Chigona

Prof. Tanusha Raniga

Prof. Nirmala Dorasamy

Prof. Xanthe Hunt

Prof. Faheema Mahomed-Asmail

Prof. Musawenkosi Saurombe

Prof. Marietjie Venter

Prof. Sheena Kumari Pillai

Prof. Nelishia Pillay

Prof. Tricia Naicker

Dr Yaseera Ismail

Prof. Muthumuni Managa

Associate Prof. Lynn Hendrick

Dr Hafsa Essop

Prof. Tebogo Mothiba

Associate Prof. Sabrina Kumschick

DSTI-PROF. KEOLEBOGILE SHIRLEY MOTAUNG FELLOWSHIPS

Doctoral Fellowships

Ms Makwena Sebone

Associate Prof. Jane Ndlovu

Ms Nolwandle Khumalo

Ms Nondumiso Nkosi

Ms Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe

Ms Victoria Hlokoe

Ms Annarien Headley

Master's Fellowships

Ms Kayleigh Mathieson

Ms Mushayathoni Nwovhe

Ms Nasiphi Siguca

Ms Rebaone Mofokeng

Ms Yolanda Mngcongo

Ms Jos Jansen van Vuuren

Ms Ayesha Aswat

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Julian Leshilo-Sebake on 060 961 2194 or at

 Julian.Leshilo@dsti.gov.za

Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.