Winners of the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA)

THE 2026 SAWiSA FINALISTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Distinguished Women Researchers

• Prof. Tanusha Raniga – WINNER
• Prof. Agnes Chigona – 1st Runner up
• Prof. Nirmala Dorasamy – 2nd Runner up

Distinguished Young Women Researchers

• Prof. Xanthe Hunt – WINNER
• Prof. Faheema Mahomed-Asmail – 1st Runner up
• Prof. Musawenkosi Saurombe – 2nd Runner up

NATURAL (LIFE AND PHYSICAL) AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES

Distinguished Woman Researchers

• Prof. Marietjie Venter – WINNER
• Prof. Sheena Kumari Pillai – 1st Runner up
• Prof. Nelishia Pillay – 2nd Runner up

Distinguished Young Woman Researchers

• Prof. Tricia Naicker – WINNER
• Dr Yaseera Ismail – 1st Runner up
• Prof. Muthumuni Managa – 2nd Runner up

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH SCIENCE

Distinguished Woman Researcher

• Associate Prof. Lynn Hendricks – WINNER

Distinguished Young Woman Researcher

• Dr Hafsa Essop – WINNER

INNOVATION FOR IMPACT: WOMEN LEADING CHANGE

Distinguished Woman Researcher

• Prof. Tebogo Mothiba – WINNER

Distinguished Young Woman Researcher

• Associate Prof. Sabrina Kumschick – WINNER

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