COVER FEATURE
companies that share a common vision which is to advocate
healthcare workers in the Ondersterpoort Veterinary Academic
for green mining and environmental responsibility in the
Hospital (OVAH). I am currently doing my PhD on Multimodal
mining sector.
intervention strategies in reducing transmission of hospital-
Celebrating the great women of UWC
acquired infections (HAI) and zoonotic disease in the intensive In my master’s studies I quantify methane emissions from coal
care unit (ICU) in Veterinary medicine. My master’s work has been
fields and identifies coalbed methane reservoirs within South
published as a preprint in research square titled Hand hygiene
African coal fields suitable for extraction. Before Geolight
compliance in the intensive care unit of the Onderstepoort Veterinary
was established in August 2018, I was the managing director
Academic Hospital and is under review with PeerJ journal.
in her father’s mining company LMP Mining and Projects. I was responsible for all of the company's exploration and
I have also co-authored two scientific papers with Dr. ND
environmental compliance operations, including end-to-end
Qekwana and others from the University of Pretoria titled:
management of mining operation, sales and mine closure and
Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus species isolated
rehabilitation activates.
from cats presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South
The University of the Western Cape is home to many inspiring women – who are making their mark at the University and far beyond. Here are just a few.
Africa (published in 2017) and Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Prior to joining the family business, I started off my career at
Pseudomonas aeruginosa species isolated from canine clinical cases
the Council for Geoscience and was involved in various projects
(published in 2020).
focusing on economic and environmental assessment of Derelict and Ownerless (D&O) mines and passive mine water treatment
I am very passionate about championing women’s issues across
of Acid Mine Drainage in D&O mines.
all spheres of life and am motivated by the love of learning, impacting a difference in every space she occupies and mostly in
I am aware that my education is a privilege. My dream
succeeding. I strongly believe that I wouldn’t have made it this
is to help educate a generation of independent, fulfilled,
far had it not been for God by my side. My strength is in God.”
purposeful professionals, especially young people coming from disadvantaged communities.”
12. Moloko Moshokoa
10. Nomthendeleko Motha
MSc student in Chemical Technology at the University of Pretoria
Master's student in Physics (with a special interest in Extragalactic
“I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of
Astrophysics and Cosmology) at the University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg where I acquired my undergraduate degree in
(UJ); degree in Mathematical Sciences (Specialising in
physical sciences, majoring in biochemistry and chemistry.
Dr Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi Dr Ngece-Ajayi is a senior lecturer in Physical Chemistry at UWC, and a research leader in the field of drug metabolism nanobiosensors for antiretrovirals and Tuberculosis treatment drugs. Apart from her role at the University, Dr Ngece-Ajayi also leads a non-profit organisation called AmaQawe ngeMfundo, which she founded along with five other academics. Together, they aim to change the negative stereotypes about townships and instil confidence among pupils living there to study maths and science.
Computational Science) I further pursued an honours degree at the same institution in “I am also a member of the Center for Astro-Particle Physics
chemistry. Coming from a village called Moletjie in Limpopo, my
(CAPP) at UJ. My recent achievements include becoming a
grandmother has always been the pillar of encouragement to
2019/2020 BWIS fellow, judging the finals of the 2019 Nkathuto
further my studies as she always put emphasis on the importance
edu-propeller innovation expo and becoming part of the
of education.
Through their efforts, they have empowered more than 60 pupils from different schools in Khayelitsha using motivational seminars, workshops and talks. These events are also tailored to provide pupils with information pertaining to bursary and scholarship applications, apart from assisting them with placement at institutions of higher learning.
Supernova Foundation mentoring programme.”
I have co-founded an NGO, Blaze, that focuses on schools in
11. Dikeledi Sebola
previously disadvantaged areas in Limpopo. Blaze aims to motivate, build character as well as expose them to the available
Bsc in Microbiology, Bsc honours in Medicinal Plant Sciences, MSc
opportunities available to them as they exit grade 12.
in veterinary sciences: paraclinical sciences from the University
Dr Imogen Wright
Dr Mmaki Jantjies
Dr Wright, a scientist and researcher at UWC’s South African Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), was instrumental in the development of a software solution called Exatype, which enables health workers to determine a patient’s responsiveness to antiretroviral drugs.
Dr Jantjies is one of the first black women to obtain a Ph.D. in Computer Science, and has greatly contributed to research on mobile learning technology development for mathematics and science in South African schools, with a focus on multilingual content presentation.
Through a simple report, Exatype detects drug resistance in patients – highlighting the need to avoid certain drugs to ensure successful treatment. The software has the potential to contribute towards effectively managing HIV/AIDS in Africa, and also holds promise in helping detect drug resistance for other disease burdens such as Tuberculosis, Malaria and antimicrobial resistance.
She is currently the head of the Information Systems Department at UWC, and also coordinator of the Mozilla and UN Women technology clubs for girls. These clubs are focused on teaching basic technology skills to young girls in disadvantaged communities, with the aim of introducing the technology industry as a viable career option.
This noteworthy work, done in conjunction with UWC spin-off company, Hyrax Biosciences, earned Dr Wright a second place at the 2016 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) Awards.
Dr Jantjies’ passion for ICT development earned her a spot on the 2017 Mail & Guardian Young 200 Top Achievers’ list, as well as a place on the list of South Africa’s top 50 inspiring women in technology.
I have further been motivated by the dilapidating state of
of Pretoria
acquired knowledge to find ways to bring sustainable solutions
to Pretoria in 2006 to pursue my higher education at the
to the country and continent at large. I am interested in
University Of Pretoria. My MSc dissertation in veterinary public
bioremediation and the bioenergy sector.”
health investigated the hand hygiene compliance among 10
Science Stars Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
fishgate.co.za_UW7891
education and lack of employment in South Africa to use my “I am originally from Tzaneen in Limpopo province but moved
For more inspiring stories, visit www.uwc.ac.za