UKZN Shines at South African Women in Science Awards

UKZN Shines at South African Women in Science Awards

Occupational Therapy Professor in UKZN’s School of Health Sciences, Pragashnie Govender, alongside two PhD candidates, received prestigious accolades at the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

Hosted annually by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), SAWiSA celebrates women’s contributions to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) in South Africa. Its unique approach of being hosted in a different province each year offers the nation an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate prominent women from across the country. This year’s event took place in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Govender was awarded First Runner Up in the Distinguished Women Category, while Ms Nokukhanya Thembane from the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (LMMS) and Ms Shavani Naicker from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (AES) were honoured with PhD scholarships.

The ceremony also paid tribute to world-renowned artist Dr Esther Mahlangu by renaming this year’s master’s and doctoral fellowships the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowships. Mahlangu received a standing ovation at the event.

Govender expressed her gratitude: ‘It was humbling to be surrounded by amazing scholars, including two B-rated researchers in my category. I am astounded by the excellence of the next generation of researchers who communicate their science with such confidence.’

She dedicated the award to her mother, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in her achievements, and acknowledged her husband’s steadfast encouragement as well as Dean and Head of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Percy Mashige for the nomination, support and leadership. She also emphasised her commitment to mentoring the next generation of graduates and practitioners.

Thembane described the award as a collective achievement and expressed her gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, and family. She added that she is dedicated to advancing meaningful research and mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly women and marginalised groups in STEM fields.

Naicker shared her excitement and gratitude for the recognition. She said that she aims to inspire young women to pursue studies in Astronomy and other scientific fields. She thanked her family for their loving support and her supervisors, Professor Sunil D Maharaj and Dr Byron P Brassel for their expert guidance and mentorship.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photographs: Supplied