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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Korean artists ‘Handspeak’ and South African artists performed at a festival showcasing Deaf culture as part of celebrations at Wits.

The Centre for Deaf Studies at Wits University is celebrating 25 years of leading deaf education in the country. The Centre introduced the first professional teacher training programme for teachers of the Deaf in the early 2000s, paving the way for quality deaf education in South Africa.

Beyond teaching and research, the Centre has been a key contributor towards building an inclusive society. It is the go-to partner for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing babies, which through the Hi Hopes programme, provides psycho-social and language support to families across six provinces. This reach is increasing. In addition, the Centre has a dedicated SafeSpace programme to support Deaf victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

The Centre is marking its jubilee with a programme of activities that include panel discussions, workshops and social events.

This event featured Handspeak, a group of Deaf Korean performers, as well as South African Deaf artists including Rainbow Warriors, Tamatie, Ismael Mansoor and the SA Theatre Group LWuD, who performed excerpts from the play Pink Tax with a professional performance SASL Interpreter; and offer films by Deaf artists.

Associate Professor Claudine Storbeck at the Centre says that the 25th anniversary is a significant milestone and an opportunity to reflect on successes and foster greater integration.

“We are excited about the festival which is a partnership between the Centre and SociGO, a non-profit company run by Deaf young people. Our goal was to showcase deaf talent and build bridges. We are thrilled that the Korean Ambassador to South Africa came on board by expanding the cultural experience through providing authentic Korean food and drinks before the show.”

The arts are widely recognised for their power to unite people and traverse societal boundaries.

Artistic Director at LWuD Theatre, Noxolo Bhengu, whose play Pink Tax has been adapted for the festival on Friday, says she is proud of the experimental piece, which incorporates an interpreter who is specialised in performance interpreting using South African Sign Language.

“Uniting deaf and hearing communities in artistic spaces will help to break down stereotypes and challenge misconceptions,” says Bhengu. “As theatre makers, artists, and people responsible for facilitating platforms for creative expression and involvement, it is important for us to consciously move towards inclusion and anti-ableism within our industry by recognising that talent and creativity should be accessible to everyone. Including deaf artists in mainstream productions is a vital step towards a more inclusive representation of the diverse world that we live in.”

Pink Tax delves into the harrowing reality of human trafficking by pulling back the curtain to the dark underbelly of this modern-day slavery.

In line with developing Deaf culture, the Wits Centre houses the largest single collection of art by Deaf artists in Africa, including art by the 81-year-old South African DeafBlind artist, author and pastor, Cyril Axelrod.

Image and source: Wits

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Bongiwe Mchunu is a remarkable self-taught farmer and founder of Mayine AgriFarming from Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

She started farming in 2021, after studying hard to obtain a first class degree in electric engineering but the system failed her and soon found herself unemployed with a degree that amounted to frustration.

So instead of sitting back and being miserable about her current situation, Bongiwe decided to use what she had, and today has a thriving farming operation in Eshowe.

“I didn’t have any luck getting a job, so being unemployed pushed me to just start with the little that I have. I farm with butternut, sugar beans and oyster mushrooms on 5 hectares of land in Eshowe.”

“I started farming in 2021. I encourage everyone who is passionate about farming to start with the little that they have. However, passion alone is not enough. You need to take action and be consistent with it. Consistency is a vital ingredient in achieving success in any field,” said Bongiwe Mchunu.

Image: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The talented 24-year-old Amapiano DJ & Producer hailing from Vosloorus, Johannesburg East, has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. Having gained recognition through collaborations with renowned super producer De Mthuda at the young age of 17, Ntokzin, alongside De Mthuda, produced the acclaimed track “Blissful-day” shortly after completing his matriculation.

After his collaboration with De Mthuda went viral, he has been performing on some big stages in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Locally at the biggest Taung event.

At 24, Ntokzin unveisl his highly anticipated second album. “Makubenjalo”. This 7-track EP embodies a soulful, house, and Amapiano fusion that reflects his personal growth and introspection over the years. This album is a profound meditation on the pursuit of personal freedom, inviting listeners into a sonic journey like no other.

The EP features Amapiano heavyweights namely Malumnator, Russel Zuma, Macfowlen, Mashudu, Basetsana, Bontlersa, 2woshot, Mkeyz & SoulfulG.

Since the rollout Ntokzin has been trending on twitter, and garnered large radio support on major stations.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Mandela University master’s student in Geosciences Bamanye Takashe won first prize for his poster at the Worldwide Congress of International Association of Hydrogeologists in Cape Town.

The title of Bamanye’s poster presentation at the congress was “Hydrogeological Characterization of the Coastal Aquifer of Gqeberha, South Africa.” The poster is a significant component of his recently submitted thesis for his master’s degree.

This project is particularly relevant due to the water challenges we have faced in the Nelson Mandela Bay in recent years. It focuses on the groundwater aspects of the coastal residential areas and the impact of increased borehole usage during droughts on aquifers.

The research encompasses soil and wetland analysis, geology, hydrogeology, water chemistry, and geophysics, Bamanye said.

“Having completed both my undergraduate and honours degrees at Nelson Mandela University, it was an honour to represent our institution at this international conference, with 500 delegates from 52 countries attending.

“Winning this award underscores the exceptional work we are currently doing at the University’s Department of Geosciences, recognised on an international stage,” he said.

Image and source: NMU

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Precious Sibalo, she worked as a waitress and a flight attendant, before obtaining her qualification as a Commercial Pilot.

She was raised by her grandparents after her mother passed away. At age 17, she had a child and relocated from Zimbabwe to South Africa where she worked as a waitress, but all this could not stop her from achieving her dreams

Precious later moved to Dubai where she also a waitress, while in Dubai she applied for a cabin crew job at Qatar Airways. Among her six friends who applied for the job, she was the only one recruited and joined Qatar Airways. She worked for five years at Qatar Airways while she was saving money to train and become a Pilot which was her childhood dream.

In 2017, she enrolled at 43 Airschool South Africa for her Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (IATPL) course and obtained a Commercial Pilot License on 24 November 2020.

Today, Precious Sibalo is a certified Commercial Pilot, Philanthropist and Motivational Speaker.

She is an Advisory Board Member at Women Power Africa and Founder of Precious Wings Foundation which aims at aiding and empowering marginalized children.

She is currently working on her Flight Instructors Rating and flying to build hours in an effort to achieve her next goal – flying big planes for Qatar Airways.

“People should never give up on their dreams. I used the job of a waitress as a stepping stone. Some people will always say ‘I will never take this job’. No, take it and use it as a stepping stone. The same waitress job, took me to Dubai and paved the way for my job at Qatar Airways,” said Precious Sibalo.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Hip-hop and dance artists snapped up top honours as the nominees for SAMA29 were announced this morning.

The Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, Soweto buzzed with excitement as the industry gathered to toast finalists in this year’s edition of the SAMA nominees announcement. Albums and singles released between 1 February 2022 and 14 April 2023 were considered for SAMA29.

“The announcement is a culmination of months of preparations behind the scenes as committees comprised of major and independent labels finalised SAMA29 rules and judging criteria as well as the selection of judges drawn from the music industry and ancillary professionals in media, academic institutions and cultural bodies. Simply put, the SAMA puts the artist first and is driven by the industry, for the industry.” Said SAMA Project Lead Refiloe Ramogase in the welcoming address at the nominee announcement.

The late AKA leads the pack with a tally of no less than seven nods for his album Mass Country in the categories of Male Artist of the Year; Album of the Year; Best Engineered Album; Best Hip-Hop Album; Best Collaboration (for the single Lemons (Lemonade) featuring Nasty C); Best Collaboration (for the single Company featuring Kiddominant); and Best Produced Music Video (for Lemons (Lemonade) featuring Nasty C.

Hot on his heels is fellow rapper K.O who garnered no less than six nominations thanks to his album SR3 and the single Sete featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie. He is nodded in the categories of Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Hip Hop Album, Best Collaboration, Best Produced Music Video and Remix of the Year for Sete featuring Young Stunna, Oxlade and Diamond Platnumz.

Sjava’s Isibuko album earned him a spot in the fiercely contested Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Produced Album and Best Engineered Album.

The maestros of Amapiano, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, earned at least four and three nominations respectively, they further walked away with two nods for their collaboration as Scorpion Kings.

Sincerely Anne bagged an impressive three nods for Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Best Engineered Album for To Whom it May Concern.

Ntokozo Mbambo’s Lavish Worship is the only album by a woman competing in the Album of the Year category, she is also up for Female Artist of the Year award and Best Contemporary Faith Album.

The Maskandi Album category is a battle royale between Menzi with Ngeke Ungiphathe, Khuzani for Umqhele Nethawula, Thokozani Langa’s Is’khiye Se-Coldroom, Abafana Bakamgqumeni for Iphakade Lami and Inkos’yamagcokama with Home Alone.

In the Best Jazz Album category, In the Spirit of Ntu by Linda Sikhakhane’s Isambulu, Nduduzo Makhathini goes up against Thandi Ntuli’s Blk Elija & The Children of Meroë, Mthunzi Mvubu’s The 1st Gospel and Shane Cooper and Mabuta’s Finish the Sun.

The nominees cut across a variety of genres and reflect the vibrant nature of South African music as well as the competitive spirit that fuels creativity and flair that feeds the pulse of the industry.

The nominees reveal event hosted by television personality Nomalanga Shozi, also included the announcement of KwaZulu-Natal province as the home of the SAMA for the next three years. It was attended by dignitaries such as Siboniso Duma, the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA); Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA); high ranking government officials; musicians; entertainment personalities and influencers.

Siboniso Duma, KZN EDTEA Minister had this to say: “We bring warm wishes from more than 11, 2 million citizens from the Zulu Kingdom. The majority of people back home are excited that we are here for this historic announcement. We are humbled by the fact that we will host SAMA Awards over the next three years.”

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager of SABC Video Entertainment commented: “South African music plays a major role and as SABC1 we always want to make sure that local music is celebrated. The channel’s partnership with the South African Music Awards shows our commitment in supporting the legacy of local artists as they continue to produce music of all genres for South Africans to enjoy. Congratulations to all the SAMA29 nominees.”

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi congratulated the nominees: “We are proud to present the class of SAMA29 who over a 14-month period put out some of the best tunes, collaborations and music videos in the country. We commend their artistry, resilience and tenacity that have led to them rising to the top and positioning themselves to be in line for the highest music accolade South Africa can bestow on an artist. We wish them well as we embark on the road to SAMA29 in KwaZulu-Natal.”

SAMA29 will be staged at the Durban ICC on the weekend of 17 and 18 November 2023 and broadcast live on SABC1.

Full list of nominees:

Best Engineered Album
To Whom It May Concern – Sincerely Anne, Engineered by Tjaart van der Walt & Daniel Baron
Mass Country – AKA, Engineered by Robin Kohl & Itu
Kanniedood – Francois van Coke, Engineered by Taylor Soundworks
Blk Elijah & The Children of Meroë – Thandi Ntuli, Engineered by Shane, Tshepo, Thandi & Clinton
Isibuko – Sjava Engineered by Ruff

Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Celebrating African Song – Dumza Maswana
Smile – Choko
I am Gold – S’nazo
Usiba Lwe Gazi – Nathi
Ubuhle – Lethiwe Sithole

Best Alternative Album
Glitch Vol. 2: The Future Is Now – uBeyond
Synthetic Hearts – Msaki x Tubatsi
Blue Lawns – The Great Yawn
Leaving All The Time – Bye Beneco
On The Romance of Being – Desire Marea

Best Amapiano Album
Amukelani – Kelvin Momo
Ba Straata – DJ Maphorisa and Visca
2.0 Nkwari – Myztro
KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small
Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena – DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small

Best Classical/Instrumental Album
Live In Europe 22 – CH2
Fire Beast – Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo
One Night On Earth (Live in Concert) – Derek Gripper
Maike – Juliet String Quartet
Sanctuary – Carol Thorns

Best Collaboration
K.O feat Young Stunna & Blxckie – Sete
AKA feat Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade)
DJ Maphorisa and Visca feat 2woshort, Stompiiey, ShaunMusiq, Ftears and Madumane – Ba Straata
Morda & Oscar Mbo feat Murumba Pitch – Mohigan Sun
AKA & Kiddominant – Company

Best Pop Album
Things We Don’t Talk About – Jimmy Nevis
Heard You Got Love – Jeremy Loops
Game Over – Tyler Page
Seasons – Lloyiso
Petrichor – Amy Lilley

Best Produced Album
Things we Don’t Talk About – Jimmy Nevis, Produced by Darren Petersen
KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small, Produced by Da Muziqal Chef, Mdu aka TRP, Stakev, DJ Maphorisa, Felo Le Tee
Amukelani – Kelvin Momo, Produced by Kelvin Momo
Lindokuhle – Mlindo the Vocalist, Produced by Mthunzi, Howard, Herc, Tshepo Morome, DJ Maphorisa, Masiano
Isibuko – Sjava Produced by Webmoms, Delayde, Ruff, Jah Cool

Best Produced Music Video
AKA ft Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade), Produced by Tebogo Mabaso, Directed By Nate Thomas
K.O ft Young Stunna & Blxckie – Sete, Directed by Ted Magerman, Produced by K.O, Tsholofelo Moremedi & Ted Magerman
Desire Marea – Be Free, Directed by Imraan Christian, Produced by Will Nicholson
Tyla – Been Thinking, Directed by Meiji Alabi, Producer Jimi Adesanya
Elaine – Shine, Directed by Jesse Ray Diamond, Produced by Shayna Gianelli

Best R&B/Soul Album
4LUV (Deluxe) – Blxckie
But Could The Moments in Between – Manana
Germander II – FLVME
Bad Weather – Nanette
Passion Fruit – Kabomo

Best Reggae Album
Ghetto Youth’s Cry – Botanist Mr Lamington
Unleashed – Blakka Yut
Maximum Stylez Presents: Red Carpet Live, Vol 1 – Various Artists (Edna Montse, Pepsin, Skeleton Blazer, Reign Afrika, Zama Sunshine & Moon Queen)
Flight Mode Riddim – Blackness Blue Productions
Healing – Lavoro Duro

Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album
Sing, Hoop, Weerklink – Prop
Skree Net Sag – ALTEREGO
Ep In F – Herman Kleinhans
Jagvat – Jan Rhaap
Toe Roep Ek Jou Naam – Jan Blohm & Ryno Velvet
Katryn – Stefan Jansen

Remix of the Year
Mörda & Yallunder – Ndinovalo, remixed by Mörda (Bongani Mohosana)
K.O ft Young Stunna, Oxlade & Diamond Platnumz – Sete, remixed by K.O
Citizen Deep and Mzux Maen ft Yasmin Levy – Hayii Citizen Deep Remix, remixed by Citizen Deep
Lebo Mathosa – Au Dede (ft Karyendasoul), remixed by Karyendasoul
Myztro ft Focalistic, Daliwonga, ShaunMusiQ, Ftears – Tobetsa Remake, remixed by Myztro, ShaunMusiQ and FTears.

Rest Of Africa Award
Sad Romance – Ckay
Timeless – Davido
Worry < – Tim Lyre
Dynastie – Ferre Gola
Sounds of Peace – Moreira Chonguiça
I’m Alive – Sha Sha

Best Gqom Album
Fikelephi – Sizwe Mdlalose
Meeting With The King – DJ Lag
Love & Light – Cairo CPT
Nande 2.0 – DJ Sandiso
Ithuba – Newlandz Finest

Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Ba Ya Mo Nyatsa – Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
Mantswe a Supileng – Spiritual Gospel Choir
Ikhoni Mfuyo – In Zion of Christ
Emmanuel (Farewell to Phodiso Joel Kgaudi) – JTG Gospel Choir
Ntate le Rato la hao – Ingqayizivele Gospel Choir

Newcomer of the Year
Myztro – 2.0 Nkwari
Blakka Yut – Unleashed
Sincerely Anne – To Whom It May Concern
Lloyiso – Seasons
Venom and Shishiliza – Love is Pain

Duo/Group of the Year
DJ Maphorisa & Visca – Ba Straata
Venom & Shishiliza – Love is Pain
Mafikizolo – Idwala
DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small – Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena
Msaki x Tubatsi – Synthetic Hearts

Female Artist of the Year
Kelly Khumalo – From A God To A King
Ntokozo Mbambo – Lavish Worship
Sincerely Anne – To Whom It May Concern
Hle – Take Heart
Thandi Ntuli – Blk Elijah and The Children of Moroë

Best Dance Album
Next Level – Russell Zuma
Asante – Mörda
We Live 4 Our Music (W4LOM) – Karyendasoul
The Gospel According to Artwork Sounds – Artwork Sounds
A New Dawn – DJ Kabila

Best Adult Contemporary Album
Memories – Drakensberg Boys Choir
Ndikhethiwe – Vusi Nova
Love – Viwo Kulati
Dark Secrets – Louise Carver
Bait For Steps Forward – Nobuhle Ashanti

Best Afro-Pop Album
Love is Pain – Venom & Shishiliza
Idwala – Mafikizolo
From A God To A King – Kelly Khumalo
Isibuko – Sjava
Ekhayakomama – Phila Dlozi

Best HipHop Album
Diaspora – Maglera Doe Boy
Life is Gangsta – Thato Saul
SR3 – K.O
Mass Country – AKA
This Is Religion – MashBeatz

Best Jazz Album
Finish The Sun – Shane Cooper & Mabuta
The 1st Gospel – Mthunzi Mvubu
Blk Elijah & The Children of Moroë – Thandi Ntuli
The Spirit of Ntu – Nduduzo Makhathini
Isambulo – Linda Sikhakhane

Male Artist of the Year
Kabza De Small – KOA II Part 1
AKA – Mass Country
Sjava – Isibuko
K.O – SR3
Lloyiso – Seasons

Album of the Year
AKA – Mass Country
K.O – SR3
Sjava – Isibuko
Kabza De Small – KOA II Part 1
Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo

Best Rock Album
Testify – Basson Laubscher & The Violent Free Peace
Fine Thanks, and You? – Shortstraw
Fuzigish – Fuzigish
Hellcats – End of Days
Kanniedood – Francois van Coke

Best Maskandi Album
Home Alone – Inkos’yamagcokama
Ngeke Ungiphathe – Menzi
Is’khiye Se-Coldroom – Thokozani Langa
Iphakade lami – Abafana Baka Mqgumeni
Umqhele neThawula – Khuzani

Best Kwaito Album
I Am Who I Am – Nkiyase
Speak N Vrostaan – Kwesta & Kabza De Small
R Mashesha – Big Nuz
Jukebox – Shisa Boy
Barabbas – Taylor K

Best Traditional Faith Album
Ndiyabulela – Hush
The Overflow Gcwala Kimi – Dumi Mkokstad
Hoja Ke Sena Wena – IPCC
The Grace Encounter, Vol. 1 – Bucy Radebe
Sedi Laka – Soweto Gospel Choir

Best Contemporary Faith Album
Take Heart – Hle
Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo
Mhalamhala – Brenden Praise
Restored (Live Recording) – The Jesus Collective
Hope – Soweto Gospel Choir

Best Traditional Album
Obe Happy – Ntata Mafahla
Inkabi Nation – Inkabi Nation
African Queen 2.0 – Makhadzi
Ke Bone Molelo O Timile – MmaAusi
A Reyeng Bahurutshe – Thebe Arts Group

Beste Pop Album
Hittegolf – Eloff
Insomnia – Brendan Peyper
Loufi Flippen Loufi – Loufi
Die Onbekende – Rooksein
Jona – Bernice West

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The North West province has been an exciting addition to the Nal’ibali Trust footprint as they continue strengthening their vision of encouraging children to have positive experiences with stories and reading books in South Africa.

In collaboration with the National Education Collaboration Trust, the Department of Basic Education in the North West Province and the Moretele Local Municipality; the Nal’ibali Trust aims to engage and capacitate caregivers, teachers, and community members at large on how to make literacy an enjoyable experience for the children in the province.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Prof Ntombizozuko Dyani-Mhango, Head of UP’s Department of Public Law, has been appointed to the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. 

The Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande has announced the appointment of Professor Ntombizozuko “Zozo” Dyani-Mhango of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Law as one of the new board members of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Prof Dyani-Mhango is Head of the Department of Public Law at UP. She holds LLB and LLM degrees from the University of the Western Cape, and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, US. Her doctoral thesis is titled ‘Sexual violence during armed conflict in Africa and the African Union’s right to humanitarian intervention: implications, challenges and solutions’.

Prof Dyani-Mhango was a full professor in UP’s Department of Jurisprudence from July 2020 to July 2021. She joined the Department of Public Law as a full professor and Head of department on 1 August 2021. Before that, she held academic positions at the School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand.

Prior to joining the University of the Witwatersrand, Prof Dyani-Mhango clerked at the Constitutional Court for Justice Sandile Ngcobo, who later became the Chief Justice of South Africa. She was also an intern (legal research) in the Chambers Section of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania.

Prof Dyani-Mhango’s areas of specialisation fall under international law, with a focus on African Union Law and its right to intervene, its relationship with the International Criminal Court, as well as its member states’ obligations in international criminal justice.

She also focuses on South Africa’s international and constitutional obligations in this regard, as well as public power (separation of powers). She has published widely, and attended both local and international conferences presenting in these areas.

Prof Dyani-Mhango is also admitted as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa, and is rated as an established researcher by the National Research Foundation.

Image and source: UP

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Dr Siqiniseko Ndlovu of Nquthu in the Umzinyathi District of KwaZulu-Natal who is currently a postdoctoral Fellow in UKZN’s Occupational Health Discipline was thrilled to graduate with a PhD in Medical Biochemistry.

Co-supervised by the College of Health Sciences’ Dean of Research, Professor Anil Chuturgoon and Dr Terisha Ghazi, her study confirmed that extracts from the Moringa Oleifera Lam plant can reduce the toxicity of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the liver (Hepg2) cells of HIV-infected individuals. 

Ndlovu said that because antiretroviral (ARV) drugs cannot eliminate HIV, they are a life-long treatment, and their long-term side effects are of significant concern. She noted that South Africa carries the largest burden of HIV infections worldwide and that long-term use of HAART is associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly changes to the metabolic syndrome, nervous disorders and impaired kidney functions through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. ‘Continuous assessment and improvement of ARV drug formulations without compromising their efficacy is thus essential.’ 

Ndlovu added that the use of adjuvant or “safe” supplementary medicine is a potential solution. ‘The medicinal plant Moringa Oleifera Lam is considered one of the most important sources of novel nutritionally and pharmacologically bioactive compounds that have been shown to prevent and treat various diseases.’ 

Her study showed that ARVs [Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC) and Lamivudin (3TC)] induce oxidative stress and inflammation and that Moringa Oleifera significantly reduces their toxicity. Two articles from the study were published in Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute journals. 

‘I am very humbled by this accomplishment. Indeed, our background does not determine our future. I aim to lead by example and create platforms to support young researchers to achieve their dreams, and most of all, encourage them to be innovative and create jobs,’ said Ndlovu. She thanked her supervisors and her family for their support.

She is passionate about improving people’s health. ‘South Africa is a developing country and we face a lot of diseases, but thanks to God we have many medicinal plants. I strongly believe that the use of medical plants is making a significant difference in treating certain diseases or managing the side effects of certain medications. As scientists, we need to optimise these for human pathophysiology.’ 

Ndlovu is a lover of conversations that shift her perspective for the better and she thus frequently listens to podcasts and reads a lot. ‘I also like sport. I exercise, do yoga and recently started playing tennis.’ 

Image and source: UKZN

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Dr Wendy Geza recently obtained a PhD in Food Security from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.

Raised by a nurse and a traffic officer, she is the first member of her family to graduate with a PhD, causing great excitement at home.

She also holds a Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management, a Bachelor of Agriculture (Honours) in Agricultural Extension and Extension Education Services, and a Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural and Extension Education Services from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.

“As a Food Systems and Policy Researcher my interests lie within finding better solutions of building capacity for people in rural areas, particularly youth inclusion in food systems, rural socio-economic transformation and food policy analysis,” said Dr Wendy Geza.

Image: LinkedIn