Meet South African Scientist, Pelly Malebe, developing genetic markers for drought tolerance

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Pelly Malebe is a PhD candidate in Biotechnology at the University of Pretoria, whose current research focuses on identifying and developing genetic markers for drought tolerance and yield in crop. The importance of such research is linked to her understanding that the genetic basis of drought tolerance may impact on food and job security in Africa.Malebe was the recipient of the Department of Science and Technology Women in Science Doctoral Fellowship in 2013 and currently has a Southern African Biochemistry and Informatics for Natural Products Network PhD Fellowship. In 2017, she was selected as the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Ambassador for South Africa.NEF is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with Robert Bosch Stiftung, and a platform that connects science, society and policy in Africa and the rest of the world – with the goal to leverage science for human development globally. 

"I was born in a village in Limpopo called Maseven. There were no nursery schools at that time. I think I was a bit of a handful because my mother took me to grade 1 at the age of 4 years. When my father had an opportunity to take us to schools in town, he was told I was too young for grade 2 and I had to go back to nursery school."

"One of my oldest memories was me writing on the walls at my parent’s house, mimicking the teacher. Like most children, I have never really been a fan of school. But, I have always had a passion for learning and acquiring knowledge. I went on to study BSc Human Genetics at the University of Pretoria. I then completed a BSc honours degree in Biotechnology. My passion for acquiring knowledge grew, and I remained in academia until I obtained an MSc in Biotechnology. I am currently enrolled at the University of Pretoria as a PhD candidate."

• Tell us about the work that you do, and how you think it is/will be making an impact in the society you find yourself in.

"My research focus is on identifying and developing genetic markers for drought tolerance and yield on the tea plant. These biotechnology tools can be applied to other crop research. My interest lies in identifying ways to increase food security. The threat to food security has become a reality in South Africa as we experienced our worst drought in December 2016. Currently the Western Cape (a province within South Africa) is experiencing a water crises. I am interested in increasing the understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance and yield in the tea plant. Ultimately, research such as this has the potential to impact on food security, through breeding of drought-tolerant crop varieties."

• You were selected as the Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for South Africa. How does this make you feel? And what does this mean for you and South Africa?

"I was the Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for South Africa in 2016 and 2017. This has been both an honour and a privilege to be part of such a great initiative and to represent my country. The Next Einstein Forum is a global platform that brings Africa on to the global science and innovate stage: through its biennial NEF Global Gathering, the Next Einstein Forum is bringing the global scientific community to Africa to discuss how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can provide solutions to global challenges. I have always been and will always remain and advocate for “African solutions for African problems”. I believe that we should define what development means for us as a continent and what direction we wish to grow in. We have great untapped talent within our land. We should continue to nurture our knowledge economy."

• What inspired your passion for genetics and biotechnology?

"As a young girl I remember having so many questions and a few answers. I have always wanted to know why people look the way they do. Why I have my mother’s lips and father’s eyes. I remember in high-school when my biology teacher first introduced me to DNA. I found that most of the answers to my questions could be found in textbooks and on a computer screen. That is what led to my interest in genetics and biotechnology."

• What are some of the major developments in genetics in South Africa?

"The South African government, educational and industrial leaders are working together to build the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) talent pipeline needed to solve global problems. Success in cultivating the next generation of STEM talents depends on collaboration among many stakeholders. There is a need to train the next generation of scientists and technologists to sustain growth in emerging economies. There is also a need for businesses and the private sector to invest in STEM talent to solve complex challenges. Biotechnology is viewed as a scarce skill in South Africa."

• What makes you proud about your journey so far?

"I recently became a mom, July 2017. Tackling motherhood and building a career has proved itself to be the greatest and most rewarding challenge of my life. I think as a working mother you are constantly filled with guilt. If you put too much time into work, you may feel guilty that you are neglecting the young person you have brought into this world. If you invest time with your child, you may feel that you are not making the strides in your career that you would have made. I am learning each day, to live a balanced life. I am proud to say that I am now a morning person, my son has taught me to be that. I wake up to his beaming bright smile and I cease the day! I owe it to myself to fulfil all my dreams, and that includes being happy."[/spb_text_block]

Dr. Mmaki Jantjies - One of South Africa's admirable technology thought leaders

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="sidebar-1" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Dr. Mmaki Jantjies is currently the Head of the Information Systems department at the University of the Western Cape. She previously served as a Head of Department at the North West University - being one of the youngest academics to have headed that department.Dr. Mmaki Jantjies became one of the first and youngest black female PhD graduates in computer science, and has since continued to contribute to this field, developing technology which addresses South African context challenges. In 2016, she was listed as one of the Mozilla top 50 people in the world making the internet a better place.Dr. Jantjies is passionate about youth education and works with various national and international NGOs to up-skill teachers in high schools with ICT skills, to use in classrooms. She also mentors graduate students to open and run technology clubs in underprivileged schools in South Africa with most of the clubs focusing on training young women and girls. (Source: Inspiring Fifty)

"I am one of four children and was blessed to be raised by parents who had so much faith in education, particularly mathematics and science education. And so my high school subject choices where physical sciences and mathematics and I was fortunate enough to also do computer science as a subject in high school. This influenced my career path decision as I was always intrigued by the solutions that computer systems could bring in an organisation and in a community."

• When did you realise you had a passion for technology?

"I realised early on in my life after completing high school during the technology boom, the lack of female representation in the field, and I enjoyed the challenge that came with designing and developing a computer programme. I think this was influenced by growing up amongst boys. I was adamant that they would not outshine me as we all had to study science and computing subjects in school."

• You became one of the first and youngest black female PhD graduates in computer science, in South Africa. What motivated you to pursue this?

"In the previous South African government, black people were only allowed to go into nursing and teaching professions. Many of my family members were thus teachers. I think coming from a family of teachers, continuous education was such a fundamental of my growth. My partner is also so passionate about education and thus also played a role. I also fell in love with research as I continued my studies and felt that black voices in research were lacking. Research drives innovation, it drives policy, it drives thought leadership, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of the technology thought leadership in my country."

• What one accomplishment achieved are you most proud of, and why?

"I think for me, inspiring and influencing young children to consider a career or start a business in tech and science as a whole, particularly children of colour, is what excites me. If I can be that representation that I lacked when growing up to young children to actually pursue fields which our ancestors could only yearn for, this is what makes me proud."

• The objective of technology is to make life better, faster, smarter or less expensive. We leverage technology to improve processes. Tell us about a recent project you are working on using technology to solve challenges in South Africa.

"I'm currently working on a MOOC project to develop content for teachers who want to introduce technology in schools. I think that if we can up-skill and empower teachers to have a passion in tech regardless of their background of specialisation, we can see an increase in the use of basic technology in classrooms."

• Do you think South Africa needs a female perspective in technology? Why/why not?

"I think any country needs a diverse representation in technology. Representation drives diverse perspectives, innovations and solutions. Embracing the importance of having various voices can only mean growth, expansion and increasing participation in a field for a country. "You feed a woman you feed a nation", equally you bring a woman to the table, you bring a world of perspectives to tech."

• Who is your role model, and why?

"I have such an array of role models. From my family, to women in business, to women in academia and women in politics! "Celling Breakers", and those who ensure that they open the door for others to get a seat at the table influence my life to a great extent. I think seeing these pioneers always reminds me that you are only as successful and able to fulfil your God-given talent to the extent that you push yourself to."[/spb_text_block]

Nuclear Scientist, Nomso Faith Kana on improving broadband infrastructure in South Africa

[sidebar_widget sidebar_id="Sidebar" width="1/1" el_position="first last"] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]Nomso Faith Kana is a nuclear scientist by trade and the founder of Sun n Shield 84 Technologies, a fibre optic cable manufacturing start-up in South Africa.Nomso was elected as one of the top 80 emerging leaders in science and technology in Africa and the Middle East, and participated in TechWomen in 2013, an exchange program for women in STEM fields. She drives UN Women endorsed programs that empower women and the girl child in the SADC. 

"I come from the most supporting family in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, my childhood was filled with lots of activity and curiosity (I am still playful TODAY), and sometimes I would go with my father to the fields and look after his cattle. I became fascinated with science from primary. The first time I watched Star Trek my eyes popped. I still remember that – it was like I walked into a candy store. My parents were both teachers so they picked up this passion for science and harnessed it from secondary to tertiary. I studied computer science, chemistry and physics in my tertiary life. I love programming. I thought I would go that route but the science of chemistry and physics took over, and I landed in medical biology science. I am a qualified medical biology scientist who also got training in medical nuclear science." 

• What is it like to be a nuclear scientist?

"Science makes people reach for objectivity, proven facts and it is in the service of humanity. Science is important for humans to thrive and survive. I discovered that in all my years of working in laboratories. I worked in a radioisotope lab developing methods for chemotherapy treatments, splitting atoms, researching and optimising processes. I hung my lab coat two years ago. As a scientist your heart is always inclined to solving problems. This passion makes you move from one sector to another. I am now in the broadband and ICT sector, and I take pride that I am a nuclear scientist by trade, and that African girls with a similar passion can relate to me."

• You emerged one of the top 80 emerging leaders in science and technology in Africa and the Middle East and participated in TechWomen in 2013. What are your thoughts on STEM education for women in South Africa? Why should this be encouraged?

"I was ecstatic to be recognized and selected in this initiative started by former state secretary of the US, Hillary Clinton. This appointment boosted my career life and amplified my voice and influence. The recognition allowed me to expand my “Pay it Forward" initiative for girls in STEM in South Africa and the SADC. There is a huge deficit of science and engineering professions in the SA and SADC as a whole. An estimated 2.5 million new engineers and technicians are required in sub-Saharan Africa alone to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of improved access to clean water and sanitation. To achieve this, we need to attract every young mind to engineering, especially in the developing world, where attracting more women to fields in which they are underrepresented must be part of the solution. It is important to encourage women to be part of the 'solution table' for all African problem. Girls should be drawn to and retained in STEM fields from an early age. In 2014, a close friend of mine and I started 'Taungana' (meaning coming together) STEM movement, where we recruit and give STEM industry exposure to girls studying in rural areas, excelling in maths and science with a passion for community development. This is coupled with design thinking, entrepreneurship boot camps and innovation skills workshops."

• Tell us about Sun n Shield 84 Technologies, and what you do.

"I am the founder and managing director of Sun n Shield ⁸⁴ Tech group, an ISP and broadband infrastructure company. The group distributes passive fibre optic products, offers solutions for smart cities, participates in broadband rollout and has commenced in erupting a plant to produce local made products to be used for seamless internet connectivity. We believe that Africans must connect to the global community. But first, let’s connect to one another. We are currently in talks with local SADC telecoms to build fibre highways in order to make internet a basic human right as it is emerging to be one. My role is to drive the ship, but I don’t do it alone. I have an advisory team that ensures we move towards our mission's direction."

• What are your thoughts on how sustainable energy can improve the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable inhabitants​​​​​​​?

"Nature has provided us with chemical energy (coal, oil, gas), indirect nuclear energy from the sun (wind, solar and hydro) and direct nuclear energy (nuclear fission from uranium and other isotopes). Sustainability to me is about the importance of moral and sustainable energy policies which governments are custodians of. This means having the most under privileged people in mind when installing energy technology that works for the best benefit of man and the environment. This means respect for vulnerable people and accepting responsibility for the care of our beloved planet."

• What do you do when you aren’t working?

"When I am not glued to my laptop or stuck in meetings, I spend time with family and friends. It's priority! I also love travelling, especially to African countries, spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, learning other cultures and sharing about my faith. I enjoy discussing African politics as well as global markets. I love reading and I admire snakes – I love reptiles! <3"[/spb_text_block]

Nneile Nkholise on leading South Africa's prosthetic industry

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At just 27, Nneile Sandra Alexandrina Nkholise is founder and director of iMED Tech Group, a South African company which uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) to design breast and facial prostheses for cancer and burn victims. Her company only employs African women under the age of 30 with research backgrounds in mechanical engineering.

Nneile was born in Roma, Lesotho and grew up in Thaba Nchu, South Africa.

"I was raised by a single parent being my mom. I am a firm believer in the omnipotent God, and I believe in love and everything in between that makes life worth living blissfully. I'm a mechanical engineer by profession, a sport activist by passion and a social entrepreneur by devotion."

She had her primary school education at Tlotlanang Combined School in South Africa, which paved her path into innovation, entrepreneurship and understanding African renaissance and African development.

"At primary school, I loved participating in science fairs because I loved innovation and designing new things."

Post primary school, Nneile attended high school at Mariasdal High School and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, both in South Africa. She is currently completing her Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Central University of Technology, with her research focus on the applications of additive manufacturing in fabricating medical prosthesis.

Nneile has been recognized as Africa’s top female innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa held in Rwanda. She was among five winners from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda who were selected from the Forum's challenge to find Africa's top women’s innovation.

Nneile is also one of Tony Elumelu Foundation's top 1000 entrepreneurs in Africa, which recognizes social entrepreneurs leading impactful social ventures. She has also been selected as a top entrepreneur to represent her country at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in San Francisco, USA.

• What motivated you to study mechanical engineering?

"My mom insisted that I should study mechanical engineering at first, but with time, I realized that my motivation to stay was the endless opportunities there were in engineering."

• Tell us about iMed Tech. What inspired this?

"iMed Tech was birthed from my master's research on the application of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of external maxillofacial prostheses. I realized how the demand for prostheses is so high while the current methods for manufacturing them couldn't meet these demands. Hence, I decided to start a company to meet this challenge. I believe that there is a huge gap between academics and business because many of our research findings are never exposed for commercialization. I saw the need to take my research findings to the market."

• It is interesting to know iMed Tech hires young female mechanical engineers only. Can you tell us why you insist on this and how it has been of benefit to the company and what you do as a whole?

"I believe that the biggest development of the 4th Industrial Revolution is going to be led by women and it is important that we empower them and give them endless opportunities so that they can be skilled enough to push Africa forward."

• You were selected as Africa's top innovator by the 2016 World Economic Forum on Africa in Rwanda. How did that make you feel?

"I felt that I had finally created a footprint of my work for the continental and global landscape. It was great to be rewarded for my good work."

• What is the prosthetics industry in South Africa like? Has there been any significant growth? And is it here to stay?

"The industry is growing at a slow pace. We need to start fast-tracking processes of making prostheses accessible to people all over South Africa."

• What do you suggest can be done to help advance the industry in Africa?

"We first need to educate people on prosthetic rehabilitation and also the processes of using additive manufacturing to manufacture them."

• What excites you most about what you do?

"The ability to change people's lives for the better. The ability to make someone feel good."

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