The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Professor, Pragashnie Govender, alongside two PhD candidates, received prestigious accolades at the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), which took place in Mbombela at Mpumalanga.
The event, 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. It also recognises women's outstanding contributions to research and science, pushing the boundaries of knowledge for society's benefit.
The event’s 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.
Professor Govender was awarded First Runner Up in the Distinguished Women Category, while Nokukhanya Thembane (LMMS) and Shavani Naicker (AES) were honoured with PhD Scholarships at the event.
The awards ceremony also paid tribute to world-renowned artist Esther Mahlangu by renaming this year’s master’s and doctoral fellowships to the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowships. Mahlangu received a standing ovation as she attended the event.
Professor Govender expressed her gratitude and said: “It was humbling to be surrounded by amazing scholars, including two B-rated researchers in my category. I am especially astounded by the excellence of the next generation of researchers who communicate their science with such confidence.”
She further dedicated the award to her mother, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in her achievements, and acknowledged her husband's steadfast encouragement. She also emphasised her commitment to mentoring the next generation of graduates and practitioners.
Professor Govender further expressed her gratitude to UKZN’s Dean and Head of School of Health Sciences, Professor Percy Mashige for the nomination and his amazing support and leadership.
Thembane, who also received one of the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowships, described the award as a collective achievement, sharing her pride with her mentors, colleagues, and family. She expressed her dedication to advancing meaningful research and mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly women and marginalised groups in STEM fields.
Naicker, another recipient of the DSI-Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowship, shared her excitement and gratitude for the recognition. She emphasised her passion for Astronomy and her determination to continue contributing to the field, hoping to inspire young females to pursue careers in science.
She expressed her gratitude to her family for their loving support and to her supervisors, Professor Sunil D Maharaj and Dr Byron P Brassel for their expert guidance and mentorship.
