OWSD SA National Chapter

OWSD SA National Chapter The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, South African National Chapter

To shape the future of South Africa by contributing to gender equality in science, technology and innovation.

Happy International Women’s Day ladies. We see your strength, your excellence and your impact.
08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day ladies. We see your strength, your excellence and your impact.

Happy International Women’s Day ladies. We see your strength, your excellence and your impact.
08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day ladies.
We see your strength, your excellence and your impact.

A memorial event will be held in loving memory of Prof. Keolebogile “Keo” Shirley Motaung, celebrated as a visionary lea...
16/11/2025

A memorial event will be held in loving memory of Prof. Keolebogile “Keo” Shirley Motaung, celebrated as a visionary leader in innovation. The event will take place on 19 November 2025, from 14:00 to 17:00, at the National Research Foundation – CSIR Complex, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria. It will also be streamed online through the NRF’s social media platforms.

Following our earlier tribute to Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung, we share the official statement from the Motaung...
13/11/2025

Following our earlier tribute to Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung, we share the official statement from the Motaung family. 💐
The family honors Prof Keo’s remarkable life — a woman whose warmth, vision, and leadership touched so many lives.
We continue to hold her loved ones in our thoughts and extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

Remembering Professor Keo Motaung 🕊️It is with deep sadness that the OWSD South Africa National Chapter announces the pa...
13/11/2025

Remembering Professor Keo Motaung 🕊️
It is with deep sadness that the OWSD South Africa National Chapter announces the passing of Professor Keolebogile Motaung on 12 November 2025.
Fondly known as Prof Keo, she was a visionary biomedical scientist, entrepreneur, and leader whose unwavering belief in the potential of women in science transformed countless lives. As Chairperson of OWSD South Africa, she led with heart, courage, and purpose — inspiring generations of women to lead boldly and dream fearlessly.
Beyond OWSD, Prof Keo’s legacy extended across science, innovation, and entrepreneurship — from co-founding Global Health Biotech (Pty) Ltd to championing inclusive research through her Nelson Mandela University Research Chair.
Her warmth, strength, and mentorship will forever remain in our hearts. 💐
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
🤍 Your light continues to guide us, Prof Keo.

Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador 🚀: Lufuno Gracious Nemakhavhani At the OWSD South Africa National Chapter, we c...
12/11/2025

Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador 🚀: Lufuno Gracious Nemakhavhani
At the OWSD South Africa National Chapter, we celebrate women in STEM who are redefining the scientific landscape through innovation, leadership, and mentorship. Our Ambassador Network embodies this mission — women dedicated to advancing research excellence and empowering others to reach their full potential.
We’re thrilled to spotlight Lufuno Gracious Nemakhavhani, one of our 2025 OWSD South Africa National Chapter Ambassadors!
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Lufuno is pursuing a PhD in Medical Nuclear Science at the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), affiliated with the University of Pretoria.
Her academic journey began at North-West University, where she earned a BSc in Microbiology and Biochemistry, followed by an Honours in Virology, deepening her understanding of viral mechanisms and disease processes. She later completed her Master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg, producing two peer-reviewed publications and earning four research presentation awards — achievements that solidified her commitment to impactful, African-led biomedical research.
Driven by her fascination with biology and a passion for addressing health disparities, Lufuno now focuses on nuclear medicine and molecular diagnostics, advancing innovations that promote equitable healthcare across Africa.
Her story is one of resilience, excellence, and purpose — inspiring the next generation of researchers to lead with courage and curiosity.
✨ Join us in celebrating Lufuno Gracious Nemakhavhani and her dedication to shaping the future of medical science in South Africa and beyond!
🔗 Join OWSD: https://lnkd.in/dtgNRBkC
📩 For more on OWSD membership, activities, and collaboration opportunities, contact Lufuno Gracious (NuMeRI)

🌟 Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador! 🌟🚀 ._khadjoh_excellency At the OWSD South Africa National Chapter, we’re prou...
29/10/2025

🌟 Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador! 🌟
🚀 ._khadjoh_excellency
At the OWSD South Africa National Chapter, we’re proud to celebrate our incredible Ambassador Network — women leading the way in STEM, driving innovation, mentorship, and empowerment across Africa. 💪🏽👩🏽‍🔬
✨ About Dr. Mphahlele
Dr. Mokgadi Mphahlele is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Phytomedicine and Herbal Drugs Research Unit at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Her groundbreaking work explores the chemical profiling and biological activity of traditional African medicinal plants — connecting indigenous knowledge with modern science to promote better health and well-being. 🌿
Beyond the lab, she’s passionate about STEM outreach and mentorship — inspiring young minds in underprivileged communities through talks, science demos, and mentorship programs. She’s also a Golden Key Honour Society and Black Women in Science award recipient. 🏅
🌍 With global training from Lancaster University, The British Academy, and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Mphahlele’s research advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals — especially Good Health & Well-being (SDG 3) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Join us in celebrating Dr. Mphahlele — a true champion of phytomedicine, public health, and STEM leadership across Africa! 🙌🏽
🔗 Join OWSD SA: [link in bio]
📩 For membership, collaborations, or events, contact ._khadjoh_excellency at OWSD SA National Chapter,

🚀 Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador: Zenande PaliWe’re thrilled to spotlight , one of our phenomenal 2025 OWSD SA ...
14/10/2025

🚀 Meet Our Inspiring OWSD SANC Ambassador: Zenande Pali
We’re thrilled to spotlight , one of our phenomenal 2025 OWSD SA National Chapter Ambassadors! 🌟
Zenande is a PhD candidate in General Health Sciences at the DSI Nanomedicine Platform, , where she pioneers plant-based gold nanoparticles for breast cancer therapeutics. 💊✨
Armed with a BSc & BSc Hons from Walter Sisulu University and an MSc (cum laude) in Nanoscience from NMU, her work has gained international recognition — including a Best Poster Award at the 2024 Nanotech Conference in Rome! 🇮🇹🏆
Beyond research, Zenande is a dedicated mentor, science communicator, and Physiology tutor who’s empowering the next generation through outreach initiatives like Eskom Expo and National Science Week. 🌍💬
She’s not just pushing scientific boundaries — she’s shaping the future of STEM in South Africa. 🇿🇦
👇 Get involved, be inspired, and join our mission:
🔗 [Membership link in bio]
📩 Connect with to learn more!

WEBINAR INVITATION🌾 Women in Agriculture: Driving Food Security in a Changing Climate 👩🏽‍🌾Women play a vital role in agr...
29/09/2025

WEBINAR INVITATION
🌾 Women in Agriculture: Driving Food Security in a Changing Climate 👩🏽‍🌾
Women play a vital role in agriculture, yet face structural barriers that limit their full participation. Unlocking their potential is key to securing our food systems—both here in South Africa and worldwide—as we navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
🎟️ Register now: https://assaf-org-za.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YCA7Jo_bSN6GcwVtBTqrSw

🌍✨ Meet Dr. Funeka Matebese ✨🌍From the University of Fort Hare to the University of Johannesburg, and now advancing memb...
26/09/2025

🌍✨ Meet Dr. Funeka Matebese ✨🌍
From the University of Fort Hare to the University of Johannesburg, and now advancing membrane technology for wastewater treatment at UNISA, Dr. Matebese’s journey is a testament to resilience, excellence, and innovation. 🚀
🔬 With multiple scholarships, international research experience in China, and impactful publications, she continues to shine as a Postdoctoral Researcher, mentor, and peer reviewer in her field.
💡 Her story inspires young women in STEM to dream big and break barriers!

✨ Master’s Research Opportunity ✨Nelson Mandela University is calling for applications from motivated and qualified fema...
23/09/2025

✨ Master’s Research Opportunity ✨
Nelson Mandela University is calling for applications from motivated and qualified female candidates for a funded Master’s research project on:
📌 Gender Gaps in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion in South Africa (Focus: Eastern Cape).
💡 What’s on offer?
✅ Bursary value: R195 000.00 per year
✅ Mentorship & supervision from a dynamic research team
✅ Opportunity to shape inclusive entrepreneurship & gender-responsive policy
📅 Deadline: 15 December 2025
📍 Start Date: January 2026
📍 Location: Nelson Mandela University, with fieldwork in Eastern Cape
🔗 Apply by submitting your application (single PDF) to Prof. Keo Motaung: [email protected]
Be part of shaping inclusive entrepreneurship and driving transformation in South Africa! 🌍✨

Address

1st Floor Block A, The Woods, 41 De Havilland Crescent, Persequor Park, Meiring Naudé Road, Lynnwood
Pretoria
0020

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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