Women Scientists Honoured at 2025 SAWiSA Awards

• Celebration of Women’s Achievements in Science: The DSTI commemorated Women’s Month by recognizing 30 pioneering women scientists at the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards, highlighting advancements in STEM.
• Recognition Across Disciplines: The awards honored both senior and emerging women researchers across diverse fields, including social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and public engagement.
• Distinguished and Young Women Researchers: Top categories celebrated established and future leaders, with awards given to prominent researchers like Prof. Jill Hanass-Hancock, Prof. Brenda Morrow, and emerging leaders such as Dr. Maurine Musie.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) celebrated Women’s Month by honouring the remarkable achievements of women scientists at the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA). The event, held on 21 August at the Bloemfontein Superbowl, recognised 30 trailblazing researchers advancing knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Under the theme “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” the awards honoured both senior and emerging women researchers across disciplines. In the Distinguished Women Researchers category, Prof. Jill Hanass-Hancock of the South African Medical Research Council won for Humanities and Social Sciences, while Prof. Brenda Morrow of the University of Cape Town (UCT) took the Natural and Engineering Sciences award. Public Engagement honours went to Prof. Carolyn McKinney (UCT) and Prof. Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana (Unisa).

The Distinguished Young Women Researchers category recognized future leaders, with Dr Maurine Musie (University of Pretoria) and Prof. Mahloro Hope Serepa-Dlamini (University of Johannesburg) taking top honours. Prof. Nombulelo Sepeng (UP) received the Public Engagement award.

This year’s fellowships were dedicated to Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, recognising postgraduate women scholars. Nine doctoral and seven master’s fellows, representing universities across the country, were awarded for their research potential and commitment to academic excellence.

Delivering the vote of thanks, DSTI Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele said the awards affirm women’s central role in shaping South Africa’s science future. “These awardees are not only researchers; they are mentors, change-makers and national treasures,” he said.