Lebo Trudy Rashijane
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Age:
28
Project Name/Description:
PhD candidate – University of Limpopo
Rashijane Lebo Trudy is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Limpopo, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council and she is dedicated to leveraging education to uplift herself and others. “My love and passion for education and giving back to the community has made me the person I am today. I consider myself an all-in-one person: an academic author, mentor, model, community builder, philanthropist, and entrepreneur,” Trudy shared. Trudy has presented her academic work nationally and internationally, including the International Society for Animal Genetics. In 2022, she won the University of Limpopo Faculty of Science Research Week’s second-best presenter award under the PhD category. Additionally, she was a top 10 finalist in the 2023 FAMELAB competition, she has over 15 scientific publications. She was also part of the Mail and Guardian 200 young South Africans for the year 2025. Beyond her academic pursuits, Trudy is committed to community empowerment through her non-profit organisation, TruCam Ultimate Support. Based in Mopani district, the organisation aims to groom youth into their best selves through career exhibitions, skills development programmes, and leadership training. “This organisation has donated food parcels to over 10 needy families during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided over 10,000 packs of sanitary towels to high schools and primary schools since 2022,” Trudy said. In addition, TruCam Ultimate Support hosts an annual free shopping spree, offering pre-loved and new clothes to those in need. The organisation has produced over 15 graduates, many of whom now hold managerial positions within the organisation. Trudy is also the founder of LT Exclusive Events, a decorating and catering company that employs two people.
