Ntokozo Happy Msiza
Nominee's Province:
Mpumalanga
Age:
31
Project Name/Description:
Ntokozo Happy Msiza is a passionate woman in STEM and an agricultural scientist by profession. She is a PhD student at the North West University and currently work as a Lecturer at the University of Fort Hare. Her journey started when she enrolled at University of Fort Hare to pursue a BSc in Agriculture in Animal and Pasture Science. During her third year, she was advised by her lecturers to pursue an MSc degree. Her lecturers exemplary research and dedication to improving farming methods left an indelible mark on her. Upon completing her undergraduate degree in 2018, she transitioned to the North-West University for her MSc, which she completed in completed in 2020. She is planning to develop an advanced pasture management strategies to mitigate the negative effects of feed shortages for emerging farmers, thus addressing the challenges of food insecurity and contributing to South Africa's economy. As a scientist she is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with farmers, making science communication an integral part of her work. Furthermore, her research aligns closely with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 15 (Life on Land), by improving livestock productivity and promoting responsible land use. She authored 8 research papers, some in collaboration with other authors including her supervisors. She participated in 10 academic conferences, both in-person and virtually. Notably, in 2023, she was awarded the Best Oral Presentation award in the PhD category at the 8th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Botswana Gaborone. She served as a Vice Chairperson for Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South Africa National Chapter. In 2023 she attended an agricultural summer school in Brazil. Ntokozo is also an entrepreneur, owner of PhahlaLwendlu Farming and Happy Wines.
