Tebogo Bestina Mashile
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Project Name/Description:
Young female astronomer wants Africa to claim its place in global science Passionate about Astrophysics and Mathematics, Tebogo Bestina Mashile is making her presence felt in realms long dominated by men. Mashile has a long list of qualifications in subjects that cause high stress levels in most students. Mashile is the proud holder of a BSc (Physics, Chemistry and Applied Mathematics) and BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics, both from the University of Limpopo, a BSc Honours in Astrophysics and Space Science from the University of Cape Town. What’s more, she recently completed an MSc degree in Astrophysics from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University). Currently employed as an Astronomy Policy Researcher by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory/Square Kilometre Array (SKA), through the Department of Science and Innovation, Mashile is not stopping at four degrees, but is registering for her PhD in Astrophysics with Wits University. She recalls that when studying for her honours in Astrophysics and Space Science, not only was she the only black student, but also the only woman in a group of 17 students. A recipient of a National Astronomy and Space Science Programme bursary, Mashile pressed on undeterred and graduated successfully. Her talent did not go unnoticed, and she was awarded a SKA bursary as part of the SKA Young Professionals Development Programme for her MSc studies.Mashile grew up in Flora Park outside Polokwane in Limpopo, and is passionate not only about next generation improves its performance in Maths and Physical Science and produces quality matric pass rates. “I am a co-founder of the Thuto Boswa Foundation, which aims to enhance the matric pass rate in the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo.The organisation will serve as a thriving tutoring hub for high school learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in the remote rural areas of Sekhukhune,” says Mashile.The organisation is made up of dedicated people with a science background and who hold honours and PhD qualifications. “Thuto Boswa, which simply means to empower through education, was conceptualised to motivate and improve learners’ grades in the district, in order to meet the requirements of institutions of higher learning across the country and abroad. “We also donate stationery to learners. Our mission is to assist learners in identified subjects by offering extra lessons, motivational talks and career guidance.” Being among a handful of black women in the field of Fhumulani Ramukhwatho Tebogo Bestina Mashile “I am a young black academic female inspired by my heritage and my home… Africa” DORCAS M. LEKGANYANE WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION SPONSORED CONTENT Busting myths, creating space for African traditional medicine Born and bred in rural Limpopo, Dorcas Lekganyane is a Master’s graduate (c.l) from the Department of Botany and Plant Science at the University of Johannesburg. Lekganyane’s postgraduate research focused mainly on the role, application and trade of traditional medicinal plants in South Africa, the results of which have been nothing short of exciting. The novelty of Lekganyane’s research has won her more than 14 prestigious awards, locally and around the world. Among these, she was honoured with the South African Woman in Science award and recognised as SA’s Best Young Scientist. Internationally, Lekganyane is the recipient of the Office of Research Grand Prize in Science, an achievement that cemented her scientific contributions. Overall, her work seeks to understand the medicinal properties of legendary African remedies, a journey that has seen her applying modern-day technology of genetic sequencing to better understand the basic building blocks (genes) of each plant on a molecular level. “I am a young black academic female inspired by my heritage and my home … Africa,” she says proudly. Her research has busted myths and enhanced the understanding of indigenous African medicine, the most misunderstood type of healing in the growing Western world. Currently, Lekganyane works in foreign policy and is on the cusp of launching her herbal homeopathic range, which infuses key African traditional medicines to form essential wellness products. For bookings and enquiries, Lekganyane can be reached through social media or at Dorcas Didi Lekganyane @didi.lekganayne. Never give up on your dreams as people will put their own limitations on yours.” astronomy, Mashile aims to use her platform to make sure that Africa enhances its position |in the global science and development arena.
