IN CONVERSATION WITH TEBOGO MASHIFANA (PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA)

Loading player...
This women’s month we continue to celebrate and honour South African Women in Science Awards are taking place, celebrating excellence and innovation among the country’s top female scientists and researchers.
The event not only honours their groundbreaking work but also aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Today we chat to one of the finalists who’s Distinguished Young Women Researcher, category : Natural and Engineering Sciences.
She is a member of the prestigious South African Young Academy of Science and is professionally registered as a Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Born and raised in the small village of Sehlakwane in Limpopo, Prof. Mashifana exemplifies the belief that science, technology, and innovation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. She is an advocate for education, inspiring the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI).
As a passionate innovator and entrepreneur, she leverages science and technology to address real-world challenges. Prof. Mashifana is also a dedicated mentor, empowering young people, particularly women and girls, to pursue careers in STEMI. Her commitment to mentorship is guided by the principle of lifting others as she rises.
Recognized as a trailblazer and role model, she has received several awards, including the prestigious TW Kambule-NSTF Award, various National Research Foundation (NRF) grants, the NRF Award for Research Excellence, and the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Award. She was featured in the Mail & Guardian's list of 200 Young South Africans. Her work is grounded in purpose, passion, and service, driven by the belief that true leadership means creating space for others to thrive.
“And when you get to where you’re going, turn around and help her too, for there was a time, not so long ago, when she was you.”
22 Aug 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

IN CONVERSATION WITH MATTHEW PARKS

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) presented its submission on the 2026/27 Budget's Division of Revenue Bill to Parliament’s Select Committee: Appropriations. COSATU is extremely disappointed with the lackluster 2026/27 Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. Whilst appreciating that there are some important allocations that COSATU campaigned for in…
26 Mar 11 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH PAKES DIKGETSI

The public will no longer tolerate officers who allegedly protect criminals instead of citizens. We will continue to closely monitor this case and demand that every corrupt element still hiding within SAPS is exposed and removed without fear or favour
26 Mar 6 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH TSHIAMO MOSOMANE

March in South Africa is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality, dignity, and empowerment. While August is widely recognized as Women’s Month, March, globally associated with movements like International Women’s Day, continues to build momentum around amplifying women’s voices, celebrating their achievements, and addressing the challenges they…
26 Mar 15 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH MANDI FINE

South Africa’s story is not only one of crisis, but it is also a story of people working every day to make things better. Across the country, individuals, organisations, businesses and institutions are expanding access to services, strengthening communities and building solutions that advance dignity and human rights. These efforts…
26 Mar 12 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH KAYSIE

As the world marks World Bipolar Awareness Day (30 March 2026), the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is encouraging South Africans to challenge false beliefs about bipolar disorder. Many people still have the wrong information about this condition, which can lead to stigma, judgment, and fear. Because of this,…
26 Mar 11 min