Altogether 30 female scientists and researchers making strides in their field of expertise were duly honoured at this year’s South African Women in Science Awards (Sawisa) ceremony.
These trailblazers received prestigious accolades at an event held in Bloemfontein on Thursday, 21 August.
Dr Nomalungelo Gina, deputy minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, honoured these women alongside the keynote speaker, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, deputy vice-chancellor of Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the Rhodes University and inaugural recipient of the Sawisa Doctoral Fellowship.
The event tied in with the annual Women’s Month, celebrating and honouring women for their achievements and showcasing their ability, as well as for being role models who inspire the next generation.
This year marked 20 years of recognising excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). The ceremony continued the department’s commitment to transformation, equity and inclusion in the national system of innovation.
The theme for this year is “Unpacking Stem Careers: Her Voice in Science.”
According to the department, the theme places emphasis on amplifying women’s voices in Stem, breaking stereotypes, creating inclusive spaces for innovation and leadership, and strengthening mentorship for career advancement.
Gina highlighted that the scope of the 30 recipients’ contribution was proven by the 2024 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators and Facing-the-Facts Reports, reflecting South Africa’s steady progress in advancing gender equity in science, technology and innovation.
“Women’s representation in scientific publications has grown from 32% in 2005 to 43% in 2021, with female authorship steadily increasing. In public higher education, women now make up 50% of enrolments in science, engineering, and technology fields; and they graduate at higher rates than men, with black women comprising 72% of that group,” confirmed Gina.
“Women also represent 52% of postgraduate students and 54% of graduates, although they remain a minority at the doctoral level. Women’s representation among research and development (RD) personnel has risen from 41% in 2006-’07 to 48% in 2019.”
Gina however lamented the fact that representation of black South African researchers remains disproportionately low, with 17% currently holding National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings.
Women account for 63% of enrolments and only 23% of artisans are women, in Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVET).
Gina has encouraged more women to tap into the field of science and research.
“South Africa now ranks among the top countries in the world when it comes to gender equity in science, engineering and technology (SET), thanks to the policies and programmes adopted since 1994, such as Sawisa and our postgraduate funding policy,” stated Gina.
“Over the past ten years, the department has been exceeding its annual target of having women as 55% of postgraduate students.”
The celebration surrounding Sawisa 2025 culminated in the launch of a commemorative book titled SAWISA: Where Are They Now during a live broadcast breakfast discussion on Friday.
The broadcast was the perfect platform for award recipients to share details of their journey and achievements, as well as to inspire public engagement with STI. The book profiles 40 alumni whose impact continues to inspire.
Gina participated alongside some of the trailblazers in the discussion aimed at empowering more women.
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