UWC scientist Prof. Priscilla Baker from Kuils River will be recognised with one of the country’s highest honours, as president Cyril Ramaphosa bestows national orders on 38 recipients at a ceremony in Pretoria on Tuesday 19 May.

Among the recipients are Springboks’ director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and the researchers who led South Africa’s Covid-19 response. Of the 33 South Africans to be honoured, 13 will be recognised posthumously.

Baker, an analytical chemistry scientist and acting deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), will receive the Order of Mapungubwe in bronze. The award recognises her outstanding contribution to scientific research and leadership in science and technology, particularly in the field of electro-analytical chemistry.

National orders are the highest awards the country, through its president, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals in recognition of excellence and exceptional contributions that benefit South Africa and the world.

Honour

Baker expressed deep gratitude when the award was announced ahead of the ceremony, saying the achievement belongs to everyone who has been part of her journey. “It’s a great honour for me to be the recipient [of this award], but I’m fully aware that I do not stand alone,” she said, acknowledging the role of her family and the diverse cultural and faith communities that have shaped her life.

“All of the people who have crossed my path in one way or another have been part of the making of a moment. I receive this award for all of us,” she added.

She thanked the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) for nominating her and reflected on the value of working together: “Individually we can’t go fast, but together we can go far, and we leave a legacy that counts.”

Growing up in Bellville South, Baker’s path to academic leadership was not without its obstacles. In the mid-1980s, her schooling was disrupted under the state of emergency.

Despite facing systemic discrimination that prevented her from pursuing an honours degree, she persevered. In 1990 she became the first woman of colour to graduate with a BSc in physical oceanography from the University of Cape Town.

Groundbreaking

Her research has since been groundbreaking. As co-director of the SensorLab research group at UWC alongside Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha, Baker is at the forefront of developing electrochemical sensors capable of detecting health biomarkers and environmental contaminants.

Her work includes the development of a biosensor for detecting uric acid in gout patients, technology that could revolutionise healthcare in underserved regions like rural Africa by enabling early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Baker’s growing list of accolades includes being appointed a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa in 2025, one of the country’s highest recognitions for scientific excellence. She was also named the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science laureate for Africa and the Arab States.

A National Research Foundation (NRF) B-rated scientist, she has served as the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chair for analytical systems and processes for priority and emerging contaminants (ASPPEC) since 2018.

UWC’s rector and vice-chancellor, Prof. Robert Balfour, was quick to congratulate her on the announcement: “This is a proud testimony to Prof. Baker’s contribution to our university, our country and global scholarship: we are UWC. Well done, Prof. Priscilla!”

Other recipients

Two scientists widely known for their roles during the Covid-19 pandemic will receive the Order of Mapungubwe in gold. Prof. Tulio de Oliveira led the team that discovered the Omicron variant, while Prof. Salim Abdool Karim is recognised for his leadership in public health and HIV/Aids and tuberculosis research.

The Springboks’ director of rugby Rassie Erasmus will receive the Order of Ikhamanga in gold for his inspirational leadership to repeated Rugby World Cup championships. Athlone-born jazz and gospel artist Jonathan Butler will receive the same order in silver for his contribution to music and the arts.

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