Two University of Venda (UNIVEN) staff members have put the University on the map during the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) held in Durban on Friday, 08 September 2023. This momentous event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande.
UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Bernard Nthambeleni congratulated the two winners for making UNIVEN proud.
The two outstanding young women in Science Thendo and Rebecca were also honoured at home during the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards held at Sibasa 2Ten Hotel on Tuesday, 12 September 2023. They were recognised in the special category of Women in Science.
Ms Modjadji Rebecca Letsoalo, a 25-year-old Master of Science Student in Physics, brought back home the prestigious 2023 SAWISA Fellowships category as a Master of Science Student in Physics at the University of Venda. The awards recognise and reward excellence by women scientists and researchers, and profile them as role models for younger women, under the theme of Harnessing technological change and innovation to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
In a triumphant celebration of excellence and dedication to the world of science, Thendo Gertie Makhado, a 28-year-old PhD candidate at the University of Venda, claimed the prestigious DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowship Doctoral Award at the South African Women in Science Awards 2023. In a night filled with accolades, it was the University of Venda that stood tall as the sole historically disadvantaged institution represented at the ceremony in DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the University to foster talent and promote groundbreaking research.
On photo L-R: Prof Eucebious Lekalakala-Mokgele; Prof Bernard Nthambeleni; Thendo Makhado and Prof Nosisi Feza pose for a photo during the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards
Above photo: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (middle) poses for a photo with Thendo Makhado (left) and Rebecca Letsoalo
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 13 August 2023
