Nomvuyo Nomadolo
Achievements Selected for the UJ Poetry Academy and named inaugural champion of the CALS & SLS Public Interest Law Moot, serving additionally as Constitutional Court Clerk, student coordinator, assessor and organising committee member Represented the University of Johannesburg in multiple moots, including the Philip C Jessup and All-Africa Human Rights competitions, and selected for the ENS Employment Law Moot Three-time winner of the UJ All Residence Concert (2020, 2022, 2023); finalist in the Mx UJ Pageant and featured in Transformers Magazine Held leadership roles including Social, Culture and Welfare Officer, recognised for advancing diversity and inclusion, and contributed to student housing and transformation initiatives. Served as a legal intern at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), working within the Right to Protest, Business and Human Rights, and Democracy and Homelands units. Presented the UJ Law Clinic in its first international collaboration with the University of Gdańsk, and featured twice on UJTV In Conversation, now an ongoing media series developed through this work. Graduate of the UJ Young Leaders Development Programme, YALI Civic Leadership, and EPIC Leadership Training with Professor Thuli Madonsela; currently serves as a Foundation ambassador and volunteer. Certified social justice trainer by Stellenbosch University, with membership in both the Social Justice Educators and Equality Law Educators Association; invited to the Expert Symposium on Social Justice. Other roles include accredited election observer, panellist on UJ’s 30 Years of Democracy Public Lecture, participant in a health and wellbeing roundtable, PR/Marketing Officer for the award-winning Sivuyile Mentorship Academy, and research lead for Teens with Vision. Appointed as candidate attorney by the Northern Cape Office of the Premier, with a focus on mentoring scholar- activists and sustaining institutional legacies – including UJTV programming and inclusive leadership frameworks. Elevated the Public Interest Law Moot through strategic partnerships, securing top legal professionals as final-round assessors. Contributed to national dialogue and policy through ongoing engagements with the Thuli Madonsela Foundation and Centre for Social Justice, influencing decision-making at executive government level. Mentors I am honoured to have worked closely with Professor Madonsela, Professor Madlingozi and Ms Natasha Naidoo. They have greatly impacted my continuous learning and career. As my former bosses and workplace mentors, they have helped me build confidence and etiquette in the tools I use today to fight for justice in the world. I aspire to produce work and leadership of their calibre one day. They have also recommended me as a future legal eagle, which I find extraordinary, because their support has come with resources to help me achieve my goals. I am also most grateful to my mother, whom I witnessed modelling great personality and professionalism during her working years.
“START BEFORE YOU FEEL READY, AND STAY CONSISTENT EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD. GROWTH DOESN’T WAIT FOR PERFECTION – IT REWARDS THOSE WHO BEGIN AND KEEP SHOWING UP”
Profile
One of six siblings, Nomvuyo Nomadolo was brought up by her mother – an unemployed stroke survivor – who anchored the family with strength. It was in this environment that Nomadolo’s academic brilliance emerged, catching the attention of teachers who became early advocates for her future. Nomvuyo, 34, found her calling in science, becoming a leading researcher in the bioplastics and biocomposites group at the CSIR. Her work focuses on developing biodegradable materials to address South Africa’s plastic crisis, where only 14% of 2.4 million tonnes of plastic waste is recycled. From testing tensile strength to simulating biodegradation in land and marine environments, her research bridges lab precision with real-world relevance. Nomvuyo co-led the development of Africa’s first ISO- accredited biodegradation testing standard and was part of the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award-winning team in 2023. She mentors emerging scientists and champions STEM access in underserved communities, especially in Moruleng. A chemistry PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg, she believes science should serve both people and the planet. Qualifications PhD Chemistry, University of Johannesburg Achievements Presented at five international conferences and received two best oral presentation awards in recognition of research excellence Awarded both the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Thuthuka Grant to support PhD studies beginning in 2025 Contributed to a team honoured with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (Unep) Champions of the Earth Award in 2023
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