students and secured multiple fellowships, including the UMAPS Fellowship from the University of Michigan and the NRF Scarce Skills Postdoctoral Fellowship. She was also a recipient of the SACI–Sasol Postdoctoral Medal and co- inventor of a patent for a “Wireless Electrobipolar Reactor”. Representing South Africa at international platforms like the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Chemistry Meeting and the Brics Young Scientists Forum has sharpened her science communication and reinforced her commitment to collaboration. Qualifications MSc Nanoscience (Distinctions), University of Johannesburg Achievements Completed PhD in Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape in four years despite COVID-19 disruptions, lab closures and the cancellation of a research exchange to the University of Valladolid, Spain. Awarded the South African Chemical Institute (SACI)–Sasol Postdoctoral Medal (2023) for being the best PhD Chemistry student at the University of the Western Cape. Provisional acceptance of patent titled Wireless Electrobipolar Reactor (2023/11732) by the South African Patent Journal. Co-authored 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and co- supervised students to completion, contributing to research impact and mentorship. Secured multiple prestigious fellowships, including: South African National Research Foundation (NRF) Scarce Skills Postdoctoral Fellowship (2025) -Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation (DSI/NRF) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023) -University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Fellowship (2026) -Irish Research Council New Foundations Scheme Fellowship (2022) – Erasmus+ Programme Fellowship at the Universidad de Valladolid (2020) Represented South Africa at notable international scientific platforms, including: 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Chemistry Meeting (2025) – 3rd Commonwealth Chemistry Congress (2025) – Winner of Best Flash Talk and Poster Presentation – 9th BRICS Young Scientists Forum Fellowship (2024) – 15th HOPE Meeting with Nobel Laureates (2024) Awarded the NRF Knowledge Interchange & Collaboration (KIC) Travel Grant (2024) to attend the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) Conference in Montreal, Canada. Obtained BSc, BSc Honours and MSc degrees with an average above 80%, demonstrating consistent academic excellence and commitment to high performance. Mentors I have several people whom I admire and who have shaped me into the person I am today. Firstly, my aunt, who became a mother to me and my brother after losing our own. She was already single-handedly raising her own three kids when she took us in. Although she was getting paid less than the current minimum wage, she made sure we never went to bed hungry and that we always had bus tickets and lunch money to go to school. She is a true Mbokodo! In my academic journey, I am fortunate to have had supportive teachers and lecturers who believe in my potential and have moulded me. One person who has been very influential in my career is my PhD supervisor, Prof Emmanuel Iwuoha. His leadership skills have demonstrated the power of innovation, empathy and uplifting women scientists in driving meaningful changes.
He has always encouraged me to strive for excellence and provided constructive insight and feedback that helped shape me into the researcher I am. His mentorship has helped me step out of my comfort zone, embrace new challenges, seize opportunities and develop a strategic mindset. His unwavering belief in my potential has fuelled my determination for success and to be a catalyst for change and contribute meaningfully to my field and community. Prof Iwuoha is deeply committed to empowering young South African women scientists – many of whom, under his mentorship, have gone on to lead in their fields. I can only hope to follow in his footsteps and be that kind of mentor for the next generation of researchers. Another source of inspiration for me is Prof Usisipho Feleni. Her incredible work ethic and accomplishments at a young age have motivated me to aim higher and believe that similar success is within my reach.
Lethula Mofokeng
“THE STRUGGLE YOU’RE IN TODAY IS DEVELOPING THE STRENGTH YOU NEED FOR TOMORROW. DON’T GIVE UP” – ROBERT TEW
Profile Lethula Mofokeng, 34, is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, leading work in developing chemical solutions to remove toxic pollutants, including heavy metals and organic contaminants, from the environment. Lethula’s research contributes to addressing South Africa’s water and sustainability problems. Alongside his academic role, he serves as a part-time technical adviser at the National Research Foundation (NRF), providing expert guidance on water and agriculture research initiatives and support- ing collaboration between government, academia and industry stakeholders. Holding a PhD in chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand and a master’s in nanoscience from the University of Johannesburg, Mofokeng’s expertise spans scientific research, innovation management and
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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