“VUT’s Yanne Ble wins FameLab SA Heat with clean water research.”
29 August 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
Yanne Ble, a Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry student at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and originally from the Ivory Coast, shone at the in-house FameLab SA Heat hosted by VUT in partnership with Jive Media Africa. In a compelling three-minute talk on 3D-printed membranes for clean water filtration, Ms Ble captivated judges and viewers alike, addressing one of the world’s most urgent challenges: access to safe and affordable water.
When her name was announced as the winner, Ms Ble recalled: “I was completely shocked. Hearing my name announced as the winner felt amazing and surreal.”
FameLab challenges contestants to explain complex ideas in just minutes. Ms Ble prepared by applying lessons from the training and keeping her message vivid and accessible: “I wanted my talk to feel alive, so I used a prop that represented what I am working towards: clean water. Holding it made the message more real for me and the audience. I also chose simple, clear words so even someone new to membrane technology could follow. Most importantly, I shared the bigger picture: how my work could help solve a global challenge and how different life could be if everyone had access to safe, clean water.”
Her research combines 3D printing and membrane science to design improved solutions for water treatment. By strengthening membranes through interfacial polymerisation, the goal is to make them last longer, perform better, and remain affordable, critical factors for communities still dependent on unsafe water sources. “Our work is about creating sustainable solutions, so safe drinking water is not a privilege but a right for everyone,” she said.
The FameLab journey also reinforced Ms Ble’s passion for taking science beyond the laboratory: “Science communication connects our work to the people it is meant to benefit. It can raise awareness, inspire change, and show how science improves daily life.”
The VUT heat, held online via Zoom, earned Ms Ble top honours and a place in the FameLab SA national semi-finals, scheduled for Pretoria on 18 September 2025. There, she will compete with students and emerging researchers from universities and science councils across South Africa. With this achievement, she proudly represents both VUT and South Africa on the road to the global FameLab finals at CERN in Switzerland later this year.
Her message to fellow young scientists is uplifting and straightforward: “Every challenge is also an opportunity. If we stay curious and committed, we can turn ideas into solutions that bring real change to our communities and beyond.”
According to Dr Makae Bambo, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the VUT Department of Natural Sciences, the FameLab South Africa VUT heat was a resounding success, showcasing the passion and brilliance of 25 postgraduate students who rose to the challenge of making science accessible and engaging. He expressed gratitude to Jive Media Africa for coordinating the event, and to Dr Nozipho Gumbi-Madzivha from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Mr Robert Inglis from Jive Media, for their outstanding facilitation and training. He also acknowledged the esteemed panel of VUT judges, Ms Amara Kamene, Dr Hendrick Langa, and Dr Lonwabo Ngodwana, for lending their expertise and guidance.
Dr Bambo further highlighted the significance of Ms Ble’s achievement: “This competition demonstrates the exceptional talent and resilience of our young scientists. Yanne’s success shows how research at VUT is not only about advancing knowledge, but also about solving real-world challenges that impact communities. We are confident that her journey will inspire other students to embrace science communication as a powerful tool for change.”
Extending his congratulations, Dr Bambo praised Ms Yanne Ble as the overall winner, applauded the excellent performances of runners-up Ms Ezinne Uchechi and Ms Mokubung Boitumelo, and commended all participants for their courage, creativity, and commitment to communicating science with clarity and impact.