{"id":38937,"date":"2026-07-08T10:28:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T10:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=38937"},"modified":"2026-07-08T10:29:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T10:29:51","slug":"vut-champions-women-shaping-the-future-of-science-and-innovation-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/vut-champions-women-shaping-the-future-of-science-and-innovation-2\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT champions women shaping the future of science and innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The Women in Dialogue at VUT brought together women leaders in science, innovation and entrepreneurship to inspire students ahead of the official launch of National Science Month.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

08 July 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Women leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students gathered at VUT’s Women in Dialogue event to celebrate and inspire the next generation of women driving science, innovation and leadership.<\/strong>
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The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted Women in Dialogue on 3 July 2026 at the Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng, bringing together women leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and students to celebrate the role of women in science and innovation ahead of the official launch of National Science Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held under the theme “Beyond Hidden Figures: To Global Impact for a Limitless Future,” the event encouraged women and young people to see themselves as leaders in science, entrepreneurship, research and social transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming delegates, Dr Grace Kanakana-Katumba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, emphasised that science should be accessible to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Science belongs to every community, every person, every entrepreneur, every educator and every citizen who seeks to improve lasting knowledge and innovation,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She highlighted the critical role science plays in improving healthcare, strengthening food security, developing sustainable energy solutions, modernising manufacturing and protecting the environment. She added that if science is truly for everyone, everyone should have an equal opportunity to participate in and lead innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dialogue sought to create a platform where women are recognised not only as participants in scientific discovery but also as leaders in research, entrepreneurship, policymaking and innovation. It reinforced the message that when women succeed in science, the benefits extend beyond laboratories into communities, inspiring future generations and creating opportunities for inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providing historical and societal context on the role of women in STEM, Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), the science engagement business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), challenged participants to move beyond recognition towards leadership and global influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on the importance of public engagement with science, she said building a scientifically literate society enables people to make informed decisions and inspires young women to pursue careers in science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“One of the reasons why we support this programme as part of National Science Month is so that all young ladies sitting here get to say, ‘Oh, so it is possible,'” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring four women whose diverse career journeys demonstrated the many pathways into science, innovation and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion explored leadership at the intersection of science, technology, the environment and creativity. Panellists included nuclear physicist Dr Pulane Molokwane, who reflected on breaking barriers in scientific research; farm owner and manager Mrs Andy Mampe, who shared her experiences in agriculture, entrepreneurship and sustainability; biotechnologist Dr Tara Walmsley, who spoke about research and emerging technologies; and creative researcher and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

photographer Professor Anneke de Klerk, who explored the relationship between science, art and human-centred innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their different professional backgrounds, the panellists shared a common message of resilience, perseverance and the importance of embracing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dialogue also encouraged students to think beyond traditional career paths and to see science as a field with limitless possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among those inspired was Ms Thwarelo Ndlovu, a third-year Analytical Chemistry student at VUT, who said the discussion challenged her to think differently about her future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What stood out most for me was realising that my academic journey can extend far beyond the boundaries of my current field of study. This motivated me to stop limiting my ideas and believe in possibilities I have not yet explored through research or experience,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aligned with the VUT Strategy 2033+, the Women in Dialogue formed part of the University’s commitment to advancing science, innovation and inclusive development. As National Science Month begins, the initiative reaffirmed VUT’s dedication to creating platforms that empower women, inspire future scientists and strengthen South Africa’s culture of scientific excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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