L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards Celebrate a Decade of Empowering Women in STEM

Eight of South Africa’s most exceptional female scientists were honoured at the 7th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, recognising their groundbreaking research in fields ranging from cancer and clean energy to water purification and wildlife conservation.

Hosted by L’Oréal South Africa in partnership with UNESCO, the 2025 ceremony marked a decade of the programme’s impact, bringing the total number of women scientists supported to 50, representing an investment of approximately R5 million in advancing women’s roles in STEM.

“When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems,” said Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa. “These awards not only honour their achievements but ensure their voices continue to inspire long after the spotlight fades.”

Investing in Women, Investing in the Future

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, urged that recognition of women’s achievements in science must extend beyond Women’s Month.

“Our responsibility is to transform the raw potential of young women, especially from rural areas, into productive capacity in STEM,” said Dr Gina. “Empowering African women in science is essential for equitable growth and lasting innovation.”

Martiale Zebaze Kana, Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, reinforced this message, saying, “Science needs women — their perspectives, innovations, and leadership. When women thrive in science, they transform not only their fields but the future of our societies.”

Public-Private Partnership for Progress

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) partnership with L’Oréal South Africa was lauded as a model for impactful collaboration between government and the private sector.

“As a government, we are not here to fill gaps but to be catalysts for transformation,” Dr Gina added. “Our shared goal is to inspire future generations of women to pursue science and shape South Africa’s progress.”

2025 Awardees: Eight Women Shaping the Future of Science

Doctoral Researchers:

• Samantha Loggenberg (University of Pretoria) – Investigating South African medicinal plants to discover new anti-metastatic compounds for treating triple-negative breast cancer.
• Veronique De Jager (University of Cape Town) – Exploring immune responses to central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) to develop new treatments and diagnostic markers.
• Babalwa Yekelo (University of Cape Town) – Studying anticancer properties of the traditional medicinal plant Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia, used by Rastafarian healers, for HIV-associated lymphoma.
• Keletso Monareng (University of Limpopo) – Using machine learning to identify sodium-ion battery materials as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
• Rune van der Merwe (University of the Free State) – Researching how large herbivores adapt to shrinking ecosystems to improve wildlife conservation strategies.

Postdoctoral Researchers:

• Dr Nonhlakanipho Sangweni (South African Medical Research Council) – Exploring molecular hydrogen as a therapy to protect cancer patients’ hearts from chemotherapy-induced damage.
• Dr Bambesiwe May (Stellenbosch University) – Developing sustainable frameworks for managing mining waste that reduce environmental risks and recover valuable resources.
• Dr Riona Indhur (Durban University of Technology) – Using magnetic powders and photocatalytic systems to remove microplastics from drinking and wastewater, achieving 96% removal rates.

Empowering Women, Transforming the Continent

These scientists exemplify the transformative power of inclusive innovation. Their research addresses urgent African challenges — from healthcare and clean energy to conservation — proving that empowering women in STEM creates measurable, far-reaching impact.

By investing in women scientists, L’Oréal South Africa and UNESCO are not only advancing science but also building a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa.