Alumnus Features Among Mail&Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans 2023

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Dr Zondi Nate, who graduated from UKZN in 2021 with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, is featured on the prestigious Mail&Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans list for 2023 in the Education category. He is currently a Chemistry lecturer and researcher at the Vaal University of Technology.

Inspired by Professor Rajshekhar Kapoormath, academic leader of Research in the School of Health Sciences, Nate joined UKZN’s Nanotechnology platform in 2018. Through funding made possible by the College of Health Sciences and the National Research Foundation, he registered for his doctoral degree.

‘Professor Karpoormath is an excellent leader, scholar, and researcher with high integrity and good work ethic. He is a champion of transformation who is committed to the research and development of the next generation of scholars. As a leader of the Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, he reaches out to most of his students after they complete their studies for joint collaborations. He is an embodiment of the saying, “we rise by lifting others”,’ said Nate.

The 29-year-old who is passionate about teaching and chemistry research, believes that science can be used to solve most daily challenges. During his time at UKZN, he presented his work at national and international conferences, published research articles, reviewed articles, contributed to book chapters and co-supervised two students who were registered for a Master of Medical Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Since 2016, Nate has helped high school learners from disadvantaged schools with facilities for chemistry and physics experiments. He is also a mentor and a judge at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.

Talking about his future plans, he said, ‘I aim to open a laboratory that will focus on developing diagnostic tools for tropical diseases. It will also teach chemistry, nanotechnology and research methodology to young people and assist learners from disadvantaged communities with science practicals.’

Karpoormath was ecstatic to receive the news of Nate’s accolade. He said, ‘I am so proud of my former student, Dr Zondi Nate and this national recognition he’s received. During his time in our lab, he was appointed as a graduate assistant for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and published widely. He is passionate about pharmaceutical chemistry and I wish him the very best in all his future endeavours. Hearty congratulations Dr Nate.’

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied