UKZN Post-Doctoral Researcher attends State of the Nation Address

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Post-doctoral researcher in the School of Chemistry and Physics (SCP) at UKZN Dr Nomfundo Mahlangeni attended the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town on the invitation of Parliament.

One person from each province who it was felt had made a significant impact on society was invited.

‘It was truly an honour to be invited as a prominent guest at the State of the Nation Address by the Speaker in the National Assembly, Ms B Mbete, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms T R Modise,’ said Mahlangeni.

Mahlangeni made headlines in 2017 when she received her PhD in Chemistry at the age of 28 after overcoming tremendous odds that included coming from a single-parent home of four children. Parliamentary representatives called Mahlangeni’s story inspirational, impacting positively on the lives of many South African women.

Mahlangeni developed a passion for chemistry during high school, and aimed to use knowledge gained in her tertiary studies to uplift her family. Despite finding the transition from high school to university a challenge, Mahlangeni did well and received her masters degree cum laude. She continued on to PhD level, and is now working as a post-doctoral researcher in the SCP examining plant-based nanomaterials and their application in antimicrobial and anticancer studies.

Mahlangeni said being able to speak about science to prominent officials was a privilege. She had also raised the issue of funding and how African contributions to Science have been considerable but lack further guidance to enhance and implement findings for the benefit of communities.

‘It was very encouraging to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa is prioritising job creation for unemployed youth, and improving of the position of Black women and communities in the economy,’ said Mahlangeni.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph supplied by Nomfundo Mahlangeni