10 South African Women in STEM Who Are Breaking Barriers
For South African students, parents, and career seekers, the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can feel both exciting and intimidating. Opportunities exist, but many young women still face barriers like lack of role models, funding challenges, or limited access to resources.
This guide highlights 10 remarkable South African women in STEM whose journeys prove that success is possible—and that the future of innovation is diverse and inclusive. Whether you’re a learner exploring career options or a professional seeking inspiration, these stories show what’s possible with determination, mentorship, and opportunity.
1. Dr Adriana Marais – Space Scientist and Aspiring Mars Explorer
What She Does:
Dr Marais is a quantum biologist and space scientist passionate about exploring how life can survive on other planets. She has worked on experiments designed for Mars and led the Proudly Human Off-World Project, which simulates living conditions for future space missions.
Personal Struggle:
She faced gender-based stereotypes in space science and limited support for women pursuing such careers in South Africa.
Solution:
Dr Marais sought global collaborations and established Proudly Human to inspire African youth, especially girls, to see space as an accessible field.
Key Advice: “Don’t let geographical or societal limitations hold you back. Find global collaborations and create spaces where you can be the voice for others, just like you.”
Dr Adriana Marais
2. Prof Tebello Nyokong – Award-Winning Chemist and Cancer Researcher
What She Does:
Prof Nyokong is a chemist and researcher developing photodynamic therapy, a treatment that uses light-sensitive drugs to target and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
Personal Struggle:
As one of the few black women in her field during apartheid, she faced isolation, discrimination, and difficulty obtaining research funding.
Solution:
She published impactful research, built global networks, and eventually became one of South Africa’s most celebrated scientists, winning the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science.
Key Advice: “Surround yourself with like-minded people who believe in your vision. Build strong networks and focus on showing the world the real impact of your research.”
Prof Tebello Nyokong
3. Baratang Miya – Champion for Women in Technology
What She Does:
Baratang Miya is a tech entrepreneur and founder of GirlHype, which teaches coding, web development, and mobile app creation to girls in underserved communities across South Africa.
Personal Struggle:
She struggled to secure resources and gain recognition in male-dominated tech spaces.
Solution:
By creating partnerships with tech companies and focusing on mentorship, she built a sustainable platform that has introduced thousands of girls to software engineering.
Key Advice: “Believe in your mission, even when the world doesn’t. Build a strong network of people who believe in the same cause and together, you can create change.”
Baratang Miya
4. Prof Zodwa Dlamini – Molecular Oncology and Cancer Research Advocate
What She Does:
Prof Zodwa Dlamini is a leading biochemist and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at Mangosuthu University of Technology. Her research in molecular oncology explores microRNA regulation in HIV‑related cancers. She has held executive roles in the South African Medical Research Council and serves on scientific advisory boards internationally.
Personal Struggle:
Early in her career, she transitioned from administration to science education and research, overcoming limited academic role models and infrastructure in rural KwaZulu‑Natal.
Solution:
Through persistence and international partnerships, she rose to leadership roles in oncology research and built pathways for others to follow.
Key Advice: “Science is a bridge—use your passion to connect communities, not just labs.”
Prof Zodwa Dlamini
5. Dr Thandeka Moyo – Engineer Driving Renewable Energy
What She Does:
Dr Moyo is an electrical engineer who works on renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power systems that supply electricity to off-grid South African communities.
Personal Struggle:
She faced institutional barriers and skepticism in a field dominated by men, especially when introducing renewable energy to rural areas.
Solution:
By forging partnerships with global researchers and engaging communities directly, she gained the trust and support needed to implement her projects.
Key Advice: “As a woman in engineering, you need to constantly prove your worth. But it’s not just about your technical skills; it’s about your ability to engage with communities and build lasting relationships.”
Dr Thandeka Moyo
6. Dr Buyiswa Sondezi – Africa’s First PhD in Experimental Physics
What She Does:
Dr Sondezi is a physicist who became the first woman in Africa to earn a PhD in experimental physics. Her research focuses on material science and understanding how different compounds behave under extreme conditions.
Personal Struggle:
She faced financial constraints and academic isolation in a field where few women pursued advanced studies.
Solution:
Through international mentorship and research funding, she overcame these hurdles and now teaches at the University of Johannesburg, mentoring young scientists.
Key Advice: “Seek support, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Your uniqueness is your strength, and the right opportunities will open up as you continue to push forward.”
Dr Buyiswa Sondezi
7. Dr Mmaki Jantjies – Digital Education Innovator
What She Does:
Dr Jantjies is a computer scientist who develops mobile learning platforms that work offline and incorporate African languages, making digital education more accessible to rural learners.
Personal Struggle:
She initially faced resistance from schools and policymakers who doubted the viability of mobile learning in areas with low connectivity.
Solution:
Her offline mobile tools proved successful, bridging education gaps in under-resourced areas. She is now Group Executive for Innovation at Telkom SA.
Key Advice: “Technology is a tool for change, but it’s important to make it accessible. Be flexible and responsive to the unique needs of your community.”
Dr Mmaki Jantjies
8. Prof Marietjie Venter – Virology Leader in Emerging Health Threats
What She Does:
Prof Marietjie Van Aardt Venter is a distinguished virologist at Wits University and chairs the WHO advisory body (SAGO) investigating emerging infectious diseases like COVID‑19. She leads the Centre for Viral Zoonoses and was awarded the NSTF prize for outstanding scientific output in South Africa.
Personal Struggle:
Entering virology during a period of limited national infrastructure, she overcame resource constraints and the stigma of tackling epidemic research while based in South Africa.
Solution:
By leading teams at National Institute for Communicable Diseases and global advisory groups, she built authority through high-impact research and collaboration.
Key Advice: “When global health calls, don’t wait for invitation—make your expertise indispensable.”
Prof Marietjie Venter
9. Prof Philiswa Nomngongo – Nanotechnology for Clean Water Innovation
What She Does:
Prof Philiswa Nomngongo holds the South African Research Chair in nanotechnology for water at the University of Johannesburg. Her pioneering work uses nanomaterials to detect and remove pollutants, improving water quality and public health across communities.
Personal Struggle:
Hailing from a resource-limited background, she faced gender and regional underrepresentation in high-tech fields like advanced chemistry and materials science.
Solution:
Nomngongo secured competitive research funding, collaborated globally, and became a trusted voice in designing affordable environmental solutions.
Key Advice: “Start small—make your community’s water safe, and scale from there.”
Prof Philiswa Nomngongo
10. Dr Nox Makunga – Plant Biotechnologist Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
What She Does:
Dr Makunga is a plant biotechnologist at Stellenbosch University who studies medicinal plants to find treatments for modern diseases while preserving indigenous knowledge systems.
Personal Struggle:
Her work combining traditional wisdom with modern science was initially undervalued by mainstream research communities.
Solution:
By collaborating with indigenous communities and validating traditional plant use with scientific research, she gained recognition and bridged the gap between heritage and innovation.
Key Advice: “Never underestimate the value of your heritage. The knowledge passed down through generations can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.”
Dr Nox Makunga
FAQs: How Can You Follow in Their Footsteps?
Below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding how to get started on a similar journey. Whether you’re still in high school or considering a career change, the path into STEM is open with the right support, education, and determination.
Which STEM fields are most in-demand in South Africa?
- Software development and AI
- Green energy and engineering
- Medical biotechnology and healthcare innovation
What funding options are available for women in STEM?
- NSFAS for undergraduate studies
- Department of Science and Innovation bursaries
- Private company sponsorships like Sasol and Telkom
Also check: 15 LinkedIn Post Ideas to Boost Your Personal Brand
These 10 South African women in STEM have turned obstacles into opportunities, proving that perseverance, mentorship, and innovation can change lives. Their achievements open doors for learners, graduates, and professionals who dream of building a career in science or technology.
If you’re considering a STEM path, start exploring bursaries, mentorship programmes, and online courses today. Your ideas could be South Africa’s next big breakthrough.
