Ms Mpho Mbele is a Master’s student and part-time lecturer in the Department of Information Technology at Welkom Campus. Mpho made CUT proud at the Women in Science Awards (WISA) when she walked away with Tata Fellowship Programme and Special Award from the Department of Science and Technology for her outstanding academic research abilities on Indigenous Knowledge. 

 

Her research was based on integrating local with scientific knowledge regarding environmental pollution caused by mine waste in Lejweleputswa district. She won herself a sponsorship from TATA to advance her studies further in research, acquire more knowledge and publish papers on her work. “I am very delighted to see my work being acknowledged. When my name was called, it felt like a dream. I was over the moon and felt really blessed and honored to be recognized by such amazing leadership.  For this year, I intend buying all the relevant equipment that will allow me to advance my research and the remaining money will go towards my tuition fees next year.” 

 

Ms Mbele’s secret recipe to success is simple- dedication, passion, and hard work. Her message to the young women who wants to follow her example is to keep their eyes on the ball and trust in God to bless their hard work and wishes. “It does not matter where you come from; I am just an ordinary girl from Welkom but I knew that the extra hours and efforts that I put in my work with bear me fruits.” Ms Mbele was also featured in Mail & Guardian, the New Age, City Press, SABC 2, and Soweto TV. 

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1: An elated Mpho Mbele with Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor at the WISA Ceremony. 

2: The 2016 WISA winners enjoy a moment together. Featured image: Mpho at the WISA event with Leanne Manas, South African TV presenter.