Brakpan’s brightest shines on global chemistry stage

From the classrooms of Brakpan High School to the global stage, Brakpan North resident Cyril Selepe has done his hometown exceptionally proud after he was selected as one of only seven South African delegates to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting dedicated to Chemistry in Germany.

The prestigious gathering was held from June 29 to July 4 at Lake Constance in Lindau, allowing Cyril the opportunity to engage meaningfully with Nobel Laureates and fellow young scientists from around the world, showcasing both his scientific curiosity and leadership capabilities.

The 31-year-old was also one of only 18 young scientists globally and the sole representative from Africa, invited to participate in the Baden-Württemberg Post-Meeting on Circular Chemistry from July 5 to 11. This exclusive event, which followed the Lindau meeting, included visits to leading research institutions across Germany.

Cyril returned home on July 12. He is a final-year PhD candidate in chemistry, registered at the University of Johannesburg, and fully collaborating with the Biotherapeutics Formulation and Delivery Platform and the Biomanufacturing Technology Demonstration Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He is a student of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI)-CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC).

The Brakpan High School alumni is based at the CSIR.

“My research focuses on the development of polymer-based biotherapeutics with enhanced stability. This work sits at the intersection of chemistry, nanomedicine, and biotechnology, aiming to improve the stability and delivery of therapeutic proteins for diseases such as breast cancer,” he said.

Cyril was inspired by his older brother Gustav to pursue a career in chemistry.

“Growing up, he was one of my biggest inspirations, especially when it came to academics. I vividly remember watching him study physical sciences from Grade 10 to Grade 12, often buried in textbooks and surrounded by stacks of past exam papers.

“At the time, I didn’t fully understand the concepts he was learning, but I was curious. The subject, divided into physics and chemistry, fascinated me even from a distance.

“What caught my attention the most were the chemistry topics. I would sometimes sneak a look at his question papers and see strange but intriguing structures.

“These organic compounds looked like puzzles to me, and I wanted to understand how they worked. During my time at Brakpan High School, my Grade 11 and 12 physical sciences teacher, Mr Murewi, played a significant role in inspiring my decision to pursue chemistry as a career.

“The way he taught us, breaking down complex concepts with clarity and patience, made the subject not only understandable but exciting,” he said.

Cyril is particularly passionate about applying chemistry to solve real-world challenges, especially in the areas of healthcare and sustainable energy.

“Overall, my passion lies in using chemistry not just as a science, but as a tool for innovation, impact, and empowerment to drive sustainable solutions in Africa and beyond,” he said.

When asked about his mentors or role models in science, Cyril told the Brakpan Herald he was fortunate to have strong role models who guided and supported him through some of the most important years of his life and helped shape his academic journey.

“One of the first people I looked up to was Sdumo Nathaniel Munene. When my older brother left home to study, there was a noticeable gap both emotionally and academically. It was during this period that Sdumo stepped in. More than just a friend, Sdumo became like an older brother to me.

“His presence gave me stability, encouragement, and a strong example to follow during those crucial years. As I progressed to Grade 11 and 12, my academic demands grew more intense, and that’s when another important figure entered my life, Thulani Munene, Sdumo’s brother. He took the time to tutor me, patiently explaining difficult concepts and helping me build the confidence I needed to succeed.

“Mathematics was one of the subjects I struggled with, but under Thulani’s mentorship, I started to see improvement.

“They both played pivotal roles in my development. Their influence remains a meaningful part of my story, and I carry their impact with me in everything I pursue today.”

Cyril will never forget the moment he found out he had been selected to represent SA at the meeting.

“It was early in the morning, around 01:00, and I couldn’t sleep. I remembered that we were expecting feedback on our applications by mid-March, and something told me to check. Out of curiosity, I logged into my NAPERS (Nomination, Application, Profile, Evaluation and Registration System) account on my phone.

“As the page loaded, I saw the words “Accepted as YR” on the screen. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I immediately jumped out of bed and opened my laptop to confirm it on a bigger screen. And there it was again, clear as day,” he explained.

“For a moment, I just froze. Then, the emotions hit me. Tears filled my eyes as I stood there, overwhelmed with gratitude. I whispered a heartfelt prayer and thanked God for making this incredible opportunity possible for me.”

Being selected was more than just an academic milestone for Cyril. It was a dream realised, a reward for years of hard work, and a powerful reminder of his progress.

“It’s a deeply emotional milestone that reflects the long journey I’ve travelled from high school curiosity to advanced research in chemistry,” he said.

“Coming from a background where opportunities like this often feel out of reach, being chosen to represent South Africa at such a prestigious global gathering is a powerful reminder that hard work, faith, and perseverance do open doors. It reaffirms my belief in the value of mentorship, resilience, and staying true to one’s purpose.

“Professionally, this opportunity is transformative. Engaging with Nobel Laureates and some of the brightest young scientists from around the world expanded my perspective beyond the lab, and it inspired me to think more critically about the global impact of my research.

“It also offered a platform to build international collaborations, strengthen my science communication skills, and gain insights into how leading scientists think, innovate, and lead.

“Most importantly, it fuelled my passion for using chemistry to solve challenges that matter, especially in health and energy, both locally and across the global south.

He describes the atmosphere of the meeting as electric, inspiring, open, and intellectually charged.

“From the very first day, you could feel a deep sense of purpose and shared curiosity among everyone in the room. It was humbling to be surrounded by some of the world’s brightest young scientists and Nobel Laureates, all gathered not just to share their research but to engage in meaningful dialogue about science, society, and the future,” he said.

“What stood out to me the most was the accessibility of the Nobel Laureates. Despite their groundbreaking achievements, they spoke with humility and honesty, sharing not just their successes but also their failures, uncertainties, and the personal stories behind their discoveries. It reminded me that science is not a straight path, it’s a journey full of learning, persistence, and resilience.”

Another powerful aspect was the diversity of perspectives, and Cyril enjoyed conversations with peers from every continent, each bringing a unique cultural and scientific lens.

Cyril was also excited to meet several Nobel Laureates, particularly Prof Frances Arnold, whose work has deeply inspired his own research. Arnold was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her pioneering work on the directed evolution of enzymes.

For Cyril, one of the most valuable aspects of the meeting was the opportunity to connect with brilliant young scientists from all over the world, people who are not only deeply passionate about their research but also driven by a desire to make a real difference in society.

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“Overall, the experience was eye-opening, empowering, and inspiring. It has given me a greater sense of global connection and a renewed commitment to using science to solve problems not just locally, but globally,” he said.

“Travelling as part of the South African delegation was an incredible honour, one that filled me with deep pride and a sense of responsibility

“Being among a group of young scientists chosen to represent our country on such a global stage was truly humbling. It reminded me that our stories, our research, and our potential matter, not just to South Africa but to the global scientific community.

It wasn’t all jus work, however, and Cyril found time to explore Lindau and other areas. It was the first time he has travelled abroad.

“It was truly one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience. Lindau itself is a beautiful island town on Lake Constance, with stunning views, peaceful streets, and a calm, inspiring atmosphere,” he said.

“What I enjoyed the most, though, was the journey we took as part of the Baden-Württemberg Post Meeting Programme on Circular Chemistry.

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“After leaving Lindau, we travelled as a group, starting with a boat trip from Mainau Island, which was magical in itself. From there, we visited places like Friedrichshafen, the University of Konstanz, Ulm University, and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.”

A stand-out moment for Cyril during the trip, where he felt especially proud to be South African, was during one of the discussion sessions at the meeting, where young scientists from different countries were sharing the challenges and opportunities in their home regions.

“When it was my turn to speak, I spoke about the innovative science emerging from South Africa, the resilience of our researchers despite limited resources, and how we are using chemistry and technology to tackle real issues like healthcare inequality and the energy crisis,” he said.

“The room listened intently, and afterward, several participants approached me to say how inspiring it was to hear about science coming from Africa, not just as a story of struggle, but as one of leadership and vision.”

Another proud moment was when he saw the South African flag proudly displayed on his name badge and during group photos.

“It was more than just a symbol, it reminded me that I was not only there for myself, but also for my community, my mentors, and every young student back home who dares to dream big,” he said.

Outside of his work in chemistry, Cyril has a strong passion for sports, especially soccer and pro-wrestling.

“When I’m looking to relax, I like to watch a variety of TV series across different genres, as well as action movies. These help me take a break from the demands of research and keep my mind fresh,” he said.

If Cyril could solve one global challenge through chemistry, it would be developing affordable, sustainable, and accessible healthcare solutions, particularly focusing on the stability and delivery of life-saving medicines.

“Many critical medicines, especially biotherapeutics like protein-based drugs used in cancer treatment, face significant challenges in terms of stability and storage,” he said.

“Through chemistry, I believe we can create delivery systems that protect these medicines from degradation, extend their shelf life, and enable targeted delivery.

“Chemistry, as the central science, offers powerful tools to transform medicine and healthcare delivery. Solving this would not only save lives but also empower communities and reduce healthcare inequalities on a global scale.”

As for advise to other young scientists hoping to follow a similar path, and especially those from Brakpan, Cyril encourages them to believe in their potential.

“Coming from a small town or under-resourced school doesn’t define your limits, it defines your strength. I know what it feels like to dream big in an environment where opportunities seem far away. But with hard work, resilience, and the right mentors, it’s possible to achieve more than you imagined,” he said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, to reach out to people doing what you aspire to do. Find mentors who believe in you, and when you succeed, become that mentor for someone else. Your background is not a barrier, it’s your foundation. Use it to fuel your passion and commitment to make a difference.

“Also, take your studies seriously, especially in subjects like mathematics and physical sciences. These are keys that can unlock doors to scholarships, global platforms, and cutting-edge research. I know because I’ve walked that path and I’m still walking it.

“Stay curious, stay consistent, and always remember, your journey matters. Whether you’re working in a school lab or dreaming about Nobel Laureates from your bedroom in Brakpan, your future is being built one step at a time.”