UJ scientist is a National Geographic Explorer

Dr Tebogo Makhubela, a geologist, speleologist, and academic at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has joined an elite group honoured by the National Geographic Society.

He is one of only 15 recipients of the 2025 Wayfinder Award, which recognises global leaders in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling. Since its inception, only 250 people have received the prestigious award.

Makhubela described receiving the honour as surreal and emotionally overwhelming. “I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to get here. It’s very emotional, but I’m also really excited.” The award includes a grant that will support his research and open doors to valuable global connections.

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At 35, Makhubela reflects on his journey from Chiawelo in Soweto, where his love for geology began during a high school trip to the Sterkfontein Caves. Raised by a single mother who sold food at the Kliptown Taxi Rank, his academic path was shaped by the need to choose a career that could change his family’s life.

“I was torn between law and geology,” he said, “but my older brother, a policeman, strongly advised against law, but Geology was so unfamiliar. I ended up applying for engineering.”

His strong matric results earned him a bursary to study electrical engineering at UJ, but on registration day in 2009, fate intervened. Faced with a long queue for engineering, he walked over to the Faculty of Science to inquire about geology. “There was no queue at all. I sat with a faculty member who told me about a geology degree with a double major. I chose the first option I saw – Mathematics.”

Despite registering successfully, Tebogo lost his bursary and had to rely on NSFAS to fund his studies. He commuted from Soweto to the Auckland Park Kingsway campus using a train, walking 4km daily just between the station and the campus – plus another two once back in Soweto.

“Wednesdays and Thursdays were the hardest,” he recalled. “I had classes starting at 07:00 and finishing at 19:45. That time really tested me.” Thankfully, his bursary was reinstated in his second year – this time with accommodation included.

With the grant from the Wayfinder Award, Makhubela plans to fund crucial analyses for his research. A portion will also support the Master’s and PhD students he supervises, furthering the impact of his work.

Reflecting on his journey, he credits UJ for giving him the opportunity to pursue his passion. “UJ gave me the chance to start something new and grow it into something meaningful. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

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