L’Oréal South Africa, in partnership with Unesco, celebrated exceptional women in science at the 7th L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Awards held on October 9 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.

The 2025 ceremony honoured eight outstanding female researchers whose work tackles some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, including cancer, infectious diseases, clean water, renewable energy, and wildlife conservation.

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Serge Sacre, the CEO of L’Oréal South Africa, said, “With this year’s eight remarkable awardees, the programme celebrates a total of 50 female scientists, a significant milestone reflecting an investment of approximately R5m.”

He noted that supporting women in Stem (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), was more than a moral duty; it was a strategic move for South Africa’s future.

“When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems. These awards not only honour their achievements but ensure their voices and research continue to inspire long after the spotlight moves on.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Dr Nomalungelo Gina, called for women’s achievements to be recognised throughout the year, not just in August.

“Our responsibility is to transform the raw potential of many young women from rural areas into productive capacity in the Stem profession. We need to empower African women in Stem, ensuring their inclusion drives equitable growth and scientific excellence.”

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Unesco head of science for the Southern Africa regional office, Martiale Zebaze Kana, echoed the sentiment.

“Science needs women, their perspectives, innovations, and their leadership. They are proof that when women are allowed to thrive in science, they change not only their fields of research but the future of our societies,” he said.

Gina also praised the partnership between the DSTI and L’Oréal South Africa as an example of how effective public-private collaboration could create lasting impact.

“As a government, we are here not as gap fillers but catalysts for transformation, congratulating the 2025 winners and encouraging young girls to aspire toward scientific excellence,” Gina said.

This year’s honorees include researchers who have pioneered breakthroughs in cancer treatment, TB diagnosis, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. Their work demonstrates the transformative power of science driven by women, research that reaches beyond laboratories to strengthen communities and shape a more sustainable future for Africa.

L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Awardees

• Samantha Loggenberg – University of Pretoria (Doctoral): Researching South African medicinal plants to find new compounds that fight triple-negative breast cancer.
• Veronique de Jager – University of Cape Town (Doctoral): Exploring immune responses to central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) to improve treatment and diagnosis.
• Babalwa Yekelo – University of Cape Town (Doctoral): Studying the anticancer potential of Dodonaea viscosa, a traditional medicinal plant used by Rastafarian healers.
• Dr Nonhlakanipho Sangweni – South African Medical Research Council (Postdoctoral): Investigating molecular hydrogen therapy to protect cancer patients’ hearts from chemotherapy damage.
• Dr Bambesiwe May – Stellenbosch University (Postdoctoral): Developing sustainable ways to manage mining waste while recovering valuable minerals.
• Dr Riona Indhur – Durban University of Technology (Postdoctoral): Using magnetic powders and photocatalytic systems to remove microplastics from drinking water.
• Keletso Monareng – University of Limpopo (Doctoral): Applying machine learning to design sodium-ion batteries as affordable, eco-friendly energy alternatives.
• Rune van der Merwe – University of the Free State (Doctoral): Studying large herbivores’ survival in shrinking habitats to inform future conservation strategies.

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