Women’s Month: Focus on Prof Mapitsi Thantsha (Associate Professor and Chair of Microbiology Division in the(Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology)

Q: What has been the highlight of your career? 
A: There are many highlights in my career. Well, maybe that is because I am grateful for every accomplishment, no matter how small it seems.  If I had to choose three, the first would be to receive thank you messages and appreciation from my students.  These small messages confirm that I have contributed positively to students’ lives, which I intend to do through my interactions with them. Secondly, when I was nominated for a teaching and learning award. I received the nomination as a token of appreciation and an endorsement from the students.

Secondly, obtaining my second and improved NRF rating. This served as a confirmation of my research's importance, relevance and quality. Thirdly, obtaining the Fulbright scholar funding allowed me to spend an extended time outside South Africa and gain some international teaching, learning and research exposure and experience.

Q: What inspires you? 
A:  I am generally inspired by other people’s success. I am not competing with them; they are chasing their dreams, and I am chasing mine. However, when they get it right, I am motivated to run my own race, optimistic for a positive outcome.

When it comes to work, two things: Seeing the students I taught or supervised graduate, especially those who struggled, I encouraged them not to give up. As they walk across that stage, their vibrant faces and broad smiles give me the energy and courage to continue doing what I do. Also, after leaving my laboratory, my students get employment or succeed in new projects (e.g., furthering studies, starting a business, etc.). The message I get is, ‘Mapitsi, you did not train or teach them to become you nor dependent on you; you helped them to become the better versions of themselves, their independent selves’. 
Their success is my success. 

Q: What challenges have you experienced in your career?
A: The need to juggle personal (single mother) and work life. The expectations regarding outputs do not change just because you have a small baby; you are expected to consistently perform according to the set criteria.

Financial constraints, both for personal and work. It would be easier if one could afford to pay for help with some of the family/parenting responsibilities. In the publish-or-perish world of academia, the ever-dwindling research funding is frustrating and can be demoralising. As one advances, one is expected to build international networks and develop one's international profile. That isn't easy to obtain without funds. It is difficult to send an email and get a collaborator, but meeting people in person goes a long way towards building networks/collaborations. Pity that does not happen without funding.

Q: What message do you have for the women of South Africa?
A: There are opportunities but plenty of challenges in the field. Be courageous when starting, even if it is small. Stay your course, one step at a time. Those small steps count and will get you where you are heading. Don’t be too relaxed, but don’t be too hard on yourself; try to find a balance. Whatever you do, give it your best. Do not be afraid to make mistakes; mistakes are essential lessons and growth opportunities. You are a woman. Please don’t shy away; be proud, don’t feel inferior about it. You are a woman, a whole human! You can do anything you put your mind to.