Postdoctoral researcher at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) Gugu Kubheka has been included on the 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list in the Energy category.

“I wasn’t sure whether being a finalist meant you were a winner or if the winners were still going to be announced at the gala dinner,” says the University of Pretoria (UP) affiliate. “So I had mixed emotions – I felt excited and proud of myself for becoming a finalist, but was also anticipating the results. I am humbled and honoured by the Mail & Guardian’s recognition.”

Kubheka joined UP from 2020 to 2022 as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Chemistry under the mentorship of Professor Patricia Forbes. Her research focused on developing novel analytical methods for environmental sensing and monitoring. She co-supervises and mentors PhD and MSc candidates at UP and Rhodes University, respectively.

As a postdoctoral research fellow in NECSA’s Research and Innovation Division, her job entails writing monthly reports of milestones achieved, which include identifying suitable material for solar panels using theoretical calculations, developing cost-effective methods to produce such material on an industrial scale, and completing all technology readiness levels as outlined by NECSA.

“It also entails publishing my research findings in peer-reviewed journal papers, and mentoring and co-supervising postgraduate students in collaboration with other institutions,” Kubheka explains.

Kubheka’s research focuses on the design and development of low-cost, energy efficient material to help lower clean energy costs at NECSA. In 2023, she was one of seven women out of 600 selected for the 2023 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Awards national programme, which funds the research projects of young female scientists.

“To quote the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Foundation: ‘The world needs science and science needs women,’” Kubheka says. “There has been an increase in the enrolment of women in the science space; however, they still represent only about 33.3% of researchers globally, because most women stop studying after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.

“The societal pressure for women to start and nurture families while pursuing a master’s or PhD degree is discouraging for most. To combat this, perhaps a better support system is crucial; this could take the form of extra finances for housekeeping expenses so that they can have enough time to conduct research without worrying about their extra responsibilities. Women who get beyond PhD level should play a role in motivating and mentoring other women to choose a career in science and progress towards the research space.”

Kubheka says that while government initiatives such as the South African Women in Science Awards and other organisations like the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Foundation, which recognise women’s excellence in this space, are doing a commendable job, there’s still a shortage of women in leadership positions. This, she adds, needs serious attention. Additionally, the work of women in leadership positions in the scientific space needs to be given the same, if not more, recognition than that of men.

Promoting women in science

The 35-year-old believes that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education should be promoted, and young girls in particular should be supported and motivated to pursue careers in this space. In addition, public schools ought to be resourced with adequate infrastructure, study materials and qualified educators to deliver science in an effective and inspiring manner with its potential contribution towards sustainable development well demonstrated.

“Over and above school engagement programmes, strategic marketing programmes should be initiated in conventional media and on social media to cover the lack of exposure of young women in STEM,” she says. “There’s a need to expand programmes such as the Mail & Guardian’s annual 200 Young South Africans to cover some of the exceptional youth in STEM education as part of efforts to recognise their excellence and commitment to education.”

Kubheka says opportunities in science lie in the ability of the next generation to convert their intellectual products into tangible products that can solve global challenges.

“This has been a notable obstacle for science in Africa and has prevented many opportunities. In pursuing science, we must focus on generating ideas to solve the challenges society faces. Advancements in science and technology are the backbone of most developed countries; therefore, encouraging young people to pursue a career in a STEM subject will significantly contribute to shaping the future of South Africa.”