Dedicated researcher clinches Science Oscars award

Born into a family that depends on smallholder farming for their livelihood, Prof Bongani Ncube embodies a spirit of curiosity and gratitude. She feels honoured and privileged - not only for herself but for everyone she collaborates with and for the disadvantaged communities that give meaning to her work - after being named the winner of the NSTF - South 32 - Water Research Commission (WRC) Award recently.

Reacting to the announcement, Ncube says: “I must say I was surprised, but I already had a remote inkling that we submitted a good document. The compilation needed a lot of time and focus, which I did not have because it was during the National Research Foundation (NRF) reporting period. It took evenings of writing and rewriting to ensure the story was solid. My great appreciation goes to Prof [Veruscha] Fester, who nominated me and assisted me after hours to ensure the document was in an accessible language.”

In her congratulatory message, Prof Marshall Sheldon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, says this achievement is a testament to Ncube’s unwavering dedication, innovative research, and impactful contributions to the field of water and sanitation. “She continues to elevate the reputation of CPUT on both national and international platforms, and we are immensely proud to celebrate this milestone with you.”

Sheldon adds that the NSTF and WRC recognition honours Ncube’s research focused on improving access to water and sanitation across South Africa’s disadvantaged communities and her pursuit for sustainable solutions.

“May this award be one of many more to come.”

Ncube was born in Kezi village, Matobo District, Zimbabwe. Since March 2025, she has been a full professor at CPUT. She earned a BSc in Agriculture Honours in Soil Science from the University of Zimbabwe and worked in the public sector from 1995 to 1998. After an MSc in Water Resources Engineering and Management, she worked at ICRISAT in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She obtained a PhD in Production Ecology and Resource Conservation from Wageningen University and joined WaterNet in 2007, overseeing the Limpopo Basin Challenge Programme until 2009. After moving to the United Kingdom and working for non-profits, she relocated to South Africa in 2013. Since April 2022, she has led the SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation, focusing on water security and governance.

Her father was a shopkeeper for a white family for most of his life, and her mother was a housewife. Ncube was born after five boys, but they were all raised equally in terms of family chores and access to education. “I can say I was empowered and made aware of the importance of education from a very young age, and my curiosity shaped me into who I am today. There was also a lot of prayer and leaning on God, instilled mainly by our mother.”

While growing up, Ncube, who is naturally curious, read extensively - newspapers, books, and, with the advent of the internet, a plethora of information, especially related to science debates. Her work is in the dynamic water sector, which requires her to stay updated. She believes she is a hard worker and acknowledges the many individuals who have supported her career journey, including her family, primary school teachers, high school teachers, university lecturers, and supervisors during her postgraduate studies and work experience. Her most significant mentors have been her mother and one of her sisters-in-law, who taught her about unconditional love and the importance of choosing forgiveness, even in challenging circumstances, which has shaped her approach to life.

“Our work has gained recognition both within CPUT and on national and international levels. Since the inception of the Research Chair, we have established active collaborations in Sweden, France, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom, along with various national partnerships. I have personally received research awards from CPUT and the Water Research Commission, and I have been featured in books, on radio stations, and in news publications. Last year, the NRF asked me to contribute to the commemoration of World Water Day.”

She operates in male-dominated fields and growing up in competitive and sometimes toxic environments has taught her the importance of letting her work speak for itself. Prejudice and bias have posed significant challenges, with some individuals choosing to let her struggle instead of offering assistance. Since 2021, Ncube has faced life-threatening health challenges that have made “fulfilling my work obligations very difficult at times”.

The functional introvert can be stone silent, but you may not recognise her when she is in the zone with the farmers and communities. Students have also taught her to talk. Teaching first years was one of her most enjoyable moments. To those who want to follow in her footsteps, there are no footsteps, she says. “There have been a lot of detours, some of which shocked me. But out of all these, knowing your history and allowing it to shape you into a better person is essential. My values are honesty and integrity. We need to build relationships based on trust.”

Ncube states: “Your background does not determine who you become in life. It’s about how you reflect on your past and use its positive aspects to shape your future.”

Ncube, who plays music, plants vegetables and flowers, reads, and takes walks to relax, says the importance of having strong beliefs, especially when seeking answers. “Life isn’t a straight path; sometimes, you must embrace the winding journey.”

During her PhD, she often took her son to fieldwork, finding it a privilege to be with him rather than worrying. She encourages using family support and emphasises the need for play and rest, noting it can be costly not to take time for oneself.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za