Department of Chemical Engineering Lecturer Dr Moses Basitere was floating on cloud nine after being inaugurated as one of ten new members of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).

“I really feel excited that I was chosen as one of the 10 young South Africans to join SAYAS and also that my hard work and dedication to research and community engagement is being recognised on a national platform,” Basitere said.

SAYAS members are young scientists below the age of 40, who have PhDs and are deemed excellent in their fields of expertise. These includes pure and applied sciences, humanities, social sciences and the arts. It was launched in October 2011 and provides a national platform where leading young scientists can access international networking and career development opportunities. 

The luminous Basitere said: “I am grateful for my postgraduate supervisors who laid a good foundation and passion for meaningful research…I also think that the two research niche areas (Treatment of industrial wastewater and Engineering education, which focused on improving teaching and learning) has also contributed to my nomination as both this research niche area contributed to society and student development. 

“Personally coming from a village of Lufule in Venda, Limpopo, this achievement can motivate someone coming from the same background that they can achieve anything through hard work and dedication, it also means that it doesn’t matter where you come from and the struggle you have faced, one can always reach their dreams through hard work and determination.”

The ambitious lecturer aspires to become an associate professor at CPUT and hopefully to join the Academy of Science of South Africa(ASSAF) in the near future.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering Extended Curriculum Program, Dr Moses Basitere, together with Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi from the University of the Western Cape delivered over 200 copies of study guides in two schools in Khayelitsha.

The duo’s objective is to equip township pupils with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics skills through on-site training. They distributed the materials for Grade 11 and 12 learners at Joe Slovo Engineering High School and Luhlaza High School. Basitere, who is also a member of the South African Young Academy of Science, says one of their mandates as a working committee is “Feeding the pipeline and communicate the importance of science to our community”. 

His working group, “Feeding the pipeline”, mainly focuses on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the communities. Their mandate this year was to conduct roadshows to promote STEM, Tutor mathematics, and Physics to high schools from previously disadvantaged background.

“However, due to Covid-19 [pandemic], we were unable to do roadshows, and a new strategy to seek a donation for study materials was developed after the request was done by the two schools. So delivering study materials and motivating the student during the current exams was the main priority for South African Young Academy of Science in partnership with AmaQhawe ngeMfundo and the University of the Western Cape,” Basitere reveals.

When he visited the leaners, Basitere encouraged them to have dreams and told them that they need to protect their dreams and cultivate them by working very hard.  Basitere also hinted that there might be obstacles on the way, but one must remain focused.  “If one doesn’t make it, you need to find the strength within you to rise and fight to protect your dream.”  He advised the learners that they must never allow the environment where they were born to dictate their future. Basitere urged them to remain focused on fulfilling their dreams.

Basitere explains that the Luhlaza High School had requested assistance with Mathematics and Physical Science so that they can have Saturday classes in Khayelitsha. Mainly it will be Grade 12 learners from Luhlaza High School, however, neighbouring schools will also be allowed to attend.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Distinguished Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Mahabubur Chowdhury has been inducted into the esteemed South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).

SAYAS which was established in 2011, inducts 10 young (younger than 40 years) vibrant researchers who have made a significant mark in their field every year. These members form part of various working groups such as policy making, science communication etc. After five years of service, members become alumni and are replaced by newly elected members.

“This is a stamp of approval on the quality of the research that I have produced so far. This nomination will strive me to do better science and quality science” Chowdhury enthused. SAYAS received 31 nominations from the whole country and only 10 get inducted this year. The process is rigorous.

“Your research impact on the field and your overall contribution to the field are assessed by independent assessors. Only the top 10 candidates get inducted.”

Chowdhury said the Department of Chemical Engineering is filled with excellent academics and that there are only two SAYAS members from CPUT to the “best of my knowledge and both of them are from Chemical Engineering”. “It’s a great testament to the institution, that this institution is nurturing future leaders in their field,” he continued.

“Any prestigious staff achievement is the institution's achievement, as no staff exists without the institution.”

Chowdhury added: “It's very important to do good science. One of my fears is harming science by doing science. Hence, it's very important that the quality of science we scientists do must be of the highest quality.” His aspiration is to “do good science that improves the quality of science we have”.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Dr Ncediwe Ndube-Tsolekile, is “very proud” to be part of the newly inaugurated 10 new members of the esteemed South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).

“To have my scientific and community work recognised nationally for me is truly an honour.”

Ndube-Tsolekile attributes her achievement to the years of consistent hard-work and just “giving my best to everything I do”. SAYAS is a scientific organisation that was launched by the Minister of Science and Technology in 2011. It’s the brainchild of the Academy of Science of South Africa.

SAYAS's objective is to have its members contribute towards solutions to challenges faced by societies both nationally and globally. SAYAS represents the voices of young scientists in South Africa and provides a platform for young scientists to influence policy decisions.

The requirements to be inducted include: members must be below the age of 40, hold a PhD, and be deemed excellent in their fields of expertise. They must have a track record of engagements in community development, capacity building, and mentoring activities.

SAYAS members are selected from across all 26 institutions of higher learning.

“Personally, it means I am doing something right somewhere that is being recognised within the scientific field and community. For CPUT, it reflects the calibre of academic staff within the institution. It highlights that CPUT academics are geared up to making meaningful contributions both within academia and communities at large.

“To have one of your staff members selected is something the University can be proud of.”

SAYAS members are expected to avail themselves in order to drive the goals of SAYAS which include the capacity building for scientific excellence, build strategic partnerships and policy influence, engage in community work and scientific communication.

The hard-working mother is very driven and ambitious. “But I fear God and I am a mother first above everything. So, I can say, I am a well-balanced academic.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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