27 August 2026
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Story Andre Damons
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Photo Supplied
Mushayathoni Bridget Nwovhe, a master’s student at the University of the Free State, received the DSTI-Prof Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowship. At the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).
Nwovhe, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Virology at the School of Pathology within the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences, was among seven master’s students awarded the DSTI–Prof Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Master’s Fellowship. Named after Prof Keolebogile Shirley Motaung, one of South Africa’s distinguished black women scientists, the fellowship recognises women pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees for excellence and research potential.
“Winning this award feels surreal. I am honoured, excited and grateful to have been recognised. More than anything, this award is a reminder that people who grew up like I did can become someone like me. For me, this journey is also about rewriting the story my grandmother was told she could not change, finishing what my mother started but could not complete, and making possible for my daughter what once seemed impossible for us.
“I hope my journey can also serve as encouragement to young people who come from backgrounds where becoming a scientist or researcher may seem like a distant possibility,” says Nwovhe.
For Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, this recognition demonstrates how postgraduate research can generate knowledge that addresses real-world health challenges and improves lives. “I am proud to celebrate Mushayathoni’s national recognition, which reflects the calibre of emerging researchers we are nurturing at the University of the Free State. Excellence in research begins with curiosity, resilience, and purpose. Her achievement embodies all three.”
Research Focus
Nwovhe’s academic path reflects a multidisciplinary commitment to science and knowledge creation, with research interests spanning microbiology, virology, haematology, infectious diseases, maternal and neonatal health, antimicrobial resistance and medical research.
In 2025, she achieved a rare academic milestone by graduating twice with postgraduate degrees, in Haematological Pathology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, and Microbiology at the University of South Africa. In the same year, she was recognised by Sunday World as a Woman in Science, Technology and Innovation.
Her UFS research focuses on viral infections and their relationship with disease severity, particularly cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV). The research for which she received the SAWiSA recognition was conducted at another institution. Her project investigated medicinal plants as potential alternative treatments against perinatally transmissible bacterial infections, focusing on their antibacterial and phytochemical properties and potential contribution to maternal and neonatal health while addressing antimicrobial resistance.
“Professionally, it is an important milestone in my career as a scientist and researcher. I hope to use the platform that comes with this recognition to encourage more women, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to see themselves as scientists, researchers and innovators who can make an impact.
“My hope is that my research will contribute to generating evidence that can improve disease prevention, diagnosis and management. More broadly, I hope my work contributes to research that addresses pressing health challenges in South Africa and beyond.”
More than science
Beyond science, Nwovhe is an author, changemaker and cultural contributor. She is the author of five books, including the children’s book Tsireledzo’s Grand Adventure: The Magic of Imagination, and a co-author of three more books. Her literary work has appeared in the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthologies and received recognition among collectors of African art in Nigeria.
Last year she attended a United Nations conference in Thailand, where she was awarded the title of Global Ambassador of Peace, and participated as a delegate at the Future Action Summit in Malaysia. Her earlier accolades include the 2023 Sunday World Unsung Hero Award, 2023 Sunday World Heroic Woman in Education, the South African Shining Star Award, and recognition through the Black Women in Sciences Fellowship Programme.
Her progression from graduating twice in 2025 to pursuing postgraduate research in virology at UFS reflects a sustained commitment to learning and using medical research and science to address health challenges affecting communities. Her story highlights the importance of creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to enter science, pursue research and contribute to the development of South Africa and beyond.
“Women in science are not only advancing discovery; they are helping shape a more inclusive and innovative future for South Africa and the world. At the UFS, we are committed to creating pathways for talented scholars from diverse backgrounds to thrive as researchers, innovators, and leaders. Research excellence is most powerful when it is connected to societal impact, and Mushayathoni Nwovhe's work speaks directly to that mission. From scientific inquiry to global engagement, this achievement reminds us that bold aspirations and dedicated scholarship can transform communities,” remarked Prof Reddy.