His areas of specialisation are in Pharmacology and Pharmacology of Traditional Medicines, in Drug Discovery and Development, the formulation research of traditional medicinal products to proprietary finished final products. The research encompasses all value chains of new drug research, basic science research, discovery, development, pharmaceutical research to clinical trials.
The focus of his research work is on discovery and development of new drugs and medicines based on traditional and herbal African medicines. The research entails looking at the safety, efficacy and quality of traditional medicines for select diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, malaria and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.
A journey built on people
Despite the personal nature of the award, Prof Matsabisa is quick to point to the people who helped make his journey possible. He thanked the NRF for what he describes as a “very fitting recognition”, and which has supported him along the way, from their first research grant (R70 000 instead of R700 000 which he applied for, before granting him the full amount) and beyond. He also thanked the communities, knowledge holders and traditional health practitioners who placed their trust in him to work with their knowledge. Their contribution, he says, cannot be separated from the research. I thank all my staff, researchers and scientists who walked with through this forest of doubt and difficulty and support me course and scientific work without by fazed to be pseudo scientists.
He also expressed his gratitude to UFS management for supporting his work, particularly at times when there were doubts about the value of traditional medicine research. And then there is his family, whom he credits with providing the support that helped him continue his work and reminding him of the importance of what he does for society and the world.
“To all those that struggle, that are not seen nor recognised, please don't give up,” he says. He believes that people can overcome the odds by following three principles: persevere, believe in yourself and be yourself; deliver on your promises; and be a people's person.
For Prof Matsabisa, academic qualifications and achievements never change who he is as a person. He believes researchers must be able to move between worlds – to speak to academics at their level, but also to sit with people who are poor, vulnerable, suffering or homeless and engage with them with the same respect and humanity.
A message to emerging researchers
To emerging researchers, scientists and academics, Prof Matsabisa says: “Believe in yourself, stay positive, and do not be distracted by passing trends or the doubts of others. The most meaningful breakthroughs are often achieved by those who persevere when success seems distant. Progress is built through consistent efforts and an unwavering commitment to your purpose.
“As the Chinese proverb reminds us, ‘It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness,’ and the Latin saying ‘Constant dripping drops of water hollows out a stone’ teaches that small, steady actions can achieve extraordinary results over time. Keep moving forward, even when the odds seem against you. Perseverance, resilience and belief in your work will ultimately open doors that once seemed closed.”
Prof Reddy observed that the University of the Free State is proud to see African-led innovation and discovery receive global recognition through Prof Matsabisa’s work. “Prof Matsabisa exemplifies how research excellence can bridge modern science, community knowledge, and real-world health solutions. This award is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for African scholarship and knowledge advancement.”
Dr Zurika Murray, a researcher in Behavioural Genetics in the Department of Genetics, and Dr Cobus Van Breda, Programme Director of the Science-for-the-Future Unit and Manager of the Sci-Ed Science Education Centre, were also announced as winners in their respected categories. Dr Murray was the recipient of the prestigious Research Excellence Award for Next-Generation Researchers, while Dr Van Breda won the Societal Impact Award.
• Read more about Prof Matsabisa’s work here: