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25 August 2021 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Supplied
Emmie Chiyindiko is a scientist who is also interested in educational research.
Multi-award-winning science communicator, Emmie Chiyindiko, is a Chemistry PhD research student at the University of Free State (UFS), whose work has been featured in numerous media publications, including Forbes Science, News24, and the Sunday Times. When she isn’t hovering over experiments, Chiyindiko is also a part-time Mathematics lecturer at the Central University of Technology, and speaker and event facilitator of STEM community engagement programmes for organisations such as the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).

“The world is waiting for what YOU have to offer. Only your unique set of skills and view of the world can deliver it. You will find yourself in rooms with smart, highly qualified, and enigmatic people; remember, you deserve to be there.

Breathe, relax, and network. You will strive and succeed.” These are the words that Chiyindiko lives by and would instil in her 15-year-old self.

Where it all started

“My mother is the wisest and most intelligent woman I know, but she never made it into formal high school education.” Chiyindiko went on to explain that boys took precedence over girls in her family’s education budget. Her grandfather’s only expectation of his daughters was for them to be able to read and write a letter; thereafter, he would take them out of school.

Inspired by her mother, who despite the odds stacked up against her, became as successful as one possibly could after being denied the opportunity to continue with school because of her gender, Chiyindiko is determined to climb as high as she can to dominate, inspire, and lead in science. 

Challenges faced by women in the 21st century 

According to Chiyindiko, many of the new emerging science and technology breakthroughs that resulted in the manufacture of various products we use daily, have been developed with input from women – even though they make up less than 30% of the world’s researchers. “Adding diversity to STEM occupations results in increased creativity and innovation, fuelled by different perspectives,” she noted. Furthermore, the restrictive modern hiring processes that require women to disclose information about their personal lives, including plans to have children, increase hiring bias, making it difficult for women to be considered for high-level occupations to make valuable and inclusive contributions to society – which needs to be addressed, explained Chiyindiko.

“Every woman is a woman of impact in the never-ending quest to become our best selves. When you’re faced with life’s daily choices, choose leadership, and remember that no one can do it alone,” is what she believes makes her a woman of quality, impact, and care. At the core of that, Chiyindiko believes that her willingness to speak her truth and be heard, even if her message may not neatly align with the status quo or form part of a popular opinion, is why she would encourage other women to live from the well of their authentic selves.

News Archive

SRC Consultation desk
2015-04-20

In an era where woman are consistently escalating up the echelons of power, this universal phenomenon is also making waves on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State. As different citizens would recognise First lady Michelle Obama, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nations Ambassador Angelina Jolie, so it is also with Student Representative Council Secretary General, Dineo Motaung. She is among a handful of ladies within the student leadership who cherish her responsibilities diligently for the interests of human beings.

The SRC Consultation Desk is an official space created by the office of the Secretary General, aimed at being of service to students alongside the students’ academic pursuit. Inspired by Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am what I am because of who we are’ comes the task of cultivating and nurturing the essence of who we are, through constructive and honest dialogue between students and the university staff. It is by talking to one another that we will establish an environment that permeates our uniqueness and pollinates our consciousness with awareness that would cause us to act in unison in propagating the vision of the university.

Toward this end, the Secretary General has commissioned two SRC members to various stations every Monday and Wednesday, to interact with both students and staff. Please find the schedule reflected below. It is hoped that through this engagement, problems will not simply be identified, but that practical and feasible solutions will be offered.

“Through the SRC Consultation Desk I hope to see the manifestation and spirit of Ubuntu on campus by the time my term ends. With all that said, I am available for any concerns,” said Motaung.

Monday 20 April 2015, 12:00-13:00

SRC Accessibility and Student Support: Louzanne Coetzee

Station: Thakaneng Bridge

Wednesday 23 April 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Media, Marketing & Laison: Lethabo Maebana

Station: New Computer Labs (Entrance door)

Wednesday 29 April 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Student Development and Environmental Affairs: Victor Ngubeni

Station: Sasol Library (Opposite Deli)

Monday 4 May 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Secretary General Dineo Motaung

Station: Amphitheatre             

Wednesday 6 May 2015

SRC Student Media: Masingi Sam

Station: Sasol Library (close to Deli)

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