Central SA
Women in science honoured: 2025 Sawisa Awards ceremony in Bloem─── 11:16 Thu, 21 Aug 2025

The department of science, technology and innovation (DSTI) will mark Women’s Month on Thursday afternoon (21/8) with the prestigious South African Women in Science Awards (Sawisa) at the Windmill Conference Centre in Bloemfontein.
Since its inception in 2003, Sawisa has recognised and celebrated the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem). The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader Women’s Month programme and aims to transform the research and scientific landscape by highlighting exceptional women researchers who serve as role models for the next generation.
The 2025 awards will be held under the theme “Unpacking Stem careers: Her voice in science”, which aligns with global efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in Stem.
Dr Maphuti Madiga. Photo: LinkedIn
The theme underscores the importance of amplifying women’s voices in scientific disciplines, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive spaces for leadership.
This year, 30 outstanding finalists have been selected across four categories, said the department. This includes distinguished women researchers, distinguished young women researchers, doctoral fellows, and Master’s fellows.
Many of the finalists are working in critical areas such as public health, inclusive innovation, and the circular economy.
Nurturing emerging talent
Dr Maphuti Madiga, deputy director of the emerging researchers programme at DSTI, will address attendees on the significance of the awards and the department’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Sawisa continues to inspire young women and girls to pursue careers in science, and remains a cornerstone of DSTI’s strategy to build a more equitable and dynamic research environment, said the department.
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