Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha

Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha’s research aims to find alternative ways to improve biofuels and crop production through biological and nanotechnology techniques, focusing on non-edible biomass for fuel energy production while considering waste to develop fertilisers for a complete circular economy approach. Her research contributes to the United Nation’s sustainable development goals of Affordable & Clean Energy and Zero Hunger.

She completed her PhD in chemical engineering at North-West University. She is now a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa in the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, where she leads the Waste to Energy Research Platform.

To date, she has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and co-published one book, entitled The Marginal Soils of Africa. She is an early career editorial board member for Biomass & Bioenergy and serves as a non-executive board member for the South African National Energy Association (SANEA).

Her research work has been supported by the NRF Thuthuka Grant. She has garnered considerable recognitions including the DSTI’s South African Women in Science Award (SAWISA) in 2024; the 2019 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award; and named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 2023 Top 200 Young South Africans in the technology and innovation category.