NRF 25 years: Dr Mapula Razwinani

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It always gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and hope you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF. 

Dr Mapula Razwinani is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Technology Transfer and Innovation at Durban University of Technology. She has received postdoctoral as well as Doctoral funding from the NRF.

How did your journey start?

My study/career journey began with a deep-seated inspiration from my mother’s work as a traditional healer in Venda, Limpopo. Her influence and the impact of her treatments on our community during the HIV epidemic drove me to seek a cure for prevalent diseases. This led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science at the University of Venda, a decision also influenced by the university’s proximity to my home and its relevance to my field of interest.

Furthering my commitment to healthcare, I advanced my studies at the Tshwane University of Technology, where I completed my Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Biomedical Technology. The progression through these academic stages was a reflection of my interest in and dedication to the medical field and my desire to contribute significantly to healthcare.

In my current role, I have successfully filed patents in South Africa and Europe and developed a prototype for a natural anti-inflammatory gel product. My research bridges traditional healing methods with scientific research, leading to advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

My journey has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions, culminating in my contribution to the global stage of scientific research and healthcare advancement.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My engagement with the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been a transformative journey, marked by substantial funding and opportunities that have profoundly shaped my academic and professional path.

The Fellowships provided by the NRF have been a foundational support, offering the financial resources necessary for my research endeavours which, in turn, have nurtured my career growth and skill development. The NRF Scarce Skills Postgraduate Full-time Scholarship for my Doctoral studies was not merely financial assistance; it was a recognition of my potential and a driving force for my research career.

The support from the NRF enabled me to venture into previously unexplored areas within my field, which have led to pioneering discoveries and meaningful contributions to the knowledge base. My achievements include filing patents in South Africa and Europe for a plant-based medicinal composition, with registered national patent number 2017/08330 and European patent number 1883680.3 – 112, and the creation of a natural anti-inflammatory gel, La-Africa Soother, which addresses muscle and joint pain directly at the source.

The DSTI-NRF Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship was a significant milestone, providing not only financial backing but also an acknowledgement of my research acumen, propelling me into independent research.

The impact of the NRF’s support has been wide-ranging. It has allowed me to focus on my doctoral studies without the burden of financial worries, which was crucial for my academic success and career progression. This support has also enabled me to pursue advanced education and make impactful contributions to my field.

Beyond my achievements, the NRF’s support has positively influenced my family, my university, and the students I have supervised. It has allowed me to provide enhanced guidance and extend the benefits of this support to a broader community. The mentorship and exposure opportunities from the NRF have enabled me to inspire and guide numerous students, encouraging them to advance their education and research pursuits.      

What is your area of expertise?

I am currently engaged in pioneering research that centres on the creation and evaluation of hydrocolloid dressings, which are innovatively sourced from therapeutic plants.

My research is primarily directed at understanding their influence on the healing process of wounds in both cellular and molecular dimensions, with a special emphasis on treating burns. The goal is to significantly improve the recovery of burn wounds by hastening the healing process and enhancing the quality of scar tissue repair, utilising in vitro methodologies.

My specialised field encompasses stem cell research, tissue engineering for bone and cartilage regeneration through phytomedicine, as well as broader disciplines of regenerative medicine and molecular biology.

Why is your work/studies important?

1. Economic impact: It heralds a new era in pharmaceuticals, offering significant cost efficiencies during the nascent stages of product development. Moreover, it’s poised to open job prospects for South African graduates, particularly aiming to bolster the role of women in scientific disciplines.
2. Social impact: By highlighting the critical nature of burn injuries, my research endeavours to educate the public, which could result in a reduction of both the occurrence of these injuries and the number of related deaths.

Additionally, by translating and disseminating my findings in indigenous languages through national radio broadcasts, I aim to make my research accessible to a broader audience, fostering community engagement and understanding.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

I had the honour of representing South Africa at the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum in 2023 where the focus was on shaping the future of education and skill development.

I was awarded the Outstanding Female Postdoctoral Fellow in the Gold Category at the inaugural DUT ENVISION2030 Dialogue Series Workshop, coinciding with the inauguration of the Women in STEAMI – DUT Chapter.

In October 2023, I was the proud recipient of the L’Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science South Africa National Young Talent Award. My research on developing a plant-based solution for burn wound care has been featured in interviews by prominent media outlets such as News 24, iafrica.com, Woman of Impact, Cape Talk, the Polymer Science Podcast, Power FM, 702 FM, and Phalaphala FM.

I was the fortunate recipient of the TATA Africa PhD Scholarship at the 2018 South African Women in Science Awards, thanks to the support of the Department of Science and Innovation.

At the SATN International Conference 2018, I clinched the award for the best elevator business pitch, and at the 5th FIRM Conference in Spain, I won the best business plan.

My presentation skills were recognised when I won the Institutional FameLabSA in 2017 at the Tshwane University of Technology.

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