NRF Youth Month 2025: Duduzile Kubheka

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Ms Duduzile Kubheka is an NRF-SAAO Project Coordinator: BRICS Astronomy and an NRF-funded Master’s student in Science and Technology Studies (Science and Public Engagement) at Stellenbosch University. She is also an Outreach and Education Co-chair at the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

How did your journey start?

I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Pretoria, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology Management from MANCOSA. I’m currently in the final year of a Master’s program in Science and Technology Studies, specialising in Science and Public Engagement, at Stellenbosch University.

When I chose my undergraduate degree, I was quite uninformed. I had always excelled in Life Sciences at school, so I naturally gravitated toward a field that aligned with that strength. At the time, I dreamed of a career in biomedical research. However, during a short mentorship program in my final year of studies, I came to realise that the path I had envisioned didn’t quite resonate with who I am or what I truly wanted to spend my time doing.

My life’s trajectory then changed entirely when I joined the DSTI-National Youth Service Volunteer Programme at NRF-SAASTA. It was there that I discovered work that truly aligned with my identity and the kind of contribution I want to make to society.

Interestingly, I had always been curious about astronomy ever since my first visit to a planetarium as a child. Although I wasn’t exposed to the subject again for many years, that one experience stayed with me. In fact, it made such a lasting impression that I chose an astronomy module as an elective during my first year at university — something many found odd, given my Biotechnology major. But in hindsight, all the pieces fit together beautifully.

Today, I’m doing work that feels deeply aligned with who I am. Saying that I feel fulfilled would be an understatement — it’s a profound sense of purpose and joy that I never expected but am incredibly grateful for.

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

I owe my entire career to the NRF. My journey with the organisation began when I was placed at NRF-SAASTA through the DSTI National Youth Service Volunteer Programme. During this time, I worked on several science awareness projects, including science festivals and exhibitions, the Pragmatic Support Grant and intervention (PSGI), capacity-building workshops with science centres, as well as National Science Week.

It was through this placement that I was introduced to the EU Horizon 2020 projects and later joined the Responsible Research and Innovation Networked Globally (RRING) project team as a Project Administrator. In this role, I had the opportunity to work on an international project and engage with global stakeholders and researchers, which helped me develop valuable skills in international collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and research communication.

When my contract ended, I had a brief stint at the NRF’s head office (RIISA). Soon after, I received the opportunity to take up my current role at the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO). In many ways, I have grown up within this organisation, and I truly credit the NRF for shaping the professional I am today.

The NRF has played a central role in my development — not only through work opportunities, but also by supporting my studies. I am currently funded by the NRF through the employee Education Assistance Programme for my Master’s degree in Science and Technology Studies.

Throughout my journey, I have had the chance to grow both personally and professionally. I have built meaningful friendships and connections with individuals who have significantly impacted my life and continue to support me as I evolve in my career. The opportunities I have received through the NRF have allowed me to live out some of my wildest dreams—experiences that the young girl from the township of Soweto could never have imagined.

I am deeply grateful. As we say in Zulu, “izandla zidlula ikhanda”

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Science and Technology Studies through CREST at Stellenbosch University. My research focuses on science and public engagement, with a particular emphasis on astronomy outreach across the African continent. I am mapping the various outreach activities and professionals involved in this space, aiming to better understand the landscape, the challenges faced, and the successes of these programmes. Through this work, I hope to contribute to more coordinated, impactful, and inclusive science engagement efforts in Africa.

Professionally, I lead the BRICS Astronomy flagship project, BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN), working closely with the DSTI in coordinating activities across the BRICS nations. This involves engaging with ministries, policymakers, researchers, and other key stakeholders. A major part of my work includes leading the Societal Benefit activities of the programme, which involves initiatives such as hackathons, science communication training, and outreach and education programmes across BRICS countries.

In addition, I serve as the Co-Chair of the Outreach and Education Committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). In this role, I lead efforts to expand astronomy outreach across the African continent and shape the future of science communication and public engagement in astronomy.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research is driven by a strong belief in the power of science, particularly astronomy, as a tool for development, inspiration, and empowerment. At a time when astronomy is rapidly advancing across the globe, Africa has emerged as a significant player, hosting some of the most important and cutting-edge astronomical infrastructure of our time. This makes it crucial to ensure that our communities are not left behind in these developments.

Through my research, I aim to highlight the importance of human capital development, science outreach, education, and engagement initiatives — especially in underserved communities. I believe it is vital that African people are not only included in these scientific advancements but are also empowered to take ownership and lead within this “big science” space.

Fortunately, my academic research and professional work are closely aligned. Both are centred on advancing science and public engagement, fostering national and international collaboration, and promoting initiatives that deliver tangible societal benefits. I work closely with a range of stakeholders — from government departments to grassroots organisations—to help ensure that science contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.

Ultimately, I hope my research will help bridge the gap between science and society by informing better practices, policies, and partnerships in science engagement. My goal is to make scientific knowledge more accessible, inclusive, and impactful—and to contribute to building a future where science truly serves all communities.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

To be honest, I don’t always have it all figured out — and I have come to accept that and think it’s okay. Juggling work and school is quite a lot and can be overwhelming at times. I have learned to take life one day at a time and focus on doing what I can with what I have. There are days when I’m not entirely sure how I’m managing it all, but I keep moving forward with intention and care.

I try my best to stay organised, using tools like schedules and to-do lists to manage my academic and professional responsibilities. I also make it a priority to deliver work that is thoughtful and of high quality, even when the pressure is high.

What keeps me grounded is incorporating exercise and quiet time into my routine — those moments help me recharge and reflect. I am also incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive community of family, friends, colleagues and mentors who are always willing to step in when needed. Being in a healthy, encouraging work environment that values both personal and professional development has made all the difference. It reminds me that I don’t have to carry everything alone, and that growth is a shared journey.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date has been the work I’ve led as co-Chair of the Outreach and Education Committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), where we strive to expand public engagement with science across the African continent. A standout moment in this journey was leading and delivering one of the most extensive and complex education and outreach programmes ever implemented around the International Astronomical Union General Assembly (IAU-GA) in 2024.

Coordinating this programme was an immense undertaking that required not only dedication and leadership, but also the ability to build strong partnerships and engage strategically with a wide range of stakeholders. Over a two-week period, I led a team of passionate volunteers and astronomy ambassadors who collectively reached over 28 000 people. The programme included school visits by international conference delegates, national outreach activities involving students and astronomers, and direct engagement with both urban and rural communities across South Africa.

What made this initiative truly meaningful was our intentional focus on inclusion, diversity, representation, and transformation. We prioritised reaching underserved communities and ensuring that the programme reflected the diverse identities of those involved in science.

To have this work recognised on a national scale—and to be named a finalist for the prestigious NSTF Awards for 2025—was an incredibly humbling and affirming experience. It validated not only the impact of the work, but also the values that guided it.

This achievement reflects what I care most about: creating opportunities, building communities, and ensuring that science is accessible, inclusive, and representative of all people.

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