NRF Youth Month 2025: Maphari Ignatius Machaka

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.

Mr Maphari Ignatius Machaka is a postgraduate diploma student in Science Communication at the University of Limpopo. He is funded by NRF-SAASTA under the DSTI’s PGDip SciComm programme.

How did your journey start?

Growing up in Limpopo, I was always fascinated by the power of media and storytelling, how a simple message could shift public opinion, educate communities, or preserve cultural identity. However, I did not initially envision myself as a scientist or a researcher. I saw myself more in the creative realm: a communicator, a storyteller. Over time, I began to notice a significant gap between scientific information and public understanding, particularly in rural and underserved communities like my own. That realisation guided my decision to study Media Studies at the University of Limpopo, where I graduated with a BA degree.

My academic curiosity was piqued when I realised how misinformation, especially during crises like COVID-19, could have life-altering consequences, and how digital platforms often made this worse due to algorithmic biases. This led me to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication, also at the University of Limpopo, where I am currently enrolled.

My studies are not just an academic pursuit; they are a mission to empower rural communities with accurate, relevant scientific information. I did not fully envision this path growing up, but in retrospect, it was always leading here: to a place where science, storytelling, and social justice intersect.

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

I am currently funded by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA). This support has been transformative, both academically and personally. It has allowed me to pursue my Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication without the financial stress that often forces many students to divide their attention between work and study.

The funding has enabled me to focus more deeply on my research into algorithmic bias and misinformation in digital science communication in Limpopo, and to engage in fieldwork and data collection that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Beyond financial relief, this support has affirmed the value and relevance of my research focus, giving me the motivation and resources to push forward in a field that is both underrepresented and critically important.

Being funded by NRF-SAASTA has not only advanced my academic development but has also boosted my confidence and ambition to pursue further postgraduate research and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s science communication landscape.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My current research focuses on algorithmic bias and the spread of misinformation in digital science communication, specifically within Limpopo. This project is deeply rooted in the intersection of digital media, marginalised communities, and science outreach. I am investigating how algorithm-driven platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp impact the way rural users access and interpret scientific information, particularly around issues of health, agriculture, and climate change.

I bring a unique mix of graphic design, photography, video storytelling, and social media analysis to my research, which allows me to document not just quantitative trends but also lived experiences. My work draws from theories of epistemic injustice, algorithmic transparency, data colonialism, and language suppression—all of which are especially relevant in a mobile-only, linguistically diverse region like Limpopo.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

The ultimate goal of my research is to bridge the gap between science and society in rural South Africa. Algorithmic biases often mean that communities in places like Limpopo receive either low-quality information or are excluded from important scientific conversations altogether. Misinformation, when left unchecked, can deepen health crises, spread pseudoscience, and undermine trust in scientific institutions.

By shedding light on how digital platforms distribute (or distort) scientific knowledge, I aim to inform better communication strategies, policy frameworks, and educational interventions. My work advocates for language inclusivity, algorithmic fairness, and participatory communication models. So, I hope to build a more informed, digitally literate society that can make decisions grounded in accurate and relevant science — ultimately, shaping a more just and equitable future.

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

Staying motivated as a young researcher in South Africa means anchoring your work in purpose. For me, that purpose is community empowerment through accurate science communication. I stay motivated by seeing the real-world impact of what I do, whether it’s a farmer understanding drought-resistant crops better because of a translated infographic I designed, or a teenager questioning misinformation they saw on TikTok because of a campaign I helped to develop.

I maintain balance through creative expression. Design, photography, and storytelling are not just academic tools for me; they are also sources of joy and resilience. I also rely on peer support networks, regular reflection, and physical wellness routines. Even on difficult days, I remind myself that my work is part of a larger struggle to democratise knowledge, and that keeps me going.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

One of my proudest achievements was designing and executing a provincial digital campaign on rabies awareness that reached thousands of people across Limpopo via social media. It combined my skills in graphic design, video editing, social media strategy, and community engagement. What made it even more meaningful was seeing people in remote areas respond, ask questions, and change their behaviour based on the campaign.

Academically, I am proud of being accepted into the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication programme while continuing to build a unique interdisciplinary portfolio. This has positioned me to speak not only to academics but also to policymakers, farmers, youth, and elders alike – something I consider a deep honour and responsibility.

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