NRF Youth Month 2025: Nonkululeko Malomane

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 Nonkululeko Malomane is a Master’s student in Chemistry at the University of South Africa. She received funding from the NRF for her Honours studies, as well as support from NRF-SAASTA under the DSTI-National Youth Service Programme.

How did your journey start?

I was a top achiever in my high school, and my academic journey has been a transformative experience.

During my undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Venda, I faced challenges, including failing and repeating some subjects. As such, I did not complete my undergraduate degree in record time. However, I worked hard in my final year to qualify for Honours studies, and I graduated in 2020.

My academic journey took an exciting turn during my Honours program, where I achieved two distinctions, graduated in record time, and was the runner-up presenter for BSc Chemistry project presentations in 2020. This experience helped me recognise my potential in academia, and I pushed myself to excel further. After completing my Honours, I took a one-year break to raise a family while working as an assistant teacher.

I started my Master’s in Chemistry at the University of South Africa under the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS) in 2022. This is where I met a supervisor who is now like a mother to me, she helped so much in building my academic profile.

My current research focuses on synthesising and applying nanomaterials for water disinfection and biofilm removal. Things were not working at first in the lab, with experiments failing and some having to be repeated. Today, we have filed a UK patent; published five papers in prestigious journals, with two more soon to be submitted for publication; presented at different academic conferences; and received various awards and recognitions for this project.

Currently, I have submitted my MSc thesis and am waiting for results while I work as a volunteer teacher at Dayimani MST Academy.

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

I’m from a financially disadvantaged background, and without the help of NSFAS and NRF, my academic journey wouldn’t have been possible.

I received the NRF Honours General Scholarship in 2020, covering my living expenses and allowing me to dedicate myself to research. The NRF’s support has been instrumental in my academic success.

Participating in the FameLab competition sponsored by NRF-SAASTA earned me recognition within my institution and externally, with invitations to media interviews. In addition to this, I am currently working as a volunteer teacher and receiving a monthly stipend from NRF-SAASTA, in collaboration with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSTI-National Youth Service Programme). This programme has helped me to give back to my community and earn an income while waiting for my Master’s results.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My research focuses on developing innovative solutions for water treatment in resource-constrained environments, such as South Africa’s rural areas.

In these communities, water is often collected, transported, and stored in containers such as buckets and tanks, which can lead to contamination by microorganisms like bacteria. Long-term storage can result in the formation of biofilms, complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, deteriorating water quality and reducing the effectiveness of disinfectants.

Nanomaterials coupled with antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation offer a promising alternative to conventional disinfectants. When activated by light, these nanomaterials produce reactive oxygen species that are like tiny “bullets”. It attacks and kills microorganisms, preventing biofilm formation and removing existing biofilms. This technology has the potential to improve the quality of stored water, ensuring safe drinking water for communities in need.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research aims to positively impact communities by providing innovative solutions for water treatment, improving public health, and promoting sustainable development.

Addressing SDG 6, this research has the potential to address the issue of waterborne diseases, especially for the less advantaged. By developing nanomaterials that can prevent biofilm formation and remove existing biofilms, the research contributes to the NRF’s mission to advance knowledge and drive innovation for a better future. This aligns with the NRF’s objective to contribute to national development by supporting research and innovation

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

I stay motivated by continuously connecting with successful individuals in my field, following their work, and learning from their experiences.

My number one motivator is my supervisor, who provides valuable guidance and mentorship, instilling in me the spirit of trying and pushing beyond my limits.

Moreover, I take advantage of opportunities, staying positive and motivated by my successes. I maintain my enthusiasm and drive by surrounding myself with supportive people who push me to become the best version of myself and by staying focused on my goals. When challenges arrive, I always remind myself how much I have achieved academically—this is where I get my strength to push on.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

One of my proudest achievements was receiving the DSTI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowship in the Master’s category, recognising my excellence in research, at the South African Women in Science Awards in 2024. This recognition opened doors for me, allowing me to connect with influential people in South Africa. I was also excited to be featured on SABC news, the Sunday World newspaper, Metro FM, Ligwalagwala FM, and UNISA radio.

Another proud achievement was when I was selected to participate in the Babson Build Entrepreneurship Programme in the USA, as part of UNISA’s student exchange programme, for two weeks.

Being announced as the winner of the FameLab UNISA regional heat science competition was also a proud moment and making it all the way to the national finals was an unforgettable experience.

Additionally, I was proud to be selected for the Earthshot Prize Youth Programme, where I met and interacted with Prince William of Wales in Cape Town and had the opportunity to learn from global leaders and innovators. These experiences have not only recognised my achievements but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence.

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