NRF Youth Month 2025: Sithembile Kunene

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 Sithembile Kunene is a PhD student in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Pretoria. She received funding from the NRF for her PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

My journey in plant science has been a story of curiosity, persistence, and a deep love for Nature. Growing up in Nquthu, a rural area surrounded by diverse plants, I became fascinated why some plants flourished while others were affected by different diseases. This early intrigue sparked my passion for understanding plant life.

I began my academic journey at the University of Zululand, where I studied BSc in Agronomy, gaining a strong foundation in plant physiology, production, protection, and breeding. This knowledge became a stepping stone to my Master’s degree in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where I focused on evaluating Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) accessions for drought tolerance across various growth stages using agro-morphological and physiological traits. This experience taught me that resilience is a quality of both the plants and those who study them.

Motivated to explore plant science further, I pursued a PhD in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Pretoria. My doctoral research is groundbreaking, being the first to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from pine species (Pinus spp.). These EVs are tiny molecular carriers capable of transferring bioactive compounds that can enhance plant health. I use Fusarium circinatum, a major fungal pathogen of pine, to explore how these vesicles boost disease resistance.

This journey has recently taken an exciting turn as I have been nominated for the Fulbright Scholarship 2025 – 2026 and will be joining the University of California as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar this August, where I will continue to advance my research skills.

From a curious child in Nquthu to a researcher pioneering innovative plant biotechnology strategies, my journey is a story of discovery, persistence, and a commitment to science.

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

My relationship with the NRF has been both impactful and transformative in shaping my academic and professional journey. I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship under the DSTI-NRF Doctoral Innovation program, which has been supporting my PhD research in Plant Biotechnology. This scholarship not only provided financial support but also affirmed my dedication to advancing research in plant science, particularly in the area of extracellular vesicles and their role in plant health and disease resistance.

In addition to this scholarship, I was selected to attend the NRF Next Generation and Emerging Researchers Symposium in 2024. This opportunity allowed me to engage with fellow young researchers from diverse fields, exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and learning from the experiences of others. It expanded my professional network and provided me with invaluable insights into the broader research community.

These opportunities have had a profound impact on both my career and personal growth. The support from the NRF has enabled me to focus on groundbreaking research without financial constraints, while the symposium provided me with a platform to share my work and build connections that will be crucial for my future endeavours. Through these experiences, I’ve gained confidence in my research.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My current research focuses on the characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the genus Pinus, marking the first study to successfully isolate EVs from pine species. EVs are tiny, membrane-bound particles recently recognised as functional molecular carriers, capable of transporting bioactive compounds between cells. This emerging field has gained significant interest due to the potential applications of EVs in various biological systems. My area of expertise lies in plant-microbe interactions, plant stress physiology, and drought tolerance, honed through rigorous academic research and practical applications.

In my study, I specifically investigate EVs from four South African pine species (P. patula, P. radiata, P. elliottii, and P. hybrids). My primary objective is to explore the ability of these vesicles to transfer plant-beneficial compounds, including anti-virulence proteins, secondary metabolites, and nucleic acids, to target cells. By identifying and characterising these bioactive compounds within the lumen of Pinus EVs, I aim to uncover their role in mediating interactions between pine species and their environment.

To assess the functional impact of these EVs, I use Fusarium circinatum, a significant fungal pathogen of pine, as a model organism. This approach allows me to evaluate how EVs can potentially inhibit fungal growth or enhance disease resistance in pine species. My research not only provides insights into the complex interactions between plants and pathogens but also highlights the potential of EVs as innovative tools for enhancing disease resistance and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research is contributing to a better future by advancing sustainable forestry practices and enhancing plant resilience against diseases. By focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Pinus species, I aim to uncover natural, eco-friendly strategies for improving plant health. Specifically, my work addresses the challenge of fungal diseases, which pose a significant threat to pine trees, particularly in nursery and plantation settings.

The primary problem my research tackles is the vulnerability of pine species to Fusarium circinatum, a devastating fungal pathogen that can lead to severe losses in forestry. Through my work, I explore how EVs can naturally transfer bioactive, plant-beneficial compounds such as antivirulence proteins, secondary metabolites, and nucleic acids that may inhibit fungal growth and strengthen plant defence mechanisms.

By understanding the molecular interactions between pine EVs and fungal pathogens, my research opens the door to innovative, sustainable solutions for disease management. This could lead to the development of EV-based biocontrol strategies, reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides and promoting environmentally friendly forestry practices.

Ultimately, my work aims to protect valuable pine resources, ensure the sustainability of forest ecosystems, and inspire similar EV-based approaches in other crops, contributing to global food security and environmental conservation.

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

Staying motivated and balanced as a young researcher requires a combination of passion, purpose, and effective time management. To maintain balance, I set clear goals for my research while ensuring that I prioritise self-care. I break down complex tasks into manageable steps, which makes progress feel achievable. Regularly connecting with mentors and fellow researchers also helps me stay inspired, providing fresh perspectives and valuable support.

Additionally, I make time for activities outside of academia, such as spending time with friends, engaging in my hobbies, and practising mindfulness. These moments of rest and reflection are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievements to date include being nominated for the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which will allow me to join the University of California in the USA as a Fulbright visiting scholar. This recognition is a testament to my dedication to research and my commitment to advancing plant biotechnology on an international scale.

Additionally, I successfully published three research articles based on my Master’s research, two of which are already published and one currently under review. Achieving this as a young researcher has not only strengthened my scientific writing and research skills but has also contributed to the global body of knowledge in plant science.

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