NRF Youth Month 2025: Tshegofatso Mohlamme

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 Tshegofatso Mohlamme is a PhD student in Animal Science at the University of the Free State. She received funding from the NRF for her Honours and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But like many kids, I imagined myself in a white coat with a stethoscope. Little did I know, life had a different plan. Today, I’m proudly on the path to becoming a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science.

My academic journey began with a deep-rooted love for animals and nature. I enrolled at the University of the Free State (UFS), where I completed my Bachelor’s and Honours degrees in Agriculture. Each step revealed more about my passion, particularly in Animal Production. I then pursued a Master’s in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Production, and my curiosity continued to grow.

I never envisioned myself in research or academia growing up, but as I progressed, I found purpose in understanding complex biological systems and contributing to knowledge that could improve animal health and food security. The more I studied, the more I felt called to this path. Today, as a PhD candidate, I’m living a version of my childhood dream just in a different, but equally impactful, form.

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

My journey with the NRF has been both foundational and transformative. I first became a beneficiary of the NRF during my Honours studies, receiving a grant that enabled me to focus fully on my research without the stress of financial constraints. This support came at a critical time in my academic path, as it allowed me to build a strong foundation in Animal Science and research methodology.

Currently, I am a proud recipient of the NRF Postgraduate Scholarship for my PhD studies. This continued support has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue high-level research on genetic factors influencing disease resistance in livestock. It has also opened doors to academic mentorship and research collaborations I wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise.

On a personal level, the NRF has helped me grow in confidence and stability. Their investment in my academic development has not only shaped my career but has also affirmed my place in the scientific community. The impact of their support goes far beyond the classroom; it has empowered me to dream bigger and work harder toward becoming a future leader in agricultural research and education.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My current research is focused on understanding genetic adaptation in livestock, with a specific emphasis on an isolated cattle breed. The title of my PhD research is Signatures of Selection for Local Adaptation of an Isolated Dexter Population in Southern Africa.

In this study, I investigate the genetic makeup of the Dexter cattle population to identify selection signatures, that is, the genomic regions that show evidence of adaptation to the local environment. My research combines animal genetics, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics to explore how these cattle have adapted over time to environmental pressures such as disease, climate, and feed availability.

This work is not only scientifically exciting but also highly relevant for sustainable agriculture. Understanding these adaptive traits can inform breeding strategies aimed at improving productivity and resilience in local cattle populations.

My broader area of expertise lies in animal genetics and genomics, particularly in relation to disease resistance and environmental adaptation. Through this research, I aim to contribute to food security, sustainable livestock production, and the conservation of locally adapted genetic resources.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research is contributing to a better future by addressing the critical need for resilient and sustainable livestock production systems in the face of climate change, emerging diseases, and increasing food demand. By identifying genetic signatures of local adaptation in an isolated Dexter cattle population, my work provides valuable insights into traits that enable animals to survive and thrive in challenging environments.

One of the major challenges in agriculture today is the loss of genetic diversity and the widespread use of commercial breeds that are often poorly adapted to local conditions. My research highlights the importance of preserving and utilising locally adapted breeds, like the Dexter, which carry genetic traits that may be key to future breeding strategies.

Ultimately, my goal is to inform more sustainable breeding programs that enhance disease resistance, climate resilience, and productivity, especially in resource-limited or smallholder farming systems. This research can help reduce dependence on costly veterinary interventions and improve livestock performance naturally, leading to more secure livelihoods for farmers and a stronger, more adaptive agricultural sector overall.

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

What keeps me motivated is my passion for making a meaningful contribution to agricultural science and rural development. I remind myself often that the work I do today can create long-term impact, especially for farmers who depend on resilient livestock.

To stay balanced, I’ve learned the importance of structure and self-discipline. I create a weekly schedule that prioritises not only study and research but also personal wellbeing. I make time for prayer, journaling, reading outside my field, and regular exercise to clear my mind and stay energised. I also reflect on my long-term goals, including becoming a lecturer and helping to shape the next generation of scientists; this vision helps me stay focused when things get tough.

Support from mentors, peers, and family also plays an important role. I’ve realised that asking for help, sharing challenges, and celebrating small wins along the way are just as important as hard work. Balance for me isn’t about perfection, but it is all about consistency, grace, and staying grounded in purpose.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date is being accepted into a PhD program and earning the opportunity to conduct research that aligns with both my passion and purpose. Coming from a background where advanced degrees weren’t always common, reaching this level in academia represents more than just a personal milestone but a symbol of resilience, growth, and faith in my journey.

One of the highlights of this journey has been having my abstract accepted for presentation at the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) 55th upcoming conference. This recognition by professionals in my field is a significant milestone. It validates the relevance of my research and gives me the platform to engage with leading scientists, share my findings, and grow my academic network.

Receiving the NRF Postgraduate Scholarship to support my PhD was another proud moment, as it affirmed the value of my work and gave me the platform to pursue research that can make a real-world impact in agriculture. It reminded me that despite challenges and moments of doubt, I belong in this space and have something meaningful to contribute.

More than the titles or awards, I’m proud of the persistence it took to get here; the late nights, the sacrifices, and the moments where I kept going even when the path wasn’t clear. That quiet determination is what I carry forward in everything I do.

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