NRF Youth Month 2026: Lesley Malungane

The NRF is committed to growing South Africa’s next generation of researchers and science communicators. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF celebrates the youth whose work contributes to meaningful change in South Africa and beyond. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Mr Lesley Malungane is a Doctoral student in Health Sciences at the University of Limpopo. He received funding from the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development for his Doctoral studies.

Tell us about your academic journey

I come from the rural community of Maseke in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, where access to opportunities, mentorship, and academic role models is often limited. Growing up in a rural setting taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of education as a tool for transformation. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to my community and to the healthcare sector in South Africa.

My academic journey began with a passion to help people and improve community health outcomes. This inspired me to pursue studies in nursing and public health-related fields. Throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I remained committed to academic excellence, leadership, and community development. Along the way, I became actively involved in student leadership and professional development initiatives, which strengthened my confidence and broadened my understanding of the social and health challenges that affect many South African communities.

As I progressed academically, my passion for research grew stronger, particularly in the areas of public health, HIV prevention, health systems, and community empowerment. Postgraduate studies allowed me to combine my clinical experience with research that can influence policy, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve people’s lives.

Although I did not fully envision becoming a PhD candidate while growing up in a rural village, I always believed that determination, hard work, and faith could open doors beyond one’s circumstances. Today, I am proud to be the first young PhD candidate from my community—a milestone that represents hope and possibility for many young people from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds.

My journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and the importance of support systems such as mentorship and research funding opportunities. I hope my story encourages other young people from rural communities to believe that their dreams are valid and achievable, regardless of their background.

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

My relationship with the NRF has played an important role in strengthening my academic and research journey. I received funding through the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development during the second year of my Doctoral studies. This support became a major source of motivation and encouragement in my academic journey.

The funding not only assisted me financially but also boosted my confidence as a young researcher from a rural background. It created opportunities for me to focus more on my research activities, academic growth, and professional development. Importantly, it motivated and encouraged me to participate in academic conferences and research platforms where I could share knowledge, engage with other researchers, and contribute to important discussions in public health and health systems research.

Being associated with the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development exposed me to valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and a stronger research culture. As someone from the rural community of Maseke in Phalaborwa, I have found these opportunities life-changing and have shown me that young people from disadvantaged communities can also excel in research and academia.

The NRF’s investment in young researchers continues to inspire me to work harder, produce impactful research, and contribute meaningfully to society. In the near future, I aspire to grow further as a researcher and make meaningful contributions in health research, particularly in areas that improve public health outcomes, strengthen healthcare systems, and address challenges that affect vulnerable and underserved communities.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My research interests are mainly focused on public health, HIV prevention, community health systems, and health promotion. I am particularly interested in understanding how social, behavioural, and structural factors influence health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations in South Africa.

Through my work as both a researcher and a professional nurse, I have developed a strong passion for improving healthcare delivery and strengthening public health interventions within communities. My research also explores issues related to health education, access to healthcare services, disease prevention, and strategies that can improve the well-being of communities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.

I am passionate about producing research that is not only academically relevant but also practical and beneficial to society. I believe research should contribute towards the improvement of healthcare policies, strengthening health systems, and empowerment of communities with knowledge and resources that can improve their quality of life.

My long-term goal is to contribute to evidence-based health research that can influence policy development, improve healthcare practices, and promote equitable access to healthcare services for all communities.

What purpose drives your research/work, and how do you hope it will contribute to meaningful change?

What drives my research is the desire to create positive and lasting change within communities, especially rural and disadvantaged populations that often experience inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes. Coming from a rural community myself, I understand many of the challenges people face, including limited healthcare resources, poverty, unemployment, and lack of health information.

My goal is to use research as a tool to advocate for evidence-based interventions and policies that improve public health outcomes. I hope my work will contribute towards strengthening healthcare systems, the promotion of disease prevention, improvement of health education, and empowerment of individuals to make informed health decisions.

I also hope my journey inspires young people from rural communities to pursue higher education and research careers. Representation matters and being the first young PhD candidate from my community demonstrates that young people from humble backgrounds can achieve excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ultimately, I want my work to leave a legacy of hope, empowerment, and improved health outcomes for future generations. I believe that impactful research should not only remain in academic spaces but should also translate into real solutions that improve people’s everyday lives.

Being a young researcher can be demanding. What keeps you motivated and grounded throughout your journey?

My motivation comes from my background, my community, and the desire to create opportunities for others. Growing up in a rural area taught me resilience, discipline, humility, and perseverance. Whenever I face challenges, I remind myself why I started this journey and the people who look up to me as a source of inspiration.

I am also motivated by the possibility of making a meaningful contribution to public health and improving the lives of others through research and healthcare services. Seeing the impact that knowledge, education, and mentorship can have on individuals and communities keeps me focused and determined.

Faith, family support, mentorship, and personal discipline continue to keep me grounded throughout this journey. I believe success is not only about personal achievement, but also about uplifting others and opening doors for future generations.

As the first young PhD candidate from my community, I carry the hopes of many young people who now believe that their dreams are also possible. This responsibility motivates me to continue working hard, remain focused, and use my journey to inspire and empower others.

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