NRF Youth Month 2026: Tokozani Mangesi-Nxitywa

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.

Mrs Tokozani Mangesi-Nxitywa is a PhD candidate in Natural Science, a laboratory assistant, and a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu University. She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s studies; and an NRF mobility grant to attend the Global Youth Scientists Summit in Singapore.

Tell us about your academic journey

My academic journey has been shaped by both personal experience and a growing passion for environmental sustainability and education. Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand the challenges of water access and often fetched water from the river. While I did not realise it at the time, these experiences later influenced my academic interests and research focus.

As a child, I always imagined myself as a medical doctor because it was one of the most recognised professions and appeared to offer financial stability. However, during high school, I realised that hospitals and clinical environments were not for me. At the same time, I developed a strong interest in geography, inspired largely by my teachers, whom I greatly admired. Their passion for teaching sparked my own curiosity about environmental processes and how communities interact with their surroundings.

This led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at Walter Sisulu University, followed by an Honours degree in Geography, a Master’s of Science in Geography, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education specialising in Natural Sciences and Geography. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Natural Sciences at Walter Sisulu.

I never imagined myself becoming a lecturer or academic. However, during my Honours studies, my journey took an unexpected turn. Through academic exposure, mentoring, and research involvement, I realised that academia was where I belonged. I discovered a passion not only for research but also for teaching and mentoring students. Today, I find purpose in contributing to knowledge generation while helping shape future environmental scientists.

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

My relationship with the NRF has played a meaningful role in my academic development. I received an NRF Master’s Scholarship in 2023, which significantly contributed to my academic journey. The funding supported my tuition, research-related expenses, and living costs which reduced financial pressure and allowed me to focus fully on my studies.

The NRF’s support gave me stability and confidence at a time when many young graduates face unemployment and uncertainty. It encouraged me to continue the pursuit of postgraduate studies because I realised that research funding can create opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful contributions to society. Instead of remaining discouraged by unemployment, I viewed postgraduate education as an opportunity to invest in myself and contribute positively through research.

In 2025, I was also fortunate to receive an NRF Mobility Grant to attend the Global Youth Scientists Summit in Singapore. This opportunity exposed me to international scientific discussions, innovation, and collaboration, broadening my perspective on global environmental challenges and solutions.

In addition, I received support from the NRF Youth Academic Advancement Programme (YAAP) for my PhD studies; however, I had to decline it because the conditions of my University Staff Development Programme (USDP) funding did not permit holding both awards simultaneously. Nonetheless, the recognition itself was encouraging and reaffirmed my commitment to academic excellence.

The NRF has not only provided financial support but has also strengthened my confidence as an emerging researcher and reinforced my commitment to pursuing impactful environmental research.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My research focuses on freshwater quality, rural water security, and sustainable alternative water sources. I am particularly interested in understanding how vulnerable rural communities can access safe, reliable water amid increasing environmental and socio-economic challenges.

My PhD research investigates the quality and utilisation of harvested rainwater and borrow pit lakes as alternative water sources in rural communities of the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The study evaluates water quality, potential health risks, and the feasibility of using these alternative water sources to improve water security.

My broader expertise includes water quality monitoring, environmental management, and human-environment interactions. I also have professional experience in wastewater treatment and water monitoring, which has strengthened my practical understanding of water-related challenges beyond academia.

In addition to research, I lecture on undergraduate and postgraduate environmental science modules and supervise student research projects. I enjoy bridging scientific knowledge with practical environmental solutions while mentoring future researchers.

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

The purpose that drives my research is the desire to contribute towards improving water security in rural communities and protecting public health through access to safe water. Having grown up in a setting where water access was a daily challenge, I understand the realities many communities still face and the importance of sustainable solutions.

Through my work, I hope to generate evidence that can support municipalities and decision-makers in the development of more informed and practical water management strategies. I also hope my research contributes to reducing inequalities in access to clean water, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Ultimately, I want my work to contribute to communities having safer, more reliable water sources and to ensure that scientific research translates into meaningful change that improves people’s daily lives.

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

Being a young researcher can be demanding, especially when balancing research, teaching, and personal responsibilities. What keeps me motivated is the support I receive from my family and supervisors, who continually encourage me to remain focused and believe in my potential.

I am also motivated by the desire to create meaningful change through my work. Knowing that my research has the potential to contribute towards safer water access and improved livelihoods in rural communities gives me a strong sense of purpose.

In addition, working with students and seeing their academic growth reminds me why I chose this path. I believe research and education have the power to transform lives, and that belief keeps me grounded throughout my journey.

Copyright © National Research Foundation of South Africa.

This article and its accompanying images are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). The material may be shared or republished in unaltered form for non-commercial purposes only, provided that appropriate credit is given to the National Research Foundation and a link to the original article is included.