Youth Month 2026: Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu

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.

Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga. He received funding from the NRF for his Master’s and Doctoral studies and is currently the Principal Investigator for NRF-funded projects under the Thuthuka Post-PhD Track programme.

Tell us about your academic journey

My academic journey has been shaped by a deep passion for ethnobotany, biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and sustainable livelihoods.

Growing up in a township environment exposed me to the significant role that medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge play in supporting community healthcare, food security, and cultural identity. These early experiences sparked my curiosity about nature, traditional healing practices, and the relationship between people and plants, and ultimately inspired me to pursue studies in indigenous knowledge. Although I did not fully envision an academic and research career while growing up, I always knew I wanted to contribute to improving communities through science and education.

I pursued my academic training in IKS, with a particular focus on medicinal plants, conservation biology, ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytomedicine. My postgraduate studies deepened my interest in how indigenous plant knowledge can contribute to biodiversity conservation, healthcare, and sustainable development. I completed my Doctoral studies at North-West University in 2023, during which I investigated medicinal plants used for the treatment of childhood diseases and their associated economic potential in the North-West Province.

Throughout my academic development, I became increasingly interested in the integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific research to promote sustainable natural resource management and community empowerment. My research journey has involved extensive ethnobotanical fieldwork and close collaboration with indigenous knowledge-holders and traditional health practitioners across South Africa. These experiences strengthened my commitment to the preservation of indigenous knowledge while advancing evidence-based research on medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation.

Currently, I serve as a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga. My work combines teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, and community engagement, with a strong focus on ethnobotany, medicinal plants, indigenous flora, phytomedicine, and biodiversity conservation. Throughout my academic career, I aim to contribute to the preservation of indigenous knowledge, the sustainable use of biodiversity, and the development of community-centred research that addresses both environmental and societal challenges.

I have authored and co-authored more than 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications and four book chapters and my research has been disseminated through national and international conferences and continues to contribute to these fields.

I have received several awards in recognition of my contributions to research excellence and academic leadership, including the Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year Award (University of Mpumalanga, 2024), the Best Post-PhD Oral Presentation Award at the South African Annual Young Scientist Conference (2024), and a Poster Award at the 73rd International Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) Conference in Naples, Italy (2025).

My scholarly impact includes over 560 citations, an h-index of 14, and an i10-index of 16.

I also serve in regional and international research networks and editorial roles.

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

The NRF has played a significant role in support of my academic, research, and professional development. The NRF funded all my postgraduate studies, from Master’s level (cum laude) through to the completion of my Doctoral degree, and provided a strong foundation for my growth as a researcher and academic. This support enabled me to advance my work in ethnobotany, medicinal plants, IKS, ethnopharmacology, and biodiversity conservation while strengthening my research and academic capacity.

Currently, I serve as Principal Investigator for NRF-funded projects under the Thuthuka Post-PhD Track programme, with a focus on medicinal plants used for childhood diseases in Mpumalanga. The projects also support postgraduate student training and mentorship, with students actively participating in fieldwork, data collection, scientific writing, and community engagement.

NRF support has further enabled scientific publications, conference participation, postgraduate supervision, and the establishment of collaborative research networks within South Africa and internationally. Through these opportunities, I have been able to contribute meaningfully to research, teaching, mentorship, and research capacity development in higher education.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My research focuses on ethnobotany, medicinal plants, IKS, ethnopharmacology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. I investigate the use, conservation, and value addition of medicinal plants and indigenous crops, particularly their roles in healthcare, food security, and community wellbeing. A major aspect of my work involves the documentation of indigenous medicinal knowledge and evaluation of plant species used by rural communities for the management of human ailments, especially childhood diseases.

Currently, I lead NRF-funded projects under the Thuthuka Post-PhD Track programme with focus on medicinal plants used for childhood diseases in Mpumalanga. My research integrates indigenous knowledge with scientific methodologies to support conservation, healthcare innovation, and sustainable development.

In addition to research, I am actively involved in postgraduate supervision, mentorship, scientific publishing, and community engagement at the University of Mpumalanga.

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

My research is grounded in the belief that scientific inquiry should be ethical, socially responsive, and capable of contributing to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment. I am particularly interested in integrating IKS with scientific research to generate evidence-based solutions that support healthcare innovation, food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Through my work, I aim to document and preserve indigenous medicinal knowledge while promoting the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants. My research aligns with the University of Mpumalanga’s Biodiversity Conservation research theme and contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to research-informed policies and plant-based innovations that strengthen rural livelihoods, sustainable resource management, and community wellbeing.

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

I am motivated by the opportunity to use research as a tool for meaningful societal transformation. My work is driven by the desire to contribute towards biodiversity conservation, improved healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge for future generations. Working closely with indigenous knowledge-holders and rural communities continually reminds me of the importance of ensuring that scientific research remains socially responsive, culturally respectful, and beneficial to the communities it serves.

I am particularly inspired by the potential of indigenous medicinal plants to contribute to accessible, culturally relevant healthcare solutions while also creating opportunities for sustainable bio-economies and community empowerment. Seeing how research can bridge indigenous knowledge and modern science, while it addresses pressing environmental and public health challenges, continues to motivate my academic and professional journey.

Another important source of motivation is mentoring and supporting postgraduate students and emerging researchers. I am passionate about contributing to the development of the next generation of scientists, particularly within ethnobotany, biodiversity conservation, and IKS. Supporting students in the achievement of academic success and the development of confidence in their research capabilities is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What keeps me grounded are strong relationships with communities, students, colleagues, and family members who continue to support and shape my journey. I strongly believe in humility, continuous learning, collaboration, and community-centred research. These values remind me that research should not only advance scientific knowledge but also create meaningful and lasting impact for society.

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