As the world commemorated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) spotlighted three exceptional young women who represented South Africa at the prestigious 2025 London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). Their achievements reflected not only personal excellence, but the growing strength of South Africa’s pipeline of women in STEM.
This global day, led by UNESCO and UN-Women in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners, seeks to address persistent gender gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The 2026 theme, “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” called for practical solutions and actionable steps to advance gender equality in STEM, particularly in the era of new and emerging technologies.
Against this global backdrop, South Africa stood proudly represented.
Inspiring the Next Generation: South African Women at LIYSF 2025
Aligned with efforts to encourage girls in STEM, the NSTF Brilliants Programme continued to identify and empower the country’s top achievers in mathematics and physical science. Each year, the programme selects high-performing Grade 12 learners — a boy and a girl from every province — all achieving 90% and above in maths and science and choosing STEM-related studies.
Notably, 50% of participants are girls from public schools.
In 2025, six of these outstanding students — three boys and three girls — were sponsored to attend the 15-day London International Youth Science Forum hosted at Imperial College London. LIYSF brings together hundreds of young scientific minds from across the globe to engage in high-level lectures, specialist seminars and discussions on key global scientific challenges.
Among them were three young South African women whose journeys captured the spirit of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Ms Kagiso Tele – University of the Witwatersrand
Now studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Kagiso Tele matriculated from Lesedi Senior Secondary School in Lethabong, Gauteng. Her passion for science and community-impacting healthcare continued to deepen through her LIYSF experience.
“I remember looking out of the window and realising just how far away I was going, and how big the world truly is. That moment alone gave me a sense of adventure and reminded me that there is so much more beyond the familiar places I had always known.”
Her reflections captured the transformative power of exposure — not only to science, but to possibility.
Ms Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema – University of Cape Town
Studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema matriculated from Vukile High School in KwaMaphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal. At LIYSF, she broadened her perspective on global health sciences while strengthening her confidence and sense of identity.
“Overall, I was proud of the person I had become because of the confidence boost and knowledge I had gained. Gaining insight and perceptions of different people from all over the globe made me more informed about the world and made me appreciate my country. I felt proud when I waved that South African flag as a flag bearer in the opening ceremony,” she said.
Her words reflected both global awareness and national pride.
Ms Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo – University of Cape Town
Also studying medicine at UCT, Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo matriculated from Mphanama Senior Secondary in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. LIYSF strengthened her commitment to science in service of her community, while expanding her intellectual curiosity.
“What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the astronomy lecture. Although my focus is medicine, learning about the universe and its mysteries sparked a curiosity I hadn’t anticipated. It reminded me that science is a vast, interconnected web of knowledge, and that exploring other fields can be equally enriching,” she said.
Her experience underscored the interdisciplinary beauty of science and its boundless horizons.
Investing in the Future of Women in STEM
The impact of participation at LIYSF extended beyond exposure. The three young women engaged with cutting-edge research, global collaboration networks and female role models in STEM. These experiences will shape their future contributions to healthcare and scientific leadership.
Beyond youth development, South Africa continues to benefit from women leading in health sciences, engineering, environmental science, mathematics and technology. Through the NSTF-South32 Awards, widely known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa, the NSTF recognises outstanding women scientists whose research addresses both national priorities and global challenges.
These awards elevate role models, promote excellence and reinforce gender equity in science leadership.
Complementing this, the NSTF continues to nurture women in science through initiatives such as:
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The NSTF Brilliants Programme
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The NSTF-South32 Awards
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The NSTF Share ‘n Dare youth outreach programme
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Career talk videos featuring award winners
Together, these efforts strengthen South Africa’s STEM ecosystem by creating pathways for leadership, innovation and mentorship.
A National Commitment to Scientific Excellence
The NSTF Brilliants Programme, proudly sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), South32 and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), remains a cornerstone initiative. By investing in top-performing learners in mathematics and physical science, the programme nurtures the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and innovators who will tackle both local and global challenges.
As an independent non-profit stakeholder body and civil-society forum representing approximately 150 member organisations across six sectors in science, engineering, technology and innovation, the NSTF continues to play a vital role in shaping South Africa’s scientific future.
On 11 February 2026, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was not simply observed.
It was embodied — in the journeys of three young women who proved that when vision meets opportunity, impact follows.
