A doctoral student in science from Durbanville was recently awarded for her research on tuberculosis at the 7th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards.
Veronique de Jager, a doctoral student at the University of Cape Town, was among eight outstanding female scientists whose research tackles Africa’s most pressing challenges — from healthcare and infectious diseases to clean water, renewable energy and environmental conservation.
De Jager’s research was focused on uncovering immune responses to central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB), the deadliest form of TB, with the goal of developing new treatments and diagnostic markers to save lives.
Empowering women
This award highlights how empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) strengthens innovation, communities and South Africa’s sustainable development.
“With this year’s eight remarkable awardees, the programme celebrates a total of 50 female scientists — a significant milestone reflecting an investment of approximately R5 million,” said Serge Sacre, chief executive officer of L’Oréal South Africa.
He emphasised that investing in women in STEM goes beyond fairness; it is a strategic imperative for South Africa’s future.
“When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies and ecosystems. These awards not only honour their achievements but ensure their voices and research continue to inspire long after the spotlight moves on,” Sacre said.
Dr Nomalungelo Gina, deputy minister of science, technology and innovation, emphasised that recognising women’s achievements must never be limited to August alone, but throughout the year to inspire young girls.
“Our responsibility is to transform the raw potential of many young women from rural areas into productive capacity in the STEM profession,” she said.
Promoting women in science
Gina lauded his department’s partnership with L’Oréal South Africa in promoting women in science, saying the relationship was a demonstration of the power of public-private partnerships and the material benefits that it creates if nurtured well.
“As a government, we are here not as gap fillers but catalysts for transformation. We have a mammoth task to continue to inspire future generations of young women to pursue careers in science,” she concluded congratulating all the 2025 winners while inspiring girl learners to look up to aspire to such greatness.
Martiale Zebaze Kana, head of the science unit at UNESCO regional office for Southern Africa, noted the transformative power of inclusivity in science.
“Science needs women, their perspectives, innovations and their leadership. They are proof that when women are given the opportunity to thrive in science, they change not only their fields of research but the future of our societies,” he said.
