#WomensMonth2024
As Women’s Month 2024 ends in South Africa we celebrate one of our SDCfA brand ambassadors, Dr Bathabile Ramalapa, a senior researcher at the CSIR, with the following interview.
Dr Bathabile Ramalapa, a senior researcher in Advance Healthcare Materials within the CSIR Future Production: Chemicals cluster, proudly holds two PhD’s, an achievement that she wears as a crown of excellence as she navigates the CSIR environment and its contributions to South Africa and the world. She joined the CSIR at the age of 22 as a curious intern, eager to take on the world – and Bathabile is certainly doing so. Her research is making a significant impact by improving healthcare outcomes through tailored treatments and improving access to healthcare within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This Women’s Month and beyond, we recognise Bathabile as a phenomenal woman in science.
We sat down with Bathabile this Women’s Month for an in-depth interview to learn about her journey, the challenges of pursuing two PhD’s and the incredible support the CSIR has provided her over the years. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and prepare to be inspired as you read her remarkable interview with us below.
Bathabile: I was born in Atteridgeville, a township west of Pretoria. I’ve never lived with my parents; instead, I grew up in a large family with my cousins and siblings, cared for by my grandparents while our parents were at work. I have very fond memories of the joys of growing up in a large family and the mischief my cousins and I got into. My grandparents created a happy home and placed a strong value on education.
As a child, I wanted to be a medical doctor. I didn’t know what a scientist was or that someone like me could even have the opportunity to become one. My interest in a research career was driven by a desire to address the health problems I witnessed in my community growing up.
Bathabile: I currently lead a research platform focused on developing formulations and delivery systems for biotherapeutics. Our goal is to build local capability and capacity to develop biotherapeutics formulations for treatments, diagnostics and medical devices, specifically targeting the needs of low- and middle-income countries.
Our efforts emphasise people-centred approaches and developing human capital within the CSIR and across the country. We are dedicated to improving access to effective and safe health treatments for society. We collaborate with academic institutions such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Johannesburg, and North-West University to achieve these goals and support small, medium, and micro enterprises in developing health technology innovations.
Our research aims to improve healthcare outcomes through tailored treatments and improve access to healthcare within LMICs. By fostering innovation and expertise in the region, we reduce reliance on imported drugs, medical devices and diagnostics. This approach not only impacts affordability but also increases the availability of treatments, particularly in the public healthcare sector. Ultimately, our work strengthens the healthcare system and benefits the community by making healthcare more accessible and sustainable.
Bathabile: I began working at the CSIR as an intern at the age of 22 and this environment taught me that to make a significant impact as a scientist, you need to compete on an international level. With this in mind, I always aimed to study abroad, preferably for one PhD. However, I ended up pursuing two PhDs. Before starting my PhD studies, I had been a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and a scientist fellow at Novartis in Switzerland.
I applied for the Erasmus Mundus dual PhD programme to study chemical sciences at the University of Liege in Belgium and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Angers in France. Given my background in chemistry and my experience in drug delivery, combining these fields made sense. The knowledge and expertise gained from these dual qualifications have been invaluable for my work and research, particularly in developing drug formulations aimed at diseases with a high burden in LMICs.
Bathabile: My PhD journey was quite challenging, as I had to split my time between two countries and did not stay in one place long enough to build lasting connections. It was also lonely at times due to the lack of a support system that I have here at home.
Despite these challenges, the experience was immensely rewarding. It provided unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth and allowed me to collaborate with a diverse range of experts, enriching my educational experience. These experiences broadened my perspective and enhanced my adaptability and resilience, essential qualities for success in any field.
Bathabile: In recent years, I’ve reached several notable milestones. In 2022, I was appointed to lead the newly formed Biotherapeutics Formulation and Delivery research platform within the Department of Science and Innovation-CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre. That same year, I was honoured as one of the female rising stars in biotechnology in southern Africa at the 2022 BIO Africa Convention. This recognition brought me into the BIO Africa Women in Leadership community, where I now collaborate on various projects with government, industry and international organisations as a health innovation specialist. Additionally, I leverage this platform to support and advocate for more women leaders in the biotech industry through my role as a mentor for the Dr Konji Sebati Fellowship.
In 2023, I was appointed as an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer in material science innovation and modelling at North-West University’s Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. I also currently serve as a brand ambassador for the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa, a platform that allows me to advocate for science and innovation aimed at achieving health equality.
These achievements have made me truly grateful for the leadership that guides me at the CSIR. My manager’s support for my goals and ambitions has been invaluable. I also appreciate the flexibility that CSIR provides, which allows for career and personal growth, even beyond the organisation. This supportive environment has significantly advanced my professional career.
Bathabile: Shortly after obtaining my PhD, I became a mother. My sons are now five and three years old. Between 2018 and 2021, my focus was primarily on my pregnancies and nurturing my children. During this time, I encountered challenges due to unconscious biases and negative stereotypes about pregnant women and mothers of young children, which impacted the opportunities available to me. I realised that achieving success as a woman in my field requires understanding that change is difficult and demands continuous effort, awareness and sometimes discomfort. It took significant effort on my part to put myself out there, promote my abilities, leverage networking opportunities and convince decision-makers that I could still excel in my work despite being a young mother.
Bathabile:
Bathabile: I’m inspired by different women for different reasons, most of them in the health, science and innovation space because that’s where my passion lies. My greatest inspiration is my mother, a nursing executive at Tembisa Hospital. Despite the hospital’s recent negative publicity and criticism of its management, I’ve witnessed my mother navigate these challenges with grace, tenacity and a deep commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Tembisa, which deeply inspires me. I’m also inspired by Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, who became the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Her clear and powerful vision for SAHPRA has been truly impressive. Additionally, Prof. Ntebogeng Mokgalaka, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at Tshwane University of Technology, has been a significant source of inspiration for me. She was my lecturer during my undergraduate studies and seeing a woman with a similar background achieve such remarkable success and continue to excel as a leader in academia has been incredibly motivating.
Bathabile: Women’s Month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in gender equality, empowerment and women’s rights, while also recognising the ongoing efforts required to refocus and strengthen our commitment to addressing the numerous challenges women continue to face today.
Each role that women fulfil is important, whether as a mother, caregiver, scientist, sportswoman or company director. Each of these women nourishes the community and makes significant contributions to our economy, governance and societal development. Women’s Month is a chance to honour and celebrate the impact that women make in various spheres of society.
Interview and profile by CSIR Communications
In recent months, the SDCfA has been actively engaging with international partners and stakeholders to strengthen its role in science diplomacy and foster global collaboration. From key participation at high-profile conferences to hosting diplomatic dialogues and briefings, the SDCfA continues to make strides in promoting science as a catalyst for development and international cooperation. Below are some highlights of our recent activities that showcase our commitment to advancing science diplomacy on the global stage.
The SDCfA’s participation in the INGSA 2024 conference in Kigali, Rwanda from 30 April to 3 May 2024, has reinforced its role as a leader in science diplomacy and policy integration. The knowledge gained and partnerships formed during the event are set to enhance the success of future initiatives and collaborations. ⇢ Read more
The SDCfA hosted a Science Diplomacy dialogue with a Czech delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jiří Kozák on 4 March 2024. As part of their visit, the CSIR organised a tour showcasing its cutting-edge facilities to the delegates.
⇢ Read more
At the Belgium24.eu Ministerial Conference in Brussels on 15 February 2024, the SDCfA provided a briefing for delegates on its activities and partnership opportunities. The session featured a comprehensive presentation by Ms. Vinny Pillay, Chief Director at the Department of Science and Innovation. ⇢ Read more
Science Forum South Africa
The SDCfA will host the SFSA, to be held from 4 to 6 December 2024 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Forum serves as a large, open, public platform for debating the science and society interface. The theme is Igniting Conversations about Science – Innovation and Science for Humanity.
Keep updated on upcoming Science Diplomacy activities by joining our mailing list.