Prof Priscilla Baker poses with President Cyril Ramaphosa after being honoured with the National Order of Mapungubwe (Bronze) last week. Image: Jairus Mmutle, GCIS

It’s an overcast afternoon in May, and in between back-to-back online meetings and appointments across campus at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Prof Priscilla Baker gently unwraps and rearranges a bright bouquet of flowers on her office desk, carefully removing the dying petals. 

The UWC analytical chemistry scientist and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, barely has time to settle back into her office since she received South Africa’s highest honour - the National Order of Mapungubwe (Bronze), awarded to her by President Cyril Ramaphosa just a week earlier.

“Taking care of them is my way of respecting the gift and the people who gave it to me. This also helps my thought process in between meetings,” she says softly as she places the glass vase back on her desk - with a final glance at the flowers sent by colleagues in celebration of the award.

“There is something special and humbling about being recognised by your own country. It’s almost more valuable than international recognition because it comes from the people that you serve and benefitted from throughout your journey…it’s a very special moment,” she says of the latest honour – the newest addition to a long list of awards recognising her excellence, leadership and contribution to advancing science in South Africa.

The prestigious national order received by Prof Baker, alongside 37 other recipients this month, recognises South Africans who have achieved excellence and made exceptional contributions that benefit both the country and the world. National Orders are the highest honours bestowed by the President on citizens and foreign nationals for their outstanding service and achievements.

Prof Priscilla Baker is one of 38 South Africans who have been honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa for their excellence and exceptional contributions to the country. Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS

Having published at least 65 research papers, supervised more than 60 PhD and Master’s graduates, and as the first female and black female staff member to be appointed full time in the Chemistry Department, Prof Baker is no doubt a leading voice in science and innovation. But her success did not come easily.

One of the setbacks she has spoken openly about was being denied the opportunity to pursue an Honours degree after graduating in Oceanography from the University of Cape Town UCT) because of racial discrimination. But she believes that not dwelling on disappointments and understanding that hard work is always rewarded, are some of the values that helped redirect her career path towards trailblazing moments. She believes the experience has also helped her to support and empathise with others facing similar struggles in life.

“Living through struggle is never easy because in those moments your life choices are questioned; your finances and the finances of your family come under strain in the pursuit of education. But going through obstacles not only redirected my path, but it also made me more empathetic to the journey of others and more sensitive to every student who comes from another province or from a different cultural background,” she said. 

“One must understand that it is never just about the degree. It is about the journey of the individual, the sacrifices of their family, and the hope that rests on that one candidate.”

Reflecting on the next generation of researchers, Prof Baker believes that although every generation will encounter unavoidable challenges while trying to succeed in an increasingly competitive world, the way people navigate those difficulties will ultimately shape their future.

She has cautioned against what she describes as a “philosophy of shortcuts”, stressing that one of the key principles they should live by is the principle of sowing and reaping.

“We are taught that if you sow, there will be a harvest, and that if you do not work, you cannot expect to eat bread,” Prof Baker said.

“What saddens me as I grow older and more seasoned is seeing a generation that has bought into a philosophy of shortcuts… the idea that influence and connections can provide a quicker path to success. I want to say shortcuts often end in disappointment. If you have not put in the hard work and remained authentic in what you do, you will never experience the satisfaction of truly earning your place. There will always be that reminder that you took shortcuts, and that ultimately leads to disappointment.”