Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi. Image: SuppliedThe University of the Western Cape’s Deputy Dean for Research & Innovation at the Natural Sciences Faculty, Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi, was recently acknowledged for her work in furthering STEM education and access to university when the organisation she leads, won the NGO category at the NSTF-South32 Awards.
AmaQawe ngeMfundo was established to bridge the gap between high school and university for matric learners from under-resourced schools, particularly in the sciences. Their work currently benefits learners at Luhlaza and Joe Slovo high schools in Khayelitsha.
In response to her award for her work with AmaQawe ngeMfundo, Prof Ngece-Ajayi expressed her gratitude but also praised the hard work of the high school learners who are part of the programme.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects not only my work but the passion and resilience of every learner, volunteer, and partner who has been part of this journey. Making STEM education accessible to learners in marginalised communities is about more than teaching science; it’s about opening doors to opportunity, inspiring problem-solvers, and equipping the next generation to tackle the challenges facing our country.
“This recognition affirms the vision we share at UWC that education, especially in STEM, can transform lives and drive South Africa’s growth and development,” said Prof Ngece-Ajayi.
Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor David Holgate congratulated Prof Ngece-Ajayi for the recognition of her community outreach and her work in building bridges to university access.
“The NSTF Awards are truly sought-after accolades. The national scientific community comes together for an evening of recognition, razzmatazz and publicity for the awards ceremony dubbed the ‘Oscars of Science’.
“Being honoured on that stage among your peers is a cherished achievement for any scientist. More fundamentally, the awards are the result of serious scientific scrutiny and reflect the depth and impact that come from hours of dedicated hard work and commitment.
“In the case of Prof Ngece-Ajayi the acknowledgement for her truly meaningful outreach and life-changing interventions in the community bears testimony to the profound respect that we all have for her work, work that bridges what is so often a divide between hard science and people at the margins of our society,” said Prof Holgate.
He added that the recognition for Prof Ngece-Ajayi speaks to the heart of what makes UWC unique, and that leading research is part of the opportunity offered to the community.
