Nzimande Honors Legacy of Prof Keo Shirley Motaung

The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has conveyed profound sorrow at the death of Professor Keole...

The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has conveyed profound sorrow at the death of Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung.

Motaung was the Chair of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship at the Financial Research and Entrepreneurship Foundation - Nelson Mandela University Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion, where she directed impactful research that linked innovation, business development, and entrepreneurial activities.

Motaung is recognized as a notable biomedical scientist, businessperson, and forward-thinking leader, whose efforts in science, creativity, and advancing women's roles have made a lasting impact on South Africa and further afield.

She established and led Global Health Biotech, a company renowned for creating La-Africa Soother — a natural anti-inflammatory cream derived from local healing plants.

The balm provides efficient relief for muscle and joint pain, giving athletes and women a natural option for reducing inflammation.

As per Nzimande, Professor Keo, who was fondly referred to, was among South Africa's most honored Black female scientists and scholars.

"For more than twenty years, she applied her expertise and abilities to promote higher education, scientific understanding, business initiatives, and skill development," Nzimande stated.

As a scientist, the Minister highlighted one of Motaung's key achievements as being in the fields of stem cells, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

As an intellectual pioneer, she played a key role in educating thousands of young Black scientists and scholars. She had a special dedication to the growth of young Black women in the fields of science, research, and business.

In this aspect of her work, Nzimande stated that Motaung played a vital role in advancing the nation's development objectives, especially in generating employment opportunities for youth and boosting the count of Black female graduates in STEAMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Innovation).

He also recognized the outstanding leader and patriot, who made significant contributions to the nation through various national and international organizations, such as the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research, and the Board of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

Motaung has been recognized with numerous esteemed national and global accolades, such as the Strategic African Women in Leadership (SAWIL) Trailblazers' Award, the Inventor of the Year Title from Tshwane University of Technology, the Institute of People Management (IPM) Business Leader of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Woman Scientist Award by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

In her work, the Minister mentioned that Motaung demonstrated an unyielding dedication to meaningful research and innovation-focused business ventures.

At a more basic level, her motivation stemmed from a strong dedication to improving the lives of everyday individuals via education, science, and business ventures.

"In honor of her selfless efforts toward South Africa's progress, we must draw upon her legacy to motivate more young black girls to achieve their aspirations of becoming scientists, scholars, and business leaders," the Minister stated.

On behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, along with all organizations within the National System of Innovation, the Minister conveyed his sincere sympathies to Motaung's children, family, friends, and colleagues.

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