Dr Nsovo Mayimele elected to the South African Young Academy of Science

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is proud to announce the election of Dr Nsovo Mayimele, Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, to the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) as a member of its 2026 cohort.

Dr Nsovo Mayimele is a member of the South African Young Academy of Science. Dr Mayimele's selection follows the 2026 call for nominations, during which the SAYAS Selection Committee recognised the high level of academic merit and depth demonstrated by the nominations received. Her election represents an important milestone in her academic career and provides an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of science, research, innovation and evidence-informed policy in South Africa and beyond.

SAYAS is an initiative of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) that provides a platform for young scientists and emerging academic leaders to contribute to scientific discourse, strengthen research collaboration and promote the role of science in addressing societal challenges.

Dr Mayimele brings an interdisciplinary academic and professional background that includes pharmacy, pharmaceutical Sciences, public health, pharmaceutical management, leadership and international development. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, a Master of Pharmacy in Public Health and Management from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, an MSc in International Development, specialising in Governance and State Building, from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Her academic and professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to strengthening health systems and improving access to essential medicines. Before joining TUT, she held managerial positions at the South African Pharmacy Council, where she contributed to professional affairs, pharmacy practice standards and the development of the pharmacy profession.

As an academic at TUT, Dr Mayimele is committed to developing future pharmacy professionals while contributing to research that addresses healthcare challenges. Her interests include pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial development in Africa, medicine shortages, antimicrobial stewardship, pharmacovigilance, medicine safety and the responsible use of medicines.

She is also passionate about strengthening the connection between academic research, public policy and interventions that improve healthcare delivery. She has won multiple awards, including the National Youth Diplomacy Award by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in 2023. Dr Mayimele’s election to SAYAS creates further opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary scientific collaboration, engage with emerging research leaders and participate in conversations about the role of science in addressing South Africa's and the continent's development priorities.

The 2026 cohort of new SAYAS members was formally inaugurated on 29 October 2026 as part of the Academy's 30-year anniversary celebrations. The occasion brought together members of the scientific community to reflect on the contribution of science to society and the future relevance of scientific leadership in South Africa.

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Mayimele's election represents recognition of her academic journey and an opportunity to amplify the contributions of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences to national and continental development.

Her appointment indicates TUT's commitment to developing research leaders, promoting academic excellence and contributing knowledge that responds to the needs of society.