The Summer School, held earlier this month, was organised by the Green Sciences for Sustainable Development Foundation in collaboration with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and Università CA’ Foscari Venezia.
Scientists from a number of international universities participated in the five-day programme to network and engage about diverse global research efforts directed towards achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals.
Zikhona jumped at the opportunity to submit her summary on “Renewable and green raw materials” which was reviewed by GCPSS professors from universities around the world resulting in her invitation to join the other 29 participants at the Summer School.
Coming from a university that subscribes to green sustainable chemistry - one of the UN’s sustainable goals of 2030 – she was proud to present her research on “Formulation and characterisation of the natural fibre/Polymer composites from waste pineapple leaf fibre”.
“As the university, we collect waste, we make products using green methods and the products can be used to make money. In a nutshell, we help clean the environment while the products create job opportunities,” said Zikhona.
During her career as a scientist, she has received much acclaim. In 2019, she was ranked 30th in the #100 Most Influential Young South African in the Personal Development Academic category, in 2018 she was a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist and founded the Dr ZTN Foundation in the same year. Her Foundation is a science youth education engagement programme that helps matric pupils find bursary opportunities and university admission.
In addition, in 2021, she was a Herald Citizens of the year award winner.