The Executive Dean of Health Sciences at the University in Gqeberha was one of 14 national finalists in the SAWISA awards ceremony in White River, Mbombela.
Prof Zingela’s special award of Distinguished Woman Researcher brings with it a prize of R105,000.
“This is one of the flagship projects of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and honours some of the country’s best women researchers and scientists,” said DSTI Minister Dr Blade Nzimande in his welcoming address.
The SAWISA theme this year was “transitioning towards an innovation economy: the role of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)”.
Professor Zingela, has been recognised for her work across a range of projects, reflecting her innovations in science and achievements in psychiatry.
“Winning this award is acknowledgement for the intellectual property contribution from myself, Dr Pumeza Kota-Nyati and Professor Zoleka Soji,” she said, referring to their work on the Enhanced Preparedness Training (EPT) project at Nelson Mandela University.
“My first love is Medicine while mental health and empowering others through education and sharing of knowledge are my passion.
“This is what drives the work I do. When the accolades and awards follow, I see them as a cloak of honour one has to wear, if only to inspire others.
“How else is a little girl growing up in Zwide to believe it is possible to reach for the stars in whatever field you set your heart on?”
Earlier this year, Prof Zingela released her book, EPT to Bloom, stemming from the EPT programme she developed over the COVID-19 pandemic.
This programme is now also a short learning course offered at Nelson Mandela University, with the support of Prof Soji and Dr Kota-Nyati. It focuses on enhancing coping skills, mental wellness and resilience.
From left, Professor Zoleka Soji, Professor Zukiswa Zingela and Dr Phumeza Kota-Nyati at the launch of the Enhanced Preparedness Training short learning course earlier this year
In addition to her research and publications, the award also acknowledges Prof Zingela’s regional, national and international leadership profile.
This includes serving on the Medical and Dental Board (MDB), including being current Chair of the Health Committee of the MDB, and being Vice-Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Board for Mental Health.
Prof Zingela is also a member of the International Narcotics Control Board, one of the United Nations Boards in Vienna. She served as the first Vice-President in 2022 and second Vice-President in 2023. She is currently the Rapporteur of The Board for 2024.
SAWISA profiles women scientists and researchers, who serve as role models for younger women and encourages those who are starting their careers as researchers and scientists to continue in STEM-related careers.
Visiting US academic Dr Sonya T Smith, the Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program and Professor of Engineering at Howard University, presented the keynote address at the awards celebration.
“According to recent statistics, black women make up just 2% of the science and engineering workforce in the US,” she said, due to a “complex web of systemic barriers”.
“For centuries the contributions of women, and black women in particular, have been marginalised, overlooked and undervalued. Despite the odds, black women have always been involved in science and technology.”
She cited the three African-American mathematicians popularised in the film Hidden Figures, and NASA astronaut Dr Mae Carol Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel into space.
“All these women not only broke barriers, but they also shattered stereotypes, proving that excellence in science and engineering knows no racial or gender boundaries.
“Their stories are not just the tales of individual triumph, they are testament to the resilience, brilliance and potential of women in fields, where we’re often told we don’t belong, just like the honourees here.”
The DSI SAWISA awards rotate across the country’s nine provinces and each year also recognise a prominent women in that province.
For 2024, the DSI acknowledged one of the country’s most famous living artists, Dr Esther Mahlangu. Known for her colourful geometric artwork inspired by her Ndebele heritage, Dr Mahlangu, 88, also attended the ceremony.
Clinician scientist Ms Gabriella Hyman, a University of the Witwatersrand graduate in health sciences, won the student category of the SAWISA awards.
Watch the full ceremony online here, and the panel discussion from this morning (16 August) here.