The South African Women in Science Awards (WISA) have become an integral part of South Africa’s annual celebrations of Women’s Month in August. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been hosting WISA since 2003 as part of the government’s efforts to recognise and create incentives for women scientists and researchers in the country and to profile successful women scientists whose distinguished achievements in research and innovation are an inspiration to the nation, particularly to young women and girls.

The objective is to create role models for young women and girls. The focus for the 2010 awards is on life sciences, indigenous knowledge systems and social sciences and humanities.

Since 2009, Tata Africa has partnered with DST to award three prestigious awards to women studying in the fields of science, engineering and technology.

The 2010 WISA winners were announced at a gala dinner on August 13, 2010. Minister Trevor Manuel (minister in the presidency), Minister Naledi Pandor (DST), Deputy Minister Derek Hanekom (DST) were present as well as high level academia and business leaders from all over the country. Mr Dhawan, representing Tata Africa, was the keynote speaker alongside Minister Pandor and Minister Manuel. This is a high-level platform to convey Tata’s message of a values-driven company and of giving back to the community in which it operates.

Winners of the 2010 Tata Africa Scholarships for Women in Science:

Olaisende Oluwatoyin Adenike
Seodisa Senkepeng Louisa Lekalakala
Lufuno Grace Mavhandu.