As the world commemorates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February 2026), the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) celebrates South African excellence in science – reminding us of the achievements of three exceptional young women who represented South Africa at the London International Youth Science Forum 2025 (LIYSF 2025). These young women are also among the top performers in mathematics and physical science as recognised by the 2025 NSTF Brilliants Programme.
Exploring London and further afield during the LIYSF 2025, from left: Kagiso Tele, Fanelesibonge Ngema, and Gugu Libambo.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed globally, led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and United Nations (UN)-Women, in collaboration with other institutions and civil society partners. The global observance of this day seeks to address persistent gender gaps in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines, championing equity, inclusion and opportunity from primary education through to research leadership. For 2026, the theme is ‘From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap.’ This theme focuses on practical solutions and actionable steps to achieve gender equality in STEM fields, with a specific focus on the role of new and emerging technologies.
Inspiring the next generation
Aligned with efforts to encourage girls in STEM, the NSTF Brilliants Programme identifies and empowers top science and mathematics achievers from schools in provinces across the country. Of the students in this programme, 50% are girls, selected from schools for their achievements of 90% and more in maths and science, and their choice to study STEM related fields.
A cohort of six NSTF Brilliants students (three boys and three girls) were sponsored to attend the 2025 London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) a celebrated 15-day global STEM platform hosted at Imperial College London. It brings together hundreds of scientifically oriented young people from around the world. The three inspiring young South African women who participated in LIYSF exemplify the potential of girls in science.
Kagiso Tele is studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She matriculated at Lesedi Senior Secondary School in Lethabong in Gauteng. Kagiso’s enthusiasm for science and community-impacting healthcare continues to grow.
“I remember looking out of the window and realising just how far away I was going, and how big the world truly is. That moment gave me a sense of adventure and reminded me that there is so much more beyond the familiar places I had always known.”
You can read her reflections on the experience here.
Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She used the LIYSF experience to broaden her perspective on global health sciences. Fanelesibonge matriculated at Vukile High School in KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Overall, I was proud of the person I had become because of the confidence boost and knowledge I had gained. Gaining insight and perceptions of different people from all over the globe made me more informed about the world and made me appreciate my country. I felt proud when I waved that South African flag as a flag bearer in the opening ceremony,” she said.
You can read her reflections on the experience here.
Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo is studying medicine at UCT. Her participation in LIYSF strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in science for the benefit of her community. She matriculated at Mphanama Senior Secondary in Middelburg in Mpumalanga.
“What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the astronomy lecture. Although my focus is medicine, learning about the universe and its mysteries sparked a curiosity I hadn’t anticipated. It reminded me that science is a vast, interconnected web of knowledge, and that exploring other fields can be equally enriching,” she said.
You can read her reflections on the experience here.
The six NSTF Brilliants who attended the LIYSF 2025 were sponsored by South Africa’s Department of Science Technology & Innovation, the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, South32, and LIYSF.
The young men and women joined peers from around the world to engage in high-level lectures, specialist seminars and global discussions about key scientific challenges, experiences that will inform their future contributions in the STEM fields. Their participation at LIYSF exposed them to leading scientific research, global collaboration and role models in STEM, reinforcing their commitment to careers in science and healthcare.
Investing in the future of women in STEM
Beyond youth participation, South Africa continues to benefit from the leadership and innovation of women who are scientists and researchers working across disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, environmental science, mathematics and technology. Through the NSTF South32 Awards, commonly known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of SA, the NSTF recognises outstanding scientists, men and women, whose research and innovation address national priorities and global challenges. The awards celebrate excellence, promote role models for younger students and reinforce the importance of gender equity in science leadership and research impact.
Through initiatives like the NSTF Brilliants Programme, the NSTF-South32 Awards, the NSTF Share ‘n Dare youth outreach programme, and career talk videos with award winners, the NSTF continues to nurture and promote women in science, creating pathways for leadership, innovation, and mentorship. By supporting young women and celebrating established women scientists, the NSTF seeks to strengthen South Africa’s STEM ecosystem and foster a future where women have equal opportunities to shape scientific discovery.
For more information visit: https://nstf.org.za/