Nzimande Pays Tribute to Professor Motaung: Calls on Scientists to Prioritise Humanity and Ethical Innovation
Pretoria – Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande has urged South African scientists to always place people at the centre of their work, drawing inspiration from the late Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung’s groundbreaking legacy. Speaking at her memorial service in Pretoria on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Nzimande described Motaung as a trailblazer who used her knowledge to solve real problems and uplift communities. Motaung, who passed away on 13 November 2025 at the age of 52 after a short illness, leaves behind a powerful example of how science can drive positive change, from creating natural remedies to mentoring young talents.
Her death has sparked widespread tributes from across the country, highlighting her role as a pioneer in biomedical research and a champion for black women in science. As South Africa mourns, Nzimande’s words remind us of the need for research that tackles everyday challenges like poverty and health issues.
A Life Dedicated to Science and Service
Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung was a leading biomedical scientist whose work blended modern innovation with traditional knowledge. She founded and led Global Health Biotech, a company famous for developing La-Africa Soother – a plant-based ointment that eases muscle and joint pain using indigenous medicinal plants. This natural alternative has helped athletes and everyday people find relief without harsh chemicals, showing her focus on practical solutions.
Motaung also served as Assistant Dean for Teaching, Learning and Student Affairs in the Faculty of Science at Tshwane University of Technology, where she inspired countless students. She was the first black woman in South Africa to earn a PhD in Biomedical Technology, breaking barriers in a field often dominated by others. Her research in tissue engineering led to advances like knee cartilage regeneration and skin substitutes for burn victims, earning her global recognition.
Beyond labs, Motaung chaired the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship at the Financial Research and Entrepreneurship Foundation – Nelson Mandela University Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion. There, she drove studies linking innovation, business, and community growth. “The first lesson we learn from Prof Motaung’s life is the need for our scientists and researchers to always remember the question: what problem does my knowledge seek to solve?” Nzimande said at the service.
He praised her for turning ideas into action, like making her PhD students shareholders in Global Health Biotech to fight graduate joblessness. “She did not just identify the problem or lament about it.
She ventured to find a solution. Not the professional lamenters who are forever complaining and never provide any solutions,” the Minister added.
Mentoring the Next Generation and Embracing Indigenous Knowledge
Even as she climbed to top roles, Motaung made time to guide thousands of young, black, and female scientists and business starters. Nzimande noted her deep care for changing young lives through education, science, and starting businesses. “We are also paying tribute to someone who was driven by a deep commitment to change the lives of the young people of our country through education, science, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Motaung’s work put indigenous knowledge front and centre in research, using local plants for health solutions that fit African needs. Nzimande urged public research bodies to follow her lead by finding lasting fixes for big issues like poverty, inequality, joblessness, gender-based violence, energy needs, climate change effects, and rising cancer cases. “We also learn that research must be responsive to the lived reality of ordinary people. This means that the research that is produced by our public research institutions must be deliberate about addressing our immediate development challenges as a country,” he explained.
Her awards tell of her impact: the DST SARIMA Excellence Award in 2018, CEO’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in 2019, and many more for her role in science and empowerment. Motaung’s story shows that black women can not only join science but lead and create new paths. “In addition, the Minister said Motaung’s life demonstrates that not only can black people and in particular black women, do science, but they are more than capable of breaking new ground in the various fields of science,” Nzimande shared.
A Lasting Legacy and Call for Ethical Science
Nzimande stressed that scientists must use knowledge with care and morals. “This means that our scientists and researchers must uphold the principle that scientific knowledge must be used responsibly and ethically,” he said. He believes the best way to honour Motaung is by helping young girls and boys from poor areas chase dreams in science, teaching, and business.
Speaking for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nzimande sent deep sympathies to Motaung’s family and kids. “On behalf of our President, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, I wish to convey our deepest condolences as government to the children and family of Prof Motaung and also express our country’s gratitude to her for her selfless service to our country and its people,” he said.
Motaung’s passing has left a gap in South Africa’s science world, but her work lives on through the people she taught and the solutions she made. As the country looks to build on her ideas, her story inspires a new wave of innovators focused on helping others and using local wisdom for global good.
Remembering a Pioneer Who Put People First
From her early days in academia to leading Global Health Biotech, Motaung always aimed to solve real-life problems. Her ointment, La-Africa Soother, came from studying plants used in traditional healing, blending old ways with new science to help with pain from sports or daily life.
She also fought for more women in STEM fields, running programmes to train and empower them. Her efforts helped cut graduate joblessness by linking studies to real business chances. Motaung’s life shows how one person can spark big change, making science work for everyday South Africans.
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