Boitshepo Gopane, an MSc microbiology student at the North-West University’s campus in Mahikeng recently won an award at the Black Women in Science (BWIS) conference.

Boitshepo and her group, the Eazi Waste Group, walked away with the award for best idea and presentation.

The Eazi Waste Group collects dry waste from hotels and restaurants to recycle them back to the plastic associations and other companies dealing with waste management.

“This award is an acknowledgement for our hard work,” she says. “This means a lot and will definitely contribute to my career.”

BWIS was founded in 2017 and promotes the participation of black women in science. It offers its members network opportunities and promotes entrepreneurship.

Boitshepo, who is a member of BWIS, says being part of the organisation has definitely opened doors for her and enabled her to share ideas with other members.

“BWIS does a lot to increase the visibility of black women in science and to get them the same recognition as their male counterparts.”

Boitshepo was also recognised for presenting the best research poster during the recent Research Day on the campus.

Boitshepo Gopane (second from the left) and the members of her Eazi Waste Group walked away with the award for best idea and presentation during the recent Black Women in Science conference.