Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, an associate professor of Physiology at the North-West University (NWU), is paving the way for the next generation of researchers by carving new paths in cardiovascular health research.
Prof Gafane-Matemane, who carries out her research activities as part of the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) and the Medical Research Council Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular disease, is making waves in her field.
Her research interest in hypertension aims to improve understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to hypertension, and to find innovative ways to improve awareness and reduce the burden of hypertension, especially in resource-limited settings.
Her resume reads like a book. The 33-year-old professor who hails from Moletjie Sengatane in the Limpopo province has more than 50 publications in prominent regional and international journals and platforms in the field of hypertension and cardiovascular research.
Her work has earned her many accolades along the way, including the Platinum Award for the best oral presentation at the Joint Stroke and Hypertension Congress in 2016, and the Clinical Science Journal Young Investigator Award in 2018. Other than her academic duties, she also contributes to science and mentorship through her role in national and international societies and committees.
Her contribution to research on hypertension has not gone unnoticed. She has received funding support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Her work has been featured as the International Society of Hypertension’s New Investigator Spotlight of the Month (2017) and Our Fellows Work (2020). In 2021 she was elected as a fellow of the International Society of Hypertension, one of only three fellows from South Africa.
Prof Gafane-Matemane credits her success to hard work and mentorship from women she could relate to and learn a lot from.
“Mentorship is an essential part of growth and success in one’s career. It provides a safe space to learn, to learn from your mistakes, and to build long-term professional relationships that contribute to an excellent career,” she shares.
She says having had some of the best mentors continues to inspire her and shape her career, and also enables her to mentor students and early career researchers in and outside her institution.
Prof Gafane-Matemane recognises the power of working in a supportive environment that encourages young academics to explore opportunities and overcome challenges. She encourages students and early career academics to seek mentorship and make use of available initiatives at their institutions and other platforms.
When asked about the best thing about her work, the mother of four says she sees her role in academia as being a servant. "It is an extremely important role to be responsible for finding solutions to the current health challenges we face, while at the same time contributing to shaping the future by building the next generation of individuals who will make a positive contribution to the world we live in.”
Some of her fulfilling initiatives include giving career guidance to high school learners and university students, and engaging in hypertension awareness activities such as the May Measurement Month. What she enjoys the most about her work, is interacting with communities outside academia, where she believes she needs to make the biggest impact.
Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane.
