North-West University (NWU) academics Prof Kgaugelo Lekota from the School of Biological Sciences and Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) were recipients of Research Excellence Awards for Early Career/Emerging Researchers at the 2025 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards.
The awards celebrated South Africa’s leading researchers on 7 August 2025 at the NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel in Gauteng. This year’s ceremony, held under the theme “Innovating for a sustainable future”, recognised individuals and teams whose work has made a significant contribution to science and society.
Prof Lekota’s research in microbial genomics, bioinformatics and antimicrobial resistance has advanced the development of genomic markers for tracking outbreaks and understanding the spread of zoonotic pathogens. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and supervised multiple postgraduate students.
Reflecting on the award, Prof Lekota said: “Being honoured with this award is a deeply meaningful milestone in my expedition as a microbiologist specialising in microbial genomics and antimicrobial resistance. It is a powerful acknowledgement of my commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical areas and affirms the national value of my contributions to microbial research.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of my work in addressing urgent public health and sustainability challenges, and it strengthens my determination to push the boundaries of discovery, foster innovation, and translate knowledge into solutions that safeguard communities, promote sustainability, and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Prof Gafane-Matemane, an associate professor of Physiology, focuses her research on kidney function, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk factors in populations of African ancestry. She leads HART’s Translational and Implementation Science sub-theme and has published more than 50 scientific papers.
Speaking about the honour, Prof Gafane-Matemane said: “The award affirms the importance of researching health issues that are most prevalent in African communities. It motivates me to continue translating research into interventions that improve health outcomes, especially in underserved populations.”
In addition to the NWU recipients, NWU alumnus Prof Musawenkosi Saurombe from the University of Johannesburg was recognised in the same category.
The NRF Awards, aligned with the organisation’s Vision 2030 of Research for a Better Society, seek to encourage the culture of advancing South Africa’s scientific knowledge and technological innovation. According to the NRF, recipients are evaluated for the quality, impact and international competitiveness of their work, as well as its contribution to addressing societal needs.
Prof Kgaugelo Lekota
Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane
