In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.
Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to advancing occupational hygiene and promoting female academic leadership in a historically male-dominated discipline.
While women are well represented across the broader occupational hygiene profession – from major corporations like SASOL and leading mining houses to consultancy firms and government agencies – their presence in academia remains limited. Although many women are active in related disciplines such as environmental health, occupational health and epidemiology, few specialise specifically in occupational hygiene in academic institutions.
As the first tertiary education institution in southern Africa to offer a dedicated four-year undergraduate degree in Occupational Hygiene, the NWU leads the way in building capacity and professionalism. The programme, developed and presented by the Occupational Hygiene subject group and the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI), equips students with the competencies needed for registration with the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH).
The five women from the NWU who are central to this initiative, contributing to the advancement of the field through their teaching, mentorship, research and leadership, are:
Associate Professor Sonette du Preez
Prof Du Preez holds a PhD in Occupational Hygiene, with research focused on the respiratory health risks associated with metal additive manufacturing (3D printing). Her work enhances understanding of the health implications of emerging technologies. She has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications and presented at 19 national and five international conferences.
Professor Anja Franken
Prof Franken became the first female academic in the Occupational Hygiene group at the NWU in 2008. She obtained her PhD in 2015, focusing on in vitro skin permeability of platinum and rhodium. A Y2-rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF), she has authored 31 publications, contributed to 53 conferences, and supervised 20 master’s-degree and two PhD students. Her innovative teaching methods and passion for student development have made her a cornerstone of the programme.
Associate Professor Suranie Horn
With a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Prof Horn transitioned to Occupational Hygiene in 2022, bringing expertise in chemical exposure and environmental health. She has authored
25 peer-reviewed publications, holds an NRF Y2 rating, and leads nationally funded projects. She is committed to applied research and postgraduate mentorship within the OHHRI.
Dr Motsehoa Cynthia Ramotsehoa
Dr Ramotsehoa earned her PhD in Occupational Hygiene in 2024 with a study on the occupational exposure of Namibian outdoor mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation. She has supervised three master’s-degree students investigating similar exposures in other outdoor occupations such as those of car guards and protection officers. Her academic portfolio includes six peer-reviewed publications, six article reviews, and a book chapter review – helping to close a critical knowledge gap in this underexplored area.
Alicia van der Merwe
Alicia brings industry experience from steel manufacturing, mining and inspection authorities. She played a pivotal role in developing the NWU’s four-year degree in Occupational Hygiene. Currently pursuing her PhD in Occupational Hygiene with a focus on pesticide management in farming communities, she has supervised two cum laude master’s-degree students who won national conference awards. Her contributions include national and international presentations and peer-reviewed work.
While the NWU is home to five of the eight identified female academics specialising in Occupational Hygiene, the remaining three are:
- Dr Goitsemang Keretetse – University of the Witwatersrand
- Dr Karlien Linde – University of Limpopo
- Zanele Zulu – Mangosuthu University of Technology
In a field that is still emerging in South Africa, particularly in academia, the concentration of female expertise at the NWU is extraordinary. The fact that more than 60% of the country’s known female occupational hygiene academics are based at a single institution is a testament to the NWU’s leadership, excellence and commitment to transformation.
These five women at the NWU are not only driving research and innovation but also mentoring the next generation of occupational hygienists. Their work addresses vital issues – from chemical and UV exposure to workplace health in technologically advanced industries – making a tangible impact on worker health and well-being.
Prof Sonette du Preez
Prof Anja Franken
Prof Suranie Horn
Dr Motsehoa Cynthia Ramotsehoa
Alicia van der Merwe
