EXCECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Dr. Katekani Shingange
Dr. Katekani Shingange hails from Gavaza village, Limpopo. She obtained a PhD in Physics from the University of the Free State in 2020. Her research focuses on surface science, particularly powders and thin films of optoelectronic semiconducting metal oxides applied to gas sensing technology.
Leveraging her expertise, Dr. Shingange actively engages in science communication workshops, mentors and supervises postgraduate students and junior researchers. She is passionate about attracting future generations to science and participates in initiatives like job shadowing for high school learners. Her dedication to knowledge transfer and skill development has positioned her as a leading figure in her field.
Dr. Shingange serves as the chairperson of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), championing the cause of women in physics and advocating for increased female participation in physics-related careers. Her commitment to empowering women in STEM is further highlighted by her involvement in various activities aimed at attracting and nurturing female talent in the field. In 2023, Dr. Shingange was recognized as one of the 200 Mail&Guardian Young South Africans in the Technology and Innovation category, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in physics. She also had the prestigious opportunity to attend the Lindau Laureates Meeting in 2019, dedicated to Physics, an event that brings together young scientists across the globe with Nobel laureates. This experience showcases her international standing and contributions to the field.
Outside of physics research, Dr. Shingange enjoys exploring hiking trails and moments of solitude.
Deputy Chairperson: Dr Motlalepula Rebecca Mhlongo
Dr. Motlalepula Rebecca Mhlongo is a physicist from a village called Mmametlhake in Mpumalanga. In 2020, she obtained her PhD in Physics from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Her research interest is on luminescent materials; nanophosphors applicable in light emitting diodes (LED’s). She has developed interest in energy storage, particularly lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Dr Mhlongo is an academic who started her career in 2003 as a laboratory assistant. Currently, she is a senior lecturer, and she imparts her knowledge of physics to the younger generations. Her passion and determination led her to be the first female head of physics department (HOD) at her institution since 2019. This put her in an advantageous position to advocate for women physicists to occupy higher positions in institutional structures since she serves in several committees in the institution. Her primary objective is to retain students and encourage them to pursue postgraduate level in a health science dominated institution. She supervises postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers. As part of the academic enterprise, Dr Mhlongo is involved in community engagement outreach. Her passion is in providing career guidance and raising the flag of Physics. As a deputy chairperson of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), Dr Mhlongo fulfills the objectives of organization by recruiting girl learners, encouraging and supporting women to work in physics related careers.
Besides academia or research in physics, Dr Mhlongo occupies a leading position in the community as a founder and the pastor of a church.
Secretary: Dr. Joyful Mdhluli
Dr. Joyful Elma Mdhluli is a physicist with a passion for both research and fostering a more inclusive scientific community. In 2023, she earned her PhD in Particle Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), contributing to their innovative Flagship projects. These projects explore the potential of astronomy to improve society.
Beyond research, Dr. Mdhluli is a strong advocate for women in physics. She serves as the Executive Secretary of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), a forum under the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP). Through WiPiSA, she champions initiatives that promote greater representation and opportunities for women in the field. Her dedication extends to science communication. Dr. Mdhluli serves as an Editor for the Southern African Region for the African Physics Newsletter, ensuring wider dissemination of scientific advancements.
Dr. Mdhluli’s commitment goes beyond academia. She actively participates in outreach programs, fostering a deeper connection between science and the community. In her personal life, Dr. Mdhluli embodies the power of positivity. She encourages everyone to embrace joy and share smiles – a philosophy that resonates with her belief that life is precious and meant to be enjoyed.
Student Representative: Javeria Makda
Javeria Makda is a 24 year old PhD candidate in Astrophysics. She obtained her Bachelor of Science, Honours and Masters degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from WITS University. She has been a part of WIPISA since 2022 and is incredibly passionate about empowering women in STEM fields. She is a first generation immigrant from Pakistan, and as such, believes strongly in defying cultural norms and being an example for other women who wish to be in a male-dominated field such as herself. Javeria’s research interests are primarily in the Dark Matter field: what it could be, how we can detect it, and the effects it may have on our universe. Besides being an academic, Javeria finds a lot of her time spent on the tennis court, in the swimming pool, and rallying for climate justice for all.
Student Volunteer: Tebogo Ledwaba
Tebogo Ledwaba is a full-time physics PhD student at Stellenbosch University. Her current work focuses on using several X-ray imaging modalities to detect defects in laser powder bed fusion manufactured alloys. Tebogo also uses artificial intelligence to develop segmentation models for a range of x-ray images. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has been serving as a student assistant at WiPiSA since 2022. Tebogo finds joy in watching football, with Liverpool FC being her favorite team. She also has a deep appreciation for poetry and finds solace in nature.