MTHATHA– A proud daughter of the Eastern Cape, Dr Bambesiwe May, has made waves in the scientific community after being awarded a prestigious research grant through the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science National Programme. Dr May, a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU), was recognised for her groundbreaking work profiling mining waste material often dismissed as environmental hazard to uncover its potential as a resource rich in valuable metals and minerals.
Her research has led to the development of a pioneering Environmental Geochemical Assessment-Valorization Framework, which combines environmental risk management with resource recovery. The aim, she says, is simple but powerful; to turn waste into opportunity.
“I was excited, grateful and overwhelmed with joy. It felt like a ‘finally’ moment like all the quiet seasons of persistence had found their recognition,” Dr May said.
With the support of the award, Dr May plans to test her framework on different waste streams, including water hyacinth and textile waste, to develop environmentally friendly products that could benefit local industries and communities. Passionate about inspiring young women in science, she hopes her achievement will spark curiosity and confidence among future scientists from rural areas.
“I hope it reminds young women that there’s no single path into science and that curiosity is a powerful compass,” she added. Dr May’s journey into mining waste research was inspired by her earlier work as a geochemist. “I often asked myself, ‘What if we could do more than just categorize waste? What if we reimagined it?’ That curiosity brought me back to academia, where I could explore solutions to the real-world problems I’d seen firsthand,” she explained.
Determined to make her research accessible beyond the university walls, Dr May aims to share her findings with communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to ensure her work drives practical environmental change.
“Scientific discoveries shouldn’t be buried in academic papers,” she said. “They should reach the people who can use them to make a difference.”
In addition Dr May’s recognition by L’Oréal–UNESCO not only celebrates her scientific excellence but also shines a spotlight on the potential of Eastern Cape’s homegrown talent to contribute to sustainable innovation both nationally and globally.
Photographs: supplied
