Prof Motaung is a native of Krugersdorp, South Africa, and a multiple award winner for her consistent contributions as a Biomedical Scientist towards bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship.
She is the only black female in South Africa to hold a Doctorate specializing in tissue engineering of articular cartilage and has recently been appointed by Durban University of Technology (DUT) as the Director: Technology, Transfer, and Innovation.
Her research and innovation focus on the role of medicinal plants in tissue engineering of bone and cartilage and in 2016, she established her own company called Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd, based on her own scientific exploration into the use of medicinal plants in tissue engineering of bone and cartilage, in partnership with Dr. Johanna Mpilu (Traditional Healer Practitioner) and two of her former Ph.D. student’s Dr. Mapula Razwinani and Dr. Makwese Maepa.
She is also passionate about science and technology entrepreneurship, often assisting the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in redefining international relations for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research.
Giving her advice to prospective scientists in a recent interview, she said, “Find a field that will inspire you into making a difference in the lives of those around you.
Give your best at all times and don’t be distracted by peers who may have started work before you, our circumstances and challenges are never the same.
The best time to study is when you’re still young.”