The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is proud to announce that Dr Mokgadi Hlongwane, esteemed Lecturer and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator from the Department of Chemistry, has emerged victorious in the prestigious Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge. Dr Hlongwane’s ground-breaking proposal, Development of Lessertia frutescens nodulating rhizobia as a bioinoculant to alleviate climate change effects in medicinal plants and crops, was selected as one of two winning projects for 2025.
This was announced during the 9th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference in Pune, India, in March 2025. This remarkable achievement underscores Dr Hlongwane’s commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change’s impact on agriculture and medicinal plants, a critical concern for communities in the Global South.
The Elsevier Foundation Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge is a collaboration between the Elsevier Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to inclusive research and health—and Elsevier’s Chemistry journals. The initiative aims to uncover practical and scalable solutions that address climate-related challenges, particularly in developing regions. Winning projects, such as Dr Hlongwane’s, receive a €25,000 grant to advance green and sustainable chemistry solutions that support both Climate Action (SDG 13) and Gender Equity (SDG 5).
Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka – Fleischmann, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, commended Dr Hlongwane on her well-deserved success, saying: “Dr Hlongwane’s achievement shows the calibre of research being conducted at TUT and its impact on global sustainability. Her project aligns perfectly with the University’s motto, ‘Moving from Good to Great,’ as it not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers practical solutions for communities affected by climate change. We are immensely proud of her contribution to environmental sustainability and gender equality in Science.”
Dr Hlongwane’s research highlights the importance of integrating sustainable chemistry practices to combat climate change and enhance agricultural resilience. This passionate environmental activist with a PhD in Chemistry, has consistently demonstrated excellence, having obtained both her BTech and MTech degrees cum laude. Her dedication to developing eco-friendly solutions exemplifies the role of scientists in shaping a sustainable future.
TUT congratulates Dr Hlongwane on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of her research in addressing global climate challenges. Her success not only elevates the University’s reputation in scientific innovation but also inspires future generations of researchers to pursue solutions that drive meaningful change.
Dr Mokgadi Hlongwane, Lecturer and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator from the Department of Chemistry.