UCT Prof Kelly Chibale Named a Rising Black Biotech Leader, Only African Listed
- UCT Professor Kelly Chibale has been named among 22 rising black biotech leaders by an American-based publication
- The Cape Town researcher is the only Africa-based recipient this year
- Chibale says he hopes that the achievement will encourage other young black minds to make the most of their often perceived disadvantages
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Professor Kelly Chibale, a University of Cape Town-based researcher and founder of the institution's Drug Development and Discovery Centre, has been named the only African among 22 rising black biotech leaders. The Timmerman Report gives out the prestigious awards and is a United States-based company.
Source: Facebook
The exiting awards aimed to celebrate black minds from all across the globe. This year the publications feature marked Juneteenth on June 19, a federal holiday in the states celebrating the freedom won by African American slaves in 1863.
Speaking with UCT News, Chibale says it has been very special to be honoured for his work.
“It’s a big deal for me and UCT to be singled out in the US – arguably the biotech hub of the world. It is very special," he said.
However, this is not the first time that Chibale has received worldwide recognition for his work, Sunday Times reports. In 2018, Fortune magazine named the innovative bio technician one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.
The UCT Professor says he hopes his achievements will encourage other black researchers to overcome the disadvantage they may feel and learn to see their uniquely 'black' experiences as an advantage.
“I choose to use any boundaries, along with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, as a source of motivation, to be an inspirational role model for sustained world‑class performance and excellence,” he said.
Despite the “real boundaries” to black scientists, one has to make a personal choice, he added.
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Nonsikelelo Qwelane: Mzansi's longest-serving teacher dies at the age of 100
In more news about local trailblazers, Briefly News previously reported that the Mpumalanga Department of Education is mourning the passing of the longest-serving teacher, Nonsikelelo Qwelane, who worked for more than 70 years. The department conveyed a message of condolences via their official Facebook page.
According to a lengthy post, Qwelane, who was also known as Gogo, received a number of top accolades for dedication to her work. The provincial department confirmed that the hard-working employee passed away at the age of 100.
South Africans have also conveyed their messages to the department and Qwelane’s family - Briefly News selected a few.
The post reads:
“The Mpumalanga Department of Education is deeply saddened by the passing on of Ms Nonsikelelo Qwelane. A recipient of the Presidential Order of the Baobab in Bronze in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education in South Africa and for being an inspiration and role model to both young and old.
“In 2018 Gogo Qwelane received a MEC Special Award from the Mpumalanga Department of Education for her commitment and dedication to teaching. Having served as a teacher for more than 79 years, Gogo Qwelane was 100 years old when she passed away.”
@Nkosinathi Dimba said:
“Well done mama, you really left a mark for us in Education, your passion for teaching will never go unnoticed. May your soul rest in peace.”
@Zanele Mthombothi said:
“Condolences to sis Nomakhwezi and the entire Qwelane family and may the soul of Gogo Qwelane RIP.”
@Kizar Makhu said:
“Gogo Qwelane was a real stalwart of the teaching profession. Having taught for a long time in four provinces is a milestone second to none. May she rest in peace. Our condolences to her family.”
@Mapitsi Segona said:
“She was just an inspiration. What an incredible teacher she was. May her hardworking, precious soul rest in eternal perfect peace.”
@Richard Twala said:
“I remember her when she honoured one of the NTA functions in Mpumalanga and made her powerful speech about her passion for teaching. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
@George Ramasenya said:
“Based on the background that you provided to us, Gogo Qwelane deserves Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2. May her soul rest in peace.”
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Source: Briefly News
