“Good Luck”: Wits Scholar Heads to MIT and Harvard to Advance Diabetes Research, SA Moved

• Wits PhD candidate Bontle Masango earned a 2025-2026 Fulbright Scholarship to research type 2 diabetes at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
• Her research focuses on reducing the burden of the disease, which is the most common form of diabetes across Africa
• South Africans rallied behind Masango online, celebrating her achievement as a proud moment for the country

A Wits University PhD candidate is taking her fight against type 2 diabetes to one of the world's most prestigious research institutions. Bontle Masango earned a 2025/2026 Fulbright Scholarship, placing her at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in the United States. The institution of higher learning announced the achievement on its Facebook account, Wits - University of the Witwatersrand, on 30 August 2026, sharing Masango's story with the university's community and beyond.

Why type 2 diabetes research matters for Africa

Type 2 diabetes is the most widespread form of the disease on the African continent, placing enormous strain on both individuals and public health systems. Masango's research is aimed squarely at changing that reality, shifting healthcare approaches from treating illness after the fact to anticipating and preventing it.

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The Broad Institute, a joint venture between MIT and Harvard, is globally recognised for cutting-edge biomedical research, making it an ideal environment for the kind of work Masango is pursuing.

See the Facebook post announcing Bontle's move to Harvard below:

Mzansi celebrates Bontle Masango's achievement

South Africans flooded the comments section with pride and encouragement:

@Ntakadzeni Biochemistry said:

"Good luck."

@Tshwanelo Lame Tshenyego wrote:

"From reactive care to predictive care ❤️."

@Tania Sani commented:

"Congratulations"

@Cornell Miti added:

"Congratulations, beautiful"

@Ntokozo Dlams reflected:

"Such things never trend because we are too busy focusing on entertainment. That's how docile humanity has become."

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Source: Briefly News