From Herding Sheep to Leading Science: The Remarkable Journey of Professor Tebello Nyokong

Thank you very much for agreeing to do this interview with us, Professor. Can you share some insights into your upbringing and early life? 

I was born in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. My father was a South African while my mother was from Lesotho, and they lived in Sharperville Township in South Africa. Due to apartheid laws which denied black people education, at the age of eight years old I was sent to live with my grandparents in Lesotho, so I can get a better education. In Lesotho sheep rearing was a major source of livelihood and the community relied on children to shepherd livestock. So, I joined the well established routine for youngsters by being a shepherd and attending school on alternate days. My parents believed in education and indeed, my father firmly believed education can topple the apartheid regime. As a young girl I had rather basic wants – to have shoes and enough food to eat. What I had in abundance though, was the ethics of hard work and the love for education.

Could you provide an overview of your educational background, highlighting the key milestones and challenges you faced during your academic journey?

In high school I changed from the arts to the sciences subjects after three years of doing the arts. I did what others had done in five years in two years. It meant that I had to do some serious catch-up to get to know the new material in time to matriculate successfully. People probably then thought I was mad. The sciences challenged me and it was exactly where I had to be. Teachers played a very important role during these early years. In 1977, I received a BSc in Chemistry and Biology with a concurrent certificate in Education from the University of Lesotho. In 1981 I completed my MSc at McMaster University in Canada, followed by a PhD in chemistry from the University of Western Ontario (Canada) in 1987. These postgraduate studies were funded by the Canadian International Development Agency CIDA. In 1990 I received a Fulbright fellowship to conduct postdoctoral research in the Radiation Laboratory of the University of Notre Dame in the United States.

What inspired you to pursue your studies in science, particularly in chemistry?

Curiosity, doing what people thought was hard. Being challenged. I also like to know HOW things around us work. I like to break things and put them back together. Doing Math and Science also opens more opportunities. With a Maths and Science background one can go into any profession, but without them, the opportunities are limited. It was the enthusiasm of a young lecturer, Dr Gray (an American Peace corps) that persuaded me to study chemistry at University. He was also cute. It wasn’t that I knew what I was going to do with chemistry. In fact, I had no idea, no career guidance whatsoever, I just kept doing it, I just enjoyed doing it.

You've published extensively, including more than 980 research papers and patents. Can you highlight some of your most impactful contributions?

My most important contribution is my students. I place great emphasis on encouraging my students to see chemistry and science in everything around them, and to continuously work at making science accessible to all. I always tell my students, when they talk to the public they must speak English, not science. I encourage them to have a simple love for their subject and to make it real. I also believe in encouraging my students to think independently, and to become employers rather than employees.

How did you become interested in the specific research areas you have pursued throughout your career, such as nanotechnology and photodynamic therapy?

I am fascinated by LASER light – and I found the use for it.

Your work in photodynamic therapy is well known for its potential in cancer treatment. Can you explain the key principles behind PDT and how it differs from traditional cancer treatments?

My research is based on photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Intended as an alternative to chemotherapy. PDT is based on using dyes which can be activated by exposure to laser light. In this treatment, the drugs are administered to a patient from 3 to 96 hours prior to administration of laser light. Over time, the compounds accumulate in the cancerous tissues. Clinicians then shine a strong laser light on the diseased areas, which causes a chemical reaction to occur between the drugs and oxygen molecules in the cancer tissues. Toxic oxygen is generated which then destroys the tumor cells. We use nanotechnology to enhance PDT.
The drugs for PDT are loaded into nanoparticles since the latter are preferentially retained in the tumour tissue due to reduced lymphatic drainage in tumours. Thus, the nanoparticles do not release the drug until they reach the cancer. This stops the drugs from damaging healthy tissues around the tumour. The mostly used nanoparticles are the gold nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles have a rich history, dating back to ancient Roman times where they were used to stain glasses for decorative purposes. They have a high surface area to volume ratio, and can carry the drugs efficiently to the cancer area. Because of microbial resistance we also use PDT to eradicate bacteria, fungi and viruses. Microbes have no chance of developing resistance with PDT.

Your research is not only innovative but also practical in addressing real-world challenges. Could you provide examples of how your work has made a positive impact on society or the environment?

The most important contribution is that we are addressing the innovation chasm – the inability of academic research to reach the markets as products – in South Africa and around the continent. Currently, there is insufficient research that is directly influencing economies. We use the dyes and nanomaterials used for PDT to treat antimicrobial resistance and treat pollution. The nanomaterials we use here are nanofibers which are fibrous (like cotton) materials containing catalytic material that can translate solar light into antimicrobial effects and can degrade organic contaminants in water. The nanofibers are used as support for recovery after use. The catalysts are designed to kill bacteria and to degrade the organic pollutants in water sources. The catalyst must absorb as much sunlight as possible, use this energy efficiently, be based on non-toxic, earth-abundant materials, have exceptional performance longevity, be easy to produce in large quantities, be heterogeneous and suitable to operate under conditions of flowing water. For up-scaling, we work with an industrial partner, Mintek in South Africa. Mintek is South Africa’s national mineral research organisation specialising in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and related areas.

You were appointed by the Pope to serve as a member of the Vatican Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, and you were honored as a Fellow of the Royal Society. Additionally, you have received prestigious awards such as the Order of Mapungubwe and the Gold Medal of the South African Chemical Institute. Among these accolades, which one holds a special significance for you, and what does it represent in terms of your achievements and contributions?

All awards are important. They are a privilege. But the awards that give me an opportunity to educate the public have huge significance. For example, in 2009, a motion was passed in the National Assembly acknowledging my role in transformation of science in South Africa, this gave me an opportunity to address the Parliament portfolio committee on Science and Technology. When I was awarded the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award by the African Union in 2016, I addressed African heads of states about the importance of science. When I received the L'Oreal-UNESCO award for “Women in Science” as a Laureate representing Africa and the Arab States, I did over 100 interviews with European media, so I made sure South African science was visible.

Research often presents challenges. What was the hardest hurdle you encountered in your career? How did you overcome it?

In post-apartheid South Africa, it was important for the university systems and institutions of research to create more inclusive and effective environments. This still has not happened. What is important for most people who were protected by apartheid is to maintain their privilege. For this reason, I can say that I have suffered academic loneliness in my career. I have been on my own with no one to share your happiness with and no one to talk to when things are wrong because it is not my world. I think it is only because I am slightly insane that I have the courage to go on!

What are important lessons you've learned on your way to where you are now in your career?

It is leading by example. I am disciplined and work hard and I want my students to be the same.

Looking back on your journey, is there anything you would have done differently or any advice you would give to your younger self?

You may refer to an article I have written for Science Club for Girls: Tebello Nyokong’s Letter to her 18-year-old Self

Looking back at your career filled with achievements, what discovery are you particularly proud of, and how has it shaped your perspective on scientific inquiry?

Seeing my students succeed. Training of high level manpower for the continent of Africa. Capacity building for Africa. My students are in academia, industry etc. all over the continent and beyond.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on Africa. From your perspective, what do you consider the most significant challenges currently facing the continent?

Innovation chasm: insufficient amount of research directly influencing the economy. I want to see Africa, become less dependent on the West and find solutions to our own problems through science. By teaching and supervising doctoral students, I am contributing to the science knowledge pool of our country. Scientific base which can allow us to turn our natural resources into products without sending them somewhere else for development. Africa has natural resources which can bring stability and wealth if managed properly. I wish to see countries invest more in scientific research for development. It is important to place science as a priority in African countries. No country has ever developed without a good science base.

Drawing from your background and expertise, how do you believe science and technology, particularly in fields like chemistry and nanotechnology, can be leveraged to address and overcome the challenges you've identified in Africa?  

Nanotechnology is an extremely disruptive emerging field of science that focuses on the manipulation and control of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometres. The aim is to design and develop materials that are stronger, lighter, more durable and reactive.

In your opinion, why do you think people of African descent, especially women, are underrepresented in STEM fields? What do you think should be done to motivate more Africans to get into STEM?

I think women need to remove the fear of science and the fear of a male dominated workplace. If somebody tells you “it’s not for women,” remove that fear, it’s not difficult. Like anything else, when you work at it, you can make it.

You have also been recognized for your mentorship and role as a teacher. How do you approach mentoring and encouraging the next generation of scientists and researchers? 

It is leading by example.

As a distinguished scientist, what key skills and qualities do you believe young Africans should develop to excel in STEM fields and make a difference in their communities? 

Young women and girls who would wish to pursue science careers should seek education to the highest level and work hard to excel in their careers.

What is something that someone wouldn't know by looking at your profile? Any fun facts?

I laugh a lot.

Finally, what words of encouragement or advice would you give to young Africans who are passionate about STEM and want to make a positive impact on their communities and the world?

They should work hard and consistently. I believe strongly in putting a lot of time in what you do. They should not choose a career based on money, they should base their choice on passion. Yes, we need money to survive, but choose a career which will make you happy, fulfilled and challenged. That will make you want to wake up and go to work.