Empowering Science for Sustainable Solutions: The Story of Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu

Principal Scientist Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu of the Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) in South Africa is a living example of the spirit of scientific inquiry and the perseverance needed to overcome historical obstacles. In her role as Principal Investigator of the LIRA-funded project Gr06/17, she oversaw a vibrant team that navigated challenging social, logistical, and financial environments in search of long-term solutions to Zambian and South African water and energy resource problems.

Collaboration across several expert stakeholder organizations constituted the foundation of the project itself, which was a crucial yet challenging strategy. It took a lot of time and patience to participate in these organizations because many stakeholders were overburdened with their own obligations, which frequently led to limited access to important data. “Collaborating with several people in specialist stakeholder organizations was one of the biggest research hurdles we encountered. It was frequently difficult to obtain timely information, according to Sikhwivhilu. Notwithstanding these challenges, the South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) participation was crucial. Their orders unlocked doors that may otherwise have stayed closed and made it easier to obtain the required authorizations for local collaboration.

Information gaps continued, however. For instance, the team had to find other information from sources outside the authorized research province because Johannesburg Water delayed data access. Another degree of complexity was created by financial limitations, especially in Zambia. Due to financial constraints, the initial plan to assist two Master’s students had to be changed. According to Sikhwivhilu, “we ended up training several undergraduate students as part of their third and fourth year practical work.” Fortunately, the South African side was able to utilize resources from concurrent initiatives that were already in progress.

The study used a wide range of techniques, such as focus groups, surveys, guided interviews, and transect walks, to obtain insightful information. Assessments of energy and raw water resources based on primary and secondary data were added to these. The study’s strength was its interdisciplinary approach, which drew on knowledge from the social sciences, process engineering, environmental and chemical engineering, chemistry, and geo-informatics. As a result, the team was able to assess the effect, accessibility, and quality of water and energy infrastructure in local communities in a comprehensive manner.

Even though there were no technical issues with the final report, Sikhwivhilu and her team felt like there was still work to be done. She muses, “We would have loved to put some of the recommendations into practice and then come back to do impact assessments through follow-up surveys.” However, financial and timing constraints hindered this crucial step.

Curiosity and perseverance led Sikhwivhilu to pursue a career in science. “I’ve always been curious about how things work and why they work the way they do,” she remembers. Her pursuit of science was also a silent act of rebellion because she grew up in South Africa during the apartheid era, when African women were usually excluded from scientific pursuits. She claims that “we knew nothing of African scientists, let alone African female scientists,” in the 1980s and 1990s. Because mathematics and physical science were deemed too challenging for women, the majority of our teachers were men.

She wasn’t deterred, though. Sikhwivhilu discovered throughout her college years that science wasn’t hard; it only needed supportive structures and skilled teachers. “I discovered that science can be utilized to solve a wide range of problems and that it is fascinating and capable of providing answers to many fascinating questions.” She now applies that conviction to her career, applying science to create concrete initiatives that advance society.

She takes pride in the advancements made in both the field and the world. “I’m happy that there are so many female role models in science for African girls growing up in South Africa and around the world today. She can think that, despite social norms, she can accomplish anything she sets her mind and heart to.
The tale of Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu is one of tenacity, meaning, and influence. It is evidence of the ability of science to both comprehend and change the world, particularly when it is fueled by previously unheard voices.