Inanda Alumnae are leaders in many fields at home and in the world. These are some of them who have been in the news lately.
Professor Ncoza Dlova
Professor Dlova, currently the Head of Dermatology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been named an inaugural recipient of the prestigious Beiersdorf Icons of Care Award. This global recognition celebrates her "achievements, innovations, and dedication" that have significantly advanced the field of skincare.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Beyond this latest honour, Professor Dlova is a world-renowned expert in skin and hair disorders. Her groundbreaking research—notably identifying the root cause of permanent hair loss (CCCA) in women of African descent—has transformed dermatological care globally.
From the halls of Inanda Seminary to the forefront of international medical science, Professor Dlova continues to embody our values of leadership and service. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved milestone!
Nomalungelo Gina
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina (an ex-member from the Class of ’88), visited Inanda Seminary accompanied by Department of Basic Education Pinetown District Director: Ms ST Nkosi and Ms B Moni from the HSRC. Here are some excerpts from their talks to the members.
Prof Zozo Nene
Prof Zozo Nene has been appointed to the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG), the principal scientific advisory body of the WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) .The role of this advisory body is identifying, reviewing and advising on research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights. Prof Nene will serve on this advisory group for a 3 year term.
Sibongile Rejoyce Sambo
Sibongile Rejoyce Sambo is the founder and owner of SRS Aviation, a luxury private charter airline, and the first black-owned aviation company to earn an air operating certificate in South Africa. She was too short to be a flight attendant, so she started her own airline instead.
Full story on mybroadband.co.za
Advocate Thandi Orleyn
At its 2025 Spring Graduation, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) conferred an Honorary Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, on Advocate Dr. Thandi Orleyn, exactly fifty years after she first walked onto the Alice campus as a young student in 1975.
The Fort Hare law graduate (1978), former Council Chairperson, and trailblazer across commerce, law, and empowerment, Adv Orleyn’s recognition is both a celebration of her achievements and a symbolic homecoming to the institution that launched her journey.
Yoliswa Balfour
Yoliswa Balfour ('80) was named the Businesswoman of the Year at the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) Annual Business Awards for 2024. The awards ceremony was held on November 29, 2024, at the Premier Hotel EL ICC in East London. She was recognised for her significant impact and contributions to the local economy in the Border-Kei region, specifically within the fuel and energy sector.
Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita
Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita ('78) - Non-Executive Independent Chairman of the Board, Standard Bank Group
Nku is a South African engineer, businesswoman and corporate executive who was appointed Chairperson-designate at Standard Bank Group and Standard Bank of South Africa, on 10 May 2022.
https://live.worldbank.org/en/experts/n/nonkululeko-nyembezi
Joyce Siwani
Joyce Siwani ('60) - Honorary Doctorate
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to advancing social justice and championing the rights of vulnerable communities, the Faculty of the Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS) awarded an honorary doctorate to Joyce Siwani during the April 2025 graduation ceremonies. Siwani - a decorated social worker, child advocate, and founding member of Fifty and Beyond South Africa (FABSA) - was conferred with the degree Doctor of Social Work (honoris causa) by Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty, on 9 April 2025.
https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2025/april/champion-of-social-justice-joyce-siwani-receives-honorary-doctorate
Sibongile Maputla
In a bold leap for South African fintech innovation, a new app is reimagining the way we give and invest. Squirrel Away, a first-of-its-kind platform in the local market, offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional gifting: instead of toys or gift cards, friends and family can now contribute directly to a child’s financial future. At the helm of this innovative venture is Sibongile Maputla ('94), a seasoned financial expert with more than 24 years of global experience across South Africa, the UK, and the USA.
https://iol.co.za/business-report/entrepreneurs/2025-08-03-squirrel-away-the-south-african-fintech-app-turning-gifting-into-investment/
Prof Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
Prof Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana ('80) - Natural and Engineering Sciences Winner: Women in Science Award 2025
Prof. Mkhize-Kwitshana is a Distinguished Professor of Immunology at Unisa, an Honorary Associate Professor at UKZN, and a Senior Research Associate at UJ. Prof. Mkhize-Kwitshana's research focuses on the immunology of co-infections, specifically how immune modulation and suppression by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect responses to HIV, TB, HPV, coronavirus and cancer.
https://www.dsti.gov.za/index.php/media-room/latest-news/4751-meet-the-finalists-in-the-public-engagement-with-research-category-at-the-south-african-women-in-science-awards
Carol Bouwer
Carol Bouwer ('87) was awarded an honorary doctorate in the US.
Businesswoman and media personality Carol Bouwer has been honoured with an honorary doctorate by Heart Bible International University in Connecticut, US, in recognition of her decades-long work in advocacy, humanitarianism and women's empowerment.
Carol was the guest speaker at the 2025 At Home:
Dr Penny Moumakwa
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has appointed Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor. Dr Penny is a qualified medical practitioner. Amongst other qualifications, she holds an MBChB from the erstwhile Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), which she obtained in 1987, a Management Advancement Programme from Wits Business School, and a General Management Programme from Harvard Business School. This reflects her lifelong commitment to education and personal growth.
https://www.smu.ac.za/2025/04/10/smu-appoints-new-chancellor-dr-penny-moumakwa/
Professor Pamela Dube
Professor Pamela Dube ('84) appointed chair of THENSA Board. The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) congratulates the Vice- Chancellor and Principal, Professor Pamela Dube, on her appointment as Chairperson of the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) Board of Directors.
