KZN professor says family is cornerstone of her success
Recipient of the Distinguished Woman Scientist Award, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya has attributed her success to the consistent support she's received from her loved ones.
Sibiya, who serves as the Executive Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, walked away with award in the Human Sciences category at this year's SA Women in Science Awards.
The ceremony took place on Thursday.
About the award, she says being selected as a finalist in July was an achievement in itself.
Initially a nurse by profession, she now specialises in primary healthcare and is the author of two books, 40 papers, and has also written 10 chapters.
She is currently supervising eight Doctoral scholars and five Master’s students.
ALSO READ: KZN student a finalist for prestigious global music award
She says there's still room for women to occupy top positions in academics and the country's tertiary institutions.
"If you're a woman, you have to put in double the effort. When looking at the number of Vice Chancellors - we have 26 public universities in South Africa however we have less than five women VCs in the country. That gives a bit of insight into the environment in higher education institutions. But I still have hope that if ever we push forward and support each other - we will be able to [balance] the gender ratio," she said.