Innovating anti-inflammatory cream

Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung is a Biomedical Scientist and the Assistant Dean in charge of Postgraduate Studies, Research, Innovation, and Engagement in the Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). She is the Founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) LTD.

Her innovation of using medicinal plants that offer athletes an alternative natural anti-inflammatory cream/ointment that helps relieves muscles, joint aches and treats pain to prevent injury is a first of its kind and proudly South African.

A breakthrough in Biomedical stem technology

As part of a group of researchers at South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Janine Scholefield and Professor Kidson, are some of the women who have become the first in Africa to make a breakthrough in biomedical stem cell technology, making it possible to find cures to some of the continent’s most significant diseases. Their research headed by Dr. Musa Mhlanga allows for the testing of possible cures and understanding of diseases without having to subject a patient to any invasive surgery or untested trial medication. 

Creation of the fire-proof shack

With disparities in South Africa's distribution of wealth, there has been an ever-increasing amount of informal settlements made of shacks to house South Africans. However, this also means that the material that is used is highly flammable and is responsible for the yearly outbreaks of run-away fires that ruin homes and lives.

Gabriella Mogale, a student from Port Elizabeth, invented the fire-proof shack that will aid in reducing the damage caused by runaway fires in informal settlements. Her invention makes use of insulation that acts as a barrier between the fire and corrugated iron, which is the main material used to build shacks in informal settlements. They make use of recyclable material, cement, and other products to act as a barrier against fires.

Home security system

The ability for millions of homes to feel safe across the globe through home security systems can be attributed to Marie Van Brittan Brown, a black nurse, and inventor. Having partnered with her husband, Albert Brown to help her patent the first home security system in 1969 to make her feel safe when she was alone at home. It became a frequently used device to making millions of people sleep peacefully at night knowing that they are protected. 

Wind screen wipers

No car would be safe without them – windscreen wipers – an invention by Mary Anderson. Although there were similar devices, hers was the only effective one that helped drivers see clearly when driving in the rain. However, despite her invention car manufacturers initially didn't see the value of her invention, until 1922 when Cadillac became the first car manufacturer to include a windshield wiper on all of its vehicles.