Soji set for Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting

GROWING up in Mount Coke, a rural village outside King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, Zimkitha Soji’s life was never glamorous. She was poor and in ill health, and suffered a minor stroke as a teenager.

“When my father was asked by my teachers to change my school in the village for a better school in the urban areas, he would always question them and ask: ‘What is so special about this kid that I should waste my money and take her to urban schools?’

“So I had to tolerate financial restraint throughout my academic journey while working towards my big dreams,” she said.

The scientist, 26, who is studying towards a PhD in agriculture and animal science at Fort Hare University, fell in love with science at an early age.

She said her dream to pursue it as a career was inspired by her school teachers.

Later this year, Soji will jet off to attend one of the most prestigious science conferences in the world – the 68th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau, Germany.

The annual gathering, to be held from June 24-29, brings Nobel Laureates and young scientists together to foster scientific exchange between generations and cultures.

Soji is one of six young female South African scientists nominated to attend the event by the Academy of Science of South Africa.

She will be leaving with fellow scientists Dr Eileen Thomas from Stellenbosch University; Edith Phalane from North-West University; Blessing Ahiante from North-West University; Dr Bianca Verlinden from the University of Pretoria; and Shireen Mentor from UWC.

Soji, whose research involves finding ways to improve meat production, said: “Our past does not determine our future. Live your dreams and don’t forget to uplift others…”