Professor Keolebogile Motaung, who is the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), was named as one of the Top 10 Strategic African Women in Leadership (SAWIL) Trailblazers for 2023.

The 2023 SAWIL Trailblazers were announced in Cameroon last week and Professor Motaung was featured in third position on the Top 10 list, which comprised of outstanding women who made remarkable achievements in their fields. DUT is extremely proud of Professor Motaung and congratulates all 10 women who were announced as SAWIL Trailblazers for 2023.

Following the news of her achievement, Professor Motaung said, “I profoundly believe that there is always more than one right way to achieve great results. This was very competitive and not easy. Women from 20 countries participated in the 2022/23 awards. Thank you so much for the support and the votes. It is highly appreciated.”

SAWIL also heaped praise on the finalists, admitting that “these trailblazers are women who understand the importance of lifting as they rise and actively champion the empowerment of women and girl children.”

Professor Motaung was one of three South African women in the Top 10 SAWIL Trailblazers for 2023. Other countries represented on the list included Botswana, Cameroon, Namibia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Alan Khan