Growing up in the rural towns of Ledig and Mogwase in the North West, Kefilwe Mokwebo, 31, never imagined she’d one day be presenting cutting-edge research on global stages alongside Nobel Laureates. A postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape, Kefilwe’s work focuses on developing innovative nanomaterials for electrochemical sensors that address health and environmental issues. Her research contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals of clean water, better healthcare and environmental sustainability. Kefilwe has completed her PhD in chemistry, co-authored 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, co-supervised students and secured multiple fellowships, including the UMAPS Fellowship from the University of Michigan and the NRF Scarce Skills Postdoctoral Fellowship. She was also a recipient of the SACI–Sasol Postdoctoral Medal and co-inventor of a patent for a “Wireless Electrobipolar Reactor”. Representing South Africa at international platforms like the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Chemistry Meeting and the Brics Young Scientists Forum has sharpened her science communication and reinforced her commitment to collaboration.