Growing up in Bushbuckridge — where access to clean water and academic resources is scarce — Philadelphia Ngobeni, 34, dreamed of becoming a genetic engineer. Though steered toward chemical engineering, an unexpected in-service placement in the water sector changed her path — and her life. As a PhD researcher in civil engineering at the University of Cape Town, Philadelphia focuses on bioremediating wastewater from tanneries using integrated microalgal-bacterial systems. Her work contributes to the circular bioeconomy by recovering nitrogen compounds from waste. Her days consist of lab experiments, computational modelling, academic writing and mentoring. As the outreach and advocacy lead for the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (South Africa), and national marketing lead for the Young Water Professionals, she champions equitable water access and gender inclusion in STEM. She’s also a Black Women in Science Fellow, a Brics Young Scientist, and a 2023 Kofi Annan Foundation Changemaker and was awarded the 2024 Womandla Women in STEAM Award and the Department of Science and Innovation’s Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowship.
I admire my late father, whose influence I have come to appreciate through the stories my mother has shared. Although he passed away when I was very young, his strong belief in the power of education laid the foundation for my commitment to learning and personal growth. I seize every opportunity, carrying the hopes of someone who never witnessed the outcome but believed in it. Each step I take is motivated by a sense of purpose and gratitude, honouring the future he envisioned for me.