Tintswalo Molelekoa

Tintswalo Molelekoa, 30, is a scientist, PhD candidate and founder whose work stands at the intersection of resilience and innovation. Her early exclusion from school due to physical injuries propelled her towards academic distinction in plant pathology and a leadership role in postharvest science. At the University of Pretoria, her doctoral research addresses postharvest losses among small-scale tomato farmers, using omics technologies, microbiome mapping and smart logistics to improve food systems. Her work contributes to policy development, agricultural innovation and food security — including the introduction of “smart fruit” sensors to monitor quality along the supply chain. Tintswalo co-founded the Ku Hanana Foundation, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, bursary assistance and housing sup- port to under-resourced students. The foundation now runs community science events, career expos and donation drives across Limpopo and Gauteng — impacting hundreds of learners. Inspired by the compassion of her teachers and the strength of her mother, Tintswalo says science is not an exclusive pursuit — it is a community tool. Her legacy is one of access, transformation and the refusal to let adversity have the final say.

• PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria (*in progress) – the study focuses on postharvest pathology, microbiomes, and plant physiology of tomatoes from small-scale farmers. Evaluating waste and losses and innovative technologies to monitor the supply chain from farm to market. 
• MSc Agricultural Science in Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria (*distinction) 
• BSc Agricultural Science in Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria (*top student in the course)

• Received awards from by Syngenta, Bayer and the Golden Key International Honour Society
• Completed MSc in Agricultural Science (Plant Pathology) with cum laude – research focused on food safety and coincided with the listeriosis outbreak
• Published in peer-reviewed journals – contributing to the scientific discourse in the field
• Conducted value chain field research, engaging directly with farmers, street vendors and consumers in the informal sector to assess fresh produce quality from production to consumption
• Led community education initiatives during the listeriosis outbreak, including: hosting a food safety workshop to raise awareness of foodborne pathogens and developing a community-friendly flyer based on the WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food
   

• My mother, who worked with children with disabilities, later opened the family home to teach those excluded from formal education. Her compassion laid the foundation for a life of service, and her legacy lives on through a youth empowerment foundation
• Mam Jacob and Mam Maunatlala went beyond their roles to ensure equal access to education. They offered lessons outside school, shared resources, and opened their homes
• Professor Lise Korsten, MSc and PhD supervisor, has been a powerful example of women in science. Her leadership roles and mentorship have opened doors to research, collaboration and academic growth, reinforcing the value of dedication and possibility