The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has congratulated Namhla Dotwana, founder of the sustainable beauty brand, Namhla Collection, for her outstanding success at the 2025 Grassroots Innovation Awards.
Dotwana claimed the inaugural Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Grassroots Innovator of the Year Award last night in Pretoria, walking away with a R100 000 cash prize for her pioneering work in creating eco-friendly products rooted in indigenous South African knowledge.
The Grassroots Innovator of the Year Award honours Motaung, who passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished biomedical science, entrepreneurship, and visionary leadership.
READ | Nzimande hails Prof Motaung’s legacy, calls for ethical and people-centred science
Her contributions to science, innovation, and women’s empowerment have left an indelible mark on South Africa and beyond.
Last night, Dotwana also secured first prize in the Outstanding Youth Grassroots Innovator category, third prize in the Outstanding Women Grassroots Innovator category, and third prize in the Social Innovation Award category, making her one of the most celebrated innovators of the evening.
Hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Thursday’s awards ceremony took place at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria as part of the Science Forum South Africa.
Hailing from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, Dotwana’s rural-based enterprise transforms local plants, particularly imphepho (African indigenous sage), into premium skincare, haircare, and home spa products.
“Her innovation champions sustainability, revitalises traditional knowledge systems, and drives circular rural economies through cultivation, processing, and packaging within her home village of eGotyibeni,” the department said.
The Grassroots Innovation Awards are part of the DSTI Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) Programme, implemented by TIA.
Deputy Minister Gina highlighted that Motaung overcame immense challenges to emerge as a distinguished academic, an inspiring leader, and a pioneering tech entrepreneur.
She demonstrated that South Africa’s rich indigenous knowledge can be transformed into sustainable livelihoods.
Rewriting the narrative
“The Grassroots Innovation Awards are very close to my heart because they debunk the notion that innovation is for the high-heeled elite, and not for rural people in our townships. When the government emphasises the point that no one must be left behind in our empowerment, this is one demonstration of that commitment,” said Gina.
The Deputy Minister also celebrated innovators who live in rural areas, as well as the innovators with disabilities, saying they are rewriting the narrative from one of limitation to one of possibility.
Within the Grassroots Innovation Programme, TIA currently manages approximately 292 active projects; among these, 50 projects have been commercialised, 52 companies have been created, and 148 jobs have been generated.
An additional 400 projects are supported through a structured innovation support programme.
This year’s awards are particularly significant, as they coincide with TIA’s 15 years of supporting innovation in South Africa – from supporting emerging technologies to uplifting innovators.
TIA Board Chairperson, Loyiso Tyira, said: “We honour and recognise outstanding grassroots innovators whose solutions address community challenges and contribute to inclusive development. Innovation is not a luxury; it is a national imperative.”
He said the work showcased last night demonstrates the powerful role of creativity, science, and entrepreneurship in driving economic progress.
Other winners of the night in various categories were:
The Outstanding Women Grassroots Innovator award recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions made by women in the field of innovation:
• Paula Maseko (Buhle Bomqhele) - 1st prize, North West
• Lineo Sibisi (Moruo wa Basadi) - 2nd prize, Gauteng
The Outstanding Youth Grassroots Innovator recognises and celebrates the exceptional achievements of young people:
• Gaoagwe Jeje (Kgosi BioTech Drone) - 2nd prize, North West
• Iviwe Notununu (Archaea Eco) - 3rd prize, Gauteng
The Disability Innovation Award recognises and celebrates innovators who are demonstrating commitment to the well-being and inclusion of people with disabilities through innovative solutions:
• Landile Mabele (Navwok) - 1st prize, KwaZulu-Natal
• Mfundo Shozi (Efolweni Holdings) - 2nd prize, KwaZulu-Natal
• Swelihle Magubane (Kubongekile Prosperity Garden) - 3rd prize, KwaZulu-Natal
The Social Innovation Award is aimed at innovators, entrepreneurs, institutions and social enterprises with prototypes or early-stage businesses that can solve social issues:
• Mzomhle Mapatwana (Mifano Ya Mvua Investments) - 1st prize, Eastern Cape
• Alisia Rautenbach (Soldevco) - 2nd prize, Western Cape
• Namhla Dotwana (Namhla Collection) - 3rd prize, Eastern Cape
The Outstanding Lab Supporting Grassroot Innovators:
• Innovate Durban - 1st prize, KwaZulu-Natal
• MLab Limpopo - 1st prize, Limpopo
• Bhongweni CLC Living Lab - 2nd prize, KwaZulu-Natal
The Labs/Centres for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Supporting Grassroots Innovators:
• Sakhile Youth Empowerment Centre (SAYEC) - 1st prize, Mpumalanga
• Disruptors in Digital Spaces (DIDS) - 2nd prize, KwaZulu-Natal
• Mcebo Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 3rd prize, Mpumalanga.
– SAnews.gov.za
