The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed his deep sorrow, following the passing of Professor Roseanne Diab.
Diab served as the Vice-President of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and was the Executive Officer of the Academy from 2008 to 2018.
Diab was an Emeritus Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she made significant contributions as a scholar, mentor, and academic leader.
The Professor’s daughter, Dr Paula Diab Bigalke, shared that her mother passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, 10 January 2026.
She had been diagnosed with kidney cancer towards the end of the previous year and had been fighting diligently against the odds.
The Minister has described Diab as one of South Africa’s most distinguished scientists, who served the country in various capacities.
Throughout her long tenure at the ASSAf and other national scientific and academic organisations, Nzimande said the late Professor played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of research in the country, thereby strengthening South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation policies.
The Minister said she was also a strong advocate for gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Due to this commitment, she served as the Director of GenderInSite and chaired The World Academy of Sciences’ (TWAS) Gender Advisory Committee.
She was also a valued member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and the Chairperson of the Strategic Projects Committee (SPC) since 2019.
“She contributed to science policy formulation in such areas as emerging and transformative technologies, environmental sustainability, and equity in higher education and is also widely recognised for her pioneering research in air quality, atmospheric pollution, and climate change.
“Professor Diab’s passing constitutes an incalculable loss for our South Africa’s scientific and academic communities,” Nzimande said.
On behalf of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation and all the entities in the National System of Innovation, the Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Diab.
“We will remember her as a committed scientist, scholar, academic and mentor, whose work greatly enhanced our country’s standing as an emerging and global leader in several important scientific fields.”
ASSAf stated that Diab’s passing represents an immeasurable loss to the academy, the South African community, global scientific communities, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
“Her distinguished career, her steadfast commitment to scientific excellence, and her deep sense of service have left an indelible mark on our institution, our country, and the many individuals whose lives she touched,” the ASSAf statement read.
Her funeral service will he held tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, in Kloof, Durban. – SAnews.gov.za
