Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela was raised in Diepkloof, Soweto with the ambitions, determination, work ethic and intent of becoming a participant on the international stage. The democratic change of 1994 enabled many South Africans like Semete-Makokotlela to spread their roots and get a better education in areas that were previously not accessible. She believes that we are all participants in the global economy and need to maintain professional competence that rivals that of our peers abroad.

Semete-Makokotlela says the American culture of coupling general academic training with business training was the motivation behind her decision to acquire a master’s in finance and investment. Her academic training in the finance industry followed a degree in genetics, an MSc, and a doctorate in biochemistry. Her contribution to the health sciences industry includes research on ways to make medication administered to TB patients more user friendly by reducing the side effects related to the medication; this was followed by research on detecting genetic predispositions to diabetes.

Prior to acquiring her MA she worked as a scientist for six years with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). She is the youngest and only black female executive manager at the CSIR and leads the next generation health, advanced agriculture and food cluster. Her visionary and impact-driven approach, coupled with her genuine curiosity and passion for health sciences makes her a force to be reckoned with in the local and regional health innovations sector.

Her accomplishments have enabled her to become a key role player in improving and advancing the health sector in South Africa, and she has also assisted substantially in the health sectors of other countries in the Southern Africa Development Community region.

Semete-Makokotlela is also passionate about mentoring more youth in the Stem fields.When asked of the hopes she has for her children, she hopes that they have international experience, can be competitive in the global economy, and that they have an expanded world-view. Her advice for young professionals is to “align your passion with your career, and you will be able to commit 200% of yourself to what you do”.

— Anele Ngcoya

LinkedIn: @boitumelo-semete-makokotlela