The sky is the limit for Estcourt lass

Former local Yeshona Sukai (née Sewsunker) was recently named the youngest National Research Foundation (NRF) Rated Researcher at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).

Sukai (30), who hails from Forderville, completed her primary and secondary education at Forderville Primary and Drakensberg Secondary schools respectively.

She is currently appointed as senior researcher at the University of Fort Hare and holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Science (BSc.), BSc Honours, Master of Science (MSc.) cum laude and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) (Microbiology) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Sukai’s research focuses on the bioconversion of industrial waste to produce commercial high-value products towards a sustainable future.

The NRF is an intermediary agency that currently funds research and innovation in South Africa. Its rating system is a key driver in the aim to build a globally competitive science system in South Africa.

The Estcourt News invited Sukai to discuss her achievement… Commenting on being the youngest NRF-Rated Researcher at UFH, Sukai said: “This comes as a wonderful surprise. I am elated and honoured to have been awarded an NRF-rating at this age. I come from humble beginnings, but was always keen to obtain a tertiary education. However, I never imagined that I would go on to obtain a doctoral degree. It’s a strange feeling indeed, since not so long ago I used to work during my school and university holidays at a local supermarket.

“I am grateful to a number of people for their support which has led up to this point in my life. I would like to acknowledge my family, neighbours, Mackson’s Hyperzone, Umtshezi Municipality, and the teachers at both Forderville Primary and Drakensberg Secondary schools. I must make special mention of Mr DA Pillai, Mrs S Pillai and Mr DM Naidoo, who motivated me to pursue science.

“I am proud to have attended these schools, as we had seasoned teachers who took utmost pride in their profession and always ensured that the level of education was upheld, despite the challenges encountered within public schools. “The reception I have received from the Estcourt community after completing my tertiary education has been incredible and heartwarming. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person for their well wishes.”    

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