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WSU STUDENTS GRAB TOP PRIZES AT SCIENCE SEMINAR
An Honours student, Asisipho Manqabashana, and Masters student Bathi Gusha from the Chemical and Physical Sciences Department swept top prizes at the provincial level of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) postgraduate seminar.
SACI is a professional organisation that promotes the advancement of the chemical sciences in South Africa and provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and sharing of knowledge among chemists, researchers, and students in the field.
“I’m incredibly honoured by this recognition. It reflects not only my efforts but also the strong support from my department, the guidance of my supervisors, Prof. Potlaki Tseki and Dr. Mametsi Maseme, and the resources provided to us by our institution,” said Manqabashana.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisors, Dr. Njabulo Gumede and Dr. Lester Sigauke, for their unwavering support and guidance, to my family and friends for their steadfast encouragement, to Walter Sisulu University for the opportunity to pursue my studies, and to the South African Chemistry Institute (SACI) for providing such an incredible platform,” said Gusha.
The purpose of the postgraduate seminar was to provide an opportunity for postgraduate students to present their research findings and engage with peers and professionals in chemical sciences.
Manqabashana, who placed first in the junior category, conducted research focusing on the internal rotation of methyl groups within the nitromethane dimer, specifically analysing the torsional energy barriers these groups experience.
She explained,” Through molecular electronic calculations, I determined that the external and bridging methyl groups exhibit distinct rotational profiles due to differences in steric hindrance and electronic interactions with nearby atoms,” said Manqabashana.
This, according to the researcher, helps scientists see how molecules interact and move together, which is useful in fields like materials science and pharmaceuticals, that rely on controlling molecular movement.
Her supervisor, Professor Tseki, said the students’ participation in SACI-promoted activities helps ensure that WSU's chemistry programmes are recognised as credible by external bodies, providing research with valuable professional scrutiny and reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence.
“Just a year ago, Manqabashana didn’t even consider herself a chemist. Today, she’s not only a chemist but a skilled one, publishing her first article in a prestigious physical chemistry journal with an impact factor of 4 or higher. Her academic talent blossomed with exposure to quality chemistry at WSU, and the rest is history in the making,” said Tseki.
Meanwhile, Gusha’s, who secured 2nd position in the same category, presented research that focused on efficient, low-waste methods to connect specific organic compounds, using nickel and copper catalysts to create valuable products for medicine and materials science.
“The goal is to find the best catalyst that improves the efficiency and yield of these reactions, which is important in synthetic organic chemistry for creating various chemical compounds,” said Gusha.
She added, ”Engaging in this initiative offers you exposure to various companies and industries through collaborations, the opportunity to educate others about different aspects of your field of study, and the chance to build a strong and professional profile.”
Her supervisor, Dr Njabulo Gumede said this achievement serves as a confidence booster for Bathi as she prepares to pursue her MSc and validates the quality of research within the university, demonstrating that it is on par with other universities.
By Ongezwa Sigodi
