Prof Makatu was re-elected by the General Assembly into the Executive Committee as a Co-Chair for the period 2017/2018
Following her 2016/2017 service as an Executive Committee member, Prof Makondelele Makatu, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, was re-elected by the General Assembly in October 2017 into the Executive Committee as a Co-Chair for the period 2017/2018.
The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) is the voice of young scientists in South Africa. SAYAS aims to contribute towards solutions to national and global challenges facing society, provide a platform for young scientists to influence policy decisions, contribute towards the development of scientific capacity in South Africa through mentoring and role-modelling of future scientists; and foster opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations amongst young scientists.
SAYAS has a very close relationship with the Academy of Science of South Africa and the Department of Science and Technology. Prof Makatu encourages young scientists to consider being members of SAYAS.
SAYAS calls for nomination of young scientists into the academy on an annual basis. To qualify for nomination, a candidate should meet the following criteria: Possession of a Doctoral degree in any field of scientific enquiry where science is defined broadly as encompassing natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, medical sciences and engineering, evidence of scientific excellence through an established publications record, receipt of honours and awards, NRF rating, evidence of activities demonstrating service to society; willingness to volunteer their time and effort to SAYAS activities and typically under the age of 40 years and within 7 years from receipt of Doctoral degree at the time of nomination.
Nomination of candidates who deviate from this expected profile requires additional motivation. Anyone can nominate an emerging young scientist for SAYAS membership annually when the call is made out to the public.
Prof Makatu achieved her doctoral degree in psychology at the University of Pretoria. She is also a member of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Her research interest is in youth and women psychology. Prof Makatu trains students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has published considerable number of articles in both national and international peer reviewed and accredited journals.
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Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
Date: 16 November 2017
