THE FACES OF FREEDOM

KARABO MOKOENA is a biological scientist and researcher who is currently doing her MSc in the cryopreservation of microalgae at Wits University. With rapid environmental and climate changes taking place, she hopes to conserve the biodiversity of algae. She is also the founder of Nalane, a natural hair care range.

I’d like more black women to work in scientific fields and prove that they are fully capable of being on par with their white male counterparts, who currently dominate the field. Knowing that the world is my oyster, I’m pushing through all obstacles to make it to the top. I understand that I’m operating in an industry that was never created for me, but I refuse to leave it. I work very hard and won’t allow discriminatory attitudes to deter me — I deserve to be where I am. My dream is