SAAB Student Council 2026

About the SAAB Student Committee (SAABSC)

The SAAB Student Committee (SAABSC) constitutes the formally recognized student body of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB). Operating under Section 8 of the SAAB Constitution (2023), the committee serve as the primary liaison between the students and the SAAB Council. Our mandate is to represent the interests of Honours, MSc, and PhD students across South African tertiary institutions, ensuring that the postgraduate perspective is integrated into the Association’s strategic planning and activities.

For the 2025/26 term, the committee intends to revitalize the student network through active engagement and tangible value. The core objectives are to facilitate research collaboration, provide professional skills development (such as grant writing and publishing workshops), and organize the Annual Postgraduate Symposium. The committee aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional practice, cultivating an empowered community of emerging plant scientists ready to lead the future of botany in Southern Africa.

Hi everyone, I am Lesibana Sedibana, and I have the privilege of serving as the Chairperson of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) Student Council for the 2026/27 term. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Botany at the University of Johannesburg, with a background in terrestrial ecology, geospatial science, and invasion biology. My research focuses on applying ecological theory, phylogenetics, and statistical modelling to understand biological invasions in the Anthropocene. Professionally, I currently work as the Laboratory Manager at the African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB), where I support molecular biodiversity research, scientific innovation, and postgraduate students. Beyond my research, I am passionate about science leadership and community engagement, serving as the General Secretary of the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS) Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) Planeteer Representative Council (PRC) and serving as Deputy Secretary of the Eldorado HPW Schools Programme for the 2025/27 term. As SAAB Student Council Chairperson, my vision is to ensure that no postgraduate student is left behind. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where postgraduate students are empowered to excel academically, professionally, and personally. I believe in creating opportunities for emerging scientists to showcase their research, develop leadership skills, strengthen science communication and academic writing, and build meaningful collaborations across South Africa and internationally. Together with the Student Council, I aim to cultivate a vibrant community of young researchers who are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to drive scientific excellence and make a lasting impact through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Hi everyone! I am Anika Botha, a first-year MSc student at North-West University, and am excited to serve as the deputy chairperson of the South African Association of Botanists Student Council (SAABSC) for the 2026/27 term. My research background is rooted in my passion for ecology, my current focus being the influence of climatic and edaphic environmental filters on plant functional trait composition and strategies, in semi-arid mountain rangelands. Outside research, my passion for aiding/supporting other people runs deep, especially fellow students/colleagues. This feeds my work as a teaching assistant guiding and helping undergraduate students, furthermore, supporting postgraduate students in whichever way needed. Other work experiences include serving as a data management team lead for SASSCAL 2.0 project and continuously aiding in organising the logistics surrounding educational student-centred events and excursions. My commitment for the serving term is to support my fellow council members in any way necessary, to work as a team toward our Chairperson’s vision. I am dedicated to work for us to ensure one supportive student community, where every students’ voice is heard and encouraged to pursue academic excellence, personal growth, and leaving a positive impact for the next generation.

Hello, SAAB family! I am Faith Mnisi, a PhD candidate in Plant Production at the University of Limpopo, currently serving as the Secretary General of the Green Biotechnologies and Innovation (GBI) Labs Student Committee and the Secretary of the South African Association of Botanists Student Council (SAABSC) the 2026/27 term. My research focuses on developing sustainable, plant-based approaches to crop disease management through plant pathology, phytochemistry, and medicinal plants. I am particularly passionate about Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and the scientific validation of indigenous medicinal plants, with the goal of integrating indigenous knowledge and modern science to develop innovative, environmentally sustainable solutions that contribute to agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and food security. I firmly believe that the strength of the SAAB Student Council lies in its ability to work as a united team. As Secretary, I am committed to supporting our Chairperson in accomplishing his vision for the Council while also pursuing my own aspiration of strengthening communication, accountability, and engagement among postgraduate students. Equally important to me is supporting every member of the Council, because I value the efforts of a team that is committed, collaborative, and driven by a shared purpose. When individuals support one another and celebrate each other’s strengths, the entire team is better equipped to serve the postgraduate community effectively. I am excited to serve alongside a passionate team that is dedicated to advancing botanical sciences, promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems, strengthening scientific collaboration, and creating opportunities for postgraduate students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Together, I believe we can cultivate a Student Council that is approachable, inclusive, and responsive. One that empowers postgraduate students, amplifies their voices, and inspires the next generation of botanical scientists.

Hi there, SAAB students! I am Chantelle Nkosi, your newly elected deputy secretary for the 2026/2027 SAAB Student Council term. I am currently in my final year of my master’s degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Mpumalanga. My research area is agribusiness management with a particular focus on building sustainability and resilience in rural communities through establishing and incorporating indigenous crops into school gardens. Through these gardens we are able to strengthen school food systems, enhance food and nutrition security, foster entrepreneurship, and promote environmental stewardship. I am passionate about doing impact-based research, where participants are able to reap the benefits of the work immediately. Working with underprivileged communities has shown me what dedicated teamwork and having a resilient spirit can do, and I hope to bring this to our student community as well. I am excited to serve the SAAB student community and to contribute positively to our journeys as upcoming researchers.

Greetings family! I’m Thubelihle Khawula, your Treasurer for the 2026/27 SAAB Student Council term. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Botany at the University of the Free State, where my research focuses on plant–pathogen interactions, particularly the role of carbohydrate-active enzymes in the interaction between wheat and rust fungi. In simpler terms, I spend a considerable amount of time asking questions like: “What is this enzyme doing?”, “Why is this fungus attacking my wheat?”, “Why is my experiment doing that?”, and a lot of “Haaaibo, these error bars!” My research has led me into the fascinating world of fungal enzymes, plant cell walls, bioinformatics, and molecular docking. Somewhere along the way, I have also developed an unhealthy relationship with laboratory benches, spreadsheets, and the phrase “let me go to the lab rather than sleep.” As Treasurer, I hope to contribute to the SAAB Student Council by helping ensure that opportunities and resources are managed responsibly and that the student community continues to grow and thrive (the exiting committee has put immense pressure on us!). I am excited to work alongside the council to support postgraduate students, promote engagement, and contribute to a vibrant community of young botanists. When I am not in the lab, I can be found watching sports—especially Arsenal games—watching movies, or rewatching anime I have already seen multiple times. And, for the record, Vegeta has never truly lost to Goku; the plot simply refuses to acknowledge his greatness. In conclusion, I am looking forward to serving the SAAB student community, meeting fellow botanists, networking, and contributing to a council that supports students both inside and outside the laboratory. Here’s to a great year of botanical science, collaboration, and hopefully fewer experiments that require troubleshooting! #Only a Kovise knows the feeling! Yours truly, Treasurer!

Hi Everyone! I am Ndzalama Shikwambana, the excited and eager Events Coordinator for the 2026/27 SAAB Student Council. I am PDP MSc Student at the Agricultural Research Council-VIMP under the Medicinal Plants and Industrial Crops Division, pursuing an MSc in Paraclinical Sciences at the University of Pretoria. With a background in project management and biotechnology innovation management, I’m passionate about harnessing indigenous knowledge to find sustainable solutions that also strengthen the bioeconomy. My research area is ethnoveterinary medicine, particularly looking into the potential of medicinal plants for veterinary health product development, with direct implications on biosecurity, human health and food security systems. I’m looking forward to creating an exciting moments as the event coordinator where students, seasoned academics, industry professionals and communities can engage,  learn together, work together, support, and foster lifelong bonds that continue to strengthen the botany community.

Hi everyone! I am Tummy Agent Mashakeni, your Communications Officer for the 2026/27 SAABSC term. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Agronomy at the University of Limpopo. My research focuses on the effect of the Phytostim bio stimulant on the indigenous leguminous crop called cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), driven by my passion for sustainable agriculture and improving the value of indigenous crops. Beyond research, I am passionate about science communication and digital content creation, with a community of more than 20,000 followers across my social media platforms. I also serve as a member of the Green Biotechnology and Labs Committee, where we work to reshape global perceptions of indigenous crops by showcasing their immense potential as nutritional and agricultural treasures. As Communications Officer, my goal is to ensure that SAABSC members remain informed, connected, and inspired by showcasing our activities, opportunities, and achievements through engaging and accessible communication. I believe that effective communication has the power to strengthen our community, amplify student voices, and spark greater interest in biosafety, biosecurity, and agricultural and botanical science. I am looking forward to working with all of you to build an active, inclusive, and well-connected SAABSC community. Here’s to a year of collaboration, growth, and making a lasting impact together!

Hello everyone! I am Siphesihle “Zwide” Nxumalo, a first-year MSc student in the Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg. My research focuses on plant systematics, plant taxonomy and molecular phylogenetics, and my dissertation is dedicated to exploring and classifying plant diversity within Malvaceae to be more specific. As the Student Liaison Officer for the 26/27 term, my goal is to create a strong sense of community and build networks among student botanists while also making sure that not only do you have a voice, but a voice that is heard. I believe that when we bring our brilliant minds and shared interests together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. Beyond academics, I live and breathe football. If I’m not watching a match or working on my research, you’ll probably find me at the gym. Sports keep me grounded, and the teamwork and discipline I’ve learned from football inspire how I will approach my role on the council. I’m truly excited to serve on only the third SAAB Student Council! and I look forward to contributing to its growth while helping to strengthen our student community.

Hello SAAB community! I’m Shantell Mbatha, and I’m excited to be serving as the Research & Innovation Officer for the SAAB Student Council. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (APES) at the University of the Witwatersrand, specialising in Plant Science and Environmental Education. I am passionate about biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and using research to create meaningful impact. Beyond academia, I am the Founder of Wildheart Ecoteer, an eco-tourism and environmental consulting company, and I serve as a SWEEP Executive under the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, where I promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and student development. I look forward to a successful journey together.