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.

About the SAAB Conference 2026

The SAAB Annual Conference brings together researchers, students, academics, and industry partners from across South Africa and abroad.

At the conference participants can look forward to a rich programme of plenary talks, oral and poster sessions, workshops, symposia, social events, and a field trip. For more information please follow the link below.

Hello everyone! I’m Tshepo Aphane, your Chairperson for the 2026 term.

Currently, I am an MSc Biochemistry candidate at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). I have officially submitted my dissertation for examination (phew!) and am now anxiously awaiting my final results while planning my upcoming PhD project. Beyond the lab, I serve as one of three Administrators for the SASUF Student Network in South Africa, a role that has given me a global perspective on student governance and research collaboration.

My goal for this committee is to bring that global standard to our local community. I believe that postgraduate life should not be isolated. We are moving beyond just ‘hosting events’ to building a true ‘Root System’ of support. Whether you need help navigating funding, refining your methodology, or just connecting with peers who understand the grind, I want the SAAB Student Council to be your resource.

Fun Fact: I operate in two modes: ‘Deep Focus Writing’ and ‘Searching for the perfect coffee spot.’ There is no in-between. Let’s make this a great year!

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Hi everyone! I’m Eugene Badenhorst, your Vice-Chairperson for the 2025/26 term. I am currently a PhD candidate in Plant Biotechnology, where I specialise in plant cell wall biochemistry, focusing specifically on wood formation in Eucalyptus. Having recently navigated the intense process of finalising my own PhD proposal, I know how essential a strong peer network is to surviving the postgraduate grind. My goal for the SAABSC is to help foster a space where we can share technical insights, collaborate on research challenges, and build the professional skills we need for our future careers. I want to ensure every student feels supported as they turn their hard work into impactful science. Fun fact: when I’m not analysing cell walls, I’m a martial arts enthusiast and enjoy spending my time taking and teaching karate classes. I look forward to a year of growth and resilience with you all!

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Hey, SAAB student community. I am Neo Debeila, your Secretary for the 2025/26 term. I am a final-year MSc candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand, working to bag a degree in medicinal plant research. As a former secretary of the Wits Astronomy Club (WAC), I believe that I can serve the committee through administrative duties, which serve as the backbone of the committee. I aim to work with the rest of the SAABSC to create a space for scientific engagement among upcoming scientists, encourage collaboration between peers, and contribute to student professional development. Overall, I am looking forward to the academic growth and resilience that will be fostered through various activities throughout our term.

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Hi everyone! My name is Dikonketso Tlaamela, your Vice Secretary of the year. I am a PhD candidate in Botany at the University of Venda, with research focused on invasion ecology. I am currently preparing my thesis for possible completion and submission. My leadership experience includes serving as event coordinator at the University of Limpopo Women Academics Solidarity Association (ULWASA), where I was responsible for ensuring successful execution of events like writing retreats. This involved extensive negotiations across various sectors, including logistics, transportation, finance, and hotel bookings. I believe my role at SAABC will support all students in progressing with their research, improve networking opportunities, and strengthen their skills in the research field. I believe that through this platform, SAAB students will have access to funding opportunities, focus on their writing (including dissertations and/or publications), and explore career paths that showcase the excellent work we do in this field.

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Hi Julle! I am Kegomoditswe Matebele, your Treasurer for the year. I recently completed my MSc at the North-West University, barely surviving and conquering the dissertation battles. I wish I could be like Alostro and scream “I’m fffrrreeee!” but instead, I’ve decided to aim higher and have applied for the PhD programme next year. My research focuses on plant molecular biology, using omics approaches to study how plants respond to environmental stresses. Recently, I’ve worked as an Education Assistant, where I developed skills in mentorship, communication, and supporting students’ learning and growth and I hope to bring the same energy to the SAAB community. When I’m not battling with data or spreadsheets, I like to keep my stress levels slightly lower with hobbies like dancing, scrapbooking with an ambition that exceeds my skill, and binge-watching K-dramas while convincing myself I’m      learning a “new language”.

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Hello everyone! I’m Thabo Lekgoathi, and I am honoured to be serving as the SAAB Student Research & Innovation Officer. I am a PhD candidate in Biochemistry from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University with a strong research focus on medicinal plants. My academic journey has been shaped by long hours in the lab, navigating unexpected results, and learning to appreciate that science rarely goes exactly as planned but always teaches you something valuable. Alongside my research, I serve on the Enactus SMU Executive Committee as the Research and Innovation Lead, where I work at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and social impact. I am deeply invested in student development, having also worked as a tutor and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the SAAB student community by fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. When I am not immersed in research, you will likely find me keeping active in the gym or somewhere behind a camera, almost quite literally.

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Hi everyone! I’m Tumelo Matlou, your 2025/26 SAAB Student Liaison. I am a second-year MSc candidate in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, with research interests centred on the nutritional and medicinal value of indigenous plants. Yes, this means I willingly work with mucilaginous plants; sticky, stubborn, and humbling, but grit and patience are where the real science happens. Through my involvement in the SHARE Leadership Skills Programme and the Wits Pathology Society, I’ve learned that leadership, especially in a governing body, is ultimately an act of service. As your SAAB student representative, my goal is to ensure your voices are not only heard but acted upon, particularly when it comes to navigating proposals, dissertations, and theses. I look forward to working with you and ensuring this council shows up for you, every step of the way. Fun fact: I’m a big anime fan! So if an anime marathon after a long week in the lab sounds like heaven, you know where to find me!

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Hi everyone! I’m Thandeka Khuzwayo, I am the Events Coordinator for the year. I am an MSc candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of life sciences, with a research focus on climate change. Through my postgraduate journey as a laboratory head demonstrator, I have gained valuable experience working closely with students. My goal is to contribute to the growth and reputation of SAAB by organizing well-planned and impactful events, while empowering students through platforms that promote academic excellence, professional development, and personal growth. As part of the SAABSC team, we strive to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Apart from my research, I am adventurous and enjoy exploring new places and connecting with nature.

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Hi everyone! I am Alfred Ntjabane, your Communications Officer for the 2025/26 term. I’m a final-year MSc candidate at the University of the Free State, majoring in Botany. My research focuses on plant–pathogen interactions, with particular interest in cell wall dynamics and the enzymes involved in these interactions. When I’m not thinking about carbohydrates and enzymes, you’ll probably find me behind a screen editing content, keeping up with the latest tech reviews, or hunting for the next great sci-fi movie. My experience in academic tutoring and lab demonstration has sparked a strong interest in student leadership and advocating for student voices when they feel unheard. As a communications officer, my goal is to ensure that SAAB student activities, opportunities, and achievements are visible, accessible, and shared in a way that inspires engagement and excellence. I’m excited and honoured to work with this council to build a vibrant, connected student community where information flows easily and no one feels out of the loop.