Defying the odds: Professor’s inspiring journey from rural roots to international recognition
FOR MANY young men in South Africa, the road to success is a journey fraught with obstacles, from economic hardship to limited resources. Sol Plaatje University’s Professor Odireleng Martin Ntwaeaborwa has walked this path and, through sheer determination, transformed his life into a beacon of hope.
On December 15, at the ninth annual Galeshewe Gentlemen’s Dinner (GGD), this inspiring role model will be honoured for his achievements and for embodying the powerful message that it’s not where you come from that defines you, but where you’re headed.
Born and raised in Mokasa 2, a small rural village near Taung, Professor Ntwaeaborwa’s life began in an environment where resources were few and challenges were plenty. He attended local schools – Lekwene Primary and Pelotshweu Middle School – before matriculating from Batlhaping High School. In these early years, he learned resilience and developed a tenacity that would become the foundation of his future successes.
Driven by a passion for knowledge, Professor Ntwaeaborwa’s academic journey continued at the North-West University, where he earned his BSc, BSc Honours, and Master’s degrees by the year 2000.
However, he didn’t stop there. Determined to make his mark, he went on to obtain his PhD in Physics from the University of the Free State in 2006. His commitment to excellence, against all odds, set him apart, allowing him to excel in a field where few from his background dared to venture.
Today, Professor Ntwaeaborwa is the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley. His career path has seen him hold esteemed positions across several South African universities, including roles as the Assistant Dean of Research and Innovation, Faculty of Science, at Wits University and a Professor of Physics at the University of the Free State.
His contributions also extend beyond academia; as the former president of the South African Nanotechnology Initiative (SANi), he has played a crucial role in advancing science and technology in South Africa.
His research in the fields of surface science and optoelectronic luminescent nanomaterials has also earned him international recognition, with over two 275 scientific articles published, multiple book chapters, an edited book and countless presentations at global conferences. His work impacts areas as diverse as solid-state lighting, solar energy, and phototherapy, demonstrating an impact that extends far beyond his roots in Mokasa 2.
Professor Ntwaeaborwa’s story resonates deeply within communities like Galeshewe, offering young men a role model who understands their struggles and has proven that success is attainable, no matter where you start.
Through his mentorship of Master’s and Doctoral students, he is actively shaping the future of science, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. His life is a powerful reminder that hard work, resilience, and belief in oneself can transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
As he prepares to take the stage at the GGD, Professor Ntwaeaborwa brings a powerful message of hope and possibility for young black men and boys: Believe in your potential. Your background does not limit you; your determination does. His life stands as a testament to the power of education, resilience, and perseverance.
As the Dinner’s message states, “Embracing and supporting one another fuels upliftment.” Professor Ntwaeaborwa’s life has indeed been a shining example of this sentiment, embodying the idea that when one person rises, they can light the path for others to follow.
* Professor Ntwaeaborwa will be acknowledged and celebrated in the category of Inspirational Testimony at the ninth annual GGD.
