Q&A with Prof Bongani Ncube

In preparation for her inaugural lecture, Prof Bongani Ncube, a dedicated researcher and the winner of the 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Awards – NSTF-Water Research Commission Award, reflects on the privilege of reaching this milestone in her career. She is leading the SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, where they focus on navigating the complex challenges posed by drought and climate change on water and agricultural systems.

“It has been a long and winding journey. Many valleys, many obstacles and detours, but also many mountains and joyful moments. This is the peak of my career; a colleague reminded me recently that this is the highest point on the academic ladder.” - Prof Bongani Ncube

As you prepare to deliver your inaugural professorial lecture, what does this milestone represent for you personally and professionally?

It is a privilege to reach this level in my career. I have experienced a lot of grace and compassion in my journey. I am grateful to God and to every person who has played a role in my life, big and small. I appreciate my family for believing in the girl child and giving me the opportunity to go to school through sacrifice and guidance.

I am filled with gratitude when I reflect on all the institutions that I passed through. From primary school to PhD, there was always someone who saw me. My Grade 5 teacher, who saw my potential in mathematics; the headmaster, who made sure I was enrolled in a good high school; and the high school teachers who guided me towards the sciences. I was one of the few pioneer soil scientists in Zimbabwe. We were given tools to thrive. At the Master's [degree], I was funded by the Belgian Embassy. During my PhD, I received a scholarship through the assistance of my work supervisor, the late Dr Steve Twomlow and Prof Ken Giller. But many others also assisted in various ways. I am grateful to say that the institution (CPUT) also created space for growth, even under difficult conditions.

In the last few months, I have won awards at the national and institutional levels. It is a reflection of the importance of our week. I am writing this just after World Water Week, which had a befitting theme of "Water and Gender," with the campaign slogan "Where water flows, equality grows”. The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) wrote an article recognising our contribution. It is an honour and a privilege to receive such accolades.

As you gear up to deliver your very first professorial lecture, take a moment to reflect on what this incredible milestone means to you, both on a personal level and in your professional journey.

I never planned to go this far. I was fine as a researcher in my little corner. However, the potential to impact society, especially the underprivileged, encouraged me to keep going. The work that we do empowers communities to navigate complex water and agricultural systems impacted by drought and climate change. We have built relationships that seemed impossible when we started in 2014. None of my students comes with funding for their studies. Every time a student says they have no funding for their studies, I always remember that I also did not have it, but through the help of others, I managed. I am grateful to the National Research Foundation and the Water Research Commission, who are helping us through both research and scholarship funding.

I am privileged to have research partners who support our work. Through the SARChI Research Chair, we continue to build relationships both locally and internationally.

Your career has been shaped by a dedication to advancing Agriculture and Water Research for Sustainable Livelihoods. What initially sparked your passion for this field?

I was born in a village where farming was a way of life. Chasing butterflies in the fields brought me a lot of excitement; I still smile when I see them. Curiosity and a love for nature drove me into agriculture. I studied soil science first, then water. The combination of water and agriculture is critical, especially in South Africa, where so many people still lack access to productive water. I have worked at the basin level in Southern Africa, but our research advocates for bottom-up approaches that give voice to local communities. Our research aims to achieve societal impact and change lives. There are excellent water policies in South Africa, but implementation and funding remain limited.

In your view, why is Agriculture and Water Research for Sustainable Livelihoods such a critical area of focus in today’s world?

Water is a basic human right; equitable access and good water governance are essential for a water-scarce country like South Africa. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water, accounting for about 60% of water allocation. Therefore, there must be a balance in priorities, as reliable water access is a foundation of food security, while agriculture is the main rural economic activity, creating employment. Our work is transdisciplinary, encompassing engineering, natural sciences, economics and indigenous knowledge. We research water governance and economics, as well as the impact of climate-related disasters on smallholder farming systems. I am also still very much involved in soil fertility management and indigenous knowledge…

What message do you hope to convey through your inaugural lecture?

The lecture will convey multiple messages. First of all, perseverance eventually pays off, although it can come at a huge cost. One can be vulnerable, but staying authentic and leading with integrity cultivates trust in the younger generation. The lecture will also demonstrate how research can solve local societal problems at the implementation and policy levels. Doing transdisciplinary research is complex; it requires relationships built on trust and shared objectives. We are beginning to reap the benefits of this in our research.

What experiences have most influenced your approach to Agriculture and Water Research for Sustainable Livelihoods and leadership?

I never planned to be an academic. I stumbled on it, then I discovered that I could be both an academic and a researcher. It has been a lot of fun, but there have been a lot of tears, too. In my early career, I followed the footsteps of those who led us. At the International Crops Research Institution, we were led by the late Dr Steve Twomlow, who taught us how to work together and support each other as a team. I try to implement that with my students. It's not perfect, but we are getting there. I think what holds us together, at the end of the day, is the passion and authenticity we each carry.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za