Pretoria: The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has congratulated Namhla Dotwana, founder of the sustainable beauty brand, Namhla Collection, for her outstanding success at the 2025 Grassroots Innovation Awards.
According to South African Government News Agency, Dotwana claimed the inaugural Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Grassroots Innovator of the Year Award last night in Pretoria, walking away with a R100 000 cash prize for her pioneering work in creating eco-friendly products rooted in indigenous South African knowledge. The Grassroots Innovator of the Year Award honours Motaung, who passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished biomedical science, entrepreneurship, and visionary leadership.
Last night, Dotwana also secured first prize in the Outstanding Youth Grassroots Innovator category, third prize in the Outstanding Women Grassroots Innovator category, and third prize in the Social Innovation Award category, making her one of the most celebrated innovators of the evening. Hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Thursday’s awards ceremony took place at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria as part of the Science Forum South Africa.
Hailing from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, Dotwana’s rural-based enterprise transforms local plants, particularly imphepho (African indigenous sage), into premium skincare, haircare, and home spa products. ‘Her innovation champions sustainability, revitalises traditional knowledge systems, and drives circular rural economies through cultivation, processing, and packaging within her home village of eGotyibeni,’ the department said. The Grassroots Innovation Awards are part of the DSTI Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) Programme, implemented by TIA.
Deputy Minister Gina highlighted that Motaung overcame immense challenges to emerge as a distinguished academic, an inspiring leader, and a pioneering tech entrepreneur. She demonstrated that South Africa’s rich indigenous knowledge can be transformed into sustainable livelihoods. ‘The Grassroots Innovation Awards are very close to my heart because they debunk the notion that innovation is for the high-heeled elite, and not for rural people in our townships. When the government emphasises the point that no one must be left behind in our empowerment, this is one demonstration of that commitment,’ said Gina.
Within the Grassroots Innovation Programme, TIA currently manages approximately 292 active projects; among these, 50 projects have been commercialised, 52 companies have been created, and 148 jobs have been generated. An additional 400 projects are supported through a structured innovation support programme. This year’s awards are particularly significant, as they coincide with TIA’s 15 years of supporting innovation in South Africa – from supporting emerging technologies to uplifting innovators.
TIA Board Chairperson, Loyiso Tyira, said: ‘We honour and recognise outstanding grassroots innovators whose solutions address community challenges and contribute to inclusive development. Innovation is not a luxury; it is a national imperative.’ He said the work showcased last night demonstrates the powerful role of creativity, science, and entrepreneurship in driving economic progress.
Other winners of the night in various categories included Paula Maseko from North West, who took first prize in the Outstanding Women Grassroots Innovator category. The Disability Innovation Award was won by Landile Mabele for Navwok in KwaZulu-Natal. The Social Innovation Award was claimed by Mzomhle Mapatwana from Eastern Cape for Mifano Ya Mvua Investments.