Prof. Nox Makunga, Professor of Medicinal Plant Biology, Stellenbosch University

Her work looks to identify the molecular and genetic regulation of the secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. She often travels to rural areas to talk to traditional healers. She has a contributed to two textbooks. In 2010 she delivered a TED talk on the Potential of a Medicinal Wonderland. She has acted as honorary secretary, Vice President and President of the South African Association of Botanists Council.

She won the 2011 National Science and Technology Forum Distinguished Young Black Researcher award and the TW Kambule Award. She was a Fulbright scholar.