29 July 2005
Palaeobiologist Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan has been honoured as the the 2005 Shoprite Checkers / SABC 2 Woman of the Year.
The scientist, described as an "international star" by the judges, received South Africa's most prestigious award for women at a gala ceremony in Cape Town on Thursday.
Pioneering research
Chinsamy-Turan was recognised both for her pioneering scientific research and for her promotion of science in previously disadvantaged communities.
Her work on the microstructure of fossil bone has led to an advancement of the understanding of the growth of extinct animals, and forms the basis for much current international research.
Chinsamy-Turan was also recognised for her work in various scientific bodies, such as the National Research Foundation and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, where she has raised the profile of women in science and contributed significantly towards the development of SA's research capacity.
'Inspiration'
"She has put South Africa on the global map with her outstanding level of work, and as someone who has made a valuable difference in the field of science and technology," said judge Lucy Mailula.
"As a published palaeobiologist, Professor Chinsamy-Turan is making a huge contribution in a subject that is important to the development of our country by taking science to the people.
"She is an inspiration to the young women of our country."
Chinsamy-Turan was also the winner of the science and technology category of the awards.
OTHER CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS
Arts, Culture and Communications
Julia Moloi, founder of We Are Capable, has overcome her own disability to become the first editor of a magazine for people with disabilities. Aiming to promote and highlight the plight, struggles and triumphs of people with disabilities, Johannesburg-based We Are Capable offers a voice and platform whereby those with disabilities can be heard.
Business Entrepreneurs
Thamsanqa Zimu, from Umzinto in KwaZulu-Natal, challenges the male-dominated farming fraternity by successfully supplying her agricultural products to the highly competitive sugar and timber industries, while always maintaining high levels of farm worker skills on her farms, where over 50% of her employees are women.
Education
Violet
Madingoane's contribution to the field of information technology has had a far-reaching impact on South Africa's education system. Not only has she been strategic in implementing computer training courses and centres at many schools, but the Department of Education also credits Madingoane with being responsible for the original design of Gauteng Online, an Information Communication Technology project included in the current Gauteng schools curriculum.
Health
Fiona MacDonald's dedication to nursing care has made a difference in 108 villages in the Limpopo province. Her approach to health care is completely committed to making a difference in the area of HIV/Aids. MacDonald's forward thinking is based on the ripple effect: how the impact of training one person can reach so many others within the rural communities of Limpopo.
Social Welfare
Beka Ntsanwisi has been nominated as a finalist in the Woman of the Year Award for the second year running. A radio presenter at the Munghana Lonene radio station in Polokwane, despite suffering from advanced colon cancer, Ntsanwisi chooses to make a difference in the lives of thousands of community members, and most people in the area refer to her as Limpopo's Mother Theresa.
Sport
Lesley Copeman and Tania Fourie have used their lifelong passion for women's golf to create a tournament that brought together the world's biggest names in women's golf at the Women's World Cup of Golf in 2004. At the same time they managed the SAA Champagne Golf clinics and the Acer Girls Golf Programme,
projects aimed at developing the sport for women in the country.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
