The girl asked WHY?
Balanced Life|July 2023
The sciences have a bad rep: hard, boring, isolating and apparently "not for girls". Talk about getting it wrong! We speak to three South African scientists at the top of their game.
CHRISTI NOSTIER
The girl asked WHY?

ENTOMOLOGIST
Dr Nolwazi Mkize

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER...

Dr Nolwazi Mkize is not one for si† ing still. Farming, hiking, cycling, mentoring and studying business could all be on her weekly roster. That’s if she can tear herself away from her true passion: entomology, the study of insects.

Her research has focused on pest control in agriculture but her writing varies from policy documents to an English-isiXhosa dictionary of common insect names found in the Eastern Cape. Having worked in the private and public sector, she is the Head of Regulatory Africa cluster at Bayer CropScience.

“I was drawn to insects out of curiosity. Entomology was introduced as a subject only in the year I started my undergraduate at the University of Fort Hare in 1996. I saw a poster advertising the subject and so I investigated what kind of job it could get me. I wanted something unique and different because I didn’t want to struggle to get a job. My passion grew as I learnt about agricultural pests. So, I can say my career found me rather than the other way around!

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Balanced Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Balanced Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BALANCED LIFEView All
CHESLIN KOLBE
Balanced Life

CHESLIN KOLBE

Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe has won two Rugby World Cups while proving his critics wrong, but he also wants to be remembered for making an impact off the field.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
She's all that
Balanced Life

She's all that

The world often tries to put people in a box, but Mecayla Maseka considers herself more than 'just a girl'.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
In HER SHOES
Balanced Life

In HER SHOES

With about 20 years of experience in retail, no day is every quite the same for Thateng Shimange, the real MD of TFG Menswear - and she loves every bit of it.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
TAKING THE REINS
Balanced Life

TAKING THE REINS

Who says nice girls can't give orders? Quit waiting for permission to be brazen in the bedroom - demureness be damned.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
The 5 of Wealth
Balanced Life

The 5 of Wealth

In The 5 Types of Wealth, entrepreneur Sahil Bloom offers a transformative guide filled with practical steps and actionable insights to help redesign your life. Read this extract to get started.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
HELLO , HORM ONES
Balanced Life

HELLO , HORM ONES

We outline some of the most important chemical messengers in your body and how to keep them functioning happily.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
The Balancing ACT
Balanced Life

The Balancing ACT

We all hold both the feminine and the masculine within us. Taking time to reflect on which dominant energies you embody and how you can tap into their opposites - can be a powerful way to cultivate balance between the two.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
A TAN FOR EVERY TONE
Balanced Life

A TAN FOR EVERY TONE

Whether you're heading to brunch with friends or enjoying a romantic date night, a sun-kissed glow can transform your look. Thankfully, you don't need to spend hours under the sun – or risk harmful UV exposure – to achieve that radiant complexion. Spray-tanning provides a simple and safe alternative, offering a beautiful tan for every skin tone. Read on to discover how this versatile beauty treatment can help you shine, no matter your skin type.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
ROUSHANNA GRAY
Balanced Life

ROUSHANNA GRAY

Veld and Sea is a multisensory experience curated by the force that is Roushanna Gray.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Eat, Pray Love
Balanced Life

Eat, Pray Love

Dreaming of a holiday that helps you disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with your inner self? e've listed a few wellness retreats to help you escape and reset.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024