Hi!
I’m Pinky.
I am a Scientist, Radio Broadcaster/ Podcaster, Writer and founder of ‘Metsi a Teng’.
I have had over 8 years of experience in the Environmental Sciences/Management field, with over 10 Years of Radio and Communication practice and more than 15 Years in the Writing and Copyright business.
My Career Timeline:
2018
Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadorship
I was inaugurated as a Miss Earth South Africa Ambassador, for all Water related projects/programs.
2020
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
First year in residence as an MRF Scholar, where the significance of Leadership, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Reconciliation among some of the most talented thought leaders across the African continent.
2021
Multiple Awards & Recognitions
In this time, I received multiple accolades related to the commercialization of my academic research (including the founding of Metsi a Teng Pty Ltd).
2022
Science Fellowships
I had the privilege of being hosted as a fellow at laboratories in the UK, Ghana and Japan through the WISC (Women in Supramolecular Chemistry), eFEMS (Empowering Female Minds in STEM) as well as the United Nations Centre for Trade and Development’s Young Female Scientist Program.
2022
M&G 200 Young South African
Made it onto the list of 200 Young Influential and Successful South Africans – Environment Category . Reconciling Science plus Advocacy.
2023/2024
Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship (SJMS) Recipient
Following graduation – MSc in Environmental Chemistry (cum laude), I received the coveted SJMS award alongside a scholar from the Seychelle’s.
My Story
I have a significant appreciation for discovery and the research elements that fuel curiosity in the sciences.
I have had the privilege of collaborating with a number of organisations and stakeholders that play a major role in influencing the trajectory of development and innovation in my home country, South Africa, as well as globally.
As a Science Communicator, I have seen the impact that well grounded knowledge can have in driving sustainable development and preserving the planet.
I have spoken to children in primary schools as well as leaders and influencers on their respective rights, and I can attest to the fact that none of us ever arrives in terms of learning and effecting change. For our own sakes (and that of the people that follow our footsteps), we never outgrow needing to ask questions, finding their answers and readjusting our priorities – especially with the ever growing advancement of technology and industries.
Through my ardent pursuit for data driven innovativeness and ‘lifelong-learner’ mentality, I have ventured into business and the world of entrepreneurship where I commercialised my post-graduate research on Water Chemistry (to the founding of a water purification company called Metsi a Teng – a story for another day), and have gone through the wiles and wildness of becoming a business owner with little to no training, save for the mini-pockets of mentorship by those who had more experience than me.
Consultation Avenues
Laboratory / Environmental Services
EIA/EMPs, Applications for Water Use Licenses/Mining Rights, Rehabilitation Plans, etc, Environmental Chemistry | Waste Water Treatment | PFAS Quantification | LCMS/MS | Other
Communication & Event MC
Ensure that your event is unique with classy, light-natured, detailed and highly entertaining MC/Hosting services. This also includes commissioned poetry performances and science communication facilitations.
Copyright & Scripting
Once Upon A Time
Before I plunged into post-grad studies and the Sciences, I was an Ambassador for Miss Earth South Africa (2018/2019) – Water Element.
It was particularly during my two years as an Ambassador that I realised how much of a difference each individual can make if they are willing to be change-agents. Although the work of nation building is monumental, and hard – even confounding at times, it is the little wins that (when bundled together) actually add up.
Below is a list of a few of the projects I was able to champion during my reign as Miss Water:
- Tshwane Tswelopele Clean-up campaign launch with the Hnr Mayor of the City of Tshwane (2018)
- World Environment Day Radio Show host with Dr. Oreilia Egambaram (Ms. Earth Air RSA 2017)
- Greyville Primary School Clean -up for World Environment Day (Lenasia – 2018)
- Motlhana Primary School clean-up campaign (Ga-Motle, 2018)
- #Impacted Winter Drive Campaign (Tshwane, 2018)
- The Graduates Walk for Youth Day with the MEC of Education in the North West Province (2018)
- Waste Stops with Me Presentation at “The Peculiar Nest” Non
–Government Organization girls camp (Onderstepoort, 2019) - Green Youth Indaba speaker and interviewed ambassador for Green Initiatives (2018/2019)
- Mandela Day project with Stefanutti Stocks and Food and Trees for Africa (planted 180 trees and vegetable garden) at Shukumani PS (Katlehong, 2019)
- Program Director for the first Annual Green Research Conference with the Tshwane University of Technology (Tshwane, 2019)
- The 7in7 Clean – Up campaign (where I organised 7x Clean Up Community Events across South Africa, to mobilise people around taking responsibility for the sustainable use of our environment). (2019)
- Tree planting ceremony at Ga-Motle Library coupled with the Graduates Walk (for promoting the significance of education and its power to transform communities). (2019)
- Community cleanup at Zeerust town during a research fieldwork roadshow and campaign (2018).
The Quiz
Your ‘at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all things truly important – LOL!
Drink of Choice
Probably Reading
Something from my book-club. Quite diverse and unpredictable. But I am still a sucker for Systematic Theology and historical fiction.
Celeb I'd like to meet
Trevor Noah.
Always craving
Pap and Vleis, just the way my granny makes it.
Guilty Pleasure
Vlogging and pretending to be a national geographic show narrator.
Alternate Universe Job
Fashion designer or indie-folk musician
Interesting Characters in History
C.S. Lewis, Albert Einstein, Marie-Curie, and Jesus.
Favorite Pastimes
Reading, Creating (i.e. content creation – spoken or written), and enjoying good conversations with my husband.