Limpopo scientist wins international award for salt battery research
Keletso Monareng, a PhD candidate in Physics at the University of Limpopo, was recognised at the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Awards.
Monareng, born and raised in Ga-Sekororo Village, near Tzaneen, was recognised for her research on developing clean, affordable energy technologies that offer sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
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The awards celebrate exceptional female scientists whose innovative research addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges. This includes cancer care, infectious diseases, clean water, sustainable energy, and environmental conservation.
Her research focuses on sodium-ion batteries, a safer, cheaper, and greener alternative to lithium batteries. Using salt instead of toxic lithium, her work aims to make energy storage more sustainable and accessible.
“With this year’s eight remarkable awardees, the programme honours a total of 50 female scientists, marking a significant milestone that reflects an investment of approximately R5 million,” said Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa.
“Investing in women in STEM is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for South Africa’s future. When women scientists are empowered, their innovations resonate throughout communities, economies, and ecosystems.”
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Meanwhile, Monareng says her journey is driven by determination and curiosity. “I have always been fascinated by how science can provide sustainable solutions to everyday problems,” she said.
“My research aims to develop clean and affordable energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while offering reliable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
