Lydia Makhubu | |
---|---|
Born | Lydia Phindile Makhubu 1 July 1937 |
Died | July 24, 2021 | (aged 84)
Nationality | Swazi |
Alma mater | University of Toronto |
Occupation | Chemist |
Lydia Phindile Makhubu (1 July 1937 - July 2021) was a Swazi chemist and former professor of chemistry, dean and vice-chancellor of the University of Swaziland now the University of Eswatini). [1]
She was born at the Usuthu Mission in Swaziland. Her parents were teachers, but her father also worked as an orderly in health clinics. Her early exposure to medicine had a great influence on her choice of career; she initially wanted to become a doctor, but then switched to chemistry. [2]
Makhubu graduated from Pius XII College (now the National University of Lesotho) in Lesotho with a B.Sc. in 1963. With a Canadian Commonwealth scholarship, she obtained an M.Sc. in organic chemistry from the University of Alberta in 1967, followed by a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Toronto in 1973, [3] becoming the first Swazi woman to earn a doctorate. [1]
She returned to her homeland and joined the faculty of the University of Swaziland, becoming a lecturer in the chemistry department in 1973, the dean of science from 1976 to 1980, a senior lecturer in 1979, a full professor the following year, and vice-chancellor from 1988 to 2003. [1] Her research focused on the medical effects of plants used by traditional Swazi healers. [1] [2]
From its inception in 1993 until 2005, Makhubu was the President of the Third World Organization for Women in Science, which provides fellowships for postgraduate study. [4] [5] She was the first woman chairperson of the executive committee of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. [3] She also served in numerous other organizations, such as the United Nations Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development. [3]
She received numerous grants and honours, including a MacArthur Foundation grant (1993–1995), [6] and honorary doctorates from various universities, [7] including a doctor of laws from Saint Mary's University in 1991. [8]
She married the surgeon Daniel Mbatha; they have a son and a daughter. [1]
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