Cultivating the next wave of neuroscientists

As neuroscientist Dr Rachael Dangarembizi shared her amazing career journey, remarkable achievements, and the significance of her work, Grade 10 and 11 learners listened in awe, and with excitement and curiosity.

Many could relate to her story: her humble beginnings, attending an under-resourced school where some classes were held under a tree. Yet, through hard work and perseverance, she achieved what many of them only dream of. Her journey, coupled with the importance of her work, provided a new perspective on what is possible.

Dr Dangarembizi’s presentation at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Neuroscience Institute in Groote Schuur Hospital on Thursday, 13 March, formed part of the university’s two-day Brain Awareness event, recognising International Brain Awareness Week from 10 to 16 March. In collaboration with the Cape Town Science Centre, the first day included interactive lectures and demonstrations for Grade 7 learners. On the second day, pupils from Sinako High School in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, were invited to learn more about neuroscience.

It is an annual event since 2019 and the objective, according to Associate Professor Ursula Rohlwink from the Division of Neurosurgery, was threefold: to highlight the brain’s wonders, to inspire students to consider neuroscience as a career, and to teach them about brain health.

Dangarembizi did just that.

A journey of determination and success

“While I was at that school under the tree, I was really good. I used to get top marks every time; win prizes every time. Even though my parents were poor, they were proud of me because I worked hard and got my scores right.”

Dangarembizi recounted how her academic excellence opened doors for her. “Because my grades were good, I got opportunities – scholarships here and there, people willing to pay for my education. Eventually, I made it.”

Pointing to a picture of herself at her PhD graduation, she asked: “Do you recognise that person? Does she look like me? That’s me 20 years later, graduating with a PhD in neuroscience from one of the best universities in Africa. It’s doable. It’s possible. Regardless of your background, you can do it.”

“It’s doable. It’s possible. Regardless of your background, you can do it.”

Today, Dangarembizi is a neuroscientist at UCT, running a laboratory and traveling the world for research. “My job takes me all over: France, the US, Korea … you name it. Where would you like to go?” she asked the excited learners. “America? Been there. Korea? Been there too!”

As president of the Southern African Neuroscience Society, she said that Africa is excelling in the field, with scientists from across the globe eager to learn from their work. “But remember where I started? Don’t forget it is possible,” she reminded the learners before diving into the details of her research.

The brain and amapiano

Dr Thandani Mlambo from the Division of Neurosurgery delivered a talk titled, “The Brain and Amapiano”, drawing parallels between neurosurgery and music production to share insights about his profession. It involved completing a BSc in biochemistry and human physiology before becoming a neurosurgery registrar. “We've got producers, and we've got performers,” he explained, comparing the medical field where “some people are clinical, and some do research”.

He highlighted the critical role of neurosurgeons in patient care, rehabilitation, and research. “Rehab is crucial because some people are never the same after an injury. And we take samples, send them to researchers, and they give us insights to improve treatment.”

Like many high school learners, Dr Mlambo initially aspired to be a cricketer before deciding on medicine. “I didn’t get into medical school at first, so I studied physiology before reapplying. It doesn’t matter how you started; you can always change your path.”

He emphasised the importance of adaptability. “Sleep, work hard, and start your day early because preparation is key. Like many DJs switching genres, you can change your career paths too. No one will remember when you switched – only that you succeeded.”

Broadening horizons

As with previous years, the International Brain Awareness Week is a great opportunity to introduce young learners to neuroscience, an often-overlooked career path, according to Professor Rohlwink, who is also part of the African Brainchild (ABC) research group.

Highlighting the critical importance of buckling-up and preventing head injuries, she recalled that they’ve worked with Grade 7 learners from underprivileged communities, partnering with the Yabonga Foundation, an organisation that originally focused on supporting HIV orphans but expanded to providing after-school care and training.

She said for the first time this year, they invited Grade 10 and 11 pupils, as they are actively considering their futures. “While many have already chosen their subjects, we’ve invited these learners to show that neuroscience is accessible through multiple paths, including psychology, engineering, and medicine. Choosing a field at 17 or 18 can feel daunting. But today’s speakers demonstrated that curiosity, passion, and an openness to discovery can lead to fulfilling careers, even if the path isn’t clear from the start.”

Empowering students to dream big

Zandile Mrululu, a Grade 11 and 12 Life Sciences teacher at Sinako High School, praised the initiative. “Outings like these are incredibly important for our learners because, being based in a township, they rarely get to see beyond their immediate environment. When they experience careers they could pursue in the future, it gives them inspiration and the drive to work harder.

“For example, one of my students asked about micro-organisms, fungi, and bacteria. I teach them Life Sciences, and while I’ve covered these topics, we don’t have charts, projectors, or resources to help them visualise what they’re learning. Seeing these concepts on a big screen and understanding their real-life impact makes a huge difference – it opens their world and gives them a sense of purpose.”

Mrululu said while many schools in Khayelitsha have been improving their matric results, her school is still one of those struggling, and the lack or resources is a contributing factor. “Even something as basic as a chart could help students understand better. Experiences like these show them that, regardless of their background, they are not limited to traditional careers like teaching or nursing. They can dream bigger – they can become neuroscientists or marine biologists. This experience will leave learners as better people, with a broader understanding of the world and their place in it.”

A new perspective on possibilities

Grade 11 learner Mivuyo Tofile shared: “As a black child, you tend not to take risks because you don’t know where it will lead you. Dr Dangarembizi has inspired me a lot because she’s a big deal now, but she came from nothing. She really inspired me to take a risk and study further to become a marine biologist.”

Another Grade 11 learner, Akha Skwati, expressed surprise at the field of sleep science. “I didn't even know that a career existed to study sleep. I thought it was just something natural. Now, I want to be in neuroscience.”