In honour of Youth Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Beyond 76 Series: Youth Knowledge in Motion. This series celebrates the bold research, critical thought, and visionary work of Master’s and Doctoral graduates under the age of 35. These dynamic young scholars are reshaping South Africa and the continent through transformative ideas and scholarship. Their work echoes the courage of the youth of 1976 and carries forward a legacy of change, justice, and economic emancipation. Join us as we spotlight the next generation of changemakers in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
1. In 2025, what does Youth Month mean to you — personally, academically, or as a young South African?
As a young South African woman and emerging medical anthropologist, Youth Month in 2025 is a moment of reflection, inspiration, and an onus to foster change. Personally, it is a reminder of the conviction shown by the youth of 1976— a generation who challenged injustices and paved the way for opportunities which I now pursue. Academically, Youth Month is a reflection for us to produce socially relevant and ethically grounded research. My PhD dissertation explored the conceptualisation and practices of organ donation within the Catholic Church in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This work exposed complex interconnections between faith, ethics, the healthcare system and highlighted the significance of how cultural and religious worldviews can influence health choice behaviours.
As an emerging academic, Youth Month, therefore, is more than a historical commemoration— it serves as a call to action for young people to pursue research that challenges narratives, uplifting marginalised voices and which contributes to social transformation. It serves as a reminder to commit ourselves to advancing an all-inclusive knowledge system which honours scientific inquiry and the communities’ lived experiences.
2. What impact do you hope your NIHSS supported research will have on society or your field?
My NIHSS-supported research explored the conceptualisation and practices of organ donation within the Catholic Church in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. One of the aims of the research was to contribute to the field of medical anthropology by highlighting how culture, religion and ethical frameworks can influence health choice behaviours, which may be quite complex. By focusing on organ donation—a topic often considered in the biomedical discourse— I aimed to showcase the voices and lived experiences of members of the faith-based community, considering various narratives. The broader societal impact I hope for is twofold: first, to promote culturally sensitive healthcare approaches, which consider and respect diverse worldviews; and second, to inform policy and initiatives that bridge the gap between healthcare systems and communities. Ultimately, the research sought to produce a dialogue which will allow for the alignment with community-centred, religious and culturally inclusive practices pertaining to health choice behaviours, which result in ethical practice and social justice, contributing to more responsive and humane health interventions in South Africa and beyond.