News Bulletin of 31 October 2025, 5pm

L’Oréal South Africa and Unesco honoured eight outstanding women scientists at the 7th L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Awards in Sandton.
The 2025 ceremony recognised researchers tackling cancer, infectious diseases, clean water, renewable energy, and wildlife conservation, bringing total support to 50 female scientists with around R5 million invested.
Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina said empowering women in STEM strengthens communities and economies, while Unesco Southern Africa head Martiale Zebaze Kana stressed the importance of women’s leadership in Africa’s scientific future.
The honourees, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, are making breakthroughs in medicine, sustainability, and renewable energy, showing the transformative power of women-led science.

At the City Power Energy Indaba 2025 in Johannesburg, experts emphasised that South Africa’s coal reserves remain essential while the country works towards net-zero emissions.
With nearly 10 billion tons of proven coal, the nation is a major producer and consumer, and coal continues to support the economy and energy supply.
Speakers highlighted the importance of technology and clean-coal solutions to reduce emissions while keeping electricity affordable for households and businesses.
Echo Energy Africa co-founder Naphtally Mafa said coal itself is not the issue, but emissions need careful management through innovation.
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava noted that partnerships with Eskom and the private sector are crucial to balancing energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

Ulong Island in Palau has been declared free of invasive rats following a major conservation campaign.

The rodents had threatened native birds, plants, and crabs, putting the island’s ecosystem at risk.

After a year of monitoring, endangered Palau ground doves are returning to the forest floor, including chicks at sites where they were never previously seen.

Other seabird species are also showing signs of recovery.
The project is improving the surrounding marine ecosystem by restoring nutrient flows between land and sea.

Robust biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent reinvasion and protect the long-term conservation gains.

Tourists are noticing the difference, enjoying the island’s renewed natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Ulong Island now serves as a positive example for island conservation across the Pacific.