Notices and Announcements

SACI unveils new logo and slogan: a milestone in the Institute’s life

The South African Chemical Institute (SACI) recently hosted a special event to unveil its new logo and slogan, marking a significant moment in the institute’s journey. The event brought together more than 60 members to celebrate this transformation and reflect on the institute’s purpose and identity.

The event featured a thought-provoking talk by Dr. Greta Heydenrych, former Executive Director of IUPAC (2023–2024). Dr. Heydenrych engaged the audience with a compelling discussion on volunteerism in professional organisations, drawing parallels between IUPAC and SACI. She emphasised that people engage with societies like SACI for various reasons—be it passion for their field, opportunities for professional growth, or the sense of belonging to a vibrant scientific community. Highlighting examples from IUPAC, she illustrated how dedicated volunteers, many SACI members, drive the success of global chemistry initiatives. Dr. Heydenrych underscored that the essence of SACI’s rebrand is to reaffirm its role as a unifying force for chemists across South Africa, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.

The highlight of the event was the reveal of SACI’s new logo and slogan. The winning design features a stylised round-bottom flask forming the letter "C" with an outline of South Africa, incorporating SACI’s signature blue and gold colours. The new slogan, “Change through Chemistry,” captures the transformative impact of chemistry in society.

The event also celebrated the creative minds behind SACI’s new brand identity. Mercy Nduni, the winner of the best logo design, was recognised for her thoughtful and symbolic representation of SACI’s mission. Meanwhile, Lisa Gura and Marwaan Rylands were honoured as the co-winners of the best slogan competition. The slogan, “Change through Chemistry,” perfectly encapsulates the institute’s vision for the future, reinforcing the role of chemistry in driving innovation and societal progress.

The new SACI branding will take centre stage internationally at the upcoming Commonwealth Chemistry Congress from 11–14 May in Stellenbosch. This will be a prime opportunity to showcase SACI’s renewed identity on a global platform.

The unveiling event reaffirmed that SACI is more than just a professional society—it is a catalyst for advancing chemistry in South Africa and beyond. The new brand serves as a beacon of SACI’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

In closing, the SACI President, Prof Zenixole Tshentu, reflected on the lasting impact of this milestone, stating that “the logo and slogan will outlive us,” ensuring that SACI’s identity and mission continue to inspire future generations of chemists.

Niki Bathori, SACI Vice President

The 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology!

The year 2025 marks 100 years since the groundbreaking development of quantum mechanics, shaping the future of science and technology. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025) is a global celebration highlighting the impact and potential of quantum research.

SACI members are encouraged to organise and register their quantum-related events—lectures, workshops, conferences, outreach activities, etc.—on the official IYQ 2025 website. Simply visit https://quantum2025.org/events/ and submit your event under "Submit an Event."

Let’s make sure South Africa is well represented among the world’s most exciting international quantum events!

Best regards,
Niki Bathori
Vice President, SACI

SACI Awards, Fellows and Life members 2024

THE GOLD MEDAL
The medal is awarded to a member of the Institute, whose scientific contributions in the field of chemistry or chemical technology are adjudged to be of outstanding merit.
Prof Kenneth Ozoemena - University of the Witwatersrand

THE CHEMICAL EDUCATION MEDAL
The medal is awarded to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to chemical education as judged by the person’s published work in the previous 5 years. Published work may be in any form and may be related to any level or educational context.
Prof Liliana Mammino - University of Venda

THE RAIKES MEDAL
The medal is awarded to a person, under the age of 40 on 31 December in the year of the award, whose original chemical research shows outstanding promise, as judged by the person’s publications in reputable journals. It is further stipulated that the research shall have been performed in South Africa.
Dr Maya M. Makatini - University of the Witwatersrand

THE MERCK MEDAL
The medal is awarded to the senior author of the paper, or papers, published in the South African Journal of Chemistry in a specific field of chemistry, adjudged to have made the most significant contributions to the discipline. The award for 2024, covering papers published in the period 2019 to 2023, was the most cited (without self-citation) SA authored paper in the field of Chemistry.

Tebogo M.A. Mokgehie, Wilson M Gitari and Nikita T. Tavengwa* Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolites Produced by Ultrasonication of Coal Fly Ash/NaOH Slurry Filtrates.
S. Afr. J. Chem., 2020, 73, 64-69.

THE SASOL POST-GRADUATE MEDAL
The medal is awarded to student members of the Institute engaged in, or who have recently completed research towards a MSc or PhD degree in a School/Department of Chemistry at a South African University, or a MTech or DTech degree in a School/Department of Chemistry at a South African University of Technology. Student members who have recently completed their studies must have only graduated in the period June 2023 to May 2024.
Dr.  Gestél. C. Kuyler - Stellenbosch University
Ms. Leah Amod – University of Cape Town
Dr. Luke Invernizzi - University of Pretoria
Dr. Austine O.C. Iroegbu - University of Johannesburg

THE JAMES MOIR MEDALS
The medal is awarded to the best student who has completed a course in any branch of chemistry at NQF level 8 (Honours or Postgraduate Diploma) at a South African University or University of Technology, and achieved a credit-weighted average final mark of at least 75%.

Ms Sandy U Pesulo

University of the Western Cape

Ms Megan De Beer

University of Pretoria

Ms Murangi Musingadi

University of Venda

Ms Keotshepile A Malebadi

North-West University

Ms Shannon Misplon

University of Cape Town

Mr Reece L Tuck

Nelson Mandela University

Mr Magqira Bavuyile

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Ms Lisa T De Wet

Stellenbosch University

Ms Tinyiko R Novela

University of the Witwatersrand

Ms Sekeleme Shakhola

Rhodes University

Ms Lindiwe R Motsitsi

Tshwane University of Technology

THE SASOL SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY MEDAL
The theme of the 2024 award is “Emerging Innovator or Entrepreneur”. The award shall be made to a member of the Institute, who is an early-career professional or researcher in the field of chemistry, that has (i) demonstrated significant contributions to innovative concepts, sustainable methodologies, or applications within the realm of chemistry. The innovations should showcase a high degree of originality and creativity, representing a departure from conventional approaches or the introduction of novel ideas while aligning with sustainable principles, considering environmental, renewable energy, economic, and social impacts. Emphasis will be placed on the actual or potential impact of the innovations on the field, industry, or society. Or (ii) is an entrepreneur within the field of chemistry, having founded or co-founded a company, and has developed and implemented an innovative business concept based on sustainable chemical principles with a commitment to sustainable business practices within the chemical industry, contributing to environmental and social responsibility.
No award

SACI Fellows - 2024
The nominee must have been a member of the Institute for at least 10 years. Candidates must have demonstrated excellence and leadership in the areas of both: (a) the profession, education and/or management of chemistry, and (b) volunteer service to the chemical community
Prof David W Gammon - University of Cape Town
Prof Delia A Haynes - University of Stellenbosch
Prof Bert Klumperman - University of Stellenbosch
Dr Ronald F van de Water - Airsep
Prof Willem AL van Otterlo - University of Stellenbosch

SACI Life members – 2024
The requirement is min. 35 years of membership AND a minimum of 70 years of age.
Dr Ian M Bratt - joined SACI 1982 (42 years of membership)
Prof. Ignacy Cukrowski - joined SACI 1989 (35 years of membership)
Dr John Greathead - joined SACI 1978 (46 years of membership)
Dr Ronald F. van de Water - joined SACI 1982 (42 years of membership)