Image: From intern to award-winning communicator, Nobuhle Zozo is using science communication to make a difference.

Stories of resilience and progress remind us of the power of investing in young people. For Nobuhle Zozo, participation in a Science Journalism Internship Programme has become more than a workplace learning opportunity – it has been a stepping stone to purpose, growth and impact.

The programme is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and coordinated by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF-SAASTA), providing unemployed journalism and communications graduates with exposure to the workplace.

Nobuhle’s participation in the Programme opened doors for her own learning and development, but has equally inspired her to do more in the health space through science engagement and further studies.

Currently placed at a community radio station in Johannesburg where she produces the health content show ‘Wellness Booth’, Nobuhle uses science communication to connect healthcare practitioners and scientists to communities on wellness issues affecting their everyday lives. From public health awareness to youth-focused STEM conversations, her work is helping to make science more accessible and relevant.

From these humble beginnings, Nobuhle’s passion and dedication showed the impact that science engagement can have in communities, having recently been recognised as the top achiever in the campus radio category for news and current affairs during the 2026 National Press Club-UNISA Newsmaker and Journalist of the Year Awards. This is a milestone in her life that she believes was made possible through teamwork, mentorship and the opportunities created through the DSTI/NRF-SAASTA programme.

Her journey into science journalism was not conventional. Balancing personal loss, caregiving responsibilities and academic ambitions, Nobuhle continued to pursue her Masters studies in journalism and media while building a growing passion for health communication, driven by her earlier caregiver role to ailing family members. Today, her research explores the societal impact of artificial intelligence in health, reflecting her commitment to improving lives through knowledge.

The internship programme has also helped her bridge the gap between university and the workplace. “It helped me understand the work environment, build confidence and learn how to engage with different stakeholders,” she says. Through the networking opportunities and hands-on experience that the programme provides, she has grown into a confident, award-winning science communicator.

For other young graduates, her message is simple: “Don’t look down on humble beginnings, grab such opportunities with both hands, because they open you up to the world.” During Youth Month, her story serves as a reminder that empowering young people with skills, mentorship and exposure can unlock extraordinary potential.