Gosego is Simply the Best

Gosego Sedikelo from Thaba Nchu, a University of South Africa PhD candidate received the Eni Award in the Young Talents from Africa category during the ceremony held in Italy on 29 October at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, Italy.

Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, personally handed the Eni Award to Gosego.

The Eni Award is an international scientific recognition supporting research and innovation in energy and environmental sustainability.

Gosego said for an emerging African researcher, being recognised on such a prestigious platform is both an encouragement and a reminder that research conducted at our universities can contribute to global solutions.

Besides having the honour to receive the award from the Italian President, Gosego also had the pleasure of meeting South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile.

These encounters made the occasion especially meaningful for her.

“I was not only celebrating a research milestone but also representing South Africa and the scientific potential of our continent. That moment connected the different stages of my journey, from the classrooms of Thaba Nchu in the Free State to an international ceremony recognising scientific achievement. Yet I see the award not as an endpoint, but as an opportunity to strengthen research collaborations and pursue work with practical benefits for society.” She said.

As a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Gosego is conducting research on sustainable recovery of valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. her work explores ways to recover critical metals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, with the aim of supporting resource efficiency, cleaner technologies and a circular economy.

She added that she is forever grateful to UNISA, the University of South Africa, her PhD supervisors Prof Linda Linganiso and Prof Yali Yao, the brains behind the concept of Resource Recovery and Circular Economy of Lithium-ion batteries and international research collaborator Prof G. Yan from Central South University in China for their guidance, expertise and support, as their contribution has been central to Gosego’s development as a researcher.

“I appreciate them for entrusting me with this very important and relevant project which attracted attention from all angles (locally and internationally), affording me with different platforms to showcase my skills, gifts and talents. This recognition also reflects the importance of universities and mentors who invest in emerging scientific talent.”

Gosego’s educational journey began in Thaba Nchu in the Free State, at Selosesha Primary School and then Unicom Primary School, she later attended Goronyane High School and completed her matric at Moroka high School.

These were ordinary local classrooms, but they were also places where her ambitions began to take shape.

“Growing up in Thaba Nchu, I witnessed first-hand how great potential can lie hidden in communities that are often overlooked. I want young people attending similar schools to know that where they start does not determine how far they can go.” She said.

She continued her studies at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State, completing her qualifications up to a master's degree.

“I am forever grateful to UNISA, the University of South Africa, my PhD supervisors (Prof Linda Z. Linganiso & Prof Yali Yao - the brains behind the concept of Resource Recovery and Circular Economy of Lithium-ion batteries) and international research collaborator (Prof G. Yan from Central South University in China) for their guidance, expertise and support. Their contribution has been central to my development as a researcher, and I appreciate them for entrusting me with this very important and relevant project which attracted attention from all angles (locally & internationally), affording me with different platforms to showcase my skills, gifts and talents. This recognition also reflects the importance of universities and mentors who invest in emerging scientific talent.” She stated.

Township communities are full of ability and ambition. What is often unequal is access to opportunities, resources and networks.

“I hope my journey encourages young people in local public schools to take their aspirations seriously. but inspiration must be accompanied by action, we need stronger investment in education, research infrastructure, financial support and mentorship so that talent can flourish wherever it is found. I also believe Africa should not be seen only as a source of critical minerals for the global energy transition. We should help develop scientific knowledge, recycling technologies and industries that shape that transition. Battery recycling is one area where research can support environmental protection, local innovation and future industrial opportunities.” Gosego added.

Her ambition is to contribute to science that goes beyond publications and international recognition, to knowledge that can be translated into useful technologies and opportunities for South Africa.

“To young people who see their own beginnings reflected in mine, my message is simple, your beginnings are part of your story, but they do not define the limits of your future. And as a society, we must make sure that opportunity does not depend on where a child grows up.”

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