Khona Maziya grew up in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The value of education was instilled in her from a young age and, as a result, she excelled in her studies and developed an interest in sciences. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research focuses on water remediation strategies using cutting-edge membrane-based filtration techniques. Her research aims to develop nanofiltration membranes and apply them to remove water contaminants that are harmful to human health. The use of these membranes as point-of-use water treatment devices for low-income communities with limited access to clean drinking water is envisaged.
She holds a Master's degree in Chemistry with distinction from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she was recognized by the Golden Key Honorary Society as one of the top 15% for academic excellence and published an article titledHyperbranched polymer nanofibrous membrane grafted with silver nanoparticles for dual antifouling and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” Her career goals include becoming a researcher focusing on new technologies for providing sustainable energy and water to rural communities using greener approaches. She seeks to give back to communities that, in comparison to other privileged groups, have limited access to clean water.
Khona is the first person in her family to pursue a PhD, and hopes to serve as a beacon of hope for many young girls and women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
