From a young age, Sibongile Jiyane’s quiet curiosity set her apart. Never afraid of complex ideas, she saw them as an invitation to explore. That same spark led her to plant pathology – a field where science meets food.
Today, she works with medicinal plants and champions climate-smart farming, helping ensure that Mzansi’s food not only feeds but heals.
Jiyane, born and bred in Soshanguve, north of Tshwane, in Gauteng, dedicated most of her childhood to her books.
“I was known for being a quiet but determined learner. By grade 1, I was already reading fluently in both English and my home language, isiZulu,” she says.
The making of a plant pathologist
This early academic ability caught the attention of her teachers. “Being selected to represent my school in reading competitions not only boosted my confidence, it also taught me the value of dedication and preparation.”
It was during her secondary years that her love for natural sciences, particularly microbiology, truly began to grow.
“I became fascinated by the hidden world of microorganisms and their influence on both human life and the environment.”
While exploring various areas of biological science, she came across plant pathology and was immediately drawn to its unique focus on microbiology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
“I chose to pursue plant pathology because it addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, including food security, climate change, and the need for more sustainable farming practices.”
Feeding minds, feeding nations
Jiyane tells Food For Mzansi that what drew her to plant pathology was the science behind how plant diseases are diagnosed, how crops are protected, and how healthier farming practices are developed – all while making a real difference in communities.
“I knew that with hard work, I could contribute meaningfully to this field, especially in a country like South Africa where agriculture is so important.”
In 2019, she was accepted into the BScAgric plant pathology programme at the University of Pretoria (UP). “I was fortunate to receive a bursary from the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development.”
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With her mother unemployed and her family dependent on her grandmother, who worked as a housekeeper, Jiyane says she felt a deep responsibility. “If they could support me the way they did, the least I could do was come back home with a degree and that graduation gown.”
She says to qualify for the BScAgric in plant pathology at UP, applicants generally need a national senior certificate (NSC) or equivalent, with at least 50% in English, mathematics, and physical sciences, along with an APS score of 32 or more.
“The degree is a four-year programme, with the final year at an honours level (NQF 8). I graduated in 2023, equipped not only with academic knowledge but with practical skills that prepared me for the working world.”
According to Jiyane, the degree offers wide career opportunities, including research, diagnostics, and disease management in crops. Graduates can work in government, academia, or private industry. It also lays a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, whether in consulting or farming.
Hands-on journey
University life, she reflects, was more than just academics. It was a training ground for life. For her, one of the most important lessons from university was learning to think critically, work independently, and collaborate with others.
“I gained more than just theoretical knowledge. I learned how to ask the right questions, solve real-life problems, and manage my time under pressure,” Jiyane explains.
University also taught her resilience and how to keep going, even when things got tough.
“For me, it was about finding balance, working hard, but also taking time to laugh, live, and grow personally.”
Since graduating, Jiyane has gained hands-on experience in several roles within the agricultural sector. She currently works as a research assistant in plant virology at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), where she diagnoses and screens viral plant diseases, performs metagenomics analysis, and assists in identifying viral vectors like aphids.
She also helps maintain lab equipment and ensures research projects stay on track.
Before this, she completed a two-year internship as a laboratory assistant and inspector at the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development. There, Jiyane worked on phytosanitary inspections, seed health testing, PCR diagnostics, and various lab processes, including nematode and soil testing.
Her experience also includes working as a sprout grower assistant at Simply Garlic, where she gained insights into seed germination, sprout production, and day-to-day agricultural operations.
Through these roles, Jiyane developed skills in field inspection, laboratory diagnostics, data analysis, molecular biology, and communication. More importantly, she gained a deeper appreciation for the role science and agriculture play in everyday life.
From knowledge to impact
Looking ahead, Jiyane plans to use her knowledge and experience to promote sustainable agriculture and inspire young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to consider careers in science and farming.
She believes that plant pathology, although not widely known, has the power to bring real change – from creating entrepreneurial opportunities in farming to ensuring food security through innovation.
With dedication and a passion for change, Jiyane adds, we can build communities that eat healthy, nutritious food that heals while fighting food insecurity.
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