Caroline Makofane loves plants and fiction novels in equal measure. She grew up in Witbank and after school, she enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science followed by an Honours in Botany. She is currently placed as an intern at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as a geneticist. Her work involves securing specimens, performing DNA extraction and analysis, and conducting desktop research. 

We asked her a few questions to find out more about her work, studies and inspirations:   

What are you passionate about? 

I am deeply passionate about plant science. Whether I’m in the laboratory, the field or even just in the backyard, I find joy in working with plants and observing their unique characteristics. I am constantly intrigued by their ability to grow, recover and adapt to changing environmental conditions. That’s why I enjoy studying them. From taxonomy to genetics, physiology and biotechnology to agronomy, the science of plants never stops captivating me. 

What inspired your choice of study? 

In matric, our Life Sciences class included a chapter about different career options, and botany was mentioned. Although I didn’t fully understand the career path at the time, I knew I had to pursue it. My family and relatives didn’t understand my choice and often said this career was more suited to people from financially stable households. Still, I followed my passion. 

What excites you about your internship? 

I’m excited to learn from professionals who have years of experience and diverse career journeys. I'm gaining knowledge in areas I hadn’t considered before, and working in the Pretoria National Zoological Garden where I occasionally spot wild animals nearby makes the experience even more rewarding. It’s like having a mini nature reserve at work. 

What are your expectations of this internship?

I hope to complete the internship as a more confident and knowledgeable individual. I want to gain hands-on experience in leadership and DNA sampling and research. I hope to develop the ability to help others recognise and pursue their goals. I see this internship as preparation for the journey ahead in my scientific career. 

What contribution do you hope to make towards a future in which people and nature thrive? 

I want to educate others about the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation. I hope to be involved in initiatives that reduce environmental harm like deforestation, pollution and land degradation. 

Who inspires you most and why?

My mother inspires me the most. She has faced many hardships but still wakes up every day with strength and determination to create a better life. She never gives up, no matter the criticism she faces, and that resilience motivates me.