Gugu Shila Mabizela
Professional Natural Scientist
Paarl
Summary
Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP registered) with more than 10 years’ experience in agricultural and horticultural research, including almost 5 years within the public sector. Experienced in alternative crop research from pre-harvest to post-harvest production systems, including field trials, greenhouse research, data analysis, scientific reporting, and project implementation. Strong background in horticultural research methodologies, scientific writing, research development, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated leadership through supervision of farm aids, coordination of research activities, and co-supervision of postgraduate students. Skilled in problem solving, decision making, project planning, communication, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Experienced in conducting scientific investigations, implementing research protocols, analysing data, preparing scientific reports and presentations, and supporting innovation within agricultural systems.
Overview
4
4
Languages
2
2
Certifications
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientific Technician Production
Western Cape Department of Agriculture – Elsenburg
10.2024 - Current
- Conduct horticultural and alternative crop research trials in tunnels and open-field conditions.
- Manage research activities involving hemp, honeybush, buchu, and other alternative crops.
- Perform data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research findings.
- Coordinate field activities and supervise farm aids during research operations.
- Support development and maintenance of research databases.
- Conduct greenhouse management and plant propagation activities.
- Participate in scientific meetings and contribute technical recommendations.
- Co-supervise a master’s student involved in sustainable crop production research.
- Assist with implementation of research methodologies and project objectives.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully coordinated multiple crop research projects under public sector programmes.
- Strengthened technical research support systems and trial management processes.
- Contributed to postgraduate student mentorship and scientific development.
- Contributed to high-quality research publications by providing accurate and well-organized data sets.
- Maintained a clean and organized laboratory environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful experimentation.
Scientific Technician Candidate
Western Cape Department of Agriculture
03.2021 - 03.2024
- Assisted in conducting horticultural and crop production research.
- Designed and implemented field and greenhouse trials.
- Collected, analysed, and interpreted research data.
- Operated laboratory and field research equipment.
- Prepared technical and scientific reports.
- Contributed to conference presentations and stakeholder engagements.
- Supported research aimed at crop yield and quality improvement.
- Managed inventory of chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies, ensuring availability for ongoing projects.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform experimental design and stay current on relevant industry advancements.
Technical Manager (Temporary)
C Fruit Differently (Pty) Ltd
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Supported berry growers with field production and packhouse management.
- Assisted with quality assurance and crop monitoring.
- Prepared technical reports and proposals.
- Managed communication with growers and stakeholders.
- Created comprehensive documentation of processes and procedures to ensure consistency throughout the department''s operations.
- Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources.
PhD Research Fellow
Agricultural Research Council: Infruitec
04.2015 - 03.2020
- Conducted advanced horticultural research on drought-tolerant honeybush cultivars.
- Managed field and controlled-environment experiments.
- Performed biochemical and proteomic analysis.
- Conducted scientific data analysis and interpretation.
- Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presented research at national and international conferences.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps and inform future studies.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous methodologies and data analysis techniques.
Master’s Researcher
Agricultural Research Council: Infruitec
02.2012 - 03.2015
- Developed propagation protocols for honeybush production.
- Conducted field and laboratory experiments.
- Performed scientific writing and data analysis.
- Assisted in dissemination of research findings.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
Education
PhD - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, Gauteng01-2020
MTech - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa01-2015
BTech - Agriculture: Crop Production
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa01-2011
National Diploma - Agriculture: Crop Production
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa01-2010
Skills
Technical Skills
Horticultural and agricultural research
Alternative crop production systems
Pre- and post-harvest research
Experimental design and trial management
Data collection and statistical analysis
Scientific writing and reporting
Research methodology and development
Greenhouse and field management
Plant propagation techniques
Laboratory sample preparation and analysis
Scientific presentations and conference participation
Computer literacy and scientific software applications
Leadership & Management Skills
Leadership and supervision
Mentorship and student co-supervision
Team coordination and project management
Decision making and problem solving
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Planning and organiing
Conflict management
Financial and resource awareness
Customer and stakeholder responsiveness
Laboratory techniques
Certification
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) 118232
Timeline
Scientific Technician Production
Western Cape Department of Agriculture – Elsenburg
10.2024 - Current
Scientific Technician Candidate
Western Cape Department of Agriculture
03.2021 - 03.2024
Technical Manager (Temporary)
C Fruit Differently (Pty) Ltd
09.2020 - 03.2021
PhD Research Fellow
Agricultural Research Council: Infruitec
04.2015 - 03.2020
Master’s Researcher
Agricultural Research Council: Infruitec
02.2012 - 03.2015
PhD - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
MTech - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
BTech - Agriculture: Crop Production
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma - Agriculture: Crop Production
Tshwane University of Technology
PUBLICATIONS
- Mabizela, G.S. et al. (2023). Response of Cyclopia subternata to drought stress: assessment of leaf composition, proteomics and product quality. South African Journal of Botany.
- Mabizela, G.S. et al. (2022). Optimising harvest season of Cyclopia genistoides for phenolic content and sensory profile. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
- Mabizela, G.S. et al. (2020). Effect of genotype and season on Cyclopia subternata quality. South African Journal of Botany.
- Mabizela, G.S. et al. (2017). Rooting potential of Cyclopia subternata stem cuttings. South African Journal of Botany.
- Combined Congress (2023–2025)
- SAPBA Congress
- EUCARPIA Congress
- GPMB Congress
- Indigenous Plant Use Forum
Driver's license
Code C1
References
Dr PA Karsen: Pippa.Karsen@westerncape.gov.za, 0218085277
Dr J van Zyl: Jacques.VanZyl2@westerncape.gov.za, 0218085302
Dr C Bester: BesterC@arc.agric.za, 021-809 3450