Dr Nonhlanhla Vilakazi – Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg – Unearthing the past for the future

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Nonhlanhla Vilakazi who specialises in palaeo-herpetology and heritage management in the Zoology Department at the University of Johannesburg. Her work uncovers stories from fossils that contribute to new ways of seeing ourselves and our future. Dr Vilakazi takes us beneath the Earth's surface to explore forgotten ecosystems, rare fossil snakes, and the secrets embedded in rock formations that stretch back millions of years. Through her African-centred lens, she explains how ancient species help us understand climate change, biodiversity loss, and the alarming possibility that humanity may be in the midst of a mass extinction event. Beyond the science, Dr Vilakazi is a powerful advocate for reshaping human relationships with misunderstood creatures like snakes, blending scientific insight with Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural narratives. Her storytelling transforms fear into understanding, reminding listeners how deeply interconnected life truly is both past and present. The conversation also highlights her commitment to transforming STEM education. Dr Vilakazi discusses the importance of integrating indigenous worldviews with scientific methods to make STEM relevant and inclusive, especially for young women and learners from under-resourced communities. She speaks candidly about breaking stereotypes in paleontology, the challenges of being one of the few women in fieldwork, and the vital need for family-friendly policies in academia. From groundbreaking discoveries in South Africa, Namibia, and Uganda to cutting-edge AI collaborations that are modernising fossil analysis, Dr Vilakazi’s work pushes scientific boundaries while inspiring the next generation of African scientists. Despite her trailblazing contributions, Dr Vilakazi reminds us that paleontology remains a male-dominated field. One still shaped by the lingering stereotype of the “Indiana Jones” adventurer. She speaks openly about the subtle and overt barriers women face, from doubts about their physical capability to the practical challenges of fieldwork environments that have never been designed with women in mind. Often the only woman on excavation teams, she has had to carve out space. Yet her presence is transformative: her visibility has inspired many of her former undergraduate students, particularly young women, to pursue postgraduate studies in paleontology. Her journey powerfully demonstrates that representation is not symbolic, it's catalytic. When women see someone who looks like them thriving in STEM, entire career pathways become imaginable. The episode culminates in a relatable message to young women across the continent: science is not distant or exclusive; it is present in everyday life, fueled by curiosity, resilience, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves. Tune in for more.