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Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong – Head of Plant Sciences – University of the Free State – Sustainability
This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With over 16 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and crop science, Professor Minnaar-Ontong shares how her journey into plant breeding was sparked by an unexpected aptitude test that redirected her from medicine to agriculture; an industry she has since transformed through science and leadership.
Professor Minnaar-Ontong demystifies the world of molecular breeding, explaining how it differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how it accelerates the development of resilient, disease-resistant crops. Her research is a critical response to South Africa’s rising food insecurity, and her efforts contribute to lower production costs, healthier soils, and more sustainable food systems. She discusses the role of universities in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and promoting food sovereignty.
More than scientific breakthroughs, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong is proudest of her impact on people. She shares stories of former students now working globally in agriculture, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. For her, the true legacy of academia lies in building confident, capable scientists who can solve real-world problems.
Prof. Minnaar-Ontong opens up about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, confronting stereotypes in the field, sometimes literally, like being mistaken for a secretary on a research visit—and how she used those moments to prove her expertise. She emphasises the importance of mentorship, resilience, and speaking up with confidence. She reflects on the power of inclusive academic platforms like WISE (Women Influencing Scholarship and Education) that supports other women to rise, balance careers and family life, and step confidently into leadership roles.
As the mother of two daughters and a mentor to many, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong’s vision for African women in science is clear: leadership, visibility, and empowerment. Her closing message is filled with encouragement: “You don’t need magic to change the world; you are already equipped with all the power need within yourself.”
Tune in for more…
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This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With over 16 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and crop science, Professor Minnaar-Ontong shares how her journey into plant breeding was sparked by an unexpected aptitude test that redirected her from medicine to agriculture; an industry she has since transformed through science and leadership.
Professor Minnaar-Ontong demystifies the world of molecular breeding, explaining how it differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how it accelerates the development of resilient, disease-resistant crops. Her research is a critical response to South Africa’s rising food insecurity, and her efforts contribute to lower production costs, healthier soils, and more sustainable food systems. She discusses the role of universities in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and promoting food sovereignty.
More than scientific breakthroughs, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong is proudest of her impact on people. She shares stories of former students now working globally in agriculture, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. For her, the true legacy of academia lies in building confident, capable scientists who can solve real-world problems.
Prof. Minnaar-Ontong opens up about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, confronting stereotypes in the field, sometimes literally, like being mistaken for a secretary on a research visit—and how she used those moments to prove her expertise. She emphasises the importance of mentorship, resilience, and speaking up with confidence. She reflects on the power of inclusive academic platforms like WISE (Women Influencing Scholarship and Education) that supports other women to rise, balance careers and family life, and step confidently into leadership roles.
As the mother of two daughters and a mentor to many, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong’s vision for African women in science is clear: leadership, visibility, and empowerment. Her closing message is filled with encouragement: “You don’t need magic to change the world; you are already equipped with all the power need within yourself.”
Tune in for more…