Meet Dr Lawrence Mabasa, a scientist from Malamulele, Limpopo, whose journey is one of quiet strength, determination, and purpose. Raised in a rural village as one of six children, he grew up in a household where hard work and sacrifice were a daily reality. His path into public health was shaped not only by academic ambition but also by lived experiences that revealed just how critical food security and maternal health are to a community’s wellbeing.
His academic journey began at the University of Venda, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences. He went on to pursue further studies in the United States through a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, completing a Master’s and PhD in Nutritional Physiology at North Dakota State University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship. In 2016, he returned to South Africa for a second postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cape Town before joining the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Since 2019, he has worked as a Senior Scientist and was recently promoted to Specialist Scientist. He also holds a joint appointment as a Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, where he contributes to academic training and mentorship in public health. His research focuses on maternal nutrition and its long-term effects on child development and birth outcomes, contributing directly to Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
For Dr Mabasa, this is the most rewarding part of his work—seeing research translate into real-world impact. Dr Mabasa’s research on maternal nutrition highlights not only the biological and developmental dimensions of nutrition but also the social and cultural barriers that shape maternal and child health outcomes. In many of the communities he works with, deep-rooted traditional beliefs and gender norms often conflict with recommended health practices like exclusive breastfeeding. Public health outreach can be further complicated by a mistrust in health services due to past negative experiences, the expectation of handouts during community engagements, and cultural taboos around discussing sexual and reproductive health. Early antenatal care is often avoided due to fears linked to witchcraft or miscarriage, while limited decision-making power among women can slow the adoption of health information. These challenges make it critical to design interventions that are not only evidence-based but also sensitive to the social context in which they are delivered.
His recent work at the SAMRC includes projects that assess dietary interventions to improve maternal and child health, particularly in vulnerable populations. These findings are already informing national policy, with recommendations for improved nutrition programs and early interventions, further increasing the impact of his work.
Beyond research, Dr Mabasa has mentored dozens of graduate students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in public health. He is also involved in multinational research collaborations with institutions across South Africa and Sweden, including Nelson Mandela University, the University of Venda, and Uppsala University. As a fortuitous connection made during the 2024 Goalkeepers event, he is collaborating with fellow Goalkeeper and Moringa producer, Maboang Matlou, focusing on an innovative nutritional regimen to help address malnutrition in pregnant women and children using Moringa products.
Outside of his professional work, Dr Mabasa values spending quality time with his wife and children. These moments offer a grounding balance to the demands of his research and serve as a constant reminder of the purpose behind his work.
Email: goalkeepers@sun.ac.za