Dr Thembela Sonti

Dr Thembela Sonti is an experienced chemist with a background spanning over a decade in industry. She embarked on her academic journey at Vista University’s Port Elizabeth campus, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Chemistry and Statistics. Building on this foundation, she pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Chemistry at PE Technikon, focusing on gaining practical experience in Analytical Chemistry.

Dr Sonti’s professional career is marked by significant roles in prominent organizations such as SA Breweries and Sappi Fine Papers, where she perfected her expertise. She then dedicated approximately ten years to the pharmaceutical industry (Aspen Pharmacare and Fresenius-Kabi), progressing from an intern to a Senior Analyst. Her work in this sector has been instrumental in developing and analysing complex compounds.

Dr Sonti continued her studies at Nelson Mandela University, earning a Masters degree in Natural Products and Polymers. Her research there involved extracting sulphur compounds from plants and exploring their potential as devulcanizing agents in rubber—a testament to her innovative approach to chemistry.

Her academic journey led her to pursue a PhD in Organic Chemistry/Flow Chemistry, where she conducted pioneering research on synthesizing Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate using microreactors. This work exemplifies her commitment to advancing chemical synthesis and flow chemistry techniques.

She then joined H3D in August 2023 as a postdoctoral research fellow in Process Chemistry where she is synthesising Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients using flow chemistry.

Dr Sonti is a member of the Black Women in Science (BWIS) Eastern Cape subcommittee and serves as a mentor and judge for the Eskom Young Scientist Eastern Cape competition.

Outside of her professional life, Dr Sonti is passionate about learning different languages, music, dance, and tennis. She finds joy in exploring diverse music genres, dancing, and playing tennis, which she believes contribute to her overall well-being and creativity.