Dr Gladness Nteboheng Lion is an outstanding example of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)’s commitment to fostering pioneering research and academic excellence in South Africa. Born in the small village of Maboloka near Brits, North West Province, Lion’s journey is one of resilience, community-mindedness, and groundbreaking achievements in environmental health and zoology. Through her distinguished work, she has advanced her field and embodies SMU’s mission to address pressing health challenges that impact communities across South Africa.
Dr Gladness Nteboheng Lion
Lion’s early years were marked by a dedication to education and community values instilled by her family. Raised as the eldest of three children, she was influenced by her father’s principles of home, school, and church and by her mother’s career as a nurse and midwife. These early experiences set the foundation for her future in science and community health. Her academic journey began at Edward Lion Primary School in Maboloka and continued at Rabboni Christian Private School, where she completed her matriculation in 2003. Following this, she pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences at Walter Sisulu University and an Honours degree in Biology from the University of Limpopo’s Medunsa Campus.
In 2017, Lion’s research career took a defining turn as she embarked on a PhD in Zoology at SMU, with a groundbreaking focus on the environmental health implications of trace metal exposure for obese women living near industrial areas in Pretoria. Her thesis, titled: “Trace metals, health status and relationship with reproductive hormones (estradiol and progesterone) of obese females living around industrial areas in Pretoria, South Africa”, explored the crucial links between environmental pollution and reproductive health—an area previously unexamined in South Africa. Her work provided a novel understanding of health risks posed by trace metal pollutants and highlighted the significance of SMU’s research on issues directly affecting the well-being of local communities.
Reflecting on her research, Lion says: “My study was inspired by my upbringing in an industrial and agricultural area, where I saw firsthand the health challenges affecting women, particularly in relation to obesity, diabetes, and reproductive health issues. Driven by my mother’s background in healthcare, I sought to understand how environmental factors might contribute to these concerns to enhance the quality of life for women in my community.” Through her findings, she emphasises the need for greater awareness and monitoring of environmental pollutants in industrial zones, underscoring SMU’s role in advancing research that prioritises public health and equity.
Balancing her work as a lecturer in SMU’s Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Lion has committed over a decade to advancing environmental health and toxicology studies. She has been instrumental in developing and reviewing curricula for programmes in Environmental Management and Toxicology at SMU, supervised numerous postgraduate students, co-authored thirteen influential research articles, and collaborated with national and international institutions. Her work has cemented SMU’s position as a key player in addressing environmental health issues with direct societal impact.
Lion’s research is particularly notable for its findings on the connections between trace metal pollutants and hormonal imbalances, which may link to conditions like menstrual disorders, infertility, cancer, and hormone-dependent diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her research calls for policy changes and increased pollution monitoring to protect vulnerable populations, advancing SMU’s role as an environmental health research leader.
Looking forward, she is determined to expand her research to other communities and explore further the intricate relationships between environmental pollutants and human health. Her passion for education, evidenced by her dedication to student success and community impact, speaks to her unwavering commitment to SMU’s mission and field. Through her work, Lion exemplifies SMU’s values and continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, making strides toward a healthier, more informed South Africa.
In Lion, SMU celebrates a researcher whose work contributes to academic advancement and embodies the university’s drive to tackle critical health challenges and empower communities through knowledge and action.
