The Womanity- women in Unity Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka had an interview with Dr. Jennifer Veitch
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This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Jennifer Veitch a physical oceanographer at the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON) who heads up the SOMISANA (A Sustainable Ocean Modelling Initiative: a South African Approach) Initiative. This conversation spans the scientific, societal, and personal dimensions of oceanography: exploring the crucial role of women in science, the challenges of climate change, and the importance of inclusive, co-designed environmental solutions. This episode of Womanity coincides with World Oceans Day, which is celebrated on 8 June. “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2025.
Understanding the Ocean Through Models
At the heart of Dr. Veitch’s work is the use of sophisticated ocean models, computational tools that simulate the behaviour of the sea in ways that satellites and in-situ instruments alone cannot capture. These models serve dual purposes: they offer both operational forecasts (such as five-day predictions of ocean conditions to support maritime stakeholders) and long-term projections that help track historical and future changes in ocean currents, ecosystems, and climate. This information is pivotal in scenarios like oil spill response, marine resource management, search-and-rescue missions, and safeguarding endangered species such as seabirds in Algoa Bay.
Real-World Impact: From Oil Spills to Policy
Dr. Veitch unpacks how ocean forecasting was crucial in identifying the probable source of an unknown oil slick discovered on South Africa’s West Coast, illustrating the high-impact, real-world applications of her team’s work. These capabilities not only aid emergency responses but also help strengthen marine environmental governance and accountability.
Bridging Science and Society
A major theme in the interview is the essential interplay between science and society. Dr. Veitch speaks candidly about the need to improve science communication, particularly with non-specialist audiences like policymakers and coastal communities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge systems into formal scientific frameworks, arguing that such approaches are not only more equitable but also more effective. Through ongoing community engagement along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, SOMI researchers are working to align local lived experiences of climate change with scientific predictions, though she acknowledges that building trust in historically marginalized communities, especially fishing communities impacted by regulatory constraints, remains a challenge.
Raising the Global South’s Voice in Global Science
Dr. Veitch also reflects on her global scientific leadership roles, including her involvement with CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean: Variability, Predictability and Change) and the UN-endorsed Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre. These platforms amplify African voices and foster cross-hemisphere collaboration, data sharing, and interoperability in ocean modelling. She stresses the critical importance of representation from the Global South in these forums—so that science reflects diverse geographies, economic contexts, and environmental vulnerabilities.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists
On a more personal note, Dr. Veitch shares her commitment to mentorship and capacity development, highlighting her pride in mentoring Dr. Mahasbo Ragoasha. Dr. Ragoasha’s journey, from rural mountain origins in Limpopo to scientific excellence and leadership at the University of Cape Town, is a moving testament to resilience, opportunity, and representation in science.
Confronting Gender Bias and Breaking Barriers
The discussion doesn’t shy away from the gendered challenges that women in oceanography still face. Dr. Veitch recounts early career experiences where her voice was ignored in meetings and how she was undermined as merely an “employment equity hire.” These moments of exclusion only fueled he
Understanding the Ocean Through Models
At the heart of Dr. Veitch’s work is the use of sophisticated ocean models, computational tools that simulate the behaviour of the sea in ways that satellites and in-situ instruments alone cannot capture. These models serve dual purposes: they offer both operational forecasts (such as five-day predictions of ocean conditions to support maritime stakeholders) and long-term projections that help track historical and future changes in ocean currents, ecosystems, and climate. This information is pivotal in scenarios like oil spill response, marine resource management, search-and-rescue missions, and safeguarding endangered species such as seabirds in Algoa Bay.
Real-World Impact: From Oil Spills to Policy
Dr. Veitch unpacks how ocean forecasting was crucial in identifying the probable source of an unknown oil slick discovered on South Africa’s West Coast, illustrating the high-impact, real-world applications of her team’s work. These capabilities not only aid emergency responses but also help strengthen marine environmental governance and accountability.
Bridging Science and Society
A major theme in the interview is the essential interplay between science and society. Dr. Veitch speaks candidly about the need to improve science communication, particularly with non-specialist audiences like policymakers and coastal communities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge systems into formal scientific frameworks, arguing that such approaches are not only more equitable but also more effective. Through ongoing community engagement along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, SOMI researchers are working to align local lived experiences of climate change with scientific predictions, though she acknowledges that building trust in historically marginalized communities, especially fishing communities impacted by regulatory constraints, remains a challenge.
Raising the Global South’s Voice in Global Science
Dr. Veitch also reflects on her global scientific leadership roles, including her involvement with CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean: Variability, Predictability and Change) and the UN-endorsed Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre. These platforms amplify African voices and foster cross-hemisphere collaboration, data sharing, and interoperability in ocean modelling. She stresses the critical importance of representation from the Global South in these forums—so that science reflects diverse geographies, economic contexts, and environmental vulnerabilities.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists
On a more personal note, Dr. Veitch shares her commitment to mentorship and capacity development, highlighting her pride in mentoring Dr. Mahasbo Ragoasha. Dr. Ragoasha’s journey, from rural mountain origins in Limpopo to scientific excellence and leadership at the University of Cape Town, is a moving testament to resilience, opportunity, and representation in science.
Confronting Gender Bias and Breaking Barriers
The discussion doesn’t shy away from the gendered challenges that women in oceanography still face. Dr. Veitch recounts early career experiences where her voice was ignored in meetings and how she was undermined as merely an “employment equity hire.” These moments of exclusion only fueled he
