Our cover star, Gwynneth Jacobs, has distinguished herself as a forensic analyst who has helped to solve some of the most important criminal and missing person cases in the country, but it is at Stellenbosch University where much of the groundwork for her success was laid.

Gwynneth graduated with a BSc (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and an Honours degree in Human Genetics from SU in 2003 and 2007 respectively. She also completed a master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape in 2015.

“I really loved Biology as a subject at school and knew that I wanted to study in that field. It was the endless possibilities and the many unanswered questions that drew me to it,” she says of her study choice.

While in her final year at SU she started applying for jobs and was offered a position as a technical assistant at SU’s Central Analytical Facility where she was responsible for sample preparation and general lab duties. The role provided her with valuable exposure and experience in the science field.

But she was always drawn to forensics and how DNA is used to solve crimes and started to apply for a position at the SAPS Forensic Lab.

“The first time I applied was after I got my BSc degree and numerous times thereafter! I finally got accepted in 2010, but I believe everything happens when the time is right.”

Her job in the biology section of the SAPS Forensic Lab entails using DNA evidence collected at crime scenes to link individuals to a crime.

“By applying biological techniques, we are able to generate unique DNA profiles. By comparing these DNA profiles to reference samples we are able to determine who the donor of the DNA found at a crime scene is. In this way we can help convict or exonerate individuals suspected of committing a crime. We deal with the most terrible criminal cases and nothing is more satisfying than helping innocent victims of crime and providing evidence that can lead to a conviction. Knowing that you have helped towards solving a crime is reward in itself.

“But not all cases are criminal. My work is also important in identifying missing persons or unidentified bodies which can help provide families with closure. The work I do is therefore important for the victims who no one believes or who are no longer there to tell their story.”

The mother of two boys (Christian and Cruz) who is married to husband Stanley has also devoted herself to an issue which does not always receive the attention it deserves – assisting mothers who struggle with breastfeeding.

“When we found out we were expecting my eldest son Christian we automatically assumed he would be breastfed. But it did not come as naturally as we thought. No one shared how much more there is to breastfeeding, how much there is to learn and how important a community is for support. A friend of mine introduced me to La Leche League South Africa, a voluntary organisation that provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies. It became such a support system to me and I learnt so much that I became involved as a volunteer and now provide other mothers with the same support that I received from the organisation.

“Nothing gives me more joy than having helped a mother in the early days of her breastfeeding journey and having her contact me months later to tell me she is still breastfeeding. It is the best feeling ever when a mother believes in herself and perseveres despite the difficulties.”

Gwynneth, who grew up in Mitchells Plain and matriculated at Portland High, says she has come a long way with SU. In 1999, she attended a winter school presented by SU’s Centre for Pedagogy, which led to her decision to come and study at SU.

She has the following advice for young people pursuing their dreams. “Go after your dreams and don’t doubt your abilities. Nothing worthwhile is easy, so use every opportunity. Hard work is always rewarded.”

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