MOROGORO, Tanzania, Aug. 28, 2026 – Pendo, APOPO’s Animal Welfare and Training Supervisor, has been recognized by Malkia wa Nguvu, a prominent Tanzanian initiative celebrating women making a difference in their communities and wider society.
Pendo was one of five women honored by Clouds Media Group at the initiative’s Coastal Zone event in Morogoro. She received a trophy and certificate in the Research and Community Science category for her contribution to animal training, research, and innovation.
Pendo works at APOPO’s research and training center on the campus of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro. There, she and her colleagues train African giant pouched rats, also known as HeroRATs, to perform lifesaving tasks, from detecting tuberculosis (TB) to supporting landmine clearance.
Their work demonstrates how science, animal welfare, and the remarkable abilities of animals can come together to address serious humanitarian challenges.
From SUA to the world
APOPO’s research and training activities at SUA have helped establish Tanzania as an important center for innovation in animal-based detection technologies.
Among the most celebrated animals trained there is Magawa, an African giant pouched rat who was deployed to Cambodia to detect landmines. During his operational career, Magawa detected 71 landmines and 38 items of unexploded ordnance, helping make large areas of land safer for local communities. His achievements earned him the PDSA Gold Medal in 2020, making him the first rat to receive the prestigious award. He was also recognized by Guinness World Records as the most successful landmine detection rat.
For Pendo, Magawa’s story is particularly personal. She was among the trainers who contributed to his development in Tanzania. “I am very proud of Magawa and what he achieved,” Pendo says. “His success showed the world what these animals are capable of, and I am honored that I was part of the team that helped prepare him for that important work.”
“This trophy belongs to the team”
Pendo does not see the Malkia wa Nguvu recognition as an individual achievement. “I am so honored to receive such an honorable recognition and trophy. It is something I never expected or even dreamed of,” she says. “I thank God first, and I also thank APOPO management for trusting my abilities and giving me the opportunity to serve in a leadership position. But I cannot forget the teamwork and cooperation of my colleagues. Their efforts have helped SUA and APOPO achieve great results that are recognized around the world.”
She adds: “This trophy and recognition are for the team, not for me as an individual. I just happen to represent the SUA-APOPO team.”
Celebrating 10 years of women making an impact
Established in 2016, Malkia wa Nguvu is a national women’s empowerment platform organized by Clouds Media Group, one of Tanzania’s best-known media organizations. Its awards recognize women making significant contributions to Tanzanian communities and society.
The 2026 celebrations mark 10 years of recognizing women whose work creates positive change. Pendo’s award brings greater visibility to women working in research, animal science, innovation, and community development.
It also highlights the contribution of Sokoine University of Agriculture to research and solutions with global relevance. Through its partnership with APOPO, SUA has helped turn academic research into practical tools that address real-world problems.
Innovation that saves lives
Pendo’s recognition celebrates not only her personal journey but also the wider team behind APOPO’s work.
From the research and training facilities at SUA in Morogoro to humanitarian operations around the world, their achievements demonstrate the reach and potential of African-led science and innovation. For Pendo, the journey continues as part of a team working toward one shared goal: using science and the extraordinary abilities of animals to make the world safer and healthier.