Her early exposure to medicine had a great influence on her choice of career; she initially wanted to become a doctor, but then switched to chemistry.
[1] Her research focused on the medical effects of plants used by traditional Swazi healers.
[1][2] From its inception in 1993 until 2005, Makhubu was the President of the Third World Organization for Women in Science, which provides fellowships for postgraduate study.
[3] She also served in numerous other organizations, such as the United Nations Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development.
[3] She received numerous grants and honours, including a MacArthur Foundation grant (1993–1995),[6] and honorary doctorates from various universities,[7] including a doctor of laws from Saint Mary's University in 1991.