Prof Puleng LenkaBula (front, second from left), Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa (front, left), Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, with some of the honourees at this year’s Unisa Research and Innovation Awards
Image: Supplied
Unisa, Africa’s largest open, distance, and eLearning institution, continues to dominate the academic and research landscape through the extraordinary achievements of its staff and alumni. From groundbreaking agricultural research to international accolades and national awards, Unisa’s academics are demonstrating excellence and innovation across diverse fields. These accomplishments reflect the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of academic brilliance, research impact, and societal contribution.
Unisa’s acquisition of an experimental farm in Bronkhorstspruit signals a transformative leap in agricultural education, research, and community engagement. This state-of-the-art facility, established under the visionary leadership of Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, is set to address global challenges such as food security and climate change.
Professor LenkaBula remarked, “This farm is not just a site for agricultural production but a space for multidisciplinary transformation, where science, traditional knowledge, and innovation converge.”
The farm will house facilities like smart greenhouses, an automated dairy farm, and a veterinary laboratory, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and equipping smallholder farmers with advanced, sustainable farming models. This initiative positions Unisa as a leader in agricultural sciences and showcases the university’s dedication to creating tangible societal impact.
Unisa’s women academics and students were recently celebrated at the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), a prestigious event that recognises excellence in STEM fields. Dr. Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, secured first runner-up in the "Distinguished Young Women Researchers – Natural and Engineering Sciences" category. Her work on sustainable energy solutions and nanotechnology has earned her national acclaim.
Additionally, two master’s students, Nonkululeko Malomane and Wendy Mabhulusa, received the esteemed DSI-Esther Mahlangu Fellowship for their groundbreaking research in water treatment and fuel cells, respectively. These awards underscore Unisa’s role in cultivating a new generation of innovators and thought leaders.
At the South African Women in Science Awards were (from left) Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vastha, Unisa College of Science Engineering and Technology (1st runner up: Young Women Researcher Award), Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Unisa Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, and Student Award recipients Nonkululeko Malomane and Wendy Mabhulusa, both from the College of Science Engineering and Technology.
Image: Supplied
Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vastha, (1st runner up: Young Women Researcher Award), Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Unisa), and Student Award recipients Nonkululeko Malomane and Wendy Mabhulusa. Picture: Supplied / Unisa
In another remarkable achievement, Unisa clinched second place among South African universities for research excellence as announced by EmeraldPublishing under the SANLIC consortium, a testament to its robust academic output and innovative projects. The accolade reflects the university's sustained investment in high-impact research and its scholars’ dedication to advancing knowledge.
Unisa’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation, and Commercialisation, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, emphasised the significance of this recognition, stating, “Our researchers are pushing boundaries and making meaningful contributions to solving societal challenges.”
Among the global acknowledgments was the recognition of Professor Jianxin Li, a Professor Extraordinaire within the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, for his exceptional contributions to research. His work in a specialised field earned him international accolades, solidifying Unisa’s position as a global academic powerhouse. This recognition not only honours the individual’s achievements but also reflects the university’s focus on nurturing partnerships that yield groundbreaking research.
In a significant nod to cultural and linguistic preservation, Professor Daniel Matjila of the Department of African Languages was honoured for his exceptional contribution to African languages by the African Language Association of Southern Africa. This award highlights the university’s leadership in promoting African heritage through rigorous scholarship, aligning with its mission to decolonize knowledge and celebrate indigenous wisdom.
At its recent Research and Innovation Awards ceremony, Unisa celebrated its top-performing academics and researchers. The event recognised individuals whose work has made substantial impacts across disciplines. These "research stars" were lauded for their commitment to pushing boundaries and elevating the university’s reputation globally.
Professor Meyiwa described the awardees as “torchbearers of Unisa’s mission to be a university of excellence that inspires transformative social change.”
Further reinforcing its standing in the academic world, Unisa saw seven of its academics nominated for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards. These awards, often referred to as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa, celebrate outstanding contributions in science, engineering, and technology. The nominations are a testament to the depth and diversity of talent within Unisa.
Unisa’s influence extends beyond its current staff and students, as evidenced by Professor Kaitano Dube, recipient of the Unisa Principal’s Award for Distinguished Alumni in Research. This accolade highlights the lasting impact of a Unisa education in shaping global leaders and innovators.
From local fields to international arenas, Unisa’s academics and researchers are making waves. These achievements are more than individual successes; they are collective milestones that reflect the university’s strategic focus on research excellence, innovation, and societal engagement. Through its dedicated scholars, Unisa is not only raising its own profile but also contributing meaningfully to addressing global challenges.
As Unisa celebrates these accolades, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students, support groundbreaking research, and inspire transformative change. With its academics continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge, Unisa’s future as a beacon of excellence on the local and global stages is assured.
IOL
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