"I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to serve. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the selection committee, the university leadership, and all stakeholders for their trust and confidence in my abilities to contribute to the future of this emerging institution in research, innovation, and internationalisation," said Prof Muronga.
Prior to his post at Mandela University in 2016, Prof Muronga was an Associate Professor of Physics and the founder and director of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Soweto Science Centre (2010 – 2016).
Azwinndini is a distinguished scholar with a robust research portfolio in theoretical physics, studying matter under extreme conditions at the intersection of nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.
Since obtaining his Ph.D., he has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in the study of relativistic dissipative fluid dynamics for heavy ion collisions and astrophysics. His work has been widely published in reputable journals, earning him recognition both nationally and internationally.
Prof Muronga is a highly referenced scholar, with more than 1300 citations across more than 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He also has more than 100 presentations at local and international conferences to his name.
He has supervised and guided several postgraduate students, including two postdocs, two PhD students, and five Master's students, along with more than 150 summer study and research students (UG, Hons, & MSc) primarily from rural institutions.
Under his stewardship as Executive Dean of Science at Nelson Mandela University, the Faculty has maintained its leading position in research and graduating Ph.D. students, seeing significant advancements in both academic excellence, research output and transformation. He has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that have enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, increased research funding, and expanded the faculty's impact on local, national, and international levels.
Azwinndini has also played a crucial role in championing student success, advocating for innovative research methods, and creating opportunities for experiential research through the National Institute of Theoretical and Computational Sciences Summer Study and Research Program hosted annually at our institution.
A science advocate and activist, Prof Muronga is proactive about engaging schools, universities and communities in promoting quality science education, and access to higher education for all deserving students. He champions science communication at all levels to broaden the universal understanding, enjoyment and inspiration of science and received several awards for his outstanding contributions to science education and leadership.
Prof Muronga also has a productive interest across the various knowledge fields, and is poised to, amongst others, advance the University key priorities on the revitalisation of the humanities, internationalisation and Africanisation, and the growth in postgraduate numbers across the disciplines.
"I look forward to working alongside the exceptional team at Nelson Mandela University. In collaboration with the university's leadership, stakeholders, researchers, innovators, students, and partners, I will strive to elevate our research, foster a culture of innovation, and strengthen our international collaborations. Together, we will ensure that our university continues to pursue impactful, pioneering research, innovation, and internationalisation to address grand societal challenges and promote sustainable futures, as envisioned in Vision 2030," said Prof Muronga.
Positions Professor Muronga has held and currently holds include:
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From 2023 he has headed the Eastern Cape and Free State NITheCS node, based at Mandela University.
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He was appointed by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation to serve on the Board of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) (2018 TO2026) and reappointed for the second term, and also to serve on the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) (2021 to 2025).
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He served as President of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) and was appointed in 2023, as Chairperson of the Task Team to establish the SADC Regional Physical Society.
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He serves on the International Advisory Committee (IAC) of the African Strategy on Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASFAP).
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Representing Africa and the Middle-East region, he served on the International Advisory Group at the U.S. Particle Physics Community Planning Exercise.
On behalf of the entire university community, we welcome Prof Muronga to this critical post. We wish him well in advancing the continued growth in research, innovation and internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University.
Professor Andre Keet
Acting Vice-Chancellor Nelson Mandela University