The event was held together with the student academic achievers’ awards at The Tramways Building.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa congratulated staff and students receiving a total of 77 awards for contributing to excellence in Higher Education. Prof Muthwa emphasised their excellence in achievements, affirming the University values. Excellence in knowledge, service, and transformation also forms part of Vision 2030 and our reason for being here, shaping our futures and passion for our purpose.
Award winners
From left, Professors Andrew Phiri, Gerrit Crafford, and Cina Mosito, and Dr Gavin Rishworth and Makhosi Madimabe
The Nelson Mandela University Researcher of the Year is Economics Professor Andrew Phiri, who conducts interdisciplinary research that lets data “speak for itself.” Using precise analytical tools, he uncovers hidden economic facts, evaluates competing theories, and designs more effective policy frameworks to enhance decision-making and improve societal welfare.
Nelson Mandela University Distinguished Teacher is Quantity Surveying’s Prof Gerrit Crafford, who combines academic rigour with a humanising pedagogy that values dignity, agency, and diversity. Through authentic, reflective, and inclusive learning, he empowers students to engage ethically, think critically, and connect theory to practice, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong professional growth.
Nelson Mandela University Excellent Teacher is Education’s Prof Cina Mosito, an Associate Professor in Foundation Phase Education, who guides students to critically examine how their own educational experiences shape their teaching. She values student worldviews, helping them identify strengths and gaps while considering broader social forces influencing learning.
Nelson Mandela University’s Emerging Researcher for 2025 is Dr Gavin Rishworth, a coastal ecologist and Senior Lecturer in Zoology, who investigates how animals influence coastal health by interacting with sediments and biomats. His research spans modern ecosystems and deep time, exploring animal evolution alongside Earth’s earliest microbial and stromatolitic environments.
Nelson Mandela University’s Emerging Teacher for 2025 is Makhosi Madimabe, a Lecturer in Mathematics Education, who uses technology like GeoGebra to connect abstract concepts to real-world contexts. Grounded in a humanising pedagogy inspired by Tagore, she fosters engagement, critical thinking, and inclusivity, valuing diversity and students’ lived experiences to make mathematics meaningful and transformative.
Professors Benita Barton and John Smallwood and Dr Badroen Ismael
Research Excellence Awards
Associate Professor Benita Barton, a senior lecturer in Chemistry, conducts research on cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient methods to separate chemicals without relying on fossil fuels. Motivated by sustainability, her work seeks greener alternatives to traditional distillation, reducing waste and environmental impact in chemical manufacturing.
Professor John Smallwood’s research in Construction Management, focuses on and supervises projects on construction health and safety across all postgraduate levels. In response to high industry fatalities and persistent safety challenges, he promotes wider knowledge sharing beyond academia to improve worker well-being and project outcomes.
Teaching Excellence Awards
Learning and Teaching Excellence in Innovation: Dr Badroen Ismael, a Secondary School Education Lecturer, champions Freire’s vision of education through dialogue and critical engagement. Grounded in the Emancipation Model, he promotes equity and student agency using educational technology, including multilingual Moodle tools that foster translanguaging, Ubuntu, and inclusive, socially just learning.
Nobunto Ntantiso, Chanel van der Merwe, Dr Thoko Batyi and Allan Murdoch.
Team award for Learning and Teaching Excellence: The Team from Linguistics and Applied Linguistics’ teaching philosophy rests on four principles: culturally informed language learning, a humanising approach, mutual vulnerability, and respect for diverse ways of knowing. Through innovative methods like the “language resource partners” model, they empower future Mandela doctors to build equitable, empathetic doctor–patient relationships. They are Chanel van der Merwe, Dr Thoko Batyi, Allan Murdoch and Nobunto Ntantiso.
Faculty Researchers of the Year
Professors Andrew Phiri, Adele Potgieter, Stephen Mago, Mathabo Khau, John Smallwood, and Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi, Dr Johannes Sibeko, and Professors Leah Ndimurwimo and Benita Barton
Business and Economic Sciences: Prof Andrew Phiri
Business and Economic Sciences - Integrative Researcher of the Year: Prof Adéle Potgieter
Adéle Potgieter, Professor in Marketing Management, explores how organisations build authentic brands and reputations in emerging markets. Integrating marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, and digital transformation, she offers practical insights that promote ethical practices, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth across diverse African business and educational contexts.
Business and Economic Sciences - Sustainable (Green) Researcher of the Year: Prof Stephen Mago
Professor in Development Studies, Stephen Mago, focuses on how business, finance, and agriculture can drive sustainability and improve livelihoods. His work addresses barriers to green transitions in Africa, explores environmentally linked finance for farming, and advances solutions that support communities, biodiversity, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Education: Prof Mathabo Khau
Mathabo Khau, an Associate Professor in Postgraduate Education, conducts research on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills for informed, safe choices. Her work promotes sexual and reproductive health rights, gender equality, human rights, and community well-being worldwide.
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Prof John Smallwood
Health Sciences: Prof Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi
Compassionate, family-centred healthcare for mothers and children forms the research base of Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi, Associate Professor in Nursing Science. By combining community experiences with scientific evidence, she develops practical solutions, guidelines, and interventions that prevent harm, improve care, and enhance patient and caregiver well-being.
Humanities: Dr Johannes Sibeko
Dr Johannes Sibeko, a Lecturer in Digital Humanities, developed a platform measuring Sesotho text readability, helping educators match texts to learners’ levels. His work addresses literacy gaps, supporting inclusive, equitable education and improving reading outcomes in Southern Africa and beyond.
Law: Prof Leah Ndimurwimo
Human rights protection in Africa, focusing on forced migration caused by conflicts and disasters, is the research focus of Associate Professor in Law Leah Ndimurwimo. Her work promotes cross-cultural understanding, combats xenophobia, and advances innovative strategies for education, professional development, and displaced populations.
Science: Prof Benita Barton
Emerging Researchers of the Year
Drs Muzi Shoba, Walters Doh Nubia, Jean-Pierre Basson, Simo Zulu, Andiswa Mvanyashe, Esther Gumboh and Gavin Rishworth
Business and Economic Sciences: Dr Muzi Shoba
Dr Muzi Shoba, a Development Studies Lecturer, conducts research on South Africa’s engagement with developing countries and BRICS, focusing on development and diplomacy. He also explores African development, local governance, migration, education, and historical identities, including scholarly work on Zulu figures Nandi and Shaka.
Education: Dr Walters Doh Nubia
Dr Walters Doh Nubia, a Senior Lecturer in Postgraduate Education, uses qualitative research to promote social justice and decolonisation in higher education. His work informs policy, enhances teaching quality, and fosters inclusive, equitable curricula that reflect diverse voices and societal needs.
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Dr Jean Pierre Basson
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Dr Jean-Pierre Basson, explores digital tools like BIM to enhance teaching and building in South Africa. Combining technology, humanising pedagogy, and collaborative studio projects, he prepares students to design sustainable, context-sensitive, and community-focused spaces.
Health Sciences: Dr Simo Zulu
Dr Simo Zulu, an Associate Lecturer in Human Physiology, focuses his research on how HIV affects brain function and quality of life. He investigates neuronal responses to HIV, aiming to uncover mechanisms of brain dysfunction and identify molecular targets to reverse virus-induced neuronal damage.
Humanities: Dr Andiswa Mvanyashe
Dr Andiswa Mvanyashe explores isiXhosa proverbs and idioms to preserve indigenous knowledge. As a Lecturer in Language and Literature, her work strengthens cultural identity, enhances communication, uncovers societal values, and promotes education, social cohesion, and the resilience of cultural heritage.
Law: Dr Esther Gumboh
Esther Gumboh, a Senior Lecturer in Criminal and Procedural Law, conducts research on the balance between crime prevention and human rights protection. She advocates reforms promoting fairness, inclusion, and equality in criminal justice, advancing social justice and supporting peace and inclusive societies.
Science: Dr Gavin Rishworth
Faculty Excellent Teachers of the Year
Prof Cina Mosito, Dr Riaan van de Venter, Nobunto Ntantiso, Tina Hokwana and Gideon Brunsdon
Education: Prof Cina Mosito
Health Sciences: Dr Riaan van de Venter
Dr Riaan van de Venter, a Senior Lecturer in Radiography, fosters a collaborative, student-centred learning environment. By acting as both challenger and cheerleader, he nurtures independent, critical, and innovative thinkers who actively construct knowledge, internalise learning, and apply it meaningfully in real-world contexts.
Humanities: Nobuntu Ntantiso
Nobuntu Ntantiso, an Associate Lecturer in Linguistics, emphasises collaborative teaching that recognises and builds on students’ prior knowledge. By valuing their experiences, she fosters deeper engagement, richer discussions, and more nuanced understanding, moving beyond the notion of students as blank slates.
Law: Tina Hokwana
Mercantile Law Lecturer Tina Hokwana empowers students as active creators of knowledge, promoting independent, self-driven learning. Viewing knowledge as continuous, she facilitates rather than dictates, learning alongside them. Her classroom emphasises the process of discovery, fostering lasting understanding and meaningful engagement.
Science: Gideon Brunsdon
Geosciences Lecturer Gideon Brunsdon views teaching as a shared journey, learning alongside students through dialogue, curiosity, and lived experiences. He fosters a caring, multilingual environment where every voice is valued, inspiring growth, meaningful learning, and mutual discovery.
Faculty Emerging Excellent Teachers of the Year
Makhosi Madimabe, Damian Fredericks, Ayabonga Moolman, Mahlubandile Ntontela, and Dr Sasha-Lee Dorfling
Education: Makhosi Madimabe
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Damian Fredericks
Damian Fredericks bridges theory and practice using relatable real-world examples, fostering active, engaged learning. As a Software Engineering lecturer, he creates a supportive environment that nurtures critical thinking, innovation, curiosity, and the confidence to apply knowledge effectively.
Health Sciences: Ayabonga Moolman
Associate Lecturer Ayabonga Moolman integrates evidence-based, student-centred teaching, aligning curriculum and assessments with real clinical scenarios. Through servant-leadership, she cultivates critical reflection, compassion, and cultural competence, preparing nursing students for ethical, professional, and contextually responsive healthcare practice.
Law: Mahlubandile Ntontela
Mahlubandile Ntontela, Lecturer in Criminal and Procedural Law, links South African legal theory to current court cases, using media examples to make concepts practical and relatable. His approach bridges academia and society, fostering critical thinking and deepening students’ understanding of law in real-world contexts.
Science: Dr Sasha-Lee Dorfling
Chemistry Lecturer Dr Sasha-Lee Dorfling brings chemistry to life, connecting topics within the broader health sciences. Using visual, real-time demonstrations, she guides students from mastering individual concepts to understanding their interconnections, fostering coherence, engagement, and a deep, integrated understanding of the subject.
Innovation Awards
Innovation Excellence Project Award - The eNtsa Automation Team
The project developed and implemented an automated seam-tracking system for a friction stir welding machine, enhancing GRW’s aluminium plate production efficiency. Led by eNtsa, it improved competitiveness, supported exports, strengthened local manufacturing, and contributed to job retention in Worcester. The team comprises Akshay Lakhani, Elbert Liebenberg, Garion Momberg, Hendrik Nel and Riaan Opperman.
Prof Farouk Smith and Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva
Innovation Excellence Award – Professor Farouk Smith
Mechatronics Professor Farouk Smith develops radiation - and extreme-environment-resilient electronic systems for satellites, spacecraft, and critical technologies. His team designs and tests durable circuits, translating them into practical solutions that strengthen Africa’s contribution to global space and advanced technology sectors.
Emerging Innovation Excellence Award – Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva
Chemistry Lecturer Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva created biodegradable sheets from pineapple leaf waste, providing farmers with eco-friendly crop coverage. The sheets control weeds, retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, enrich the soil, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable, healthier agricultural practices.
Engagement Awards
Engagement Excellence Team Award (Social Sciences and Humanities) – Professor Cina Mosito and the Teaching for All (T4A) Team
The Teaching for All (T4A) project, led by Professor Cina Mosito, advances Inclusive Education through training, resources, and methodology. Using a train-the-trainer model, it equips teachers province-wide, supported by universities, the British Council, and ECDOE, with orientations, workshops, and ongoing evaluation. The team members are Prof Cina Mosito, Drs Sanet Deysel and Obakeng Kagola, and Georgey Rex and Jackie Smith.
Engagement Excellence Team Award (STEM) – Dr Richard Betz and the team shaping first-year students’ experience
This project supports first-year Chemistry students through peer-to-peer mentoring, multilingual resources, and leadership roles. By easing the high school–university transition, it fosters inclusion, personal growth, and academic and social excellence, guided by Ubuntu principles of communal support. The team members are Drs Richard Betz and Kina Muller, Anita Noah and Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva.
Engagement Excellence Project Award (Social Sciences and Humanities)- Jonathan van der Walt and the land/lines project
As lead curator and project manager of the National Arts Festival 2024 exhibition land/lines, Jonathan co-curated a multidisciplinary exploration of Eastern Cape land, history, and identity, overseeing planning, funding, artist coordination, accessibility, mentorship, public programming, and scholarly dissemination.
Engagement Excellence Project Award (STEM) - John Andrews and the STUDIO MAKE Project
In 2023 and 2024, STUDIO MAKE designed and built a 144m² early childhood classroom at Charles Duna Primary, Gqeberha. Collaborating with staff, students, educators, and Masinyusane, the project combined experiential learning, community service, and innovative, sustainable, human-centred design.
Engagement Excellence Project Award (STEM) - Dr Ian Wedderburn and the eNtsa team
eNtsa partnered with GRW to develop a 70-ton, custom Friction Stir Welding platform for 12.5m aluminium road tanker sections. Leading full design, build, and commissioning, the system overcame engineering challenges and has enhanced GRW’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. The team comprises Donnie Erasmus, Hubert van der Merwe, Dr Dreyer Bernard, Chanee Louis, Keegan Kroutz, Dr Ian Wedderburn, David Thomas, Garian Momberg, Riaan Opperman, Henco Nel and Akshay Lakhani.
Prof Adéle Potgieter, Drs Shawn Gouws and William Zivanayi
Engagement Excellence Award (Social Sciences and Humanities) – Prof Adéle Potgieter and her marketing management initiatives
Prof Adéle Potgieter drives community-focused initiatives fostering entrepreneurship, skills development, and regional growth in the Garden Route. Collaborating with government, industry, and students, she leads events, mentors start-ups, and promotes sustainable, practical learning aligned with Vision 2030 and engaged scholarship.
Engagement Excellence Award (STEM) – Dr Shawn Gouws and his role in Chemical Process Technology
Dr Shawn Gouws brings 21 years of industry experience in teaching, research, and SME support. He develops upskilling programmes, guides careers, advances green hydrogen initiatives, secures research funding, and fosters collaborations to promote sustainable energy, innovation, and industry partnerships.
Emerging Engagement Excellence Award – Dr William Zivanayi and the virtual lab initiative to improve science teaching
Dr William Zivanayi led a virtual lab project enhancing science education in under-resourced schools. Using digital simulations aligned with the CAPS curriculum, he mentored teachers, engaged learners, and demonstrated increased confidence, participation, and adoption of practical, accessible science learning tools.
Creative Output Awards
Jonathan van der Walt and Muziwandile Gigaba
Visual Arts: Muziwandile Gigaba
Muziwandile Gigaba’s art, n’iNgqikithi yokuPhica, blends ceramics and media to express indigenous knowledge and cultural narratives. As curator and mentor, he empowers artists, connects marginalised communities to museums, and fosters cross-cultural partnerships for inclusive, entrepreneurial art practices.
Visual Arts: Jonathan van der Walt
Jonathan van der Walt’s interdisciplinary art spans bronze, resin, video, photography, drawing, and digital 3D technologies. His work, including From the Woods to the Soil, critically reinterprets Heritage Day rituals, exploring white African heritage, ancestral ties, and contemporary cultural practices of self-discovery.
PASS Excellence awards
Professional, Administrative and Support Awards
Team Award - Digital Learning Experience Design and Innovation Studio (LXD Studio)
The Learning Experience Design Studio team surpassed 2024 output targets by over 400%, leveraging AI tools, custom systems, and innovative approaches. Their transparent, results-driven work consistently meets diverse academic needs, earning high praise from clients and peers alike. The team members are Elmien Waring, Jack Bailey, Taryn Geswint, Zipho Mayibuthe, Lenard Mazibe, Bendre Meyer, Emma Ngumbela, Zamabhodi Nkata and Kristina Ramos.
Anne-Mart Olsen, Dr Rekha Neglur, Dedré Erasmus, Pamela Roach and Vincent Mzamo Qasha
Peromnes level 5-7 – Anne-Mart Olsen
Senior Academic Developer Anne-Mart Olsen sets high standards, delivering accurate, impactful work. Her innovative workshops empower educators to create transformative, humanised learning experiences, earning widespread praise for leadership, collaboration, and engagement, and significantly advancing the University’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Peromnes level 8-9 – Dr Rekha Neglur
Dr Rekha Neglur, a disciplined and dependable Chemistry Laboratory Technician, demonstrates passion, creativity, and dedication. Her commitment to quality, student support, research, and engagement significantly advances Nelson Mandela University’s mission, embodying its vision of an inclusive, innovative, and excellence-driven educational environment.
Peromnes level 10-12 – Dedré Erasmus
As Department Secretary, Dedré Erasmus ensures clear, timely communication with staff and students, efficiently sharing updates on exams, meetings, venues, and logistics. Her prompt, reliable responses and dedication to service enhance coordination, reduce confusion, and support departmental efficiency.
Peromnes level 10-12 – Pamela Roach
As Programme Administrator, Pamela Roach expertly manages BEd SP-FET and PGCE programmes, supporting staff and students while overseeing timetabling, finances, and safety. Her diligence, initiative, and multitasking ability reflect exceptional reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
Peromnes level 13-17 – Vincent Mzamo Qasha
Horticulture Support Services Assistant Vincent Mzamo Qasha is diligent, reliable, and proactive, performing tasks with minimal supervision. Eager to learn, he consistently goes beyond his duties, demonstrating strong performance, collaboration, and engagement, earning praise from both supervisors and clients.
Read more in Celebrating Excellence with the Academic Achiever's Awards and Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards