The event was held together with the student academic achievers’ awards at the Boardwalk Convention Centre.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Andre Keet, congratulated staff and students receiving a total of 76 awards for contributing to excellence in Higher Education. Staff and students are interdependent on each other, and it was inspiring for both to share their celebrations and reasons for excellence.
Award winners
From left, Prof Mandy Lombard, Drs Lucky Maluleke and Neliswa Mama, Philenathi Mabena, Dr Adeniyi Ogunlaja and Prof Rao Apadu
The Nelson Mandela University Researcher of the Year is the SA Research Chair in Marine Spatial Planning Professor Mandy Lombard. “Healthy oceans underpin healthy societies, but we are pushing the boundaries of human influences and extractive activities further and further into the ocean. We take food and minerals out of the ocean, and we dump our pollution and global warming heat into the ocean”, she says. “We overdo all of this. We need to act fast, and together, as a global community, to reverse the negative trends of these activities.”
The Nelson Mandela University Teacher of the Year is Education’s Dr Lucky Maluleke. “I call my teaching philosophy ‘beyond good teaching’. It goes beyond the mastery of content and basic writing and presentation requirements and is designed for not just the present learning needs, but for the lifelong mastery of knowledge and the art of knowing and doing”, he says. His teaching fosters precision and competence in content, knowledge, reading and writing, and does not entertain mediocrity.
Nelson Mandela University’s Emerging Researcher for 2024 is Chemistry’s Dr Neliswa Mama whose research group develops simple organic materials that can detect toxic ionic impurities onsite during water treatment processes. Several compounds have been synthesised and successfully used in the selective recognition of metal ions from water samples collected from various dams in the Gqeberha area. By using computational programs, the group has gained valuable insights into how these compounds interact with analytes, which assists in understanding their selective interactions.
Nelson Mandela University’s Emerging Teacher for 2024 is lecturer in physiology Philanathi Mabena, who in facilitating learning, uses a method similar to "scaffolding". Interestingly, scaffolding is taken down when building construction is finished to allow the building to function independently. “As a result, via solid subject matter and knowledge, integrated pedagogical approaches, and current research, my teaching practices promote student-centred learning”, he says.
Research Excellence Awards
“My research combines advanced chemistry with environmental science to develop technologies to improve fuel quality while also addressing global warming through innovative CO2 reduction methods”, says Dr Adeniyi Ogunlaja, senior lecturer in chemistry. Together, his research efforts aim to develop new, more efficient catalysts that work better and last longer, making fuel hydrotreatment processes, which help to remove impurities, like sulfur, from fossil fuels more sustainable.
Predator prey pursuit and evasion and the pattern formation in coral reefs in science, as well as biofilm formation in engineering, are among the applications that benefit from the quantitative, qualitative and numerical analysis of these models in applied mathematics professor Rao Apadu’s research. “My research focuses on mathematical modelling, (fractional) partial differential equations and numerical methods.
Faculty Researchers of the Year
Professors Syden Mishi, Stephen Mago, Sylvan Blignaut, John Smallwood, Dr Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi, Professors Subeshini Moodley, Patrick Vrancken and Mandy Lombard
Business and Economic Sciences: Prof Syden Mishi
Prof Mishi’s research mainly focuses on development economics, and he applies behavioural and experimental techniques to advance inquiry on pertinent issues, such as choice-making in environmental, labour, health and finance matters. Why and how economic actors make the choices they make, and what drives these - basically, a microeconomic analysis of these issues acknowledging and embracing diverse lines of thinking.
Integrative Researcher of the Year and Sustainable (Green) Researcher of the Year: Prof Stephen Mago
“Problems cannot be fully understood or solved by a single field of study; research should be integrative. My research is centred on addressing societal challenges, such as poverty reduction, job creation, and sustainability, guided by ethical principles”, says Stephen, a professor in development studies. He focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and specifically how microfinance and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can drive local economic development.
Education: Prof Sylvan Blignaut
Prof Blignaut’s research is a quest for meaning and understanding and explores the complexities of educational and curricular change in both the schooling and higher education sectors. His earlier research focused on how teachers understand and implement curriculum policy. “Curriculum policy and practice in any society are important as they reflect the aspirations or goals of society”, he says.
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Prof John Smallwood
“Construction, globally, not least in South Africa, generates a disproportionate number of fatalities, injuries, and occupational disease, which have a negative impact on the health and well-being of its participants, and contribute to the cost of construction and developments,” says John, a professor in construction management. Construction Health and Safety challenges persist, among others, when building and support work collapses.
Health Sciences: Dr Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi
Dr Ten Ham-Baloyi, a lecturer in nursing science, focuses on improving healthcare, particularly for women and children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society. By developing and implementing evidence-based practices, she strives to ensure they receive the highest quality of care. This involves identifying effective healthcare strategies, creating evidence-based guidelines, educational interventions, strategies, and programmes, and ensuring these are applied in hospitals and clinics.
Humanities: Prof Subeshini Moodley
“Gender, history, community, dialogue and storytelling have inspired what I refer to as a postcolonial feminist film practice. Based on the principle of ‘the scholar-as-activist’, it is a multifaceted approach that attempts to establish creative, expressive and resistant spaces for articulating the stories of marginal groups”, says Subeshini, associate professor in media and communication.
Law: Prof Patrick Vrancken
“My research focuses on the international law regime governing State Ocean jurisdiction, with a view to improved ocean governance for sustainable development. An analytical and systematic study of the legal authority of States in ocean-related matters provides a different lens with which to engage with the international-law-of-the-sea regime, says Patrick, professor and the SA Research Chair in the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa.
Science: Prof Mandy Lombard
Emerging Researchers of the Year
Simphiwe Dube, and Drs William Zivanayi, Tapiwa Gundu, Siphesihle Nqweniso, Kutu Ramolobe, Razaana Denson and Neliswa Mama
Business and Economic Sciences: Simphiwe Dube
Simphiwe, an associate lecturer in Tourism, focuses on marketing for tourism, tourism curriculum development and the socio-economic impact of tourism in his research. His doctoral studies explore the challenges facing lecturers at universities and TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.
Education: Dr William Zivanayi
In his research Dr Zivanayi contributed to community safety by creating an awareness and knowledge of the potential harmful exposures to human health, animals, and the environment, by using the indigenous plant (S. incanum) as a pesticide. He evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and attitudes of the vegetable farming community in Gweru, regarding their use of this plant and was critical for their safety.
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Dr Tapiwa Gundu
"My research focuses on developing innovative cyber security solutions that enhance resilience and awareness within organisations and society”, says Dr Gundu, a senior lecturer in IT and governance. By integrating advanced strategies to manage risks associated with emerging technologies, his work strives to protect sensitive information, reduce vulnerabilities, and empower individuals and institutions to act securely online.
Health Sciences: Dr Siphesihle Nqweniso
“My goal is to create lasting healthy habits in children, improving their well-being and easing the burden on public health systems, ultimately contributing to a healthier society”, says Dr Nqweniso, a lecturer in Human Movement Science. Her research addresses the growing public health concerns around declining physical activity and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk in children, particularly in marginalised communities.
Humanities: Dr Kutu Ramolobe
“Various social issues, particularly those related to disability, education, and governance and government form the centre of my research. It significantly contributes to policies, theory, conceptual, and practice, says Dr Ramolobe, an associate lecturer in public management and leadership.
Law: Dr Razaana Denson
The research of Dr Denson, a senior lecturer in Law, focuses on social inequality and injustice regarding the non-recognition of Muslim marriages. Her doctoral study investigated the recognition and regulation of Muslim marriages in South Africa as its non-recognition and non-regulation meant no legal regulatory framework to enforce any consequences that arise because of the marriage.
Science: Dr Neliswa Mama
Learning and Teaching Team Award: The Inclusive Design Collaborators
The team’s teaching philosophy focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and human-centred design, blending architecture and human movement science. This approach creates an environment where students can view design challenges from multiple perspectives, encouraging creativity and innovation. In their project, architecture students collaborate with human movement science students to design therapeutic spaces for children with autism, as seen in our work on Merryvale School's Autism Wing. The team comprises Jean-Pierre Basson, Kim Harmse, Siphesihle Nogantshi, Siphesihle Nqwensio and Aayesha Kholvadia.
Distinguished Teacher of the Year: Dr Paul Tai-Hing
“Through education you can break the shackles of poverty,” says Dr Tai-Hing, a lecturer in Management Practice. “Therefore, I ensure that our students are as marketable as possible at the end of their studies. Students are a brand, which needs to be polished and then marketed to the business world.” He believes it is his responsibility to not only teach module content, but also show his students how theory is applied in business.
Faculty Excellent Teachers of the Year
Drs Hugh Bartis and Lucky Maluleke, Mark Brand, Janet Barry, Drs Vuyelwa Jacobs and Esther Gumboh.
Business and Economic Sciences: Dr Hugh Bartis
“My teaching philosophy is different, because it is not only about imparting tourism knowledge and theory, but also about developing the student holistically against the backdrop of the University values, says Dr Bartis, a principal lecturer in tourism. He incorporates practical and real-life experiences that his students can relate to and creates opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.
Education: Dr Lucky Maluleke
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Mark Brand
“If my teaching philosophy is different from anybody else’s, then perhaps it’s because I arrived here by a different path: a path steeped in independent learning. This has taught me the power of perseverance, as also the limits of working in isolation.” Mark, a senior lecturer in applied technologies believes his blended use of technology and preference for flipped classroom strategies is aimed at addressing both.
Health Sciences: Janet Barry
“By helping students identify and refine their personal learning styles and study skills, I strive to create a supportive environment for learning to take place”, says Janet, a lecturer in pharmacy. She continuously reminds her students of their goal to become pharmacists, offering encouragement even when challenges arise, to keep them focused and resilient in pursuit of their dreams.
Humanities: Dr Vuyelwa Jacobs
The constantly changing environment requires dynamic and driven individuals, ready to co-create world-class innovations and shape digital futures. Excellence is a global expectation, yet many of our students come from backgrounds that reflect the challenges of South Africa, says Dr Jacobs, a media and communication lecturer. “My role as a teacher, both in and beyond the classroom is to immerse our students in a culture of excellence,” she says.
Law: Dr Esther Gumboh
As senior lecturer in criminal and procedural law, Dr Gumboh embraces a humanising pedagogy, which places students and their experiences at the heart of learning and teaching, I promote student centredness and diversity. “My teaching seeks to promote an inclusive classroom, acknowledging students as knowers and participants. I build on relatable knowledge, which incorporates the lived experiences of my students”, she says.
Faculty Emerging Excellent Teachers of the Year
Nonkululeko Khumalo, Josh Jacobs, Riëtte Kotzé, Philanathi Mabena, Joastin Naidoo, and Daphney Mnisi
Business and Economic Sciences: Nonkululeko Khumalo
Nonkululeko’s student-centred teaching results in overcoming adversity, sharing knowledge, and promoting inclusivity wherein students take responsibility for their learning process. “My teaching philosophy is based on the pedagogy of compassion and care and the principles of the humanising pedagogy, where students can achieve self-actualisation, self-understanding, and self-realisation” she says.
Education: Josh Jacobs
Josh, an associate lecturer in ICT, emphasises student-centred learning, technology integration, and continuous improvement, supported by insights from neuroscience. “I focus on creating learning environments that reflect how students naturally process information, helping them engage more effectively”, he says.
Engineering the Built, Environment and Technology: Riëtte Kotzé
“I view myself not only as a teacher but also a fellow learner, continuously seeking new ideas and perspectives to enhance my teaching practice, says Riëtte, a senior lecturer in Architecture. Her goal is to empower students to become independent learners, equipped with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving field of architecture.
Health Sciences: Philanathi Mabena
Health Sciences: Joastin Naidoo
Joastin, a lecturer in human anatomy believes in creating an environment, both in and outside the classroom, which is conducive to the holistic development of his learners while simultaneously inspiring critical thinking in them. This focuses on his students as individuals, acknowledging their diverse backgrounds and emphasises the common goal of advancing knowledge and skillsets.
Law: Daphney Mnisi
“I bridge theory with real-word application, using a student-centred approach that encourages critical thinking and active participation. What makes my philosophy unique is my emphasis on experiential learning. I focus on making Labour Law practical and relevant,” says Daphney, a lecturer in mercantile law says.
Innovation Awards
Innovation Excellence Project Award - Riaan Opperman
Riaan and the eNtsa team has developed and applied a rotary fiction welding technique, qualified in partnership with Steinmüller, to address manufacturing challenges on steam headers for Eskom. The project involved repairing damaged components by applying a unique welding procedure for dissimilar metals. This innovation saved costs, reduced production time, and improves plant efficiency.
Innovation Excellence Award - Dr Jacqueline Crozier McCleland
As the solar energy sector grows in South Africa, the need for quality control of PV modules (solar panels) has also increased. The projects of Dr Crozier McCleland, senior researcher in Physics, have focused on the development of commercial PV module testing services through the University’s spin-out company, PVinsight. These ensure that PV plants meet the expected performance and are free from defects that could cause early failure or safety concerns.
Emerging Innovation Excellence Award - James Jena and the Fibre Optics Research Group
The group has developed an early-warning device that detects potential collapses of tailings dams, structures, and land, significantly enhances population safety, while minimising costly repairs and disruptions to businesses and livelihoods. This optic fibre sensor device detects subtle ground vibrations and instabilities before failures occur, helping mitigate risks associated with bursting tailings dams and geo-hazards like landslides, sinkholes and earthquakes. The other team members are Gaathier Mahed, Victor Chike, David Waswa, Francois Swanepoel, Sisipho Dlakiya, and Vela Shumane.
Engagement Awards
Engagement Excellence Team Award - Prof Nomalanga Mkhize and the Transdisciplinary Eco-IKS Engagement
The Eco-IKS Engagement is a transdisciplinary collaboration between the Humanities Faculty's School of Governmental and Social Sciences and the Science and Health Sciences faculties. This project, co-created with the Gamtoer Indigenous Community, youth activists, and local high schools in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha, spans 2023 and 2024. Its primary goal is to introduce young people to indigenous knowledge systems, particularly focusing on Khoi and San heritage, and to highlight their socio-cultural and scientific value. Using a framework of "relationality", the project emphasises collaboration between the University and the community. The team includes Denver Davids, Qinisani Qwabe, Mea Van Huyssteen, Simangaliso Mashego, Melathisi Ncityana, Palesa Moss, Sesona Bonke, Mzuvukile Mapasa, Buhle Buzo and Nduduzo Ntshangase.
Engagement Excellence Project Award (STEM) - Nomfundo Khumalo-Zwane and The CyberSmart Squad
The CyberSmart Squad is a novel project designed to educate Grade R learners about cyber safety and responsible digital citizenship. This interdisciplinary initiative, developed by the Centre for Research Information and Cyber Security (CRICS) and the Media and Communications Department, features age-appropriate animated content inspired by local Big Five animals. The Department of Basic Education is interested in integrating the programme into the national Grade R curriculum. Noluxolo Gcaza and Kerry-Lynn Thomson are the other members of the team.
Engagement Excellence Project Award (Social Sciences and Humanities) - Dr Marc Welgemoed and the HiveLaw Project
The HiveLaw Project is currently being piloted at the University’s Law Clinic on Missionvale Campus. This transdisciplinary initiative provides essential legal services to those who cannot afford representation. Built on SharePoint, HiveLaw is an innovative platform that allows academics, law clinic staff, and final year students to engage with technology used in modern legal practice. The project's goal is to enhance the clinic's ability to deliver excellent legal services, setting it apart from other law clinics. The team includes Lindi Coetzee, Matilda Smith, Sikhulule Matshoba, Matthew Olivera, Nadeem Jansen and Mario de Jager.
Engagement Excellence Award (STEM) -
Prof Ilse Truter and her pharmacy leadership engagement
Prof Truter, a member of the WHO International Working Group for Drug Statistics Methodology, has been re-elected to the South African Pharmacy Council for a second five-year term and has become vice-chairperson of the Cape Midlands Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA). Recognised as a Fellow for her exceptional contributions, she has previously served as PSSA chairperson and on the national executive committee.
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Engagement Excellence Award (STEM) - Dr Gletwyn Rubidge and the science literacy project
Dr Rubidge has developed a series of innovative activities to enhance science literacy among school learners, aligning with the University’s vision for community engagement and scientific understanding. Key initiatives include hands-on science shows where learners participate in practical experiments designed to demystify complex chemical concepts through interactive learning. He conducts some 15 chemistry shows annually, presenting at a variety of schools, including Alexander Road, Mzondolelo, Walmer and Despatch high schools.
Emerging Engagement Excellence Award - Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva and the Grade 12 Physical Science education project
Dr Tywabi-Ngeva ongoing project focuses on enhancing Grade 12 Physical Science education in the Eastern Cape through hands-on engagement activities, in collaboration with the Dr ZTN Foundation NPC and Uchumo Lwesizwe Foundation. It provides tutoring sessions to help students grasp challenging concepts, supplemented by practical experiments that bring theory to life and deepen understanding of scientific principles. This initiative addresses the difficulties faced by students in rural high schools, where mastering physical science is crucial for future STEM careers but often challenging due to complex concepts.
Creative Output Awards
Performing Arts: Music – David Bester
“For those who can’t sleep but still dream of dancing, captures the essence of my creative research,” says David, senior lecturer in music and performing arts. His work, co-composed and performed with Dizu Plaatjies and Matthijs van Dijk, explores innovative performance possibilities of the violin, uhadi, and umrhubhe. The simultaneous launch of the Journal of Southern African Strings explored how practice and scholarship could be brought into closer dialogue, he says.
Media and Design - Tarryn Rennie
The creative technique for Interfaith Parenting with Love is composed of simple, digital linear illustration renderings that provide just enough detailing to create images that are realistic, engaging and relatable. This intentional simplistic style needs to be inspirational and comprehensible to suit both adults and children. Also, the thoughtful colour palette is warm and inviting across the spreads in the booklet, says Tarryn, lecturer in Media and Communication. “
PASS Excellence awards
Professional, Administrative and Support Awards
Pinkie Champ Champion, Bonginkosi Dyantyi, Bernard Piater and Gishma Daniels-Smith
Peromnes level 5-7 – Pinkie Champ Champion
As Senior Academic Developer, Champ’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence have driven numerous successful teaching development initiatives, significantly enhancing learning and assessment at our institution. Her ability to manage complex projects while maintaining high standards, showcases her professional capabilities. Known for her innovation, she has contributed to the three-year Early Career Academic Advancement Programme and the Teaching Enhancement Short Learning Programmes, improving academic engagement and student outcomes.
Peromnes level 5-7 – Bonginkosi Dyantyi
Deputy Director Risk Management and Ethics Advisory Bonginkosi has excelled in managing the University's risk management and ethics advisory functions with minimal resources and no additional staff. Despite funding challenges, he delivered outstanding results and earned respect from various teams and MANCO members for his expertise. In 2023, he facilitated the annual risk assessment workshop for EMANCO members, receiving such positive feedback that he was invited to lead future sessions, a role typically outsourced to an audit firm.
Peromnes level 8-9 -Bernard Piater
Bernard, the student cecruitment marketing collateral specialist manages the collateral function for undergraduate recruitment activities, ensuring that all information provided to the team, stakeholders, and student value chain, is accurate and meets high standards. He dedicates long hours, using his contacts and innovative thinking to align recruitment collateral, campaigns, and events with institutional strategic goals.
Peromnes level 10-12 – Gishma Daniels-Smith
As Executive Secretary to the Deputy Dean of Education Gishma is an exceptional and valued administrator, handling diverse tasks from programme administration to coordinating faculty events. She often leads major events due to her leadership skills and attention to detail. She ensures a cohesive faculty culture, putting systems in place, supervising interns, and actively participating in administrative forums.
Team award - Internal Audit team
The Internal Audit team set seven performance targets approved by the Audit and Risk Committee, overachieving three, achieved three and partially achieved one by the end of the 2023 Financial Year. They also reported an execution rate of 86% for the Quality Assurance Improvement Plan and 83% for the Internal Audit Tactical Plan. The team members are Nimmesh Karamdeo, Fezeka Maweza, Siyasanga Pedi, Mohlale Tsetsewa and Odette van Zyl.
Team award - Student Health Services
The Student Health Services staff not only exceed the daily norm for their number of consultations but also deal with the rising complexity of medical cases, including students on anti-retroviral therapy, anti-tuberculosis treatment and increasing pregnancies. Over and above, the team addresses student hunger by preparing and packing thousands of nutrition packs. The team members are Weidy Padayachee, Natasha Hatha, Nokulunga Ngwekazi, Sharon Jeneker, Emelda Lewis, Mziwoxolo Mbangi, Althea Hawkins, Zubrina Baartman, Mietjie Kock, Antoinette Piet, Nomatemba Pangwa, Nobatembu Mafanya, Pamela van Neel, Mandy Reid and Nozizwe Gali.
Read more in Celebrating Excellence with the Academic Achiever's Awards and Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards