VC Honours Academic Staff Excellence

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), Professor Xoliswa Mtose, recently held her annual event to recognise the accomplishments of newly promoted associated professors and full professors as well as doctors who were conferred their PhDs at the University during the 2023 graduation week.

The joyous function took place at the Premier Hotel in Richards Bay and saw a total of 17 staff honoured with exclusive gifts. Of this number, seven academics were promoted to higher ranks effective January 2023.

The newly promoted staff members are:

• Professor Unathi Kolanisi, who was promoted to Full Professor in the Department of Consumer Sciences
• Professor Evelyn Madoroba, who was promoted to Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology  
• Professor Zanele G. Buthelezi, who was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of African Languages and Culture
• Professor Toyin Cotties Adetiba, who was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Political and International Studies
• Professor Elliot Mthembeni Mncwango, who was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of General Linguistics & Modern Languages
• Professor Hlengiwe Romualda Mhlongo, who was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Education Foundations
• Professor Pragasen Mudali, who was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science

The new doctors are Dr Lungile Lindile Primrose Bele, Dr Nokuthula Ndaba, Dr Siphelele Sanele Makhubu, Dr Zanele Priscilla Msweli and Dr Mammusa Lekoa, who received their degrees from the Faculty of Education. In the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the new doctors are Dr Mpilo Siphamandla Mthembu, Dr Mbongiseni Shabalala and Dr Sibusiso D. Ntshangase. Lastly, Dr Sipho David Nkonde is the new doctor in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, while Dr Anne S. Joubert is the new PhD holder in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.

In her keynote address, Prof Nokuthula Kunene, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, first contextualised the doctoral gaps that exist in the higher education sector. She explained that in recent years, the number of postgraduate students countrywide exceeded that of available and qualified supervisors because there was shortage of academic staff with PhDs. This prompted the development of the governmental postdoctoral programme as an intervention for this issue. According to Prof Kunene, current statistics indicate that there is still a need to produce more PhD holders in academia. Therefore, it was worth celebrating staff members who obtain doctorates because they contribute to addressing an existent challenge in the sector. To the promoted staff, Prof Kunene said their work was commendable, urging them to continue on this track of success.

Prof Mtose proudly said: “You are the energy that makes us feel good as the University and I want to thank you for allowing us to lead you to take this institution forward. We are a great, great institution. You’re wonderful people. Some of you are, when I found them here, I would ask: ‘When are you finishing your master’s?’ Today, I’m talking about professors. So, well done!”

Also extending a congratulatory message to the awardees, Prof Prince Jaca, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, said the occasion signified not only the recipients’ dedication, but that of the institution too. “It also shows your unwavering commitment in your pursuit of knowledge as well as academic excellence. Completing a PhD is indeed a remarkable achievement. Getting a professorship is an indication of perseverance and intellectual prowess. It is a testament to hard work, resilience, countless hours you have invested and the contributions you have made to academia- which are truly commendable,” he added.

• Naledi Hlefane