UFH Celebrates Outstanding Educators at Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Teaching & Learning Awards

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) hosted its annual Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards in Teaching and Learning last evening, and it was truly inspiring.

Organized by the UFH Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), the event underscored the university's commitment to excellence and provided a platform to honour those who have made remarkable contributions to academic and pedagogical advancement, preparing students for life after graduation.

In his message of support, Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu reminded those present that: “Teaching and Learning is what makes a university. It is a core ingredient in the training of young people to become professionals in various fields of knowledge. With these awards, we honour those who have dedicated themselves to mastering this core ingredient here at Fort Hare.”

Among the highlights of the evening was the launch of the Teaching and Learning Report 2024, which features the academic strides attained by the various faculties at the University. The event also acknowledged scholars who have earned prestigious fellowships.

The awards ceremony was the crowning of the successful Teaching & Learning Week 2024 Conference, held under the theme: AI in Teaching, Learning, and Research: Lessons Learned and Future Directions.

Award Categories and Winners

The awards featured three categories, celebrating both developing and experienced teachers, as well as outstanding achievements in e-learning. Here are the distinguished awardees:

Developing Teacher Award Winners:

• Faculty of Education: Dr Msimelelo Buyisile Nkohla, a lecturer and Deputy Head of School, has been recognized for his innovative contributions to the Bachelor of Education Honours (Science Education) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programs. With dual Master’s degrees and a recent PhD focusing on digital learning integration in agricultural curricula, Dr. Nkohla’s commitment to curriculum development and digital learning is exemplary. His leadership extends beyond teaching, including roles on various educational committees and development programs. His belief that we learn as we teach, and we teach as we learn fosters an inclusive dynamic environment where students thrive.
• Faculty of Health Sciences: Mrs Zukiswa Dasheka, a Midwifery Lecturer in the Nursing Science Department, has been honoured for her extensive involvement in curriculum development and research in midwifery. Her contributions include the development of numerous module reviews, supervision of research projects, and active participation in mental health and supportive research programs. To elucidate new knowledge to her students, Mrs Dasheka incorporates technology and practical experience into her teachings. Her dedication to enhancing midwifery education and her impactful research in infant and young child feeding has set a high standard in her field.
• Faculty of Health Sciences: Dr Unati Stemela-Zali, Head of the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences, has been recognized for her extensive teaching and research in disabilities and communication pathologies. She is also lauded for her contribution to the success of the University’s recently introduced Speech-Language Pathology programme. Her leadership in teaching across multiple levels, involvement in faculty and university committees, and enthusiasm for mentoring emerging professionals highlight her significant contributions to the field.
• Faculty of Management and Commerce: Dr Vusumzi Funda, Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the department. Since joining in March 2021, Dr Funda has leveraged his PhD in Informatics, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support Systems, to excel in teaching critical modules and supervising students. His research on integrating AI in education and his active participation in academic conferences reflect his dedication to advancing the field and addressing real-world challenges. His innovative approach and commitment to student success make him a deserving recipient of this award.

Experienced Teacher Award Winners:

• Faculty of Management and Commerce: Dr Palesa Makhetha-Kosi, a Senior Lecturer in Economics, has been celebrated for her leadership and contributions to the Department of Economics. Her achievements include extensive supervision of graduate students, involvement in research initiatives, and development of the Extended Curriculum Programme. Dr Makhetha-Kosi’s excellence in teaching is driven by her belief that education works best when it focuses on deep learning rather than memorization. Her research and publications in economics and education further underline her commitment to academic excellence.
• Faculty of Social Science and Humanities: Prof Marianna Oelofsen, an Associate Professor specializing in African philosophy, education, decolonization, race and gender theory, phenomenology, and feminism, received the bonour for her distinguished academic career. Her contributions span multiple disciplines and include numerous publications, including articles and book chapters. She co-edited a collection titled An African Path to a Global Future. In advancing Teaching and Learning at UFH, Prof Oelofsen was instrumental in developing the BA Honours in Philosophy, Politics, and Law. Her research and teaching reflect her devotion to developing knowledge and discourse that aim shape future critical thinkers.
• Faculty of Management and Commerce: Prof Tendai Chimucheka, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Business Management, has been awarded for his outstanding work in e-learning and entrepreneurship. His research in small business management and strategic development, combined with his role in coordinating Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) activities, reflects his commitment to integrating technology and innovative practices in education. Prof Chimucheka was awarded in absentia as he attended the 10th International Conference on Business Management Dynamics in Sun City, where he presented two research papers.

e-Learning Excellence Award Winners:

• Faculty of Management and Commerce: Dr Mari Ford, a valued lecturer at UFH since 2013 who served as Deputy Head of the Department of Business Management from 2016 to 2021, was honored for her innovative approach to teaching. Her PhD in Industrial Psychology, focusing on compassion and self-compassion in management, complements her research interests in well-being, mindfulness, leadership, and organizational development. Her passion for teaching and learning has propelled her to explore innovative ways to enhance student engagement and foster their growth into employed, engaged citizens.
• Faculty of Social Science and Humanities: Ms Ntobenhle Brenda Mandlazi, the Fieldwork Coordinator in the Department of Social Work and Social Development at UFH’s East London Campus, is recognized for her excellence in social work education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training, and is currently pursuing a PhD. Her research interests include occupational stress, gender, and fieldwork. Ms Mandlazi’s contributions to the Department of Social Development and her consistent recognition for her outstanding work highlight her commitment to enhancing fieldwork education and addressing critical social issues.

The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of teaching excellence. The VC and Deputy VC for Teaching and Learning, Prof Renuka Vithal commended the staff of TLC and their Director, Prof Vuyisile Nkonki for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event.

Congratulations to all the winners. Indeed, we are Together in Excellence!