The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has entered a defining chapter in its research history, securing four prestigious Research Chairs in a single year. This milestone signals both national and global confidence in the institution’s growing academic stature.
The new awards bring UFH’s total number of Research Chairs to seven, further strengthening its position as one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly advancing research institutions.
The newly awarded titles include:
- SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics (Prof Anthony Okoh)
- SARChI Chair in Circular Economy: Leveraging Smart Technologies for Sustainable Ecologies, Food Security and Climate Resilience (Prof Amon Taruvinga)
- SARChI Chair in Medicinal Plants and Drug Development (Prof Lisa Buwa)
- UNESCO Chair in Culture and African Heritage (Prof Pitika Ntuli)
These join the university’s existing research chairs which are the SARChI Chair in Sexualities, Genders and Queer Studies; the UNESCO Oliver Tambo Chair of Human Rights; and the AngloGold Ashanti Research Chair in Dairy Science and Technology.
A Defining Moment for UFH’s Research Profile
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Partnerships and Innovation, Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, described the achievement as “a defining moment in the University of Fort Hare’s research trajectory.”
She explained that securing four major awards in one year signifies national recognition from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and UNESCO, while also reflecting international confidence in UFH’s capacity to generate knowledge that addresses urgent societal, environmental, technological, and cultural challenges.
“Each Chair reflects a strategic research domain in which UFH is demonstrating unique expertise – from safeguarding water quality and advancing environmental genomics, to shaping the circular economy, discovering medicinal compounds from indigenous plants, and advancing the preservation of African heritage.”
Collectively, she said, these titles elevate UFH’s profile as “a leader in innovation-driven scholarship, capable of producing high-impact research and serving as a preferred collaborator for global partners.”
Years of Strategic Work Behind the Achievement
The DVC noted that securing these awards did not happen overnight but followed years of rigorous planning, targeted investments, and academic excellence.
She highlighted that the process involves identifying areas where UFH has a competitive advantage, developing strong proposals backed by research outputs and postgraduate supervision, and ensuring that institutional priorities align with national developmental needs.
“The reviewers’ confidence in awarding these titles to Fort Hare demonstrates that our scholarship meets the highest standards of excellence, relevance, and sustainability. It confirms that we are generating knowledge that is both locally grounded and globally significant.”
Strengthening Teaching, Learning, and the Research Community
The four distinctions will have a transformative impact on teaching, learning, and the broader research community across UFH’s faculties.
Students and emerging researchers stand to benefit from mentorship by leading scholars, access to cutting-edge laboratories and technologies, participation in multidisciplinary research projects, and increased opportunities for postgraduate and postdoctoral training.
“These awards will enrich our curriculum with new methodologies and discoveries. They will drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence across the university.”
In addition, the DVC emphasised that these titles would help grow research clusters, expand publication outputs, and attract further funding, visiting scholars, and industry partnerships.
Shaping UFH’s Future Research Identity
These research Chairs will play a central role in shaping UFH’s research priorities for the next decade, the DVC confidently assured.
“They provide a strong platform for deepening interdisciplinary work, expanding our footprint in environmental sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems, biotechnology, digital innovation, and cultural preservation,” she shared.
Through their networks, these honours will strengthen UFH’s relationships with government, industry, and international bodies, positioning the university to influence policy, support national development agendas, and participate meaningfully in global scientific conversations.
“These awards are not just milestones; they are catalysts that will shape the university’s intellectual identity and strategic positioning well into the future.”
With this achievement, UFH continues to move towards the goal of expanding its global footprint and reaffirming its role as a leading producer of knowledge rooted in excellence.