The University of Fort Hare hosted a successful Research Week of Excellence (RWE), including the launch of its annual Research Report. This took place in the East London International Convention Centre from 10 to 13 November.
Themed “Empowering Minds and Transforming Communities through Research”, this year’s version had an element of the maiden UNESCO Chair Colloquium, the launches of the digital library services, and the Figshare data repository.
The series of activities was attended by guests from various countries on the African continent, including representatives from the Tunisian embassy, as well as Midlands University in Zimbabwe, Makerere University in Uganda, and the UNESCO chair, Professor Pitika Ntuli.
This dedication and tribute to hard work can be visibly seen as there is a rise in National Resarch Foundation (NRF) ratings from 32 to 54, an increase in the number of academics with PhDs from 46 percent to 62 percent currently, and units of publications from 245 to 420.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Partnerships and Innovation, Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, remarked we will continue to build and monitor this success so that we can enable and grow future research leaders”.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu commented, “We should celebrate those who make us shine and give UFH a global profile, sharing knowledge and building partnerships”. He said, “Today, we are in a better standing than in 2017. The renewal project can be seen and measurable, we have transformed the research space, and it is on a higher pedestal.”
T “ Our goal is to renew the infrastructure for research, teaching, and learning, and we will continue patiently to make conditions conducive. The partnerships are remarkable and will make our global footprint stronger, and as UFH will be turning 110 years next year, we will be much more different than we were, research will be at an all-time high,” said Buhlungu.
The Emerging Researcher Category
- Dr Vusumzi Funda – Faculty of Management and Commerce
- Dr Azile Mqombolo – Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Dr Sivuyisiwe Wonci – Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
- Dr Siphesihle Nqweniso as the overall institutional emerging Researcher
Senior Researcher Category
- Dr Manthekeleng Agnes Linake – Faculty of Education
- Associate Professor Maya Van Gent – Faculty of Health Sciences
- Dr Siyabulela Christoper Fobosi – Faculty of Law
- Professor Ikechukwu Umejesi – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Professor Abraham Olivier as the overall Senior Researcher winner
Most Innovative Research Award Institutional Winner
- Dr Ndanduleni Lesly Lethole – Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Vice Chancellor’s Book Award Institutional Winner
- Professor Enyinna Sodienye Nwauche – Faculty of Law
Newly NRF-rated Researchers
- Professor Anthony Okoh
- Professor Neil Roos
- Emeritus Professor Renuka Vithal
- Professor Linda Lunga Sibali
- Professor Omobola Okoh
- Professor Abbyssinia Mushenje
- Professor Richard Shambare
- Associate Professor Craig Tambling
- Dr Dumisani Hompashe
- Dr KeChrist Obileke
- Dr Mojeed Adedoyin Agoro
- Dr Oluwakamisi Festus Akinmoladum
- Elizabeth Aladenjana
- Dr Admire R Dzwene
- Dr Nicholas Rono
- Dr Mhlagabezi Slayi