Imagine a university transforming itself into a global research powerhouse, all while celebrating the brilliance of its scholars. That's exactly what the University of Fort Hare achieved during its recent Research Week of Excellence (RWE), held from November 10th to 13th at the East London International Convention Centre. This year's event, themed “Empowering Minds and Transforming Communities through Research,” wasn't just a showcase of academic achievement; it was a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and collaboration.
But here's where it gets even more exciting: the RWE wasn't just about celebrating past successes. It marked the launch of the university's annual Research Report, the debut of the UNESCO Chair Colloquium, and the unveiling of cutting-edge digital library services and the Figshare data repository. These initiatives signal a bold step towards making research more accessible and impactful, both locally and globally.
The event drew a diverse crowd, with guests from across the African continent, including representatives from the Tunisian embassy, Midlands University in Zimbabwe, Makerere University in Uganda, and the esteemed UNESCO Chair, Professor Pitika Ntuli. This international presence highlights the university's growing reputation as a hub for collaborative research.
And the numbers speak for themselves. The University of Fort Hare has seen a remarkable rise in its National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings, jumping from 32 to 54. The percentage of academics holding PhDs has soared from 46% to 62%, and the number of published research units has nearly doubled, from 245 to 420. These statistics are a clear indication of the university's dedication to fostering a culture of research excellence.
Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, emphasized the university's commitment to nurturing future research leaders. “We will continue to build and monitor this success,” she stated, “ensuring that we enable and grow the next generation of scholars.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu echoed this sentiment, urging the university community to celebrate its achievements. “We should celebrate those who make us shine and give UFH a global profile,” he said. “Today, we stand taller than we did in 2017. Our renewal project is visible and measurable; we’ve transformed the research landscape, placing it on a higher pedestal.”
But here’s the part most people miss: Buhlungu’s vision extends far beyond the present. “Our goal is to renew the infrastructure for research, teaching, and learning,” he explained. “We’ll patiently create conditions that foster innovation. Our partnerships are remarkable, and they’ll strengthen our global footprint. As UFH approaches its 110th anniversary next year, we’ll be a vastly different institution, with research reaching unprecedented heights.”
The RWE also served as a platform to honor outstanding researchers across various categories. In 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), and Dr. Siphesihle Nqweniso (overall institutional emerging researcher) were recognized for their promising contributions.
The Senior Researcher Category celebrated established scholars, including Dr. Manthekeleng Agnes Linake (Faculty of Education), Associate Professor Maya Van Gent (Faculty of Health Sciences), Dr. Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi (Faculty of Law), Professor Ikechukwu Umejesi (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities), and Professor Abraham Olivier (overall Senior Researcher winner).
Dr. Ndanduleni Lesly Lethole (Faculty of Science and Agriculture) was awarded the Most Innovative Research Award, while Professor Enyinna Sodienye Nwauche (Faculty of Law) received the Vice Chancellor’s Book Award.
Additionally, the university welcomed 16 newly NRF-rated researchers, including Professors Anthony Okoh, Neil Roos, Renuka Vithal, Linda Lunga Sibali, Omobola Okoh, Abbyssinia Mushenje, Richard Shambare, and Associate Professor Craig Tambling, among others.
But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As universities increasingly prioritize research excellence, how can we ensure that this focus doesn’t overshadow the importance of teaching and community engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The University of Fort Hare’s Research Week of Excellence wasn’t just an event; it was a declaration of intent. It showcased a university committed to pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future through research. As UFH looks ahead to its 110th year, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
