Sol Plaatje University (SPU) hosted the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence and Long Service Awards on Monday, 8 December, honouring staff whose exceptional work, dedication and achievements give living expression to the University’s mission. Their contributions uphold SPU’s commitment to delivering high quality teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening the communities we serve. The ceremony celebrated colleagues who embody these values through excellence in academic practice, research leadership, service, creativity and long-standing dedication, while also fostering ongoing professional growth, boosting morale, recognising inspirational leadership and reinforcing a client centred, service-oriented culture. Together with the Long Service Awards, the event honoured the people whose daily commitment, innovation and care sustain SPU’s growth and institutional reputation.
In his opening remarks, Chief Operating Officer, Dr David Kanguwe, reflected on the achievements, challenges and moments of perseverance that have tested the University’s resilience. He reminded staff that these awards are not merely tokens of appreciation, but a testament that dedication does not go unnoticed and that the contributions of each colleague ripple far beyond their immediate sphere of influence.
Delivering an inspiring keynote address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Designate, Professor Debra Meyer, emphasised that universities thrive through people who invest their intellect, passion and care in the institution. She highlighted the educators whose work shapes the heartbeat of the University, the researchers whose outputs bring prestige and impact, the professional and administrative staff whose service excellence underpins the student and staff experience, and the teams whose creativity and strategic communication are placing SPU on a broader national stage.
Excellence in Service Delivery
The Excellence in Service Delivery Award was presented to Ms Kediemetse Moselane, a Faculty Administrator in the Faculty of Education. She is recognised for the exceptional support she provides to both staff and students and for ensuring that queries are attended to timeously, which contributes to the smooth running of the Faculty Administration Office and alignment with the expectations of the Registrar’s Office.
Ms Moselane consistently seeks to improve how she works and uses artificial intelligence tools to make her processes more efficient. One of her innovations was the development of an online platform to display faculty and staff occupancy in the Teaching Building, improving communication and service for students and colleagues. She has also introduced new and practical ideas for handling applications for the PGCE and PGDip programmes by capturing applications through departmental structures and maintaining a live spreadsheet for heads of department and committee members. This approach improves the accuracy of information and ensures that each applicant is fairly considered.
Her attention to detail is equally evident during examination periods, where she helped develop and implement faculty specific examination guidelines that supported a well organised exam process. This award acknowledges her professionalism, dedication, openness to collaboration and willingness to step out of her comfort zone to embrace current technological trends. She consistently goes beyond what is expected, supports her team with kindness and remains dependable under pressure, embodying SPU’s ethos of service excellence.
National Recognition for Institutional Visibility and Excellence
Following the Excellence in Service Delivery Award, the ceremony also recognised Sol Plaatje University for national excellence achieved through the work of the Department of Institutional Advancement. The University received five awards at the 2025 Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education Excellence Awards, reflecting the strength, creativity and quality of SPU’s submissions across campaigns, communication channels and design.
Receiving five national awards signals the high standard that SPU employs to present its identity, when engaging with stakeholders and positioning itself within the higher education landscape. It underscores the role of strategic communication, collaboration and service excellence in strengthening institutional visibility and supporting the University’s broader mission.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was presented to Dr Meenakshi Devi from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. Dr Devi is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics whose academic journey spans several countries and institutions, supported by qualifications that include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Education and a PhD in Mathematics. She has taught a range of modules, including Mathematical Analysis, Algebra, Introduction to Functional Analysis and Engineering Mathematics, bringing depth, clarity and relevance to a complex discipline.
This award recognises Dr Devi’s dynamic teaching philosophy and her commitment to student centred learning. She consistently demonstrates innovative teaching methodologies, including the use of artificial intelligence to explain difficult concepts and the integration of real life examples to make mathematics more accessible. Her practice is grounded in continuous reflection, as she subjects her teaching to peer and student evaluation and incorporates feedback to improve performance. She is deeply committed to access with success, providing additional support to at risk students through extra classes, follow up communication and responsive teaching approaches that address diverse learning needs.
Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through mentorship, curriculum innovation and the capacity development of emerging scholars. Dr Devi’s work exemplifies excellence in teaching and learning and reflects the values of quality, care and academic citizenship that strengthen the core of SPU. Through her dedication, innovation and commitment to student success, she gives practical expression to SPU’s mission of delivering high quality teaching and learning and advancing knowledge in ways that serve both the University and the communities we impact.
A Milestone in SPU’s Research Development
A major highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of Professor Boitumelo Diale as the holder of SPU’s first DST and NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Inclusive Education and Early Childhood Development. The SARChI programme is one of South Africa’s most prestigious research investments, designed to strengthen universities’ research capacity, attract and retain leading scholars and drive innovation that advances societal development. Professor Diale’s appointment marks a defining moment for SPU, positioning the University as a national hub for excellence in Inclusive Education and Early Childhood Development and affirming its rapidly expanding research footprint within the higher education sector.
As a long-term investment in high level scholarship, the Chair will support the development of a strong research team, expand postgraduate supervision and training and deepen SPU’s contribution to knowledge creation in a field that directly addresses educational inequality and systemic transformation. Through this appointment, SPU advances its mission to deliver high quality teaching and learning, foster impactful research and strengthen the communities it serves. Professor Diale’s leadership will play a central role in supporting access with success and in shaping inclusive, evidence based educational practices that uplift schools, teachers and communities across the country.
Excellence in Research
The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research recognises academics who demonstrate outstanding research productivity, innovation, scholarly influence and contribution to SPU’s growing research reputation. The award is presented in two categories, Early Career Researcher and Established Researcher, a commitment made to nurturing and recognising emerging scholars while celebrating sustained academic excellence.
Early Career Researcher: Dr Brian Mazorodze
Dr Brian Mazorodze from the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research in the Early Career Category. Dr Mazorodze holds an NRF Y2 rating and has produced a notable body of work that reflects both quality and growing international influence. In 2024 alone, he published eight papers in reputable journals such as the Journal of Shipping and Trade, Cogent Economics & Finance and Economies.
His scholarship has garnered 249 citations on Google Scholar, with an H index of 8 and an i10 index of 8, and 75 citations on Scopus. Beyond publishing, he has significantly contributed to national research development through facilitation roles at the HSRC Emerging and Established African Researchers Academy, participation in the SA TIED DSGE Modelling Workshop and service on the editorial boards of two journals. He also supervises postgraduate students and examines master’s theses from universities such as Wits, UCT and UFH.
Dr Mazorodze’s achievements reflect an early career marked by intellectual rigour, impactful scholarship and growing national recognition. His work strengthens SPU’s visibility in applied economics and embodies the University’s mission to advance research that informs policy, enhances understanding and contributes to societal development.
Established Researcher: Dr Simbarashe Gukurume
Dr Simbarashe Gukurume, Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the Faculty of Humanities, received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research in the Established Researcher category. An NRF Y1 rated researcher, Dr Gukurume is internationally recognised among the world’s top 2 percent most cited scientists for his influential contributions to the social sciences. His scholarly output demonstrates both depth and global reach, with a total of 68 publications to date, including ten published in 2024 alone. His work has been cited 1 791 times on Google Scholar, with an H index of 23 and an i10 index of 43, and 430 citations on Scopus across 42 documents.
In 2024, Dr Gukurume secured significant research funding, including R510 473 from the Department of Higher Education and Training and R150 000 through the SPU MIT Grant, and was selected for the prestigious DHET Future Professors Programme. He has made substantial contributions to postgraduate development, successfully supervising master’s students and examining 15 doctoral theses and 20 master’s dissertations across universities within and beyond South Africa. His commitment to nurturing emerging scholars is further reflected in his mentorship through initiatives such as the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation’s African Fellows Programme.
Beyond his individual scholarship, Dr Gukurume has played a key leadership role in strengthening SPU’s research culture. He founded the Sociology Tuesdays Research Seminar Series, which has become an important platform for advancing research capacity, collaboration and intellectual exchange. His national and international engagements as a reviewer for the National Research Foundation, an editorial board member and an invited speaker further elevate SPU’s visibility and influence. Through his research, mentorship and academic leadership, Dr Gukurume exemplifies research excellence that advances knowledge, informs public discourse and strengthens SPU’s contribution to addressing complex social challenges.
Recognising Postdoctoral Research Fellows
In recognition of SPU’s expanding cohort of Postdoctoral Research Fellows and their growing contribution to the University’s research outputs, the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards included two special categories that acknowledge both productivity and impact. These awards highlight the critical role postdoctoral fellows play in strengthening research capacity, advancing knowledge production and enhancing SPU’s national and international research standing.
The Best Performing Postdoctoral Research Fellow award was presented to Dr Simbarashe Jombo, whose work in Geographic Information Systems for environmental management and sustainable development reflects strong methodological rigour and practical relevance. Over the past few years, he has produced more than 31 peer reviewed research outputs, which have collectively received over 210 citations, with an h index of 7 and an i10 index of 6 on Google Scholar. In 2024, Dr Jombo was the most research active postdoctoral fellow at SPU, accumulating 1.4924 research units through a journal article, a conference proceeding and a book chapter. His outputs demonstrate collaborative scholarship and growing research independence, including work published with both internal and external collaborators, a conference paper where he served as corresponding author, and a sole authored book chapter. These achievements reflect a strong commitment to both the quality and consistency of his research contribution.
The award for Impactful Research by a Postdoctoral Research Fellow recognised Dr Folasade Olubusola Isinkaye, whose research spans recommender systems, deep learning, machine learning and broader information systems scholarship. She has produced 49 peer reviewed publications that have collectively earned more than 2 490 citations, signalling exceptional reach and influence. Her recent article, Deep learning and content based filtering techniques for improving plant disease identification and treatment recommendations, published in the Q1 ranked journal Heliyon, contributes meaningfully to global conversations on advanced plant disease detection and agricultural sustainability. This work reflects a strong pursuit of high quality, globally visible research with clear real-world relevance.
Together, these Postdoctoral Research Fellows strengthen SPU’s research ecosystem, building postgraduate and scholarly capacity and advancing research that responds to societal challenges at both national and global levels.
Honouring Long Service
In addition to celebrating excellence across teaching, research and service, the ceremony honoured staff members who have reached ten years of service at Sol Plaatje University. The Long Service Awards recognise colleagues whose sustained commitment, loyalty and institutional memory have played a vital role in building and stabilising the University during its formative years and continued growth.
These awards acknowledge not only years of service, but the dedication, professionalism and quiet leadership that underpin the daily functioning of the institution. Long serving staff have contributed to shaping SPU’s culture, supporting generations of students and colleagues, and ensuring continuity, care and consistency across academic, professional and support environments.
By recognising long service, SPU affirms the value of commitment and perseverance and honours those who have chosen to invest their time, skills and experience in the University’s journey. Their contributions remain central to sustaining institutional excellence and advancing SPU’s mission into the future.
