Seven Unisa Scholars Nominated for the NSTF-South32 Awards 2023/2024

Known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa, the NSTF-South32 Awards are the most sought-after science awards in the country. Seven Unisans have been nominated across five categories:

The Lifetime Award considers contributions to the field of science over a lifetime spanning 15 years or more. Two Unisans are among the 26 nominees in this category:

• Prof Mokhotjwa Dhlamini, who is both a Research Professor and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET)
• Prof Mkhulu Mathe, Head of the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, CSET

The TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher considers contributions through research and its outputs over a period from six years up to 15 years of research work from the commencement of the research career, predominantly in South Africa. Two Unisans are among the 33 nominees in this category:

• Prof Alex Kuvarega, Thematic Area Leader: Nanostructured Materials, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, CSET
• Prof Pontsho Mbule, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, CSET

The TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher considers contributions through research and its outputs over a period of up to six years of research work from the commencement of the research career, predominantly in South Africa.

• Prof Lawrence Madikizela, Associate Professor: Analytical and Environmental Research, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, CSET, is among the 42 nominees in this category.

The Management Award considers contributions through the management of SET and innovation, and related SET activities, over the last five to 10 years.

• Prof Les Labuschagne, Executive Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Unisa, is among the nine nominees in this category.

The NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award. The WRC was established in terms of the Water Research Act and is deemed to be of national importance to generate new knowledge and to promote South Africa’s water research purposefully. The WRC responds to the national need to fund priority and relevant water research studies and provide both strategic and facilitatory leadership for water technology transfer and innovation.

• Among the 12 nominees in this category is Prof Thabo Nkambule, Head: Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), CSET.