The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to announce that Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa, an Associate Professor in Public Management and Economics in the Faculty of Management Sciences, has been appointed a Visiting Professor at the prestigious Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Malaysia.

The appointment was formally confirmed by Professor Mohammad Falahat, the Director of the Strategic Research Institute at APU. Professor Mbandlwa’s tenure will run from 05 July to 16 July 2025 on a collaborative research project titled “Advancing Public Sector Innovation and Governance through Digital Transformation in Developing Economies: A Comparative Study between South Africa and Malaysia.”

During his time in Malaysia, Professor Mbandlwa will work closely with APU on joint research initiatives, among others, teaching, conduct seminars and workshops and participate in academic knowledge-sharing sessions. His appointment not only reflects the global relevance of DUT’s research agenda but also strengthens ties between DUT and reputable international academic institutions.

It has been a very successful year for Professor Mbandlwa. Apart from the APU Visiting Professorship appointment, he recently launched his 2024 published book titled “Challenges, Strategies, and Resiliency in Disaster and Risk Management.” The book, published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, provides in-depth coverage of key phases of disaster management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. (Please click on the link to read the story of the book launch: Professor Mbandlwa book launch at DUT).

The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, congratulated Professor Mbandlwa on this prestigious opportunity. “We are proud of Professor Mbandlwa’s appointment and the academic recognition it brings to him and to the DUT. Being an engaged university is a key objective of our ENVISION2030 Strategy and this appointment reaffirms DUT’s strength, quality and contribution on the global stage,” said Professor Netswera. The Executive Dean has also asked Professor Mbandlwa to assist with mentoring fellow young academics in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

The Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation is one of Malaysia’s leading institutions, recognised for its commitment to research, innovation and industry-relevant academic programmes. Professor Netswera added, “DUT looks forward to deepening its partnership with APU.”

Pictured left to right: Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa (Associate Professor: Public Management and Economics) and Professor Fulufhelo Netswera (Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences).

Alan Khan