The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been awarded eight South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs by the National Research Foundation (NRF), under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs for Historically Disadvantaged Universities, Universities of Technology, and Emerging Universities.
The eight DUT Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs (SARChI Chairs) form part of the 41 new Chairs that were officially launched by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Building in Pretoria on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The new cohort of 41 Research Chairs were unveiled to strengthen research capacity, advance innovation, and support the development of critical skills across the country’s public universities.
The eight Research Chairs at DUT consists of Professor Eric Oscar Amonsou (Chair in Sustainable Protein Innovation), Professor Sheena Kumari Kuttan Pillai (Chair in Wastewater treatment and reuse), Professor Rendani Wilson Maladzhi(Chair in Smart Manufacturing Technologies), Professor Pfano Mashau (Chair in Future-Fit and Inclusive Entrepreneurship for a Pan-African Society), Professor Tabitha Grace Mukeredzi (Chair in Education, Social Justice and Society), Professor Kugen Permaul (Chair in Biovalorization), Professor Olive Stumke (Chair in Digital Transformation, Governance, SME Innovation, Education and Skills) and Professor Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu (Chair in Sustainable Construction and Infrastructure Development).
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, who attended the launch event, shared that securing eight Research Chairs marked a significant achievement for DUT, reflecting the institution’s growing research excellence and commitment to addressing societal challenges through impactful research, in line with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
“These SARChI Chairs will play a critical role in advancing our strategic research priorities, strengthening postgraduate training and nurturing the next generation of scholars. We are proud of this recognition and remain fully committed to building a vibrant and impactful research ecosystem at DUT. And these national Research Chairs are aligned with our recent implementation of the 18 research institutes at DUT,” reiterated Prof Nemavhola.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, emphasised that the aim of the appointment of the 41 DSTI Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs was to expand the footprint of the NRF’s Research Chairs at historically disadvantaged institutions, universities of technology and emerging universities.
This Minister added, “We also expect them to be deliberate about the development and mentoring of young, black and women researchers. You have a duty to ensure that the knowledge that is produced by our public universities enables our strategic mission of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry, and society. Congratulations to all our new Research Chair holders. I wish you well as you undertake this significant role.”
Sharing similar sentiments, the National Research Foundation (NRF) Acting CEO, Dr Angus Paterson said the new Research Chairs carry with them the responsibility of building research communities, mentoring the next generation, and producing knowledge that is both excellent and socially responsive. He indicated that the impact of their work will extend well beyond their disciplines; it will be felt within institutions, communities, and the broader society they serve.
“What we celebrate today is not simply the awarding of research chairs. We celebrate the strengthening of institutional research ecosystems, the creation of new pathways for emerging scholars, and the positioning of universities across the country as meaningful contributors to national development priorities,” added Dr Paterson.
Pictured: The newly appointed DUT Research Chairs with Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, along with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande and NRF Board Member, Ms Funeka Khumalo, at the prestigious event.
Photo credit: National Research Foundation (NRF).
Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters
