The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, recently hosted a faculty engagement with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the DUT Hotel School.
Facilitating the session was the Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mr Zwakele Ngubane, who emphasised that research commitment is crucial at DUT for positioning and strengthening the institution as a leading university of technology recognised for research excellence, innovation and societal impact.
The Interim Director of the Research and Postgraduate Support Unit, Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, shared key research performance statistics, demonstrating DUT’s commitment to addressing societal challenges through impactful research and innovation across all faculties, including the Faculty of Health Sciences.
She indicated that the goal is to see the Faculty of Health Sciences make a significant improvement in the number of PhDs produced. She noted that there is considerable room for improvement, as there was only one staff member in both the Emergency Medical Care and Homeopathy departments who had obtained a PhD.
Dr Mthombeni commended the Faculty of Health Sciences for performing well in terms of enrolment numbers, as they are exceeding their target. However, she highlighted that in terms of actual numbers worked for graduation in 2025, there were only 33, despite a planned graduation number of 43.
She emphasised to staff that research, innovation and engagement form a critical part of the institutional vision, and her unit is committed to creating an environment that supports research development opportunities.
She indicated that one must take ownership of one’s own postgraduate journey.
“As a university, receiving funding is not an entitlement but a privilege and one needs to plan effectively, ensuring graduation within the required timeframe,” she stressed.
Dr Pinky Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, emphasised the importance of strengthening DUT’s intellectual property portfolio.
She explained the need to protect research before publication to enable commercialisation and spin-offs, and spoke about the importance of growing third stream income sustainably.
She also highlighted funding opportunities in house such as the Innovation Builder Fund for early stage ideas, the Idea to Prototype programme which converts research outputs into prototypes, and the Technology Development Fund which supports the advancement of validated technologies.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola then addressed key institutional research statistics and their strategic implications, highlighting the challenge of low doctoral staffing numbers which are impacting research quality and output.
He shared that 36 percent of academic staff hold doctoral qualifications, which remains below the national mean when compared to other South African institutions.
He noted that 45 percent of research and publication output is produced by non permanent staff, and 40 percent is produced by staff who are 55 years and older.
He further indicated that 18 percent of doctoral holders are not actively engaged in research or postgraduate supervision. He encouraged academics to prioritise research output as a core expectation of university work. He also highlighted that in 2023, 50 percent of conference attendance claims could not be processed against Department of Higher Education and Training subsidy requirements. He emphasised that recent policy updates are aimed at safeguarding staff from attending non compliant conferences.
He then opened the floor for a question and answer session where staff members from the Faculty of Health Sciences raised concerns regarding non permanent staff, conference approval processes and institutional Wi Fi challenges.
Professor Nemavhola and his team responded to the questions and constructive feedback from staff in attendance, offering guidance as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen research and innovation outputs across the university.
Pictured: DVC:RIE, Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola addressing staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences engagement.
Photographer: Sbonelo Dlamini
Waheeda Peters
