Earlier today (Monday, 25 August 2025), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE), Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola kick started his Faculty Board Meetings with the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) at the FAS Computer Lab, Steve Biko campus.
The Programme Director was Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT. He began this important engagement with the Research, Innovation and Engagement sector by requesting staff members present to observe a moment of silence in memory of the two students who passed away last week.
“Today is the first of five other similar engagements with the five other faculties. We are kicking things off with the Faculty of Applied Sciences. We have a short programme, straight after me will be the Interim Director for Research and Postgraduate Support unit, Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni followed by the Interim Director for Technology, Transfer and Innovation, Dr Pinkie Ntola and the presentation by Professor Nemavhola will conclude,” shared Mr Khan.
Delivering the welcome remarks was Professor Suren Singh, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. He assured the faculty members that the meeting was not meant for whipping them regarding research, but it was all about engaging with them. Prof Singh explained that the reason Prof Nemavhola called the meeting was to get everybody on board regarding the plans of the university in terms of the next five years, as part of ENVISION2030.
Speaking on fostering research, innovation and entrepreneurial growth at DUT was Dr Mthombeni. She highlighted the four programmes under Research and Postgraduate Support namely Ethics, Research Information Management, Grants and Research Capacity Development. She also shared the names and contacts of the staff heading these programmes for the attendees to get the assistance they need. Dr Mthombeni said that these programmes enhances research capacity and academic success.
“We also have article writing, the last one we had was a month ago. We give opportunities to our academics and staff. Here we normally see students or Postdoctoral Fellows and not necessarily the people we are trying to target, which is you as our academics. I would like to see participation from our academics, taking advantage of this,” pleaded Dr Mthombeni.
Dr Ntola spoke briefly about the programmes offered under the Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) at DUT. She said the four main programmes were from Idea to Prototype Programme, Innovation Builder Fund, Technology Development Fund and the Alumni Innovators Programme. She said that these programmes range from providing mentorship, resources and a structured path to help innovators perform research, analysis, building and testing. Dr Ntola highlighted that they have an initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of alumni-driven innovations and turning them into commercially viable products.
She also highlighted the two entrepreneurial units under TTI namely the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation together with the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator which help staff, students and society to develop innovative businesses that drive social change and economic development.
Addressing the faculty members, Professor Nemavhola said the Faculty Board Meetings stem from the Town Hall Meetings with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu where several pressing issues around research and innovation were revealed. He encouraged the staff to engage and to share ideas on how to address some of the issues. Professor Nemavhola shared the statistics saying at DUT only 36% of academic staff have PhDs. He shared that the desire is to have all academics to have PhDs which he believes will also assist in increasing the international rating of the university.
Prof Nemavhola also raised concerns about many PhD researchers being over 55 years of age and having Postdoctoral Fellows who have been working for over three years without being offered permanent positions.
A robust question and answer session was also held where the faculty members also spoke on issues to Prof Nemavhola regarding infrastructure and resources. Prof Nemavhola further urged staff members to find ways to share equipment and space.
In closing Professor Tukayi Kudanga, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences thanked Prof Nemavhola, Dr Mthombeni and Dr Ntola for engaging with them. He said the session was more like an orientation for most of them and they appreciated it. He hoped the engagements will continue, urging the staff members to interact with the RIE sector and share some of their experiences and suggestions.
Pictured: DVC:RIE Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola during the Faculty Board Meeting with the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma
