The Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted its prestigious Annual Research Awards ceremony at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga. The event celebrated the outstanding research contributions of academic staff and postgraduate students, recognising their dedication to innovation, academic excellence, and impactful scholarship.
With a black and gold dress theme and décor that radiated elegance, the ceremony brought together faculty members and guests in a spirit of celebration and intellectual pride.
The awards form part of the faculty’s broader strategy to build a strong research culture, mentor emerging scholars, and promote research that is responsive, inclusive, and transformative.
Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Durban University of Technology, officially commenced the first segment of the ceremony, subsequently handing over to Dr Andrew Kamwendo, Quality Promotions Officer within the Faculty of Management Sciences.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor GV Jiyane from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) who began by commending the faculty for initiating an event dedicated to recognising and celebrating research excellence among its staff. She went on to underscore the significance of such initiatives, highlighting the positive impact they can have on the faculty, its academic community, and the broader institution. Professor Biko also encouraged staff members to remain actively engaged in research and to continue supporting efforts that enhance the faculty’s visibility and academic standing.
In his comprehensive presentation, Executive Dean Professor Fulufhelo Netswera showcased the faculty’s consistent growth in research publication output rising from 109 submissions in 2020, to 91 in 2021, 126 in 2022, 129 in 2023, and reaching an impressive 233 submissions in 2024.
“As a faculty, we are doing much better than some small universities, but we still have a scope for improving and we should continuously improve. One of the best ways of improving research output and impact, as I always say is reflexive research work,” said Prof Netswera.
The awards were presented across several categories, including Overall Highest Units 2024, Female Highest Units 2024, Male Highest Units 2024, Research Fellows Highest Number of Units 2024, Postdoctoral Fellows Highest Number of Units 2024, Students Highest Number of Units 2024, Highest Number of Postgraduate Graduations 2024, Highest Number of Citations (Gscholar), NRF Rating and Highest Marks at Master’s.
The ceremony also recognised Staff Promotions – Associate Professorship 2024 which was awarded to Professor Luther-King Junior Zogli (Department of Applied Management), Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa (Department of Public Management and Economics) and Professor Lawrence Lekhanya (Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management).
A total of six academics from across the faculty were also acknowledged for their promotions to senior lecturers.
Another category featured in the awards ceremony was the COIL Project, which recognised the achievements of participating academics. Dr Anna Womack from the Department of Applied Law received the Platinum award, Dr Prof Zogli from the Department of Applied Management was awarded Gold, and Dr Obianuju Okeke-Uzodike, also from the Department of Applied Management, received the Silver award.
Community engagement projects were recognised as follows: the BankSETA-DUT Project and the Discretionary Grants WRSETA initiative both received Platinum awards; the Eco-Entrepreneurial Solutions for Regenerative Urban Futures project was awarded Gold; while the FMS Annual Sports Day and the African Food Festival each earned Silver awards.
To conclude the day’s proceedings, Deputy Dean Professor Melanie Lourens delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
Pictured: Attendees at the Annual Research Awards ceremony.
Zandile Mahlobo
