College of Human Sciences

A passion for social and energy justice gained scholar prominent membership

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Prof Ashley van Niekerk

Prof Ashley van Niekerk of Unisa’s College of Human Sciences’ Institute for Social and Health Sciences, was recognised at the recently held Research and Innovation Awards Ceremony for his membership accomplishment of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). "It is a great honour and I am absolutely delighted to join ASSAf," says Van Niekerk.

ASSAf was established in 1996 and provides evidence-based scientific advice on a wide range of issues of public interest to government and other stakeholders. The organisation recognises South Africans who make a significant contribution to scholarly and research activity in the country. It is a leading organisation for science and scholarship in South Africa, and is made up of the country’s leading scholars from diverse disciplines.

Van Niekerk says that he looks forward to the scholarly initiatives and dialogues hosted by ASSAf, especially those focusing on social and energy justice. For him, these are pivotal health and social concerns for the current decade. 

Speaking about his ASSAf membership, Van Niekerk remarks that what made it possible was the contributions he made to the global body of work on burn prevention. He adds: "I introduced scholarship on this topic from the Global South, and sought to translate this work to enable intervention and policy changes that protect against the often-harsh consequences of energy poverty."

Van Niekerk’s research interests include knowledge that engages with the intersections between material impoverishment, social inequality and psychosocial life with a view to promoting social justice. "My research focuses on burn injury and energy justice, and seeks to unravel the complex interplay of human behaviour, energy appliance and spatial-environmental contributors to burns," he explains.

According to Van Niekerk, such knowledge is required to enable focused and locally situated prevention and policy efforts. He states: "The prevention of burns is closely connected to ensuring access to safe, modern and cost-effective energy, especially for communities that are dependent on fossil fuels such as paraffin and its related technology."

Van Niekerk says that to follow in his footsteps, it must be remembered that social and public health research as a career is intellectually, emotionally and socially demanding. "An enriching and rewarding life is a process. This kind of career will most likely require dedication, a great deal of stimulating reading and, most importantly, the support and generosity of others," he concludes. "Patiently find a scholarly endeavour that inspires you, even if you are at times exhausted by it."

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences

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Publish date: 2022-07-04 00:00:00.0

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