Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha from Unisa's Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES) has been selected by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to participate in the Future Professors Programme (FPP) this year.

The FPP is an initiative implemented in partnership with local universities and led by the University of Johannesburg and Stellenbosch University. The programme plays a critical role in nurturing the next generation of academic leaders by supporting promising academics with strong research trajectories and leadership potential.

The programme has been particularly beneficial to various emerging researchers and academics within Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), who have progressed to becoming established researchers and advanced to associate professorships and full professorships. These include Prof Nomvano Mketo, currently Acting Director of the School of Science at CSET, Prof Muthumuni Managa, Associate Professor at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), and Prof Jack Madito, also an Associate Professor at iNanoWS.

For the 2025/26 Cohort 4 of phase 1 of the FPP, 26 universities across the country submitted nominations. These nominations were subjected to a rigorous national selection process, with an expert committee carefully reviewing all candidates to identify those best positioned to contribute to the future of higher education and research in South Africa.

"I trust that Dr Ndaba-Vatsha will take full advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to her, and I look forward to the contributions that she will make as a leading academic in higher education in South Africa and beyond," stated Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General of the DHET.

Ndaba-Vatsha currently leads the Waste-to-Energy research thematic area within ICES. The group’s focus is on developing technologies that convert biomass, waste and carbon dioxide to energy and other value-added products.

Reflecting on her selection into the FPP, Ndaba-Vatsha said: "I am highly honoured to have been selected for this programme. This is a recognition of my hard work and willingness to learn. It also means that the selection committee recognised my potential and is willing to support and guide my research development. I go into this programme ready to learn."

The university community proudly celebrates Ndaba-Vatsha’s admission into the FPP, which will not only advance her career but also contribute to the university’s research, tuition and leadership agenda through the grooming of the next generation of scholars.  

* By Kamogelo Sehoole, Administrative Assistant, Institute for Catalysis and Energy, and Dr Nozipho N Madzivha, Communication and Marketing Specialist (acting), College of Science, Engineering and Technology