Unisa and ATUPA recognise researchers for ingenuity and innovation

Research

Unisa/ATUPA excellence awardees: Prof Usisipho Feleni of Unisa’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability; Prof Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor, Ho Technical University, Ghana; and Zodwa Kula, Elangeni TVET College Principal

On 27 August 2025, Unisa, in partnership with the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, celebrated distinguished scholars whose work has demonstrated African ingenuity and innovation in creating a better society for all Africans.

Hard work and dedication aimed at excellence

Prof Solomon Magano, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, described the awards event as a momentous occasion, brimming with the promise of a brighter future resulting from the discussions during the weeklong Unisa/ATUPA conference. He added that individual and collective efforts ensure that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) takes the preeminence that it deserves in the higher education ecosystem. "The awards taking place tonight are meant to recognise those who continue to break barriers and cherish helping their societies to better lives," he said. "The awards recognise the various recipients for their hard work and dedication aimed at excellence."

Prof Solomon Magano

For Africans, by Africans

Magano continued: "Since the beginning of the 55^th ATUPA conference, various speakers, including Prof Puleng LenkaBula, the leadership of ATUPA, and various academics across Africa, have underscored the importance of ATUPA as a Pan-African organisation with the conference serving as a table to put forth the renewal of Africa in the 21^st century, placing a huge significance on sustainability and innovation and showcasing the ingenuity of the African people."

Symbiosis between academia and society

Magano remarked that it is commendable to bear witness to the collaborative spirit witnessed during the conference, including the active involvement and participation of industry and sponsors, who seek to share their firsthand observation of societal issues and solutions. He acknowledged the link between business, corporate social responsibility and civic participation toward building a thriving society.

"Africa needs your wisdom and dedication"

Speaking next, Dr Jahou Samba Faal, Secretary-General of ATUPA, delivered a heartfelt message to the awardees, explaining that the awards recognise excellence that transforms communities, inspires nations and shapes Africa’s future. Continuing, she said: "Firstly, this is a day that recognises when dedication meets recognition, where talents meet opportunities, and where hard work is rightly celebrated."

Dr Jahou Samba Faal

Faal said that the awardees’ vision and skills are poised to make a lasting legacy. "The recipients are proof of what is possible when service, innovation and leadership come together to bear lasting social impacts," she said. "Their achievements remind us that progress is deliberate as a result of sustained efforts."

Concluding, Faal reminded the awardees that while their achievements are worth celebrating, they must hit the ground and translate these achievements into making a social impact for the betterment of the communities they serve. She added, "Africa still needs your wisdom and dedication to make a difference. Your awards are not only an inspiration to the next generation to dream bigger; they serve as a pivotal point that Africa can and will continue to fight to reclaim its centre of knowledge in the global space. As we celebrate the awardees for their work, let us also commit ourselves to upholding the values, passion and drive that ignited their pursuit of knowledge that directly serves humanity."

Rewriting the next chapters of greatness

In his keynote address, the Honourable Keith Zondi, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Affairs: KwaZulu-Natal, centred his speech on the variety that the business of tourism offers. "Oftentimes, people think of tourism as safari tours and exploring historical monuments," he said. "However, tourism also includes meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. This is a critical driver of investment, inclusive economic growth, development and job creation."

The Honourable Keith Zondi

Continuing, Zondi explained that investments help to support and drive local economic growth, including small, medium and micro-enterprises, tech start-ups, local artists and designers. In addition, Zondi emphasised the need to greatly support the local tourism industry, through innovations driven by the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence and the continued desire for adventure.

The excellence awards celebrated the commitment, hard work and determination of the awardees whose passion is centred on seeing a prosperous Africa. "The awardees are proof of what is possible when determination meets purpose," concluded Zondi. "Their achievements remind us that progress deserves recognition; therefore, Africa needs your wisdom, dedication and passion to rewrite the next chapters of greatness."

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photography by Mduduzi Khathamzi, Multimedia Centre

Publish date: 2025-09-10 00:00:00.0