Prof. Kgaugelo Lekota, associate professor in the school of biological sciences within the faculty of natural and agricultural sciences, has been selected as a finalist for the TW Kambule NSTF Emerging Researcher Award. Meanwhile, Prof. Jaco Hoffman and the International Longevity Centre South Africa (ILCSA), based in the Optentia research unit, have been named a finalist in the Special Annual Theme Award category for Healthy Ageing.

The NSTF South32 Awards are South Africa’s largest and most comprehensive national awards programme, recognising outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation. NWU spokesperson Oscar Mosiane said the university received five nominations this year.

Healthy Ageing

The 28th annual awards ceremony will be held on 16 July, with simultaneous events taking place in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This year’s theme, Healthy Ageing, aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).

Lekota’s nomination recognises his contributions to advancing genomic solutions aimed at combating zoonotic diseases – infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans – as well as antimicrobial resistance. He is also recognised for his efforts in developing and mentoring the next generation of South African scientists.

Prof. Kgaugelo Lekota. Photo: NWU

Hoffman’s work in the field of ageing research has also earned national recognition. He serves as co-director of the ILCSA, professor of socio-gerontology in the Optentia research unit, lead of the Ageing and Generational Dynamics in Africa programme, professorial fellow at the Institute of Population Ageing at the University of Oxford, and coordinator of the African Research on Ageing Network.

Prof. Jaco Hoffman. Photo: NWU 

“These finalists highlight the commitment of the NWU to impactful research and innovation that address pressing societal challenges,” said Mosiane. ”They also affirm the role of the university as a leader in advancing knowledge and shaping solutions for South Africa, Africa and beyond.”

Other NWU academics who received nominations but did not progress to the finals include Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who was nominated in both the TW Kambule NSTF Award: Researcher category and the Lifetime and Science Diplomacy category. 

Prof. Babalola is a professor in the food security and safety focus area, principal investigator of the Microbial biotechnology laboratory in the faculty of natural and agricultural sciences, vice-president of The World Academy of Sciences Africa, and an honorary member of the International Science Council in France.

Also nominated were Dr Mawethu Bilibana, a senior lecturer in the school of physical and chemical sciences, for the NSTF Award: Researcher, and Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, a senior lecturer in the school of mathematics, science and technology education in the faculty of education, for the TW Kambule NSTF Emerging Researcher Award.

The nominations and finalist placements underscore NWU’s growing reputation for research excellence and its contribution to addressing some of the most pressing scientific and social challenges facing South Africa and the continent.

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