The University of Venda’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture (FSEA) is proud to announce the achievement of three of its esteemed professors who have been recently awarded prestigious ratings by the National Research Foundation (NRF) for 2025. These recognitions underscore the academic rigor, groundbreaking research, and exceptional contributions that these professors have made to their respective fields.
Prof Joseph Baloyi: A Leader in Animal Nutrition Research
Prof Joseph Baloyi, a trailblazer in the field of Animal Science, has earned a C2 rating from the NRF, effective 1 January 2025. This honour highlights his profound contributions to Animal Nutrition, cementing his status as a thought leader in sustainable livestock feed practices.
Prof Baloyi’s academic journey is marked by international acclaim, from his MSc in Animal Nutrition from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to his PhD in Animal Nutrition from the University of Zimbabwe.
Prof Baloyi’s research focuses on evaluating agricultural and industrial by-products as potential protein supplements for ruminant animals. His work has significantly advanced feed supplementation strategies, with a clear emphasis on sustainability.
Over the years, Prof Baloyi has not only published over 100 peer-reviewed papers but has also mentored more than 20 postgraduate students, helping shape the next generation of scientists.
His recent recognition from the NRF follows a distinguished career marked by prestigious fellowships, including his recent tenure as a USA Fulbright Fellow at the University of Georgia. Prof Baloyi’s C2 rating is a testament to his commitment to academic excellence, and it will undoubtedly empower him to continue pioneering innovative research in sustainable animal feed practices.
Prof Felix Fushai: Pioneering Climate-Smart Livestock Nutrition
Prof Felix Fushai, Head of the Department of Animal Science, has also been awarded a C2 rating for his outstanding research on climate-smart livestock nutrition. With over 33 years of experience in livestock research and extension services, Prof Fushai has become a recognised authority on land use and livestock enterprise planning. His focus on developing resilient and sustainable livestock feeding systems for arid and semi-arid regions is of critical importance in the context of climate change.
Prof Fushai’s work emphasises practical solutions for enhancing food security in Southern Africa, particularly in the face of changing climatic conditions. His ongoing research, supported by a R1.2 million NRF Research and Technology Fund grant, is advancing climate-smart strategies that will have a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural systems.
Under Prof Fushai’s leadership, the University of Venda has seen the graduation of numerous MSc and PhD students, with Prof. Fushai winning the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award for his exceptional mentorship. His academic contributions extend beyond his research publications; he has presented his findings at numerous international and national conferences, advancing global discussions on climate resilience in livestock production.
Prof Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala: Innovator in Mass Spectrometry and Phytochemical Research
Prof Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala has received a C1 rating from the NRF, acknowledging his innovative research in biochemistry, mass spectrometry, and plant science. Affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Venda, Prof Madala has made groundbreaking contributions to the phytochemical characterisation of underutilised green leafy vegetables from South Africa’s Limpopo province. His pioneering work on the effects of excessive sunlight, driven by climate change, on plant chemistry has been instrumental in understanding how plants adapt to environmental stress.
Prof Madala’s use of ion mobility mass spectrometry to identify light-induced metabolites in plants has set a global benchmark in the field.
His research group has also facilitated the acquisition of advanced mass spectrometry instruments at the University of Venda, positioning the institution as a leader in this highly specialised field.
Beyond his research, Prof. Madala has trained a new generation of scientists through his work with MSc and PhD students. He has authored over 120 publications, including research articles and book chapters, and is a strong advocate for cost-effective approaches to metabolite identification, particularly for countries facing financial constraints.
A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
The recognition of these three professors by the NRF highlights the University of Venda’s com-mitment to fostering academic excellence and addressing critical challenges through innovative research. Prof. Baloyi, Prof. Fushai, and Prof. Madala’s achievements reflect the university’s dedi-cation to advancing knowledge and contributing solutions to global challenges, from sustainable agriculture to climate change adaptation.
As these accomplished researchers continue to make groundbreaking strides in their respective fields, their success stands as a testament to the transformative power of higher education and the importance of supporting research that makes a tangible impact on society. The University of Venda is poised to continue leading the way in addressing the pressing issues of our time through the expertise and dedication of its faculty members.
“I am immensely proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our three newly NRF-rated professors. Their dedication, innovative research, and exceptional contributions to their fields not only elevate the reputation of our faculty but also inspire the next generation of scholars. This recognition is a testament to their hard work, and I am excited to see the continued impact they will make in advancing science, engineering, and agriculture,” highlighted Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture.
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