RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATION
Research Staff
Let our team of leading research specialists guide you throughout your research journey
Dr Thembinkosi Mabila
Dr Thembinkosi Mabila
Dr Thembinkosi Mabila specialises in English Language Studies. He is currently serving as Director of Research at the University of Limpopo where he also supervises postgraduate students in English Studies and English Language Education. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Limpopo, South Africa. His main areas of expertise are in Language Education, Second Language Acquisition, Sociolinguistics and Second Language Teaching.
Noko Monene
Noko Monene is a Research Office Manager in the Department of Research Administration and Development (DRAD), University of Limpopo. Her roles include:
Plan, organise and coordinate the research support services to ensure that they contribute to the University strategic plan and align with the strategic
Objectives:
- Provide research support services and specialised services to advance research such as Research Ethics and Integrity, Research Training and Capacity Development, Research Funds and Incentives as well as Research
Outputs:
- Oversee and manage the activities of the Department to ensure that the daily operations run smoothly,
- Execute the research policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the grants and protection of the research subjects and
- Advice and guide the researcher on the incentives available, requirements and the application process.
Mapula Rabothata
Mapula Rabothata
Ms. Rabothata serves as a Research Office Assistant for the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). Her responsibilities include:
- Supporting postgraduate students, supervisors, and researchers by organising and conducting workshops related to the research office.
- Assisting coordinators and supervisors with postgraduate programs.
- Preparing reports pertaining to the university’s capacity development program.
- Monitoring and overseeing activities aimed at promoting research publications in high-impact journals, including facilitating article writing workshops.
- Liaising with the finance department regarding Research Development payments.
Ramakgolo Lekalakala
Ramakgolo Lekalakala
Ramakgolo Lekalakala works as a Research Coordinator (RIMS) in the Department of Research Administration and Development. He holds an Honours degree in Applied Linguistics as well as a Diploma in Electronic Technology Computing (Computer Programming). His major responsibilities in the department are as follows:
- Manage the Research Information Management System (RIMS)
- Conduct training on all RIMS related modules
- Manage and report on UL’s research outputs to DHET
- Manage the Research Office’s research and training equipment’s database
- Co-ordinate all research related activities with academics/researchers
Marelize Kellermann
Marelize Kellermann
Marelize Kellermann serves a Principal Administration Officer in the Department of Administration and Development. Her responsibilities includes assisting researchers in the following:
- External research funding
- Research output subsidy
- Research incentives and awards programmes
- Internal research funding
Mologadi Ledwaba
Mologadi Ledwaba
Mologadi Ledwaba serves as the Principal Admin Officer for the Department of Research Administration and Development. Her roles include:
- Managing the administration of all supervisor and NRF-rated researcher incentives.
- Processing publication claims.
- Responding to all internal queries related to incentives.
Dr Tukiso Sewapa
Dr Tukiso Sewapa is a Research Ethics Officer at the University of Limpopo, Research Administration and Development. She manages and performs administrative review and report on research ethics application processes for both Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) and Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). Amongst others, it is her key responsibility to ensures that approved studies are monitored and continues to comply with National Health Research Ethics Committee requirements. She holds PhD in Psychology, and her research interest lies in ethics, Afrocentricity and mental health. Dr Sewapa is also a member of Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), and she also serves as executive committee member in Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Association (HSSA).
Evans Khalo
Evans Khalo is responsible for the processes related to ethics applications and provides administrative support to both the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) and the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). He assists researchers with their ethics applications and offers guidance on ethical regulations. Additionally, he plays a role in preparing reports for external organisations, including the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC). Khalo is a member of the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) and also acts as the Research News and Publications Officer in the Department of Research Administration. In this role, he is responsible for effectively crafting compelling research stories about the university’s research achievements and sharing relevant information through the university’s digital platforms and social media. Moreover, he regularly contributes to the university’s weekly newsletter, research magazine, and alumni relations, demonstrating his strong writing abilities and commitment.
Nyiko Machavi
Nyiko Machavi is responsible for managing ethics application processes and provides secretarial support to both the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) and the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC). He assists researchers with their ethics applications and offers guidance on ethical regulations. Additionally, he contributes to the preparation of reports for external organizations, including the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC). Machavi is also a member of the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA).
Ronel van der Walt
The Financial Officer (FO) manages the administration of all projects funded by the NRF, including scholarships and other funding opportunities. She prepares purchase requests for the Finance department, calculates and processes monthly student allowances, and disseminates incoming NRF calls to staff and students. Additionally, she facilitates workshops for students and researchers to help them navigate the application process, and offers consultations regarding financial matters to both students and researchers.
Petrus Ndlovu
Ndlovu Petrus is an intern at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) within the Department of Research Administration and Development (DRAD) at the University of Limpopo. His responsibilities include:
- Managing the administration of all National Research Foundation (NRF) applications.
- Addressing all student queries related to NRF matters.
- Providing support to students regarding NRF processes and opportunities.
- Serving as an NRF Designated Officer, facilitating communication and support between the NRF and the university community.
Mmbengeni Netshidzivhani
Mmbengeni Netshidzivhani
Victor Netshidzivhani assists postgraduate students and staff members with research statistical analysis. He conducts workshops on:
- Survey and experimental design and methodology.
- Sampling design and sample size determination.
- questionnaire design
- Capturing of survey data – questionnaires or data forms – for analysis (this service is outsourced)
- Preparation and hosting of online surveys
- Statistical analysis of quantitative data; assistance with regard to the interpretation of statistical results
Peter Mphekgwana
Peter Mphekgwana serves as the University Biostatistician in the Department of Research Administration and Development. In this role, he provides statistical advice and training to academics, as well as master’s and doctorate students within the Faculty of Health Sciences. His research is dedicated to gaining insights into health issues using various statistical techniques and data sources. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) accredited platforms in both local and international journals) and Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA). He also gave presentations at national and international conferences on statistical application and public health.