Professor Samuel Koma: Director – School of Economics and Management, UL. Photo: Malatji Monyelegwete
By Malatji Monyelegwete – malatji.monyelegwete@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) continues to demonstrate its academic leadership and national significance, with several scholars actively engaged in key professional organisations throughout South Africa
A prominent example is Professor Samuel Koma, the Director of the School of Economics and Management, who has been appointed as a board member of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS).
This appointment, made by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Honourable Buti Manamela, entrusts Professor Koma and his fellow board members with the responsibility of providing strategic direction, leadership, and vision for the NIHSS. Their collective mission is to enhance the humanities and social sciences disciplines within higher education and society as a whole.
The board’s mandate includes ensuring that the Institute: delivers effective services to the higher education sector in the humanities and social sciences; promotes the integrity, reputation, and recognition of these disciplines within academia, the science and technology community, and society; fosters postgraduate and undergraduate scholarship through innovative collaborations, such as joint doctoral supervision between universities; and stimulates research and teaching in the humanities and social sciences through catalytic projects and partnerships.
Appointed for a four-year term, the board will also advise the Minister on matters related to the Institute’s scope and its application, as well as on policies that impact teaching and research in the humanities and social sciences.
Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Koma expressed his commitment to advancing higher education priorities aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP).
“My role on the Board will enable me to advocate for increased funding for scholarships for master’s and doctoral students in public universities by leveraging resources from both the public and private sectors. I will also contribute to shaping a research agenda that adds value to national development priorities through my involvement in the Finance Committee and the Academic and International Advisory Committee of the Board,” he explained.
Professor Koma praised the transparent appointment process, noting that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) opened public nominations in August 2025, with the Minister confirming appointments the following month.
“I am profoundly grateful to the Honourable Minister and the DHET leadership for the opportunity to contribute to the humanities and social sciences in South Africa,” he added.
This appointment is part of a growing trend of UL academics serving on national councils, advisory panels, and professional boards, underscoring the University’s strong reputation for cultivating thought leaders who shape national policy, governance, and research advancement.