UL academics attend the ASSAf Membership Recruitment and Engagement Event, aspiring to join the academy and contribute to national and international academic excellence. Photos: Forgive Hlungwani
By Phishego Mohubedu -ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Membership in the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is one of the highest honours for an academic can achieve in the country
Understanding its importance, the University of Limpopo (UL) proudly hosted the ASSAf Membership Recruitment and Engagement Event, a landmark gathering designed to expand the Academy’s network of distinguished scholars for its 2026 intake. The event was attended by senior academics, professors, and researchers, and provided a platform to deepen understanding of ASSAf’s mission and the transformative impact of membership on South Africa’s knowledge economy.
UL’s long-standing representation in ASSAf highlights its commitment to advancing scholarship, innovation, and inclusive scientific dialogue. The University is represented by two esteemed scholars: Professor Tholene Sodi, SARChI Chair in Mental Health and Society, who was inducted in 2023, and Professor Phuti Ngoepe, Director of the Materials Modelling Centre, a member for over a decade. Their participation highlights UL’s enduring leadership and contributions to academic excellence both nationally and internationally. Founded in 1996 under the patronage of Nelson Mandela, ASSAf was established to unite South Africa’s leading scholars and amplify diverse voices in science, particularly those historically marginalised.
Prof Nithaya Chetty, Chairperson of the ASSAf Council Membership Committee, outlines the academy’s commitment to recognising excellence and promoting innovation.
Professor Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of the Witwatersrand and Chairperson of ASSAf’s Council Membership Committee, elaborated on the Academy’s broader mission and its national significance. “Our goal is to recognise excellence, promote innovation, and support scholarly activities at the highest level, while inspiring public interest in science education,” he stated. He also emphasised ASSAf’s critical role in providing scientific advice to government and society on pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and education. “We are not merely an academic body; we serve the voice of science for the nation. ASSAf members help shape national policies and ensure that research translates into meaningful impacts for communities,” added Prof Chetty.
Professor Tholene Sodi, SARChI Chair in Mental Health and Society at UL and an ASSAf member since 2023, highlights the importance of ASSAf membership in mentoring young scholars and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
Professor Sodi spoke about the value of membership, noting that ASSAf offers a platform for monitoring young scholars through the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), ensuring that evidence-based thinking informs public discourse and decision-making.Supporting this view, Professor Edward Montle, UL’s Associate Professor of English Literature and a newly inducted SAYAS member, highlighted that SAYAS provides young scientists with opportunities to influence the future of science through communication, capacity building, and partnerships that affect policy and drive innovation. Through its growing representation in ASSAf and SAYAS, UL continues to assert its role as a catalyst for research excellence, scientific collaboration, and transformative leadership in South Africa and beyond.
Prof Edward Montle, Associate Professor at UL and newly inducted member of SAYAS, emphasises that since joining the association, he aims to help nurture top young scientists and shape the future of science through innovative programmes.