A-rated scholar shares tips to move up the ranks as TUT applauds its 2025 Rated Researchers

Speaking at the Prestige Auditorium at the Pretoria Campus in Pretoria West on 25 November 2025, in a speech titled the “Road to A-Rating”, Prof Ogude said NRF ratings are for benchmarking, not motivation to do research.

The Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship – posited that research must be done for research’s sake and to contribute to knowledge, not for ratings.

Postgraduate support
He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that research has a component of training and building the capacity of postgraduate students. “Train good postgraduate students; they are the best ambassadors for any institution,” he said adding that universities must raise money internally and externally to fund postgraduate students.

“I have an incredible network because of the students I have trained over the years,” he added. 

As part of building a good postgraduates base, Prof Ogude encouraged researchers to host regular seminars for postgraduate students. “Students are the best critics of their peers,” which flowed from his remarks that researchers must welcome critique and not be discouraged by scathing criticism as this improves the rigour of their study. 

“Aim to publish with the best journals. Top outlets also have top circulation,” warning against self-publishing and publishing in unaccredited and predatory journals.

Prof Ogude emphasised the importance of collaboration with peers nationally and internationally, discouraging the culture of working in silos. 

Raise funds for research, he said, and underscored laboratories as central for research, urging universities to invest in good laboratories.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka highlights TUT’s research achievements for 2025. Continuous improvement 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka used her opening welcome to reflect on TUT’s research achievements, highlighting that the University increased its number of NRF-rated researchers from 43 in 2020 to 75 in 2025.

“Through the tremendous contribution of our rated researchers, our research output units increased from a low base of 274 in 2021 to 453 in 2022, to 461 in 2023 and for 2024, we submitted 631 units to Department of Higher Education and Training,” she said.  

“However, we are not where we are supposed to be; we still have a long way to go to unleash the full potential of our University. Our institution has the potential to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best universities in the world,” she emphasised.

She described the rated researchers as agents of transformation: “Your work influences how our students think, how our communities are served, and how our country responds to its most pressing challenges,” said Dr Papu-Zamxaka.

2025 Rated Researchers
A total of 15 researchers received new NRF ratings, while four others were re-evaluated in the 2025 academic year. 

TUT’s new C-rated researchers are Dr Robert Hans, Dr Ebenezer Megbowon, Prof Edward Rankhumise, Dr James Magidi, Prof Mzwamadoda Cekiso, Prof Janine Lewis, Prof Owen Seda, Prof Clemence Tarirai, Prof Mxolisi Shongwe, Dr Bryan Robinson, Prof Lizzy Monyatsi and Dr Maxleene Sandasi.

Mpho Makaleng, Dr Gbolahan Adekoya and Dr Mpho Muloiwa received new Y-ratings.

A special acknowledgment went to Dr Udochukwu Akuru whose rating was upgraded from Y2 to C1 through a special re-evaluation. Prof Gerald Steyn was re-rated C. Prof Amira Osman and Prof Patricia Popoola, received re-evaluation ratings of C.   Front row, from left to right, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Prof James Ogude, Director for Research and Innovation Dr Rita Raseleka, Violet Marape from the Office of the DVC: RIE, Deputy Director for Research, Niche Areas Dr Tshepo Lechaba and Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning (Natural and Agricultural Sciences) Dr Mathoto Taoge with 2025 Rated Researchers and TUT staff members.

Photos: Philasande Manqumakazi