Prof Mathonsi named Emerging Researcher of the Year at Science Oscars

Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information Technology, Prof Topside Mathonsi, received the coveted TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher at the National Science and Technology Forum-South32 (NSTF-South32) Awards.

Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information Technology, Prof Topside Mathonsi The award recognises his work in developing intelligent technologies that leverage AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to protect critical resources, including water, agriculture and essential infrastructure.

Prof Mathonsi was also a finalist for the Management Award for his contributions to technology and innovation-related activities apart from research.

The awards were held on 16 July 2026, under the theme “Healthy Ageing”, in line with the United Nations’ proclamation of 2021-2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Reflecting on the honour, Prof Mathonsi described the award as a shared achievement rather than an individual accomplishment. "I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received this prestigious recognition. Although the award bears my name, I do not regard it as a personal achievement alone. It represents the collective effort, encouragement, collaboration and support of many people who have walked this journey with me.

“Importantly, it reminds me of the responsibility that comes with recognition: to remain committed to ethical, relevant and impactful research that contributes to institutional development, national priorities and the advancement of society," he said.

Congratulating Prof Mathonsi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, commended his dedication and passion. “This award demonstrates your exceptional contribution to your field. As a University of Technology, it is in our DNA to produce cutting-edge research and problem-solving innovation. This award affirms TUT’s unwavering commitment to research excellence,” she said.

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) had a strong showing at the awards. Prof Alvaro Viljoen was a finalist for the Lifetime Award. Prof Viljoen, who is the DSTI-NRF Chair in Phytomedicine under the auspices of the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI),  is recognised for his work in advancing safe and quality herbal medicines to strengthen SA’s bioeconomy.

Prof Raymond Jansen, Full Professor of Zoology and Ecology in the Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences in the Faculty of Science, was a finalist for the Communication Award. He is renowned for transforming cutting-edge pangolin research into powerful public awareness and anti-trafficking action, helping to protect pangolins, which are among the world’s most endangered and trafficked mammals.

Dr Papu-Zamxaka congratulated the finalists and nominees for their impactful contribution to science, engineering, technology and innovation.

TUT earned a total of seven nominations this year. Dr Nangamso Nyangiwe, a Lecturer in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, was nominated for the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher. Full Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Director of the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), Prof Anish Kurien, was a nominee in two categories – the Science for Diplomacy Award and the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation.