Her passion and dedication for her work have earned Dr Nike Romano, Lecturer in the Department of Applied Design, a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.

“I have always been interested in the relationship between arts-based pedagogies, social justice, and the decolonisation of curricula within the South African higher education landscape. Linked to this a ‘reconfiguring’ of traditional, often Eurocentric, approaches that disrupt established canons and create more inclusive and socially just learning environments.

I am inspired by affective, embodied, co-creative making, and collaborative approaches to learning that encourage "more-than-linguistic" modes of knowledge production and values diverse forms of knowledge that empower students as active participants in their learning,” she says.

Romano is fascinated by how art and design give expression to and can teach us about culture.

“As an undergraduate I studied graphic design at Michaelis Art School. I then went on to do a BA in art history and economic history. At the time I remember feeling very frustrated by how isolated the respective disciplines were because I could see the overlaps between them. For me, not only were these rich multi-layered spaces more interesting, but they were incubators of new knowledges. My postgraduate journey in Fine Art led me to explore knowledge making within these liminal spaces. These learnings in turn spawned my PhD that focused on the affordances of art-based pedagogies in reconfiguring curricula.”

She shared the following about her recent projects and research goals:

“Recently, I have been researching hydrofeminism and oceanic studies with Vivienne Bozalek and Tamara Shefer which has been very exciting. I also participate in the Transcontinental lab on affects, diversity and education that is hosted by Dorthe Staunæs at Aarhus University in Denmark. This is an exciting network where scholars share their research, it is always interesting to learn with others.

“My goal is to develop a research project that looks at how post-qualitative inquiry can inform different ways of doing design education in South Africa. Postqualitative inquiry challenges traditional research methods by foregrounding how knowing is much more than a cognitive activity and that material encounters are vital parts of the inquiry process. 

Romano hails from Cape Town and attended seven different schools.

“I think this might be why I am so interested in different learning styles and approaches because each school surfaced different challenges for me. My first love has always been making, be it art or craft, these practices continue to be my happy space. My other love is ocean swimming which I try and do as often as I can.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dr Samantha Meyer, wants her research to have a meaningful impact.

The dedicated researcher, whose personal mission is to support promising female students to become accomplished scientists, has been awarded a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.

“I am deeply honoured and pleased to have been awarded a C2 rating. The C2 rating characterises me as being an established researcher with a sustained record of productivity. This acknowledgment will improve my national and international standing in my area of research and should support my career advancement at CPUT. It will also lead to new collaborations, additional grant funding and the attraction of excellent postgraduate students.”

She said the recognition also led to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) appointing her as an Adjunct Research Fellow in the Department of Biotechnology.

“I have completed all my tertiary education (from undergraduate BSc to my Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences) at the UWC, so this appointment is indeed very special to me and opens up many exciting opportunities for my postgraduate students.”

Meyer has built her research themes around the impact of medicinal plants in phytomedicine and phytonanotechnology and their application to infectious diseases. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 - good health and well-being.

“My research involves extracting bioactive components from medicinal plants and using these active compounds to synthesise a range of nanoparticles to investigate antimicrobial activity and wound healing.”

She grew up in Umkomaas on the south coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal and as a child her dream was to become a teacher.

“During my undergraduate studies, listening to my lecturers talk about their research motivated me to consider postgraduate studies in the medical sciences. I was then introduced to the fascinating world of medicinal plants. This unveiled a whole new horizon for me; I realised that I could pursue my love of teaching and science by becoming an academic researcher.”

She strives to inspire her students and “make them believe that they too are capable of greatness if they work hard”.

“In South Africa, women are still under-represented in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, hence a very important personal mission for me is to support promising female students to become accomplished scientists.”

Meyer hopes her research will make a difference.

“I believe that my research must have a meaningful impact and for this reason an important consideration for me is how my research can be applied to solve problems in human health. The research work that I have been doing thus far has provided scientific evidence to validate the traditional use of some medicinal plants. This information will be valuable to those who use these plants in traditional medicine.

“My scientific studies have also shown that Green Nanotechnology can enhance the medicinal properties of plants, and these nanoparticles can be used to combat a variety of infectious diseases. In the future these can potentially be used for the development of novel treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Promising young researcher Dr Kathleen Naidoo says being awarded a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation has motivated her to continue to pursue impactful, innovative and socially relevant research.

“This is a significant milestone in my career. Being recognised by the National Research Foundation for the quality and impact of my research is truly an overwhelming feeling,” says the Senior Lecturer in the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department.

Her research has two main focus areas - patient experience and students’ learning journey.

“The patient focus is on enhancing the patient experience in medical imaging by promoting a person-centred care (PCC) approach. This focus aims to improve both the quality of care and the overall healthcare experience for patients.

“Additionally, being an academic, I have a deep passion for teaching, and I am committed to excellence in radiography education with a special interest in student well-being during workplace learning. I believe that providing emotional and psychological support is essential for helping students thrive in often high-pressure clinical settings. My NRF rating further motivates me to continue developing innovative strategies that support compassionate care for patients and creating meaningful, supportive learning environments for students. “

Naidoo said her passion for research began at the start of her academic journey.

“From the outset, I was captivated by the continuous process of discovery, critical inquiry, and the dynamic nature of knowledge development. This fascination with learning and curiosity about the evolving landscape of research ultimately led me to pursue my doctorate.

“My Doctoral supervisor, Dr Heather Lawrence, was instrumental in helping me understand and appreciate the value of research. Engaging in research has deepened my appreciation for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and the importance of maintaining an open and inquisitive mindset. These values have become the foundation of both my academic and professional pursuits, shaping the way I approach challenges, contribute to the field, and mentor others.”

She said research has enriched her personal and professional growth.

“During my time as a clinical radiographer, it became evident that the medical imaging field placed substantial emphasis on the advancement of technologies and equipment. However, this technological focus often came at the expense of caring for the patient. Despite being the key stakeholders in healthcare, patients were frequently overlooked, underscoring a critical gap in clinical practice. This prompted me to undertake my doctorate, which explored the teaching of caring to medical imaging students.”

She hopes to contribute to a paradigm shift in how medical imaging departments integrate patient perspectives into clinical decision-making, service delivery and technology advancement.

“Locally, I hope to influence clinical radiographers to reevaluate their current practices and develop a more holistic approach to patients and students. I am currently part of an international team of radiographers exploring the international perspectives of person-centred care with the aim of developing strategies to deliver informed measures of care for patients. At a national level, I am part of a collaborative team of educators dedicated to exploring and enhancing student well-being within workplace-based learning (WPL) environments. Our work focuses on identifying challenges, sharing best practices, and developing evidence-informed strategies to support students during clinical training.”

In terms of future goals, she aims to continue to embed compassion in her teaching and research.

“I hope to be a voice for patients and students with the aim of developing a more supportive and kind medical imaging environment. As future healthcare professionals, students play a critical role in shaping the quality and culture of care. By fostering resilience, ethical awareness, and compassion in radiography students, we contribute to the development of a more effective and empathetic medical imaging workforce, ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients.”

Naidoo is originally from Durban and deeply values its rich culture and heritage.

“My background has significantly shaped my perspective on healthcare, particularly in understanding the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive care practices.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The acting Head of the Emergency Medical Sciences Department, Dr Simphiwe Sobuwa, has earned a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), marking a major milestone in his academic journey.

A Y-rating is allocated to promising young researchers, and Sobuwa said the acknowledgement was an honour.

 “It affirms the value of my contributions to research in emergency medical care and, more importantly, positions me to lead impactful, collaborative projects. It’s also a validation of years of work committed to both academic scholarship and real-world health system improvement. The rating opens new doors to funding, mentorship, and visibility that I intend to use to advance my research agenda and mentor emerging scholars in the field.”

 With firsthand experience as a frontline paramedic, Sobuwa is deeply aware of the pressures faced by emergency personnel.

“My research focus is centred on the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics, particularly in the context of South Africa’s complex and often under-resourced emergency care systems. I am also deeply interested in health workforce development, postgraduate education, and prehospital system strengthening.

“What drew me to this area is the disconnect I observed between the high expectations placed on paramedics and the limited support structures available to sustain their mental and emotional health. This gap has personal and professional relevance, having worked on the frontline myself, and I believe research in this space is both urgent and transformative.”

 A pivotal moment in shaping this research direction came during his Master’s research on prehospital airway management in traumatic brain injury.

“That project made me realise how limited the evidence base was for many of the decisions paramedics are forced to make in high-pressure environments. Another defining experience was my involvement in student support and curriculum development, which highlighted systemic issues affecting both learning and wellbeing. These experiences laid the foundation for my current focus on mental health, transition shock, and resilience among paramedics, particularly those early in their careers.”

Asked what attracted him to the field of Emergency Medical Care and who or what inspired him along the way, he replied: “Emergency medical care is fast-paced and high-stakes, and I’ve always been drawn to its intensity, urgency, and potential for impact.

“I am currently participating in the Future Professors Programme and have been inspired by some of the top-rated researchers that we have encountered such as Prof Jonathan Jansen, and my mentor, Prof Lehana Thabane, who publishes a minimum of 80 papers annually.”

In terms of his future goals, Sobuwa’s immediate goal is to lead a multi-institutional study on the mental health trajectories of paramedics in South Africa, including the development of a mental health support toolkit co-designed with practitioners.

“I’m also interested in comparative work across African EMS systems to understand how different contexts shape workforce wellbeing. I’d like to strengthen partnerships with mental health professionals, EMS services, and postgraduate researchers interested in health systems and workforce resilience. Ultimately, I want to build a research programme that is collaborative, policy-relevant, and grounded in the lived realities of frontline emergency care providers.”

Originally from Mthatha, the researcher enjoys regular gym sessions and has a passion for hiking. “I have done the Otter, Leopard, and Whale trails. I have also done several hikes in the Drakensberg and have summited Kilimanjaro.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr Taskeen Docrat’s decision to pursue a career in research was driven by a firm belief in its power to solve health challenges.

The groundbreaking work of the junior researcher at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute has been recognised with a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

“Receiving the NRF Y-rating is a huge affirmation of my research's quality and potential as an early-career scientist. It significantly boosts my profile and opens doors for funding and collaborations, reinforcing my commitment to innovative research and a long-term career in science.”

Her research explores novel strategies for the prevention and early intervention of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. She says that seeing the struggles of those with neurological conditions inspired her interest in the field.

“What drew me to this area was the limited treatment options available and the devastating effects on individuals who suffer from it. Specifically, my work focuses on the use of natural compounds to prevent the development of the disease, focusing on mitochondrial health, oxidative stress and inflammation.

“So far, I have identified specific pathways through which Rooibos exerts its effects. This adds value to the research field, moving us a step closer to offering hope to the public.”

Last year she also earned recognition for her work when she was awarded the Distinguished Young Women Researcher: Natural and Engineering Sciences Award at the South African Women in Science Awards.

Her interest in molecular neuroscience began during her PhD studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Understanding how this powerful organ is affected by disease states has shaped my research direction. Engaging with both local and international like-minded colleagues over the years has expanded my knowledge in the field.”

Docrat aims to enhance CPUT’s research profile and contribute to the advancement of local neuroscience.

“My goal is to foster collaborations within South Africa while also making a meaningful impact on a global scale. By identifying new therapeutic targets, I aim to accelerate the development of effective interventions that can help alleviate the burden of diseases such as Alzheimer's.”

She has the following advice for other early-career researchers who are passionate about making a difference in health through science: “…build resilience and remember that setbacks don’t define you. Instead, they are learning opportunities. Find your passion and niche. Build a strong network and embrace multi-disciplinarity research; it takes a village to make research impactful. Master your communication skills, both scientific and layman, seek good mentorship, and always stay curious. Remember, your work contributes to improving lives; let that vision drive you.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Prof Zayd Waghid it’s a deeply meaningful and humbling experience to receive his NRF rating alongside his brother and the achievement is not just a personal milestone but a shared family moment that underscores their parallel academic journeys.

Waghid who has received his C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) alongside his brother, Dr Faiq Waghid, said it was rare to walk such similar paths at the same time, and it brings with it a profound sense of pride, gratitude, and mutual respect.

 The Acting Director of the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education continued: “We were raised in a family that values education, critical thinking, and social responsibility. There was always encouragement to question, to read, to reflect and to use our knowledge in the service of others. Our parents instilled in us a strong sense of purpose and discipline, and that ethos has shaped how we approach our academic work.”

Reflecting on his brother’s achievement, Zayd said: “I am proud of my brother for reaching this milestone and [I] believe that he will continue to grow professionally and personally. Remain humble and dedicated to the communities we serve.”

The NRF uses a rating system to assess the quality and impact of researchers’ outputs. The prestigious national recognition serves as a useful benchmark to gauge whether researchers are emerging or established in their respective disciplines.

This national recognition is a vital benchmark for determining whether researchers are emerging talents or established leaders in their fields. Waghid’s C3 rating unequivocally highlights him as an established researcher. His case is noteworthy because he proactively requested a re-rating through the Designated Authority at CPUT before his previous rating—a Y-2—was set to expire in 2026. It’s important to emphasise that a Y-rating is exclusively awarded to individuals under the age of 40, making Waghid’s achievement particularly exceptional. “Given my age of 39, receiving a C-rating is a significant achievement.”

His rating underscores his established position in the field of social justice through educational technology within the context of teacher education. He holds the interim position of SARCHi Chair in Teacher Education, where he is involved in several projects aligned with the Chair’s objectives. Notably, one project, which has recently concluded, is dedicated to a book on Initial Teacher Education in South Africa, scheduled for publication later this year by Africa Sun Media. In addition, a project specifically related to my research rating focuses on Global Citizenship Education, which is funded by the NRF for three years with a funding allocation of R1.4 million.

“It’s a significant achievement for me as it shows that my research has been recognised by experts as both advancing my research area and having an impact… And one that I am immensely proud of, despite being in higher education for just over 10 years. It means that the teaching excellence awards I received at CPUT and at the national level, with the CHE-HELTASA Award in 2019, being a Future Professors Programme Alumnus and a Fulbright Scholar, contributed towards the achievement of my rating.”

Waghid who is inspired by his father, Prof Yusef Waghid, an emeritus professor at Stellenbosch University, has notable highlights, including obtaining a Fulbright Scholarship, where he spent time at Cornell University in 2024, and completing the DHET Future Professors Programme in 2023.

 He wants to continue to mentor the next generation of academics, and this means creating spaces for them to grow. “I believe that I can only grow through my interactions with others. I aspire to be an internationally acclaimed researcher, something that can only happen with time and continued commitment.” 

The father who enjoys spending time with his kid says CPUT has offered him opportunities that he could not have acquired from more developed traditional institutions. “I would not have imagined being an acting SARChI Chair during my career. The previous DVC: RTIP, Dr David Phaho, was instrumental in enabling this to happen.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr Najwa Norodien-Fataar has expressed her heartfelt gratitude and “profound honour” after receiving a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

She views this milestone as a significant recognition of her years of hard work, learning, and resilience. It stands as a personal and professional testament to her dedication, and it truly reflects the journey she has taken. The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating is part of the NRF's evaluation system, which assesses researchers based on the quality and impact of their work over a sustained period. It serves as a benchmark of excellence and encourages continued high-quality research output.

“It’s a meaningful moment of reflection, acknowledging my parents and forefathers who influenced my research. I am also grateful for the invaluable support of my family, mentors, and colleagues. Their encouragement has played a vital role in this achievement. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute even more purposefully to my field.”

The compassionate Head of the Curriculum Development Unit at Fundani CHED remarks that the rating acknowledges her work as having been recognised by her peers and having a significant influence in her field. This rating recognises her as an established researcher in Higher Education Studies, a discipline that bridges practice and scholarship. Additionally, it highlights her influence and recognition within the national research community, along with her strong national presence and impact.

“My focus on the assets of first-generation students was recognised by reviewers as a crucial niche area, receiving commendation for its 'ethical orientation to social change’. Furthermore, my work on the disparate educational support landscapes across tertiary institutions was acknowledged, drawing attention to how the needs of students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are often overlooked or rendered invisible in higher education.”

Achieving this rating substantially boosts her ability to secure research funding, foster collaborations, and engage in scholarly networks, enhancing her capacity for postgraduate supervision and policy development. Norodien-Fataar, who enjoys facilitating book club discussions, sees this rating as a recognition of her research quality, propelling her toward ambitious scholarly goals and enabling her to form stronger research partnerships and mentor emerging scholars.

The highlight of her career was completing her doctoral studies and publishing impactful research. She also developed a mentoring programme for undergraduate students at CPUT. Challenges included navigating complexities in higher education and balancing multiple roles at Fundani CHED. For CPUT, her work enhances the institution's research reputation and commitment to relevant knowledge production. She aims to deepen her research across Africa and globally, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and promoting an inclusive academic culture. Additionally, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of scholars and aiding academic development practitioners.
Careful planning, strong boundaries, and a supportive family environment help her balance her demanding academic commitments with family life, ensuring that neither is neglected.

Norodien-Fataar greatly appreciates the significant support from CPUT, particularly through research funding and institutional encouragement. The contributions of Fundani CHED and other important structures, like the Research Development Directorate, have been critical to my progress.

“To aspiring scholars: Stay consistent, be patient, and nurture your curiosity. Keep pushing forward with persistence and purpose, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Success often comes with ups and downs, but with resilience and clear focus, your efforts can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Her work is profoundly influenced by esteemed academics in education and academic development, as well as by her family, colleagues, and community. Fuelled by a passion to make a difference in students' lives and to transform higher education in South Africa, this vision has always been a guiding light for her.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Listening to the voices of children has always been at the heart of Dr Naseema Shaik’s research.

Her journey has taken her from an Early Childhood teacher to Head: Foundation Phase Teaching in the Education Faculty, and now she is honoured to add a new milestone – a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.

“This recognition affirms my standing as an established researcher with a sustained publication record, particularly within the South African early childhood education research community. Importantly, it also acknowledges the growing international visibility of my work.”

“I am particularly interested in children's participatory rights and participatory pedagogies, with a focus on how pre-service teachers and in-service teachers are supported in embracing these approaches. This line of inquiry seeks to reframe the child not as a passive recipient of knowledge but as an active participant in their own learning and development.”

Shaik, who has served as a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, is passionate about the transformative role of research in society.

Her doctoral studies, undertaken at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, explored the nature of child participation in Grade R, which laid the foundation for her current research trajectory.

“I view research not merely as an academic exercise but as a vehicle for advocacy and social change. My work aspires to contribute to social justice by highlighting the importance of including children's voices in educational policy and practice, particularly in a democratic society such as South Africa. I also examine how meaningful child participation can enhance the quality of early childhood education.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.