Unisa Raises the Bar for Excellence with Major Celebration of Research Teaching and Service

The University of South Africa marked a historic moment on Monday evening as it honoured more than one hundred academics and professional staff at the inaugural Research Teaching and Engaged Scholarship Excellence Awards.

The event, held at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria, highlighted the institution’s commitment to recognising achievement across the full spectrum of academic and institutional contributions.

The ceremony was designed to showcase the diversity of talent across Unisa’s colleges and departments. Attendees included senior academics, early-career researchers, lecturers, innovators, and professional staff whose efforts ensure the university operates efficiently. By acknowledging contributions beyond traditional research outputs, the awards aim to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation across all levels of the institution.

Guests described the atmosphere as celebratory and inspiring. Staff who have long contributed behind the scenes received public acknowledgment alongside leading researchers and innovators. Many praised the inclusive nature of the awards, which formally recognised teaching excellence, professional service, and engaged scholarship for the first time in the university’s history.

Unlike previous awards that fo cused primarily on research, the new framework celebrates innovation, teaching, and service to the university and wider community. With twenty-five award categories, the ceremony recognised excellence in areas ranging from research and innovation to teaching and learning, as well as institutional leadership and community engagement.

Professor *Puleng LenkaBula*, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa, addressed the assembled guests and described the awards as a milestone for the university. “Excellence is not measured only in publications or patents. It is reflected in the way we teach the next generation of leaders, how we engage with our communities, and how we build a strong institution together. Tonight we celebrate all of these achievements,” she said.

“Seeing our work valued in this way makes us feel truly part of the university’s mission,” said one administrative staff member. “It motivates us to continue contributing at the highest level.”

The evening featured a range of award categories that reflected the university’s strategic priorities. Research awards celebrated significant academic publications and innovation projects, while teaching awards highlighted curriculum development, student success, and the use of creative approaches to learning. Engaged scholarship awards acknowledged work that connects academic study with community needs and societal challenges.

By combining these areas under a single platform, Unisa sent a clear message that the pursuit of excellence is not limited to a single dimension. Leaders from across the institution emphasised that innovation, teaching, and service are equally vital to the university’s vision of shaping knowledge, developing talent, and contributing to societal transformation.

Although a complete list of recipients has not yet been released publicly, the university confirmed that the awards recognised more than one hundred individuals. The scale and breadth of the recognition reflect Unisa’s growing commitment to inclusivity and institutional cohesion. Observers noted that the awards may help motivate staff, strengthen collaboration, and raise morale across the university.

Professor LenkaBula concluded her remarks by highlighting the importance of collective achievement. “Excellence is shared. It is built through collaboration, dedication, and commitment. These awards are a celebration not only of individual achievement but of the strength of Unisa as a whole,” she said.

Last night’s ceremony not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also highlighted Unisa’s evolving identity as a comprehensive institution committed to excellence in every facet of academic and professional life. It sent a clear message that the university values collaboration, innovation, and dedication, setting a benchmark for future generations of staff and students alike.

The awards ceremony represents a new era in how Unisa views institutional recognition. By formally valuing contributions across research, teaching, innovation, and service, the university reinforces a culture of excellence that is inclusive and holistic. Attendees left the event inspired and proud to be part of an institution that celebrates achievement in all its forms.

Looking forward, Unisa intends to make the Research Teaching and Engaged Scholarship Excellence Awards an annual tradition. University leadership has indicated plans to expand and refine the categories, further strengthening the link between recognition and the strategic goals of the institution.