The 2026 graduation season marked a significant milestone for the ACEP Phuhlisa Programme, hosted at the NRF-SAIAB, as students across partner universities celebrated academic achievement, career progression and research excellence. From Masters and PhD graduations to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, academic appointments and postgraduate advancements, the programme continues to nurture future leaders in marine and aquatic science.
The graduation season commenced on 14 April 2026 at the University of the Western Cape, where the DSTI-NRF-SAIAB Microplastics and Coastal Research Laboratory celebrated the achievements of its students. Masters graduates Tashreeqah Nero and Kezia Dreyer both successfully completed their degrees and have since secured employment. Honours graduate David Rispel has progressed to Masters studies at Stellenbosch University.
LEFT: Masters graduate; Kezia Dreyer with supervisor; Anusha Rajkaran. MIDDLE: Honours graduate; David Rispel with supervisor; Anusha Rajkaran. RIGHT: Masters graduate; Tashreeqah Nero with supervisor; Anusha Rajkaran.
On 4 May 2026, Walter Sisulu University celebrated the achievements of students from the DSTI-NRF-SAIAB Rural Coastal Sustainability Laboratory. The programme supported a cohort of 10 Honours students, of which seven students successfully graduated and progressed into Masters studies through the SAMOS Programme.
One of the programme’s standout success stories is Dr Naledi Nkohla, who officially graduated with his PhD and is now employed as a Lecturer at Walter Sisulu University. During his doctoral studies, Dr Nkohla published three peer-reviewed papers in internationally recognised journals, including the African Journal of Marine Science (2024), Diversity (2025) and Ecology and Evolution (2026) journals.
PhD candidate Dr Naledi Nkohla on stage receiving his PhD.
The University of Fort Hare celebrated its graduation ceremony on 5 May 2026, recognising the achievements of students from the DSTI-NRF-SAIAB Bioeconomy Laboratory. A cohort of nine Honours students successfully graduated, with several progressing into Masters studies through the SAMOS Programme, while others continued with their Masters studies at the University of Fort Hare.
The university also celebrated the graduation of two PhD candidates, Dr Sitha Ntlokwana and Dr Phila Sibanze. During his studies, Dr Sibanze supervised Masters students and has since transitioned into entrepreneurship as the Co-founder and CEO of Innocomgeospatial.
FIRST PICTURE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ACEP Phuhlisa Transformation Manager; Garth van Heerden, supervisor; Dr Ntombekhaya Nqumla; Honours graduates; Siphosethu Rhululu, Ndiphiwe Ndoda, Ogiyonke Klaas, PhD candidate Dr Sitha Ntlokwana; Emeritus Professor and Researcher; Graeme Bradley and Faculty Manager; Maria Smith. SECOND PICTURE: PhD candidate Dr Phila Sibandze.
On 15 May 2026, University of Zululand celebrated the graduation of 11 Honours students from the DSTI-NRF-SAIAB Ecotoxicology Laboratory. Several students progressed into Masters studies through the SAMOS Programme, while others continued with their Masters studies at the university.
The programme also celebrated graduates such as Skhumbuzo Ndwandwe, who graduated with his Master’s degree and has since secured employment.
University of Zululand Honours graduates.
The achievements celebrated during the 2026 graduation season reflect the continued impact of the ACEP Phuhlisa Programme in advancing transformation, research capacity development and academic excellence within South Africa’s marine and aquatic sciences sector. Through strategic partnerships with these Historically Disadvantaged Institutions, the programme continues to empower the next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators contributing to sustainable coastal and ocean development.
