By Benevolent Mapholo and Siyamthanda Ndinisa
The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) celebrated the academic achievements of its 2026 graduates during a special ceremony held on 19 October 2026, recognising postgraduate students and staff members who successfully completed their qualifications while highlighting the importance of developing the next generation of researchers.
Between January and October 2026, NRF-SAIAB recorded 25 postgraduate graduates, comprising nine Honours, ten Master’s and six PhD graduates, with a further four students expected to graduate in December. These achievements reflect the Institute’s continued commitment to postgraduate education, research capacity development and scientific excellence.
Addressing the graduates, NRF-SAIAB Managing Director, Professor Albert Chakona, expressed his pride in their achievements while challenging them to use their knowledge to address real-world challenges. “You are creators of knowledge. But I also want to challenge you to go even further. We are not training you to simply acquire qualifications or accumulate information. We are training you to develop practical innovations that can help save our environment and contribute to long-term sustainability.”
Prof Chakona further emphasised the importance of education, innovation and investment in science in unlocking Africa’s potential. He encouraged graduates to pursue research that addresses the continent’s pressing challenges while contributing knowledge of global relevance. He also highlighted the importance of building strong research institutions that create opportunities, support scientific discovery and nurture future leaders.
Welcoming attendees and congratulating the graduates, NRF-SAIAB Acting Chief Scientist and Principal Scientist, DSTI/NRF-SAIAB SARChI Chair, Professor Julie Coetzee, reflected on the perseverance and dedication required to complete postgraduate studies. “Earning this degree is not just about your academic ability, you have to have commitment to uncertainty. Resilience when your experiments fail. You have to be patient, especially when progress feels slow.”
Prof Coetzee acknowledged the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with work and personal commitments, emphasising that postgraduate success requires patience, determination and resilience, particularly during periods when progress seems slow and the finish line feels distant.
NRF-SAIAB Senior Scientist, Professor Francesca Porri celebrated the graduation of two PhD students during this October graduation season. Dr Nobuhle Phumzile Mpanza’s research focused on co-creating nature-based coastal structures with local communities while drawing on Indigenous innovations. Dr Jabulani Ndaba completed his PhD in Fisheries Science despite significant infrastructure-related delays. Through patience and collaboration, he navigated these challenges and made productive use of his time while awaiting access to equipment.
On the left is Dr Nobuhle Mpanza and on the right is Dr Jabulani Ndaba
Supervised by NRF-SAIAB Senior Scientist, Professor Nikki James under the Seascape Ecology Research group, Omphemetse Kelebogile Mokwa graduated with an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape. Reflecting on her journey, Omphemetse shared the financial challenges she faced: “I had funding issues. This was financially difficult because I had to balance the demands of research and studying with the need to support myself.” With support from NRF-SAIAB, which covered essential project costs, including travel and accommodation, she was able to navigate these challenges. Access to NRF-SAIAB’s research facilities also strengthened her confidence and technical skills, supporting her development as an emerging scientist.
On the picture: Omphemetse Kelebogile Mokwa
Supervised by Professor Julie Coetzee, Hlumelo Mantshi graduated with an MSc with Distinction even though it wasn’t an easy road for him. During his final year, he lost his father three months before his submission deadline and also encountered challenges during data collection as some of his field sites were flooded during the sampling period but Hlumelo didn’t give up on his master’s journey. “Despite these challenges, I was able to persevere with the support of a strong supervisory team, my friends, family, and colleagues, who provided both academic guidance and emotional support. NRF-SAIAB played a significant role in my research journey by providing funding that enabled me to undertake and complete my MSc research,” said Hlumelo.
On the picture is Hlumelo Mantshi
The achievements of these graduates highlight the value of partnerships between NRF-SAIAB, universities, and local communities in supporting emerging scientists. Through funding, access to research facilities, laboratory support and opportunities for professional collaboration, these partnerships help postgraduate students overcome challenges, develop their scientific skills and contribute new knowledge and innovative approaches to aquatic and environmental research.
