I am a humble servant leader who is cemented on ethics and integrity without compromising my roots of ‘Ubuntu’ for ‘I am because we are’.” These powerful words from Professor Nosisi Feza convey the very essence of a leader who is transforming higher education in South Africa and beyond. As the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies, she is at the center of creating a research environment that is not only locally relevant but globally competitive and impactful.
Feza’s path in academia is deeply rooted in her family’s influence, particularly her late parents, who instilled in her the value of education. This foundation led her to become a full Professor in Mathematics Education, with a specific focus on young children’s mathematics stimulation and development. Her expertise in this field has been instrumental in shaping early childhood education policies and practices.
In her current role, Feza is strategically enhancing the research culture within her institution, aligning it with sustainable development goals, the Africa Agenda 2063, and the Department of Science Cadal Plan. This ambitious vision ensures that the research conducted under her leadership addresses pressing local issues while contributing to global knowledge.
What sets her apart is her unique blend of academic rigor and compassionate leadership. She approaches her role with a deep sense of purpose, driven by curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a quest for justice. Her leadership style, grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizes collective growth and mutual support.
Feza acknowledges the challenges of leading in academia but finds immense fulfillment in her work. She takes pride in encouraging purposeful lives, nurturing innovative ideas, and providing opportunities for others to grow. Her commitment to creating a legacy of sustainable change is evident in every aspect of her work. For her, higher education is more than just an institution; it’s a platform for transformative change. She believes in its power to liberate minds, create critical knowledge, and ultimately improve lives. Under her guidance, her institution is becoming a hub for progressive research and intellectual growth.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Feza’s leadership is her humility. She relishes the opportunity to lead a team of brilliant minds, viewing their expertise as a catalyst for her own development. This approach has created a collaborative research environment where ingenuity thrives and boundaries are continually pushed.
Let us learn more about her journey:
The Transformative Role of Feza in Academia
Feza’s role is to create a research-conducive environment where both academics and students can thrive, fostering innovative research that benefits society. As a humble servant leader, Feza is grounded in ethics and integrity, upholding the principles of “Ubuntu,” the belief that “I am because we are.” Feza’s ethos led them to the field of research leadership, driven by curiosity, problem-solving skills, a quest for justice, and a deep love for people.
Leading in academia is no easy task, but it is highly fulfilling for Feza. They find motivation in the knowledge that they are encouraging purposeful lives, enhancing innovative ideas and inventions to improve lives, providing growth opportunities for others, and contributing to a sustainable legacy through their work.
Feza believes that higher education is the ideal platform to influence change and transform lives. By liberating people’s minds and creating critical knowledge for better lives and healthier environments, she strives to make a lasting impact. Relationships built on trust, respect, and integrity are at the core of Feza’s approach, as the primary agenda in higher education is knowledge creation and problem-solving.
The most fascinating and exciting aspect of her role is the opportunity to lead intelligent people who are more knowledgeable than themselves. This, in turn, serves as a bonus to Feza’s own personal and professional development.
A Comprehensive Rural Institution Shaping South Africa’s Future
The University of Venda is a comprehensive rural- based institution located in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Established in 1982 under the then-Republic of Venda government, the university was initially intended to serve the inhabitants of Venda Bantustan. However, its student body has always been diverse, drawing students from all over the Northern Transvaal and, after the end of Apartheid, from across South Africa.
Situated in a unique region bordering several Southern African countries, the University of Venda is influenced by the diverse vegetation, tropical highlands, and higher temperatures of its surrounding environment. This rural setting carries the historical legacy of South Africa’s Apartheid-era black universities, which often faced exclusion, a lack of resources, and limited program offerings.
Now in its 42nd year, the University of Venda is considered one of the Historical Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. Importantly, the university is situated within a UNESCO-declared Biosphere, underscoring its role in serving the local community and promoting sustainable development. Despite its challenging origins, the University of Venda has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its four faculties.
Remarkable Journey in Higher Education
Feza’s career in higher education has been marked by numerous highlights and achievements. Her first experience in higher education was at the University of Port Elizabeth, now known as Nelson Mandela University, where she acknowledged being different and African as a minority among white colleagues. This university became her home, where she developed into an academic, author, innovative lecturer, and assertive adult.
Feza’s second major highlight was receiving a Fulbright scholarship to pursue a PhD at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Studying at Buffalo was a transformative experience, as she became part of a diverse university community. For the first time in her life as a Black South African, she felt empowered, had a voice, and recognized her wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
In October 2008, she was the recipient of the Inaugural Leroy and Margaret H. Callahan Scholarship, awarded to postgraduate students with resilient and rigorous research skills. Feza’s confidence grew, and she graduated in May 2009, receiving the Diversity Scholar Award from Michigan University in October of the same year.
After her studies, Feza had the opportunity to work in the United States as a research fellow at the University of Northern Iowa, another highlight in her career. Upon returning to South Africa, she embraced various leadership opportunities with enthusiasm and enjoyed every moment.
Despite facing challenges, such as the loss of her sisters and aunt while studying in New York and the devastating vandalism of her home in Port Elizabeth, Feza remained resilient and focused on her goals. She believes that these challenges were part of her growth and realization that people and material things are temporary.
Today, Nosisi Feza is a full professor and the head of the Institute of Science and Technology Education at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. She has received numerous awards, including the Women in STEM Award by HERS-SA in August 2033 and the Alumni Achiever Award by Nelson Mandela University in March 2023.
The Appointment of a Visionary Leader
The University of Venda sought a versatile and forward-thinking individual to take on the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies. After a thorough evaluation, they identified Feza as the ideal candidate for the position.
Feza’s strategic mindset, visionary leadership, and ambitious nature shone through during the recruitment process. Their curriculum vitae showcased an impressive academic journey, with measurable milestones that demonstrated their capabilities. Her ability to engage with the university’s strategy and take ownership of it, coupled with a clear plan to ensure the key performance areas were realized, further solidified their suitability for the role.
Moreover, Feza’s character, which is guided by ethical principles and integrity, instilled confidence in the university’s leadership. They saw the potential for her leadership to drive positive change and propel the institution forward. The University of Venda recognized Feza’s unique blend of skills, vision, and values, making them the ideal choice to take on the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies.
A Strategic Approach
Feza’s arrival at the University of Venda marked a significant turning point. As the institution’s first Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, she faced the challenge of adapting to the existing culture and aligning it with national priorities. The task was not an easy one, as the practices in place were not entirely compatible with the desired direction.
Recognizing the need for a strategic approach, Feza employed a parallel strategy of design and persuasion. Firstly, she worked diligently to create and approve policies within the first six months of their tenure, collaborating closely with intelligent academics to ensure a collective effort. Simultaneously, she utilized the Senate committees to persuade for quality practices and integrity, a task that proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Once the policies were in place and approved, the committees were regulated, and quality practices were monitored by all involved. This process unveiled hidden challenges related to research and student supervision, which were addressed collegially. Feza then designed a comprehensive research and innovation strategy, incorporating data collected from the Senate committees and the contributions of researchers.
Additionally, a residency strategy for postgraduate students was developed and approved, further empowering her leadership.
The strategies implemented by Feza provided clear direction to academics at various levels, which she then used to inform performance management for research and innovation. These interventions aimed to enhance the overall quality of the institution’s academic endeavors. The impact of her strategic approach can be observed in the University of Venda’s improved national performance and ranking, as well as its growing attractiveness to students.
Strategies for Building a Research Ethos of Excellence and Innovation
Feza has implemented a series of strategic initiatives to foster a research ethos that encourages superiority and novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students. As the year 2023 drew to a close, she and her team reflected on their strengths and identified two niche areas. They then engaged with the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa 2063 aspirations, and the DSI-Cadal plan, aligning their efforts with these national, international, and regional imperatives. By measuring their performance against these goals, Feza has ensured that their research ethos remains relevant, impactful, and entrepreneurial.
Feza’s team has already developed an entrepreneurial strategy, and their commercialization strategy is currently in the consultation phase. Parallel to this, they have designed and are continuously pursuing a strategy of greatness, despite the limitations of her five-year contract.
Three patents have met all the requirements for commercialization, and a new strategy has been implemented to identify novel ideas and innovations for patenting and commercialization in a timely manner.
However, Feza recognizes the need to strengthen their industrial partnerships, as working together benefits society as a whole.
Aligning Institutional Priorities for Sustainable Impact
Feza emphasizes the importance of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa 2063, and the DSI Cadal Plan into the organization’s strategic direction. The institution has recently completed a policy on academic mentorship and is now focused on aligning its key performance areas for 2025 with this integrated plan, embedding the mentorship program into the performance management system.
The 2025 performance contract will prioritize relevance and impact in research, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. The appraisal system will capitalize on demonstrating tangible impact. To facilitate monitoring and timely intervention, the institution has an automated system for capturing outputs and research projects, which will be integrated with its reporting and progress tracking in 2024.
Recognizing the importance of external recognition, the institution will continue to participate in ranking platforms to maintain the momentum of quality performance improvement. By the end of 2024, the institution aims to have a plan that responds to the South African President’s State of the Nation thematic call, aligning with its niche areas, strategic development goals, Africa 2063, and enhancing its overall relevance.
Strengthening industrial partnerships is a priority for 2024, as the institution seeks to collaborate with industry players in rebuilding the economy. Additionally, the institution will work on its risk register to develop mitigation strategies and plans, ensuring preparedness for potential challenges.
Managing the Priorities of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor
As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Feza outlines the key focus areas that will be at the forefront of her agenda in the coming year. Firstly, she underscores the importance of concentrated research efforts in the institution’s niche domains, ensuring that the work conducted has a tangible impact on the surrounding society.
Secondly, Feza emphasizes the significance of providing high-quality supervision to postgraduate students, nurturing their growth and development. Additionally, she aims to capitalize on novel and innovative ideas that can drive impact and sustainability within the institution.
Feza also highlights the value of purposeful collaborations and the enhancement of existing centers of brilliance. Finally, she recognizes the need for proactive fundraising initiatives to support multidisciplinary collaborative projects that align with the institution’s strategic objectives. By addressing these priorities, she aims to steer the institution towards greater heights of academic perfection, societal relevance, and long-term sustainability.
Empowering Academia through Administrative Mastery
As a rector, Feza wielded immense power, harnessing her administrative prowess to navigate the realms of procurement, facility management, and infrastructural planning. She seamlessly integrated academic and administrative needs, crafting a harmonious environment conducive to the academic project’s success.
The deanery served as a springboard, equipping Feza with the necessary skills for research administration. She fostered a vibrant research culture, strategically planning for research, innovation, teaching, and learning. Innovation emerged as a shining beacon during her Deanery tenure, as the University of Technology witnessed groundbreaking inventions that positively impacted health through multidisciplinary collaborations between art and engineering.
Feza’s tireless participation in research empowered her, allowing her to empathize with academics and understand their challenges firsthand. This wisdom enabled her to create a nurturing environment for research, ensuring that policies and strategies addressed students’ needs and provided the necessary support.
Championing Equitable Mathematics Education
Feza’s research interest is her lifeline. She has amassed an impressive portfolio, including 28 articles in peer- reviewed journals, 3 published reports, 12 book chapters, 1 book, and 9 published proceedings papers. Her crowning achievement is an innovative contribution: an illustrative mathematics dictionary for children from reception class to 10th grade.
Feza’s research in mathematics education has evolved, deeply influenced by her personal experiences of poor- quality education, language exclusion, and limited resources. Over time, she has come to understand that injustice often begins during a child’s conception and continues to grow within the environmental impediments they face.
Feza’s research clearly indicates that all children possess intellectual curiosity, and how this curiosity is stimulated and developed becomes crucial in their first seven years of life. Her work has shed light on the gaps, challenges, and lack of understanding regarding the neurological aspects of raising a child, ensuring their intellectual development is fairly capacitated without marginalization.
Feza firmly believes that social justice is the key to realizing quality stimulation for mathematical development, as mathematical thinking is the foundation of all learning. She recognizes that providing access to education of poor quality is no better than the injustice of providing none at all.
Empowering Female Researchers
Feza’s impressive NRF rating has served as a powerful tool to motivate academics to aim high, as she has led by example. She understands that leadership is not just about giving orders, but about demonstrating the path forward. Feza’s NRF rating is not a permanent achievement; it is reviewed every five years, and it can be easily lost once one joins the leadership ranks.
However, she considers it her responsibility to maintain or enhance her rating to show others that nothing is impossible if one sets their mind to it.
Feza’s impact is particularly evident at the University of Venda, where she has successfully influenced female researchers. Upon her arrival, there were only three female rated researchers at the university. Today, there are eleven black female rated researchers, a significant improvement, and more are expected to follow. Feza’s success has taught her colleagues that achieving such heights is indeed possible, even in the face of challenges.
The Vital Role of Young Researchers
The future of research and higher education rests squarely on the shoulders of young students and novice researchers. Their contributions are essential for the sustainability of academia. Prioritizing opportunities for these young minds and supporting postgraduate students is a crucial step in creating a positive, lasting legacy.
Working alongside young researchers and students benefits the entire academic community. Their fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and grounded understanding of reality help drive evolution and relevance. Generational innovation demands continuous development for all academics, making the role of young researchers pivotal.
These young individuals bring a wealth of new ideas that can lead to novel solutions and deeper understanding. They must be supported, encouraged, and recognized for the invaluable role they play in directing the future of research and higher education.
Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural South Africa
The University of Venda stands at a pivotal juncture where its unique attributes and strategic geographical position can greatly contribute to South Africa’s economy and food security. Recognizing its potential, the university is prioritizing the establishment of centers of perfection to advance scientific endeavors aimed at addressing societal challenges, fostering innovation for improved quality of life, and preserving the natural environment.
The University of Venda is a trailblazer in understanding the interconnectedness of the environment, people, air, and water through its thriving “Ubuntu” project. This initiative underscores the university’s passion for holistic approaches that respect and integrate these vital elements.
Now, the university is poised to take a leadership role in collaborating with industries and the government to provide quality nutrition to the citizens of South Africa, thereby enhancing both the well-being of the population and the nation’s economic perseverance.
