‘The letter to the applicant with feedback is still being prepared and will be sent in due course. This rating will be valid from 1 January 2025. In the meantime, please inform the applicant of the outcome’. This was a request to Dr Anette Mienie, Director: Research, from the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Lizzy Ledwaba: Professional Officer: Ratings Awards. Ledwaba asked Dr Mienie to inform Dr Cyprian Ndumiso Ncobela that he has been awarded a ‘Y2’ rating. This is another feather in the MUT hat. An NRF Y rating is given to promising young researchers recognized as having the potential to become leaders in their field.
Responding to the news, Dr Ncobela, a lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, said he was grateful for the assistance he received from Dr Mienie; he described the message as “wonderful news”. “I am truly honoured and grateful for the recognition, and I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement from the Research Directorate,” Dr Ncobela said. Dr Ncobela, who specialises in Pig and Poultry Science, said the achievement reflects not only “my efforts but also the collaborative and supportive environment at MUT, which inspires me to strive for excellence”.
Dr Ncobela has published 23 scientific papers in DHET-accredited journals and has contributed three book chapters. He said his research interests have evolved, based on the challenges within the agricultural sector. “Presently, I am fascinated by understanding the drivers of pork consumption patterns in South Africa,” he said. Before joining MUT, Dr Ncobela worked as a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for three years.
Dr Ncobela recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology from the University of Cape Town, funded by the Teaching and Learning Development Centre (TLDC). “I also supervised a PhD student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), who completed the degree. This is my first PhD student to supervise to completion,” he said. Dr Ncobela said he aspires to mentor more postgraduate students and develop innovative strategies to enhance online learning for students.