The University of Venda (UNIVEN) continues to strengthen its global research engagement through the participation of Professor Lufuno Makhado from the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the Madiba Nexus International Workshop: Advancing Balanced North–South Research Partnerships. The workshop was held from 20 to 23 January 2026 at Nelson Mandela University’s Summerstrand South Campus.
Prof Lufuno Makhado during engagement at the Mandela Nexus International Workshop
Renowned for its commitment to fostering equitable, ethical, and impactful global research collaborations, the workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including re-searchers, research managers, institutional leaders, and funding partners. Supported by the British Academy through its Equitable Partnerships Workshops Follow-On Funding, the initia-tive provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. In collaboration with several prestigious universities from Africa and beyond, the workshop aimed to enhance the quality, reach, and sustainability of research through inclusive partner-ships that address pressing global challenges. Participants engaged in rich discussions and shared best practices, underscoring the central role of collaboration in advancing innovation and knowledge across borders.
Prof Azwinndini Muronga, DVC Research, Innovation and Internalisation, Nelson Mandela University; and Prof Peter Wisiuba Bukhala, DVC Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Masinde Muliro University of Sci-ence and Technology (MMUST), Kenya
Dr Ying Chen from the University of Southampton, UK and Dr Conor Snowden from the University of Edin-burgh, UK
Professor Makhado participated primarily in the Research Management Stream, which focused on strengthening institutional systems and research support across the entire research lifecy-cle. Sessions in this stream were facilitated by leading experts, including Dr Snowden from the University of Edinburgh, Dr Chen from the University of Southampton, and Dr Palesa Mothapo from Nelson Mandela University. Key topics included partnership development, proposal sub-mission, award management, project closure, and the evolving role of research offices. Critical discussions on equity in international research collaborations featured prominently, particu-larly in sessions such as Reflecting on Equity: Where Imbalances Arise and Moving Toward Eq-uitable Partnerships. These engagements highlighted how institutional policies, administrative practices, and power dynamics influence research outcomes, providing Professor Makhado with valuable insights to support the University of Venda’s growing international research foot-print.
Running concurrently with the Research Management Stream was the Researcher Stream, which focused on postgraduate supervision and academic leadership. Led by Dr Julie Reeves from the University of Southampton, this stream emphasised supervisor development through train-the-trainer models and reflective practices to enhance research quality and mentorship across diverse institutional contexts.
A key highlight of Professor Makhado’s participation was his involvement in the Madiba Nexus Funders’ Roundtable, held on 21 January 2026. Facilitated by Ms Maria Norton (University of Southampton) and Dr Palesa Mothapo (Nelson Mandela University), the roundtable convened public and private funders, institutional leaders, researchers, and research managers under Chatham House rules. Discussions focused on funding priorities, policy frameworks, expecta-tions for equitable partnerships, performance indicators, and emerging measures of research success. This engagement offered Professor Makhado valuable insights into funders’ perspectives and global trends in research financing, strengthening his capacity to engage ethically and strategically in international funding opportunities.
Prof Nelson Torto, The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Educa-tion (STINT) Senior Science Fellow; Dr Mellanie Cilliers, Stellenbosch University; Prof. P.W. Bukhala, DVC PRI, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kenya; Prof L Makhado; Dr Nokhuthula Mchunu, NRF; Dr Palesa Natasha Mothapho, Director Research Support and Management, NMU; Dr Denise Schael, Director Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR), NMU; Mr Zolani Dyosi, NRF; and Ms Ms Maria Norton, University of Southampton, UK, Posing after the Funders’ Round Table Discussion
The second day of the workshop concluded with a Gala Dinner, highlighted by an inspiring ad-dress from the Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, Professor Sibongile Muthwa. Her message called for the strengthening of equitable, long-term partnerships grounded in mutual benefit. She emphasised the importance of expanding the Madiba Nexus beyond its current scope and advocated for a balanced approach that values both North–South and South–South collaborations. Her address resonated strongly with participants, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable partnerships that honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The Madiba Nexus International Workshop attracted strong participation from leading institu-tions, including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Southampton, Nelson Mandela University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and the Science for Africa Foundation. The broader Madiba Nexus network also included representatives from the Uni-versity of Venda, University of Zululand, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch University, and Walter Sisulu University, further strengthening South–South and North–South institutional linkages.
Professor Makhado’s participation significantly enhanced the University of Venda’s visibility and strategic positioning within global networks of higher education and research management. The knowledge and insights gained will inform the university’s research governance, capacity development initiatives, and partnership strategies, particularly within the Department of Pub-lic Health and the broader research enterprise. Through Professor Makhado’s active engage-ment at both technical and strategic levels, the University of Venda reaffirms its commitment to nurturing equitable global research partnerships and positioning itself as a key contributor to inclusive, high-impact research ecosystems at national, continental, and international levels.
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