Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers: UNIVEN’s Tshavhungwe Earns National Recognition for Research Excellence

In the picture: Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe is in the middle

As Women’s Month draws to a close, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) is celebrating a powerful example of what happens when opportunity, determination and academic excellence converge. UNIVEN nGAP Lecturer, Ms Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe, who is fi nalising her PhD in Engineering Management at the University of Pretoria, has been recognised nationally as a recipient of the 2026 DSTI–Prof Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships, Doctoral Fellowship, presented by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The award ceremony was held on 20 August 2026 at NH Johannesburg Sandton.

Her recognition places the spotlight on research with the potential to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of one of South Africa’s important rural industries – sawmilling.

Her PhD research, titled The Current and Future Competitive State of the South African Sawmilling Industry examines the factors shaping the sector’s competitiveness amid globalisation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and shifts in the global economy.

The research addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding the business operations and competitiveness of South African sawmills. Ms Tshavhungwe’s fi ndings indicate that competitiveness is closely linked to the day-to-day operations of individual sawmills, while strategic alliances locally and internationally could help the industry secure a sustainable long-term competitive edge. The signifi cance of the research extends beyond the sawmilling sector. With many sawmills located in rural areas, a competitive and sustainable industry can contribute to community economic development, job security and skills development. The study can also support sawmills in strategy development, benchmarking, market alignment and identifying opportunities for improvement.

The policy-oriented nature of the research further strengthens its potential impact, while its academic contribution is already evident. Her PhD has produced eight peer-reviewed research papers, six journal articles and two conference papers published in DHET-accredited journals and conferences.

For Ms Tshavhungwe, however, the achievement represents more than a prestigious accolade. It is a validation of the value and potential of her work.
“It is validation that my research is impactful and worth the recognition,” she says.

Her journey also illustrates the transformative potential of DHET’s nGAP programme, implemented at UNIVEN, through which she joined the University in January 2022. The nGAP programme is a Department of Higher Education initiative implemented across all 26 universities in South Africa, aimed at creating opportunities for the development and advancement of emerging academics. Ms Tshavhungwe credits the programme with propelling her academic career, enabling her to register for a PhD soon after entering academia and supporting her research fees, conference participation and professional development activities.

In just four years and eight months in academia, Ms Tshavhungwe has produced 11 research outputs, including eight from her PhD, two from Honours research supervision and a book chapter representing UNIVEN in Innovative Pedagogies for Entrepreneurship Education. She describes nGAP as an important pathway for creating opportunities for emerging academics who may otherwise struggle to gain entry into academia.

Her achievement is particularly poignant given the challenges she has overcome. Between February 2023 and January 2024, she underwent six operations. Rather than allowing the setbacks to derail her academic journey, she channelled her energy into her work, teaching, and research. Receiving the fellowship during Women’s Month has added another layer of meaning to the achievement. Refl ecting on the award ceremony, Ms Tshavhungwe says being surrounded by “so many incredible ladies” gave her new role models, while receiving the recognition on the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March made her appreciate the women who paved the way for those who are succeeding today. Her message is simple but powerful: access matters.

“I would say access. Access to the spaces. The doors are not being left open,” she says, highlighting one of the barriers women continue to face in science and academia. For Ms Tshavhungwe, empowerment also carries a responsibility to create opportunities for others. She draws inspiration from the saying: “When you enter through the door, leave it open.” To her, this means creating conditions for others to enter spaces that women have fought to access and ensuring they can thrive once inside.

She encourages young women and aspiring scientists not to wait for opportunities to fi nd them. “Apply for that funding, programme, opportunity, position, etc. And when you enter that space, make it your own, show up and do your absolute best, no matter the distractions.”

As she looks ahead, Ms Tshavhungwe aims to progress to a senior lecturer role, supervise postgraduate students and build collaborations with researchers through new research projects. Her story is therefore bigger than a fellowship. It is a story about access, resilience and the power of creating pathways into academia. It is also a timely reminder, as Women’s Month comes to an end, that empowering women in science is not only about celebrating those who have reached the room but about ensuring that the door remains open for those coming next.

The University of Venda congratulates Ms Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe on this signifi cant national recognition and celebrates her achievement as a testament to the calibre, resilience and potential of emerging academics nurtured through DHET’s nGAP programme. Her outstanding research contribution to the South African sawmilling industry refl ects UNIVEN’s commitment to advancing impactful research that responds to real-world challenges and contributes to sustainable development. As the University celebrates Women’s Month, her achievement is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for women to excel in science, research and academia. We commend her dedication to teaching and research and wish her continued success as she completes her PhD and advances her academic career.

In the picture: Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe is 2nd from left

Issued by: Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
Date: 31 August 2026