The University of the Free State (UFS) takes immense pride in the remarkable achievements of Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo, an academic in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her international recognition and appointments not only exemplify her dedication to academic excellence and leadership but also reflect the UFS’ commitment to nurturing researchers who are globally competitive and internationally well connected, aligning perfectly with Vision 130.

Dr Mulondo was recently appointed to the International Council of Advisers as council member in the Golden Key International Honour Society. Golden Key, the world's largest collegiate honour society, selects the top 15% of high academic achievers in a college or university. In this role, Dr Mulondo will represent South Africa and oversee more than 20 (all) academic institutional chapters in South Africa. Her passion for academic excellence and leadership development is evident, as she strives to nurture these qualities among students, further ensuring that they remain socially engaged, in the spirit of ubuntu. “Education is one of the keys to eradicating poverty. While academic excellence can set graduates apart, we must continue to encourage and celebrate this excellence among our students and youth – not just this Youth Month but every other month. I am honoured to amplify an organisation such as Golden Key that shares these values,” says Dr Mulondo.

This commitment to academic and leadership excellence is a cornerstone of the UFS’ mission. The strategic objectives aim to enhance research capabilities and promote leadership, creating an environment where students and staff can thrive and make significant contributions to society.

Dr Mulondo’s recent accomplishments extend beyond her council and advisory role. She was awarded an impact-oriented grant for emerging researchers under the University Partnership Initiative, allowing her to strengthen her collaborative research partnership with the Appalachian State University (AppState). As a Public Health visiting scholar at AppState’s Beaver College of Health Sciences, she worked with academic host Dr Tandrea Carter, and collaborators Prof Martie Thompson and Prof Adam Hege. Her visit in the last term of 2023 culminated in a presentation of preliminary findings at the Global Symposium, USA. This public health partnership highlights the continuing collaboration initiated during her time as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2022. This partnership underscores the UFS’ commitment to global engagement and fostering partnerships that enhance educational and research agenda.

Her global impact is further recognised, as she was selected globally as one of 10 Reimagining Healthcare Scholars by Novartis in 2023. Representing South Africa, she joined young global scholars at the One Young World Summit in the United Kingdom. The summit gathered delegates from 192 countries to address pressing global issues such as mental health, climate change, and food security. “As emerging scholars, it is essential to stay engaged locally and globally if we must remain innovative,” says Dr Mulondo, who is now a One Young World Ambassador. Her participation underscores the UFS’ dedication to nurturing staff members who address global challenges and aligns with the vision of fostering academic excellence and social responsibility.

“It is no surprise that Dr Mulondo has been appointed and selected for these various global roles and accolades, as she has continued to display the UFS Vision 130’s values of academic and leadership excellence on a global stage, further evidenced by her selection to the university’s Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP),” says Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni, Vice-Dean: Research and Head of Public Health. This advanced residential programme identifies the most promising academics who have obtained a doctoral degree within the last five years. Dr Mulondo’s dedication to academic excellence and leadership is commendable.

Reflecting on her journey as an emerging researcher in the newly established Division of Public Health, Dr Mulondo expressed gratitude for the supportive environment at the UFS. “I am grateful for the enabling environment that the UFS provides to emerging researchers and academics through programmes such as ESAP. I look forward to continued growth and I continue to be fuelled by my favourite passages of Scripture. ‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity.’ For the people who know their God will truly be strong and will carry out great exploits.” (1 Timothy 4:12; Daniel 11:32).