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07 May 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied
Dr Regret Sunge
Dr Regret Sunge – the newly rated NRF Y2 academic.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce that Dr Regret Sunge, Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, has been awarded a prestigious Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF). This significant achievement highlights Dr Sunge's exceptional potential as a rising leader in the field of economics and finance.

The NRF Y2-rating is bestowed upon young researchers, typically under the age of 40 and within five years of obtaining their PhD, who have demonstrated considerable potential to establish themselves as leaders in their area of expertise. Dr Sunge's inclusion among the 3,8% of newly rated researchers in South Africa highlights the quality and impact of his work.

Dr Sunge expressed his excitement, stating, "I am thrilled to have received the NRF Y2-rating for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2030. Receiving such recognition through this meticulous process in the field of Economics and Finance – which has a share of only 4,9% of total rated researchers – is even more amazing." He further emphasised the rigorous nature of the NRF rating process, and the insightful feedback received.

 

Factors contributing to this recognition

Dr Sunge attributes his success to a combination of personal dedication, collaborative efforts, and institutional support. His PhD thesis provided a strong foundation, with three of the five reviewed papers originating from this work. Subsequent research collaborations with international peers fostered during his PhD journey further enriched his research by integrating the critical fields of agricultural production and environmental sustainability. The growing number of citations his work has received speaks to its increasing relevance and impact.

The academic also acknowledged the significant influence of key individuals on his research journey, including his PhD supervisor, Prof Nicholas NgepahDr Delphin Kamanda Espoir – a research partner, and his postdoctoral host, Dr Calvin Mudzingiri.

Beyond academic research, Dr Sunge's engagement in research consultation with regional and international organisations has played a vital role. In 2022, he formed a team within the United Nations Young Economists Network (UN-YEN) to study Africa's macroeconomic growth. Additionally, he contributed as a research assistant to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the African Union Commission (AUC) for their annual Africa Development Dynamics (AfDD) publication.

Dr Sunge also highlighted the crucial institutional support he received from the University of the Free State, specifically the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) on the Qwaqwa Campus, where he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the time of application.

 

Impact of the NRF rating on research standing

The Y2 rating is already proving to be a catalyst for Dr Sunge's research endeavours. "It’s a motivator, I am more confident, and it has greatly enhanced my CV," he noted. He anticipates that this recognition will unlock opportunities for further collaborations and access to competitive research grants and funding programmes, both nationally and internationally.

Furthermore, Dr Sunge's achievement while based on the Qwaqwa Campus enhances the University of the Free State's reputation for supporting young researchers and fostering excellence across all its campuses. His rating serves as a significant source of inspiration for his colleagues on the Qwaqwa Campus, particularly within EMS, where NRF-rated researchers are still few. Dr Sunge hopes that his success will encourage colleagues in the faculty to pursue similar achievements through commitment, dedication, and collaboration.

 

Research focus and its importance

Dr Sunge's research primarily focuses on the intersection of agricultural production and environmental sustainability. His work addresses the critical challenge of ensuring food security amid the growing impact of climate change in a sustainable manner. Recognising the dual challenge of increasing agricultural output to combat food insecurity while mitigating climate change, his research aims to inform environmentally sustainable agrifood systems in South Africa and beyond.

Specifically, his research holds local relevance for Phuthaditjhaba, where livestock agriculture is a significant part of the local economy, with the potential to contribute to more sustainable livelihoods. Utilising a range of econometric methodologies, his research approach is adaptable to various fields of study, facilitating collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of research in economics, particularly in econometrics and data analysis, Dr Sunge emphasises the importance of continuous learning through conferences and workshops. He aims to further develop his econometric and critical thinking skills, as well as sharpen his writing abilities, to elevate his research to new heights.

 

Future research trajectory

Looking ahead, Dr Sunge envisions a research trajectory that combines academic rigour with impactful societal engagement. This involves identifying research problems, providing in-depth academic analysis, and developing solutions that directly benefit communities. His future includes initiating research-based interventions and conducting impact assessments. Achieving this vision necessitates securing research grants, supervising postgraduate students, and actively engaging in community initiatives.

 Over the next five years, Dr Sunge aims to transition from a Y2 to a C-rated researcher, a goal that requires careful planning to balance his research and teaching responsibilities. While committed to advancing his research, Dr Sunge remains passionate about teaching and ensuring that his research activities enhance, rather than detract from, his classroom engagement.

 Dr Sunge’s achievement of the NRF Y2-rating is a significant milestone, both for his personal career and for the University of the Free State. His dedication, collaborative spirit, and impactful research focus serve as an inspiration to colleagues and aspiring economists alike. As Dr Sunge eloquently stated, "My word to aspiring economists, especially from marginalised circumstances, is that with the right mindset, commitment and dedication, we can be counted."

News Archive

Spring graduation and diploma ceremonies
2010-09-17

The University of the Free State (UFS) has conferred 566 grade, 41 doctoral degrees and 274 diplomas at the spring graduation and diploma ceremonies. 

The two honorary doctoral degrees were conferred on Prof. Kalie Strydom and Dr Monty Jones. The event took place in die Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus. 

The UFS Management and personnel congratulates all our graduates on this achievement!

New UFS Chancellor confers his first degrees

The new Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), Dr Khotso Mokhele, conferred the first degrees since he has taken up the position as Chancellor. The UFS awarded 266 degrees and 20 doctorates to students from the Faculties of the Humanities, Health Sciences, Education, Law and Theology during its Spring graduation ceremony on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein today. Pictured at the ceremony, from the left, are: Dr Mokhele and Prof. Jonathan Jansen (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

 
UFS awards doctoral degree to 93-year-old graduate

This week Dr Anna de Jager received her doctoral degree in Religious Studies: Biblical and Religious Studies, during the Spring graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) that took place in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Dr De Jager was the star of the day because she was the oldest person (93) who received her qualification during this graduation ceremony. The theme of her thesis is: Die belewing van geloofsekerheid by die Gereformeerde Afrikaanssprekende adolessente leerder.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 
UFS honours an acclaimed educational researcher

The University of the Free State (UFS) conferred an Honorary Doctorate to Prof. Andries Hermanus (Kalie) Strydom during the Spring graduation ceremony held at the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus today. Prof. Strydom is an alumnus and former academic of the UFS. His academic career can best be described as a lifetime of dedication to accountable research aimed at the advancement of higher education in South Africa. He is an acclaimed researcher in the field of higher education – nationally and internationally. His work over the last 30 years has not only been about supporting transformation in the education sector and specifically higher education, but also about capacity building of staff and supporting equity expectations without compromising quality.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

 
UFS confers another honorary doctorate

The University of the Free State (UFS) conferred another Honorary Doctorate today, this time on Dr Monty Jones (pictured), a Sierra Leonean who spent the last 32 years of his career in Africa working in international agricultural research for development institutions. Dr Jones is the Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and co-winner of the prestigious 2004 World Food Prize. The UFS also awarded 300 degrees and 21 doctorates to students from the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences; and 274 diplomas were conferred on students from all the faculties during the Spring graduation and diploma ceremonies on the Main Campus.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

 
UFS reaches another milestone in Sign Language

The University of the Free State (UFS) has become the first university in South Africa to award a Ph.D. in South African Sign Language. This honour was bestowed upon Dr Philemon Akach (pictured), Head of the Department of South African Sign Language at the UFS, during the Spring graduation and diploma ceremonies on the Main Campus. The UFS is also the first university in the country to have a fully-fledged and dedicated Department of South African Sign Language and it was the first university on the continent to offer Sign Language as an academic course in 1999.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

 
Proud day for UFS parent as daughter obtains first degree

On Thursday, 16 September 2010, Ms Rebecca Mohatlane from the University of the Free State (UFS) Student Academic Services had a day every mother dreams about when her daughter obtained her first degree. Puleng Mohatlane obtained a Baccalaureus Administrationis degree from the UFS’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences during this year’s September graduation ceremony. Puleng is currently continuing her studies at the UFS, working towards obtaining an honours degree.
Photo: Christiaan van der Merwe

 
Second generation student at Chemistry obtains doctorate degree

The Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State (UFS) bore witness to a special event on Thursday, 16 September 2010 when another Conradie of the department received her doctoral degree. Marianne Conradie, daughter of Prof. Jeanet Conradie of the department, obtained her doctoral degree during the UFS’s 2010 Spring graduation ceremony. Adding to the already tight family connections, Prof. Conradie also acted as the promoter for Marianne’s thesis titled Rhodium and Iron complexes and transition states: A computational spectroscopic and electrochemical study.
Photo: Susan Conradie

 
Eastern Cape MEC obtains diploma at UFS

A member of the Eastern Cape’s Executive Committee (MEC), Mr Sicelo Gqobana, was one of the 800 graduates obtaining degrees or diplomas during the September 2010 graduation ceremonies at the University of the Free State (UFS). Currently serving as the Eastern Cape MEC for Local Government and Traditional affairs in the province, where he has been involved in politics since the 1990s. Mr Gqobana is also a former Chief Whip in the Provincial Legislature. Mr Gqobana, originally a teacher, obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation from the UFS on Thursday, 16 September 2010.
Photo: Christiaan van der Merwe.

 

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