Prof Zondi, who was appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training,
described her appointment as both humbling and deeply meaningful. “I am deeply honoured and humbled by the appointment to the NIHSS Board by Minister Buti Manamela. This recognition is not only a personal milestone, acknowledging my three decades of service in higher education; it also reflects the University of the Free State’s commitment to excellence in the humanities and social sciences,” she said.
For Prof Zondi, the appointment is more than an accolade – it is a continuation of her mission to advance the humanities and social sciences in South Africa. She added that, professionally, this opportunity marks “a culmination of my contributions to the field, and I’m excited to serve on the Board, shaping the national agenda for humanities and social sciences research… I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and committed to making a positive impact through this role, using my expertise to drive meaningful opportunities.”
Prof Zondi is a
National Research Foundation (NRF) C2-rated researcher and a
Fulbright Research Scholar (2022–2023) who has spent her career advocating for equity, transformation, and mentorship in academia. She said her new position on the NIHSS Board will allow her to extend that passion on a national level.
“As a member of the NIHSS Board, I plan to advocate for programmes that encourage and support mentorship and research capacity building, ensuring the next generation of humanities and social sciences researchers is equipped to drive impact and address pressing societal challenges,” she explained.
Her dual role at UFS and on the NIHSS Board creates an important bridge between institutional research efforts and national policy development.
“My role as Vice-Dean for Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation at the University of the Free State provides a strong foundation for my work on the NIHSS Board,” she said. “This dual role will facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and synergy between the university and national initiatives, ultimately enhancing research excellence and postgraduate training.”
Prof Zondi said she looks forward to contributing her expertise in research management, postgraduate studies, and internationalisation to the NIHSS’s broader mission.
“I’ll bring insights from my diverse university experiences to inform national strategies and policies, focusing on initiatives that promote research excellence, capacity building, and interdisciplinary collaboration,” she said. “I’m committed to supporting the NIHSS’s mission to drive impact and advance humanities and social sciences research in South Africa.”
Her appointment also holds significance for UFS, as it strengthens the institution’s national and academic influence.
“Being appointed to the NIHSS Board is a significant achievement for both myself and the University of the Free State,” she said. “For me, it represents a new opportunity to contribute to national research agendas and policies. For UFS, this affiliation reinforces our institution’s reputation as a hub of research excellence and thought leadership, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing with esteemed board members, which will benefit our researchers, students, and the broader academic community.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Prof Zondi is widely respected for her deep commitment to mentoring emerging scholars. She credits her own mentors for inspiring her to “pay it forward”, a philosophy she continues to live by.
In a heartfelt message to young academics, she shared a Zulu proverb that encapsulates her approach to growth and leadership: “To postgraduate students and early career academics, I want to begin by sharing a message of hope and possibility through a Zulu proverb, ‘Inkunzi isematholeni’ (The bull is among the calves). This reminds us that even the strongest and most accomplished among us were once beginners, and that we all have the potential to grow and achieve greatness.”
She added, “My journey has been shaped by incredibly selfless and generous mentors, who freely invested in me, sharing their expertise and guidance. I am now committed to paying it forward. I am passionate about supporting and empowering the next generation of researchers, and I am honoured to be part of your journey.”
Her advice to emerging scholars is simple yet profound: “Stay curious, stay humble, and never underestimate the impact of a supportive community. As an African proverb goes, ‘When people come together, they can even mend a crack in the sky.’”
With this new chapter, Prof Nompumelelo Zondi continues to embody excellence, mentorship, and transformation – qualities that not only enrich the University of the Free State but also contribute to shaping the national and global future of the humanities and social sciences.