Page 25 - Unisa CSET Mid Year Highlights 2025 Digital

Q&A
Dr Malebo Tibane (Position: Chair of Department – Physics, CSET)
A quote or bible verse that you live by:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Reflect on your upbringing and how you ended up in the sciences?
Being born the tiniest and most vulnerable in terms of health among nine siblings, I was exempted from household chores, which afforded me an opportunity of spending quality time with my Father who noticed my natural curiosity, he guided and encouraged me from an early age to study Physics-a field I agreed to pursue with no initial knowledge. This foundation, coupled with intelligence, academic dedication and motivation from my teachers, directed my path into the sciences, where I have continued with purpose and commitment.
Reflect on your journey to becoming a COD at Unisa
Although I didn’t apply for the Chair of the Department of Physics, I was honoured to be entrusted with this acting COD role by the college leadership. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to teaching, research, engaged scholarship, constructive guidance, collegiality, empathy and inclusivity. Serving on the executive council of the South African Institute of Physics and various leadership roles, alongside a natural inclination toward guidance and leadership that I have demonstrated since early childhood, have strengthened my leadership skills.
Reflect on Balancing Research and leadership in the colleges
Since stepping into this leadership role in 2023, balancing research and leadership has been challenging yet rewarding. Committing to long hours of work and setting aside time for research have allowed me to progress, resulting in an increase in published research outputs even while taking on additional responsibilities. The Department of Physics, the home of excellence, where all permanent staff member hold PhD is a testament to our shared commitment to academic excellence.
Are there any Unique challenges experienced by being a female leaders? If so, how have you learnt to overcome them?
As a female leader, I have encountered both significant successes and occasional challenges. I have found that promoting respectful, peaceful collaboration greatly minimizes the challenges arising from negative societal assumptions about women in leadership. My focus remains on inclusivity and creating an enabling and supporting environment that empowers the entire team to excel.
Successes or wins that you want to share in your journey as a researcher and leader within the portfolio that you lead?
I am excited to see growth in our academic and research capabilities. With all permanent staff members holding PhDs, we have made a significant contribution in supporting fixed-term academics toward PhD completion, with one out of four having graduated recently (2024), another submitted thesis for examination, and two nearing completion. We have also seen increase in Masters and PhD graduations, especially among women, and also black South African women. In addition, we noted an increase in the number of publications from female researchers. The Department has successfully acquired high-end research equipment such as the High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). We have established new committees such as Instrumentation and Administration committees. We proudly house two distinguished Professors in Aviation and Aeronautics, and Centre for Materials Science, further enriching our research portfolio. We have employed online teaching methods and conducted qualification reviews to ensure relevance and excellence. Lastly, we have executed successful, impactful engaged scholarship projects.
Any interesting projects that you are currently working on that you wish to highlight?
We are working on several projects such as revamping Physics curriculum, integrating Astronomy within Physics Department. We are also advancing the development of Centre for Materials Science and Aviation and Aeronautics catalytic niche area. Additionally, we are integrating computational and experimental physics, and promoting partnerships with other UNISA Departments and the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS). My vision also includes improving the departmental teaching and learning portfolio. Alongside my role as acting COD, as the leader of ScienceEdge engaged scholarship project, our goals are to improve STEM performance in the country, raise STEM awareness, generate impactful engaged scholarship outputs, and cultivate a culture of community-centred teaching and research within the department, schools, and college of Science, Engineering and Technology, with impact both locally and globally.
Define tomorrow.
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