Nelson Mandela University has once again proven to be ahead of the curve with its school of IT and department of computing sciences.
The university’s community technologies centre (CCT) recently received the NSTF Science Diplomacy Award for Africa and a professor bagged the 2025 AISSAC (Association of Information Systems, Southern Africa Chapter) lifetime achievement award.
The CCT received the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) award, part of what is widely known as SA’s ‘Science Oscars’, in recognition of the special and distinctive ability of CCT to integrate research and scholarship with impact.
Director of the CCT and professor of information technology at the university, Darelle van Greunen, has become a continental leader in integrating academic research with real-world solutions using digital innovation to address critical societal needs in health, education, and community development.
“This recognition affirms our mission to use science and technology as instruments of inclusion and shared progress,” Van Greunen said.
“At the CCT, we believe in science that is empathetic, collaborative, and rooted in the lived realities of African communities.
“Our work is guided by the principle that knowledge knows no borders, and that progress is most powerful when it is co-created.”
She extended heartfelt gratitude to the NSTF for recognising the growing importance of science diplomacy in shaping a more connected and equitable Africa.
“This award inspires us to deepen our commitment to using science as a bridge, between people, countries, and sustainable futures,” Van Greunen said.
Meanwhile emeritus professor in computing sciences Andre Calitz has been awarded the 2025 AISSAC lifetime achievement award.
The award was presented to Calitz in recognition of the huge role he has played in the information systems (IS) community in SA throughout his academic career.
His list of accolades and credentials include co-organising six Southern African Computer Lecturers’ Association (SACLA) and SA Institute for Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT) conferences and creating numerous opportunities for local academics to present and publish their work on IS research and education.
He is still involved in the planning of future conferences and has successfully negotiated the co-hosting of the three conferences (SACLA/SAICSIT/AISSAC) at UCT in 2026, Wits in 2027 and UKZN in 2028.
In addition, he has published a substantial number of papers, chapters and articles, both individually and in collaboration with colleagues and postgraduate students, many of whom he mentored.
Calitz holds two doctorates, a PhD in computer science and a doctorate in business administration (DBA).
He is also a National Research Foundation C1-rated researcher and has published extensively in international journals and conferences.
His recent paper that won the International Business Conference (IBC) 2023 conference best paper award, ChatGPT — The New MBA Student in your Class, has also received national recognition.
Compiled by Calitz, and his wife, Prof Margaret Cullen, of the NMU Business School, the paper trumped 283 others submitted to the conference.
The research proved that ChatGPT could pass some MBA examinations, and that academics needed to be aware of the capabilities and limitations of AI.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.