ASSAf serves as the official national science academy, representing South Africa within the global community of science academies. Each year, ASSAf elects new members, and induction is regarded as a high honour, conferred in recognition of exceptional scholarly achievement. Members, who represent a broad range of scientific disciplines, contribute their expertise voluntarily for the benefit of society.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP, Professor Ludidi, is an NRF-rated researcher (C2), with specialisation in plant molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemistry. He holds an Extraordinary Professorship in Biotechnology.
He is also a member of the Management Committee for the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), where he led the Technological Innovation Programme for the Climate-Smart Regenerative Agriculture project. With extensive experience teaching at the university level, his expertise spans biochemistry, plant biotechnology, and plant physiology.
Professor Mlambo is a Professor of Animal Science within the School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP. His research focuses on animal nutrition and associated fields, including nutritional physiology, meat science, and animal welfare.
His studies have included work on cattle, sheep, goats, broilers, layers, indigenous chickens, Japanese quails, and fish. Professor Mlambo also explores innovative alternatives to in-feed and therapeutic antibiotics in livestock, particularly the use of bacteriophages to promote sustainable animal production systems.
Professor Mlambo serves as an editor for the Animal Feed Science and Technology Journal (Elsevier) and holds Associate Editor positions at the South African Journal of Animal Science and the Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
The University acknowledges the longstanding contribution of Professor Thoko Mayekiso, UMP Vice-Chancellor, who has been an ASSAf member since 2004.
About ASSAf Membership
ASSAf is a self-perpetuating organisation, with new members elected annually by the existing membership to further the Academy’s objectives. Candidates must be nominated by four members, at least two of whom must have direct personal knowledge of the nominee. The election follows a secret ballot, with the primary criterion being notable achievement in advancing and applying science or scholarship at both national and international levels.
Key Objectives of ASSAf
- Promote scientific collaboration: Use the shared foundation of scientific knowledge to overcome barriers and foster intellectual development.
- Inspire excellence: Encourage and recognise outstanding achievements in science and technology.
- Inform public policy: Conduct investigations and report on matters affecting society, either independently or upon request by government or civil society organisations.
- Foster scientific literacy: Promote science education and cultivate a culture of scientific inquiry among the broader population.
- Maintain independence: Engage with other organisations and experts widely, while preserving the Academy’s autonomy.
- Build international relations: Strengthen connections with local and international scientific bodies.
- Pursue additional actions: Take any necessary steps to achieve the Academy’s mission and objectives.
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