Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu
Rated Researcher
Dr Ndhlovu is a Lecturer in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences. He has developed a strong research profile through scholarly publications, competitive research funding, postgraduate supervision and international academic engagement. His research integrates Indigenous Knowledge with scientific approaches to investigate medicinal plants, their therapeutic and socioeconomic potential, and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of indigenous plant resources.
His research achievements include the UMP Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year Award (2024), the Best Post-PhD Oral Presentation Award at the SAYAS 2024 Conference, and a Poster Award at the 73rd International Congress of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in Naples, Italy (2025). His research is supported by competitive funding, including an NRF Post-PhD Grant (2025-2027), as well as previous NRF Thuthuka and Water Research Commission-funded projects addressing childhood diseases, food and nutritional security, and the sustainable utilisation of indigenous resources.
Dr Ndhlovu’s international research profile is further strengthened through his appointment as a Regional Representative of the Society for Medicinal Plant Research (GA) and as a member of the Steering Group of the African Research Network (ARN) for 2026–2027. He also serves as an Editor for BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Dr Ndhlovu holds a PhD in Horticulture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.