“VUT proudly announces the promotion of Professor Kaitano Dube to Full Professor in Tourism and Integrated Communication.”
29 July 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) proudly congratulates Professor Kaitano Dube on his promotion to Full Professor in Tourism and Integrated Communication, a defining milestone in an illustrious academic journey marked by intellectual rigour, impactful research, and transformative teaching.
Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, both personally and professionally, Professor Dube shared: “The confirmation and promotion to full professor is a recognition of academic excellence and achievement. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and mentoring. It is also a testament to the significant research contributions I’ve made in partnership with many collaborators. However, this moment is not just a celebration, it is a reminder that much more is expected of me as a faculty member and institutional ambassador. This honour is a call to further action.”
He added with conviction: “This is a call to action, a reminder of the work that still lies ahead in building the VUT we all aspire to.”
This sentiment aligns powerfully with the strategic direction of the university itself, echoing the vision set out in the VUT 2033+ Strategy, which seeks to position the institution as a transformed, innovative and globally relevant university of technology.
Professor Dube’s academic journey has been shaped by meaningful milestones and unwavering determination. After earning his Master’s degree at Midlands State University, he
pursued further academic advancement through a Master of Science and a PhD at the University of South Africa, completing the latter in 2018. His journey since has been nothing short of remarkable.
Among his notable accomplishments:
· Publishing his first academic journal articles in 2015 and 2016
· Producing six highly cited articles from his PhD research
· Publishing over 60 high-impact journal articles
· Co-authoring or editing 18 books, most of which are indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science
· Accumulating over 4,269 Google Scholar citations (h-index: 31), 1,105 Web of Science citations (h-index: 15), and 2,138 Scopus citations (h-index: 23)
As an NRF C2 rated researcher, upgraded early from a Y2 rating, Professor Dube’s contribution to academic development and research capacity building across South Africa has been profound. His influence extends globally, with appointments to multiple international editorial boards and visiting professorships at esteemed institutions. Locally, he has worked with nearly every university in South Africa, reinforcing his standing as a national and international academic force.
Having joined VUT in 2015 with a Master’s degree, Professor Dube reflects on his evolution as an academic: “Initially, I was primarily delivering knowledge. With my PhD, I transitioned into a co-creator of knowledge. Today, my teaching is deeply rooted in research and innovation.”
Now recognised as one of the top five global contributors in the intersecting fields of tourism, climate change, and sustainability, Professor Dube is charting an ambitious future research agenda focused on:
· Enhancing tourism resilience
· Exploring the tourism and ESG nexus
· Investigating aviation sustainability
· Examining the impact of AI, technology, and cyber security on sustainability across Africa
He attributes much of his academic growth to strong mentorship and collaborative research: “I was mentored by Prof Godwell Nhamo of the University of South Africa (UNISA), and that guidance has been invaluable. This collaboration has opened doors, strengthened research productivity, and given our work relevance. Also, mentoring postgraduate students is essential to my academic philosophy; it is how we grow, share, and transform lives through research.
Offering advice to aspiring academics, Professor Dube is candid: “Hard work, dedication, focus, and persistence are non-negotiable. Prayer and faith keep you grounded. This journey
is not easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it. Be ethical, stay committed, and run your race to the end.”
As VUT expands its research footprint and deepens its global relevance, the promotion of Professor Kaitano Dube stands as a beacon, a testimony to what it means to lead, inspire, and innovate in the evolving landscape of higher education.
Congratulations, Professor Dube.