“VUT congratulates Prof Mbuso Mlambo, Professor of Biotechnology and Chemistry, on his selection to the prestigious DHET Future Professors Programme”
10 February 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture by: Peter Masela
1 minute read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) proudly congratulates Prof Mbuso Mlambo, Professor of Biotechnology and Chemistry in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, on his selection to the Future Professors Programme (FPP), a flagship initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Prof Mlambo is among 34 outstanding academics selected from 118 applications, representing 26 universities nationwide. The highly competitive programme is designed to nurture the next generation of professors by strengthening academic leadership, research excellence, teaching innovation, and community engagement within South Africa’s higher education sector.
His research focuses on addressing critical health-related challenges by applying advanced nanomaterials to develop rapid diagnostic tools and sensors for detecting pathogens in water, drugs of abuse, food contaminants, antioxidants, and diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants.
Through participation in the Future Professors Programme, Prof Mlambo aims to further strengthen his academic leadership and scholarly impact. “This programme presents a valuable opportunity to deepen my research, enhance my teaching practice, and expand my contribution to community engagement,” he said. “It also allows me to engage meaningfully with peers and international networks as we collectively shape the future of higher education in South Africa.”
The Future Professors Programme supports international exposure and collaboration, enabling participants to develop dynamic professional identities and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of higher education.
VUT wishes Prof Mlambo well as he embarks on this exciting academic journey.