VUT’s pioneer in tourism geography adds another feather to his research cap
By: Puleng Maphisa – 14 June 2024
Professor Kaitano Dube, an award-winning Associate Professor of Tourism Geography at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has just added another feather to his research cap; the Principal’s Award for Distinguished Alumni in Research from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Prof Dube, along with more than 100 other academics were celebrated for their contributions to African research excellence at UNISA’s Annual Research and Innovation Awards ceremony held on 7 June 2024 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The globally renowned scholar was awarded for his expertise and contributions to sustainable tourism, aviation, food security, climate change, and sustainable development – a recognition which comes hot on the heels of his higher rerating by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) – from Y2 to C2.
A Visiting Professor at the Emirates Aviation University and one of the few academics serving as a member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Prof. Dube has established a significant presence in the field. His impressive body of work includes over forty-seven (47) journal articles, more than forty-five (45) book chapters, one (1) co-authored book, and eight (8) edited books. His research has been notably featured in the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, with six articles highlighted in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6).
Prof. Dube’s editorial roles are equally impressive; he is a journal editor for Tourism Geographies and an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism and Cogent Social Sciences Tourism Section. Since 2022, he has served as the Faculty of Human Science Research, Commercialization, and Innovation Professor at Vaal University of Technology (acting), where he is also an active member of the university’s senate and several senate committees.
His expertise and dedication have made him a sought-after panellist and keynote speaker at both local and international conferences and summer schools. He has successfully graduated 10 BTech students and five Master’s students, and he is currently supervising four Master’s and five PhD candidates. Additionally, he hosts four highly productive Post-Doctoral Fellows, showcasing his commitment to nurturing future scholars.
Reflecting on this honor, Prof. Dube said the award came after a call for nominations was opened, where Africa’s biggest university requested nominations of students who had distinguished themselves in research and innovation and had graduated between 2018 and 2024. “I was lucky to be nominated amongst other students to which I was announced a winner together with another colleague from Ethiopia, becoming the first recipients of this prestigious award.”
Prof Dube’s career is a testament to his dedication and impact in the fields of sustainable tourism and aviation. His work continues to inspire and drive forward important discussions and developments in these critical areas.
Video of the Award Presentation | VIEW