The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has earned international recognition for its strong culture of academic mentorship after a mentor and his mentee were honoured for publishing high-impact research in one of the world’s leading academic journals.
Dr Xolani Khohliso, Director of the Curriculum and Academic Staff Development Unit and Head of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) within the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), and Dr Siphelele Mbatha, an isiZulu New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) lecturer, received the Best Published Paper in a Q1 Journal Award in the Sociolinguistic Article Writing category.
The award was presented during the African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) Conference, hosted by Midlands State University in Zimbabwe from (7-10/07).
The recognition highlights the impact of collaboration between experienced academics and emerging researchers. Their award-winning publication not only reflects excellence in sociolinguistic research but also showcases how structured mentorship can strengthen research capacity within higher education.
Publishing in a Q1-ranked journal is regarded as one of the highest achievements in academic research, as these journals are recognised internationally for their rigorous peer-review standards, influence and research quality.
Compiled by Sibongile Selomane
