UKZN researchers scoop the 2022 National Batho Pele Excellence Awards
The Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo, conferred awards on several eminent South Africans. The awards are in recognition of their outstanding efforts that have contributed to the improvement of the public service.
They were awarded the Ministerial Covid-19 Special Award in recognition of their distinguished research into Covid-19.
Among the award recipients were UKZN academics and researchers, Professor Mosa Moshabela, who was recognised for outstanding service to the public through his Covid-19 science communication efforts.
They also included deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation, Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Professor Tulio de Oliveira, who contributed to guiding the country’s response to Covid-19.
PhD candidate and Laboratory Supervisor, Mr Sandile Cele from the Africa Health Research Institute, who was the first in the world to report the immune escape of Beta and Omicron was also honoured.
In a statement released by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku, the researchers were congratulated and saluted for their research endeavours.
'Not only has their body of work and ground-breaking research kept the UKZN flag flying high, but they have contributed immensely to the world’s understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their research findings continue to inform the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic,' said Poku.
She added that the University is proud of these achievements and the awards conferred on their staff members.
News date: 2022-03-28
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