UKZN PhD candidate scoops international award
PhD candidate Luthando Molefe was awarded an international award by the International Organisation of Educators and Researchers (IOER) in Malaysia for being the Most Outstanding Transformational Educator.
THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) continues to excel on the global academic stage as one of their PhD candidates, Luthando Molefe, has been awarded an international award as the ‘Most Outstanding Transformational Educator’ at the second annual International Organisation of Educators and Researchers (IOER) Pinnacle awards recently held in Malaysia.
IOER is an organisation of educationists, researchers and practitioners from across the globe who are conducting both national and international activities related to education and research, such as seminars, conferences, research forums and training, and others that support the importance of education and research.
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Molefe says his teaching philosophy is influenced by Elizabeth Walton’s idea of teaching to respond, which prompts him to carefully scrutinise what he teaches (subject), how he teaches (pedagogy) and who he teaches (the type of learners), and explains that these three elements have allowed him to be mindful of putting together relevant approaches that facilitate a better teaching and learning environment.
Commenting on his award, Molefe said, “I am proud to learn that the work I have been doing over the years as an individual, and in collaboration with others, and through this accolade, has turned out to be a true reflection of the institution’s mandate. I am grateful to UKZN and its well-informed academics and resources for making it all possible for me to excel at this international level. Competing at an international level and the hard work, dedication and long hours I always put into my work have paid off, and this inspires me from within to continue working with the ‘to exceed the standards’ mindset in everything I do because it always bears positive results,” he continued.
The bearer of good news was the IOER president, Dr Go Lisanawati, who said, ‘On behalf of the Steering and Selection Committees of the 2nd IOER International Pinnacle Awards 2024, we would like to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of the Most Outstanding Transformational Educator. You have met and surpassed the criteria, demonstrated outstanding qualities, and exhibited excellence, the highest moral standards, honesty, civic accountability and social responsibility.”
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This award comes just weeks after another UKZN alumnus graced the international stage with his research: occupational therapy lecturer Luther Monareng presented his provisional PhD research findings at the 15th Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) conference in Los Angeles, United States, where more than 230 speakers and a diverse audience of 1 400 from about 60 countries were in attendance.
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