Ballito resident Dr Anette Mienie (64) is the driving force behind the transformation of research and innovation at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT).

The university recently celebrated 25 years since the establishment of its first research office in 2000, with Dr Mienie as the founding director.

Taking up her leadership role, Dr Mienie faced the significant task of transforming the university’s research culture.

“I realised the importance of providing a supportive environment to emerging researchers and the joy of sharing in their achievements,” she said.

At the time, academic staff had heavy teaching loads, leaving little time for research. Funding was limited, few staff held advanced degrees and female researchers struggled to balance work and life commitments.

Dr Mienie was able to change this. Under her leadership, MUT’s research culture, capacity and policies grew significantly. She introduced research awards, established a research ethics committee and launched initiatives to support women in the field.

Her hard work has paid off. Over the past decade, MUT’s research output has increased by more than 560% and over a quarter of its academic staff now hold doctoral degrees.

“This is the first year our most productive researcher is female. She will receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence,” she said.

The university also won the prestigious NRF Excelleration Award, recognising it as one of South Africa’s most improved research institutions.

Dr Mienie’s own research career spans over 40 years and is rooted in biological and biomedical sciences. Growing up in the farming communities of Standerton and Bethal on Mpumalanga’s Highveld, she witnessed the harsh effects of drought and environmental stress. Driven to make a difference, her early research focused on drought tolerance in crops such as soybeans, cowpeas, potatoes and maize, developing innovative screening methods and exploring genetic transformation to improve resilience.

Adding to her unique profile, Dr Mienie also earned an LLB and became an admitted attorney specialising in intellectual property law, a rare combination showcasing her versatility and determination.

While respected as a professor, scientist, lawyer and mentor, she humbly regards becoming a mother to her son, Waldo (35), as her greatest achievement.

She has served as deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagements since September 2024.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.