The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) congratulates Professor Thokozani Majozi, an eminent chemical engineer and Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), on his appointment as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research and Internationalisation at the University of Cape Town (UCT), effective 1 January 2026.

Prof Majozi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in a career defined by academic excellence, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to advancing science and innovation across Africa. A Fellow of the AAS since 2015, his recognition by one of the continent’s leading universities underscores both his scientific distinction and his dedication to nurturing Africa’s global research presence.

In his new role at UCT, Prof Majozi will provide strategic leadership in strengthening the university’s research profile, fostering international partnerships, and driving innovation across disciplines. His appointment comes at a time when African universities are increasingly positioning themselves as global research leaders, and his experience and achievements make him exceptionally well-placed to guide UCT’s next phase of research excellence and international engagement.

Prof Majozi is widely acclaimed for his pioneering work in batch process integration, a field within chemical engineering that optimizes resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in industrial processes. His groundbreaking contributions have had a profound impact on sustainable manufacturing and process design, earning him both continental and international recognition. He has published extensively, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and contributed significantly to advancing research capacity and mentorship in engineering sciences.

Prof Majozi exemplifies the Academy’s mandate to recognize and celebrate scientific excellence on the continent. The AAS Fellowship represents Africa’s most distinguished community of scholars, and Prof Majozi’s continued achievements affirm the Academy’s role in identifying leaders who advance knowledge and contribute to the continent’s socio-economic transformation.