The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) lecturer, Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda, has scooped yet another award for her excellent work. She received the education award at the North-West University (NWU) Alumni Excellence Awards, which acknowledges exceptional alumni who are making impactful contributions in their careers and to the society.
Bhuda is a culture and heritage studies lecturer and programme co-ordinator at UMP. She was among the 10 scholars and academics who were honoured at this prestigious event. These individuals have not only carved out their paths, but have also made exemplary contributions to society, embodying the spirit of excellence for which the NWU stands.
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Bhuda said the award is a recognition of her work, including research in the field of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). “I have earned all of my degrees with distinction and I am the first cohort of the IKS PhD graduates since the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems [BIKS] was established in 2013,” she said.
Earlier this year she was awarded the 2023 National Voice of Heritage Shield Award at the 10th annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. The Golden Shield Heritage Awards are hosted by the National Heritage Council of South Africa to honour heritage champions and recognise excellence in the heritage sector.
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During an interview with Mpumalanga News, she said it was an honour to receive the award.
“When I got this award, it took me back 10 years ago when I was leaving my home for university. I left home with no plans and I had to watch my parents put money together for me. And now, 10 years later, I am honoured. This gives me strength to keep doing what I do because I can see the light. I feel privileged to receive this recognition,” she said.
Bhuda said someone wanted to nominate her for the awards previously, but she felt was not ready.
“The awards are hosted every two years and when the previous offer came, I felt I needed time. I wanted to complete my PhD, to publish more, do more presentations and further my involvement in the community. This helped me strengthen my CV and chances of winning. Then this year when the offer came I took it, filled in forms and met the criteria,” she said.
