Junior Researcher earns NRF Y-rating
Researchers in Focus
Dr Taskeen Docrat’s decision to pursue a career in research was driven by a firm belief in its power to solve health challenges.
The groundbreaking work of the junior researcher at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute has been recognised with a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
“Receiving the NRF Y-rating is a huge affirmation of my research's quality and potential as an early-career scientist. It significantly boosts my profile and opens doors for funding and collaborations, reinforcing my commitment to innovative research and a long-term career in science.”
Her research explores novel strategies for the prevention and early intervention of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. She says that seeing the struggles of those with neurological conditions inspired her interest in the field.
“What drew me to this area was the limited treatment options available and the devastating effects on individuals who suffer from it. Specifically, my work focuses on the use of natural compounds to prevent the development of the disease, focusing on mitochondrial health, oxidative stress and inflammation.
“So far, I have identified specific pathways through which Rooibos exerts its effects. This adds value to the research field, moving us a step closer to offering hope to the public.”
Last year she also earned recognition for her work when she was awarded the Distinguished Young Women Researcher: Natural and Engineering Sciences Award at the South African Women in Science Awards.
Her interest in molecular neuroscience began during her PhD studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Understanding how this powerful organ is affected by disease states has shaped my research direction. Engaging with both local and international like-minded colleagues over the years has expanded my knowledge in the field.”
Docrat aims to enhance CPUT’s research profile and contribute to the advancement of local neuroscience.
“My goal is to foster collaborations within South Africa while also making a meaningful impact on a global scale. By identifying new therapeutic targets, I aim to accelerate the development of effective interventions that can help alleviate the burden of diseases such as Alzheimer's.”
She has the following advice for other early-career researchers who are passionate about making a difference in health through science: “…build resilience and remember that setbacks don’t define you. Instead, they are learning opportunities. Find your passion and niche. Build a strong network and embrace multi-disciplinarity research; it takes a village to make research impactful. Master your communication skills, both scientific and layman, seek good mentorship, and always stay curious. Remember, your work contributes to improving lives; let that vision drive you.”
Researcher rated alongside his brother
Researchers in Focus
For Prof Zayd Waghid it’s a deeply meaningful and humbling experience to receive his NRF rating alongside his brother and the achievement is not just a personal milestone but a shared family moment that underscores their parallel academic journeys.
Waghid who has received his C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) alongside his brother, Dr Faiq Waghid, said it was rare to walk such similar paths at the same time, and it brings with it a profound sense of pride, gratitude, and mutual respect.
The Acting Director of the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education continued: “We were raised in a family that values education, critical thinking, and social responsibility. There was always encouragement to question, to read, to reflect and to use our knowledge in the service of others. Our parents instilled in us a strong sense of purpose and discipline, and that ethos has shaped how we approach our academic work.”
Reflecting on his brother’s achievement, Zayd said: “I am proud of my brother for reaching this milestone and [I] believe that he will continue to grow professionally and personally. Remain humble and dedicated to the communities we serve.”
The NRF uses a rating system to assess the quality and impact of researchers’ outputs. The prestigious national recognition serves as a useful benchmark to gauge whether researchers are emerging or established in their respective disciplines.
This national recognition is a vital benchmark for determining whether researchers are emerging talents or established leaders in their fields. Waghid’s C3 rating unequivocally highlights him as an established researcher. His case is noteworthy because he proactively requested a re-rating through the Designated Authority at CPUT before his previous rating—a Y-2—was set to expire in 2026. It’s important to emphasise that a Y-rating is exclusively awarded to individuals under the age of 40, making Waghid’s achievement particularly exceptional. “Given my age of 39, receiving a C-rating is a significant achievement.”
His rating underscores his established position in the field of social justice through educational technology within the context of teacher education. He holds the interim position of SARCHi Chair in Teacher Education, where he is involved in several projects aligned with the Chair’s objectives. Notably, one project, which has recently concluded, is dedicated to a book on Initial Teacher Education in South Africa, scheduled for publication later this year by Africa Sun Media. In addition, a project specifically related to my research rating focuses on Global Citizenship Education, which is funded by the NRF for three years with a funding allocation of R1.4 million.
“It’s a significant achievement for me as it shows that my research has been recognised by experts as both advancing my research area and having an impact… And one that I am immensely proud of, despite being in higher education for just over 10 years. It means that the teaching excellence awards I received at CPUT and at the national level, with the CHE-HELTASA Award in 2019, being a Future Professors Programme Alumnus and a Fulbright Scholar, contributed towards the achievement of my rating.”
Waghid who is inspired by his father, Prof Yusef Waghid, an emeritus professor at Stellenbosch University, has notable highlights, including obtaining a Fulbright Scholarship, where he spent time at Cornell University in 2024, and completing the DHET Future Professors Programme in 2023.
He wants to continue to mentor the next generation of academics, and this means creating spaces for them to grow. “I believe that I can only grow through my interactions with others. I aspire to be an internationally acclaimed researcher, something that can only happen with time and continued commitment.”
The father who enjoys spending time with his kid says CPUT has offered him opportunities that he could not have acquired from more developed traditional institutions. “I would not have imagined being an acting SARChI Chair during my career. The previous DVC: RTIP, Dr David Phaho, was instrumental in enabling this to happen.”
NRF rating serves as benchmark of excellence
Researchers in Focus
Dr Najwa Norodien-Fataar has expressed her heartfelt gratitude and “profound honour” after receiving a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
She views this milestone as a significant recognition of her years of hard work, learning, and resilience. It stands as a personal and professional testament to her dedication, and it truly reflects the journey she has taken. The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating is part of the NRF's evaluation system, which assesses researchers based on the quality and impact of their work over a sustained period. It serves as a benchmark of excellence and encourages continued high-quality research output.
“It’s a meaningful moment of reflection, acknowledging my parents and forefathers who influenced my research. I am also grateful for the invaluable support of my family, mentors, and colleagues. Their encouragement has played a vital role in this achievement. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute even more purposefully to my field.”
The compassionate Head of the Curriculum Development Unit at Fundani CHED remarks that the rating acknowledges her work as having been recognised by her peers and having a significant influence in her field. This rating recognises her as an established researcher in Higher Education Studies, a discipline that bridges practice and scholarship. Additionally, it highlights her influence and recognition within the national research community, along with her strong national presence and impact.
“My focus on the assets of first-generation students was recognised by reviewers as a crucial niche area, receiving commendation for its 'ethical orientation to social change’. Furthermore, my work on the disparate educational support landscapes across tertiary institutions was acknowledged, drawing attention to how the needs of students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are often overlooked or rendered invisible in higher education.”
Achieving this rating substantially boosts her ability to secure research funding, foster collaborations, and engage in scholarly networks, enhancing her capacity for postgraduate supervision and policy development. Norodien-Fataar, who enjoys facilitating book club discussions, sees this rating as a recognition of her research quality, propelling her toward ambitious scholarly goals and enabling her to form stronger research partnerships and mentor emerging scholars.
The highlight of her career was completing her doctoral studies and publishing impactful research. She also developed a mentoring programme for undergraduate students at CPUT. Challenges included navigating complexities in higher education and balancing multiple roles at Fundani CHED. For CPUT, her work enhances the institution's research reputation and commitment to relevant knowledge production. She aims to deepen her research across Africa and globally, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and promoting an inclusive academic culture. Additionally, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of scholars and aiding academic development practitioners.
Careful planning, strong boundaries, and a supportive family environment help her balance her demanding academic commitments with family life, ensuring that neither is neglected.
Norodien-Fataar greatly appreciates the significant support from CPUT, particularly through research funding and institutional encouragement. The contributions of Fundani CHED and other important structures, like the Research Development Directorate, have been critical to my progress.
“To aspiring scholars: Stay consistent, be patient, and nurture your curiosity. Keep pushing forward with persistence and purpose, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Success often comes with ups and downs, but with resilience and clear focus, your efforts can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Her work is profoundly influenced by esteemed academics in education and academic development, as well as by her family, colleagues, and community. Fuelled by a passion to make a difference in students' lives and to transform higher education in South Africa, this vision has always been a guiding light for her.
Championing young voices in education
Researchers in Focus
Listening to the voices of children has always been at the heart of Dr Naseema Shaik’s research.
Her journey has taken her from an Early Childhood teacher to Head: Foundation Phase Teaching in the Education Faculty, and now she is honoured to add a new milestone – a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.
“This recognition affirms my standing as an established researcher with a sustained publication record, particularly within the South African early childhood education research community. Importantly, it also acknowledges the growing international visibility of my work.”
“I am particularly interested in children's participatory rights and participatory pedagogies, with a focus on how pre-service teachers and in-service teachers are supported in embracing these approaches. This line of inquiry seeks to reframe the child not as a passive recipient of knowledge but as an active participant in their own learning and development.”
Shaik, who has served as a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, is passionate about the transformative role of research in society.
Her doctoral studies, undertaken at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, explored the nature of child participation in Grade R, which laid the foundation for her current research trajectory.
“I view research not merely as an academic exercise but as a vehicle for advocacy and social change. My work aspires to contribute to social justice by highlighting the importance of including children's voices in educational policy and practice, particularly in a democratic society such as South Africa. I also examine how meaningful child participation can enhance the quality of early childhood education.”
