CUT | Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Prof. Sam Mashele

Professor Samson Sitheni Mashele serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at the Central University of Technology, a position he assumed on 1 November 2025. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the University's research, innovation, technology transfer, community engagement, and partnership agendas, advancing CUT's commitment to knowledge creation and societal impact.

A distinguished scholar, researcher and higher education leader, Prof. Mashele is widely recognised for his contributions to academic excellence, research innovation, institutional transformation, and digital advancement. Throughout his career, he has championed initiatives that strengthen the intersection between science, technology, innovation and community development, positioning research as a catalyst for sustainable social and economic impact.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mashele served as Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at CUT, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening academic quality, expanding research capacity, and fostering innovation within the faculty and across the institution.

Prof. Mashele is an accomplished researcher whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of drug discovery, pharmacology and health innovation. He established the Drug Discovery and Development Unit, which has grown into a centre recognised for its research excellence and international collaborations. Through strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the centre has advanced cutting-edge research while contributing to the development of scientific knowledge and innovation.

His research portfolio includes more than 125 accredited publications in leading scholarly journals, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing scientific discovery and applied research. Equally passionate about developing future scholars, Prof. Mashele has supervised more than 50 Master's and Doctoral graduates and mentored several postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to assume leadership roles in academia, research, and industry.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to higher education and research, Prof. Mashele has received numerous national and international accolades. These include recognition as Best Facilitator/Lecturer and a prestigious nomination to Who's Who in the World, acknowledging his influence and impact in the fields of science, education, research and innovation.

A visionary leader and advocate for transformative higher education, Prof. Mashele remains committed to advancing research excellence, fostering innovation ecosystems, strengthening community engagement, and developing the next generation of scholars and innovators. His leadership continues to contribute to CUT's strategic vision and to the broader advancement of higher education, research, and innovation across Africa and beyond.