CUT academics and researchers Dr Xolani Khohliso, Director of the Curriculum and Academic Staff Development Unit and Head of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) (right); and his mentee, Dr Siphelele Mbatha, an isiZulu New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) Lecturer (left), were recently recognised for a high-impact research publication.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), proudly congratulates Dr Xolani Khohliso, Director of the Curriculum and Academic Staff Development Unit and Head of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) within the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), together with his Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) mentee, Dr Siphelele Mbatha, an isiZulu New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) Lecturer, on receiving the Best Published Paper in a Q1 Journal award in the Sociolinguistic Article Writing category. The prestigious recognition celebrates their outstanding scholarly contribution and commitment to advancing research excellence in the field of sociolinguistics.

The prestigious award was presented at the African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) Conference, hosted by Midlands State University in Zimbabwe from 7-10 July 2026. The recognition celebrates their exceptional contribution to sociolinguistic scholarship and highlights CUT's commitment to producing research of the highest international standard.

Publishing in a Q1 journal represents the pinnacle of academic excellence, reflecting rigorous peer review, international visibility, and significant scholarly impact. Dr Khohliso and Dr Mbatha's award-winning article demonstrates the quality of research produced at CUT and its contribution to advancing knowledge in African languages and sociolinguistics.

The achievement also exemplifies the value of nGAP and SoTL in strengthening research capacity through purposeful mentorship and collaboration. Dr Khohliso's mentorship of Dr Mbatha reflects the university’s commitment to developing emerging academics and to fostering a culture of research excellence.

Their success is a testament to the University's vision to advance knowledge, develop scholars, transform communities, and build a better future.