Prof. Zenzile Peter Khetsha is steadily positioning himself as a leading voice in sustainable agricultural innovation through impactful, solution-driven research that addresses critical global challenges related to food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

As a specialist in Agriculture and Plant Production, his expertise integrates horticultural science, plant physiology, biostimulant technologies, and emerging digital innovations to develop practical agricultural solutions that respond to the evolving needs of both industry and society. Through his growing research portfolio, postgraduate supervision, and multidisciplinary collaborations, Prof. Khetsha continues to strengthen CUT’s commitment to applied research, innovation, and transformative societal impact.

Prof. Zenzile Khetsha’s research interest focuses on biostimulants as innovative strategies to enhance crop resilience under abiotic and multi-stress conditions. His work spans several key areas including sustainable horticulture, essential oil crop production, plant stress physiology, interactions between soil and water quality, phytoremediation, and food safety. He is also actively involved in interdisciplinary research focusing agripreneurship, climate-resilient agriculture, and the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence into agricultural systems. This research is strongly aligned with applied, solution-driven approaches targeting food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation.

Supported through National Research Foundation (NRF) funding, including the prestigious Thuthuka and BAAP grants, Prof. Khetsha currently leads and supervises several applied research projects that continue to expand the boundaries of agricultural innovation. These projects include studies on rose geranium, lettuce, beetroot, kale, and tomato production systems, with a particular emphasis on improving yield and stress tolerance through sustainable interventions. His work further extends into environmental remediation, where he explores phytoremediation strategies using plant-based biostimulants to rehabilitate contaminated soil and water systems. Additional projects investigate eco-organic soilless production systems and sustainable agripreneurship models within BRICS economies through collaborative initiatives with India.

Beyond research, Prof. Khetsha is deeply committed to postgraduate supervision and capacity development. His supervision portfolio reflects a multidisciplinary approach that includes agricultural production systems, environmental health, food systems, and artificial intelligence applications in agriculture. Through this work, he continues to contribute to the development of highly skilled, research-driven graduates equipped to address future agricultural challenges.

His growing scholarly impact is reflected in an extensive publication record in accredited international journals, including Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, Frontiers, Agronomy, Foods, Agrochemicals, Water SA, and Acta Horticulturae. His research contributions in plant stress physiology, sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and food safety have gained increasing recognition both nationally and internationally.

Prof. Khetsha has also presented his research at leading national and international conferences and remains actively involved in the scientific community through professional memberships and registrations with organisations such as SACNASP, FERTASA, ISHS, and SASHS. In addition, he contributes to academic scholarship through editorial board participation and peer-review activities.

His scholarly influence is further demonstrated through H-index scores of 7 on Scopus, 8 on Google Scholar, and 9 on ResearchGate, highlighting the growing visibility and impact of his research across international academic platforms.

Importantly, Prof. Khetsha’s work aligns strongly with the CUT Strategy 2030 vision of becoming a leading university of technology that changes lives, transforms society, and shapes the future through applied research and innovation. His research strengthens the university’s applied research capacity by generating industry-relevant knowledge and practical solutions that directly address regional socio-economic challenges, particularly within food security and environmental sustainability.

Through his focus on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, Prof. Khetsha continues to position CUT at the forefront of impactful, future-focused agricultural research. By linking innovation, postgraduate training, industry relevance, and community engagement, he is helping to build stronger research ecosystems while developing graduates equipped for the evolving demands of the modern agricultural sector.

His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also reinforces CUT’s growing reputation as an institution committed to innovation, societal impact, and sustainable development.