Meet Professor Samson Sitheni Mashele, a distinguished academic, medical scientist, and transformative leader in higher education. With a career spanning decades, he has left an indelible mark on research, policy development, and institutional leadership. Currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, he continues to champion innovation in teaching, research, and digital transformation.

A highly accomplished researcher, Prof. Mashele has made significant contributions to medical science, and drug discovery. He established the Drug Discovery Unit at CUT, which has since evolved into a Centre, attracting global recognition and fostering international collaborations with institutions such as the University of Michigan (USA) and the National Cancer Institute (USA). His extensive body of work includes over 120 accredited publications in high-impact scientific journals, reinforcing his influence in the global research community.

Prof. Mashele's academic journey began at the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), where he demonstrated remarkable research acumen, earning a USAID-funded scholarship for part of his doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. His commitment to postgraduate education is evident in his supervision and mentorship of over 50 Master’s and Doctoral candidates, as well as more than five postdoctoral fellows, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. Under his guidance, the Drug Discovery Unit has become a thriving research hub, currently supporting many postgraduate researchers.

Beyond research, Prof. Mashele has played a pivotal role in shaping higher education policy and advancing strategic institutional goals. He has held executive leadership positions, including acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement as well as Teaching and Learning. His involvement in national and provincial health policy committees, such as the Provincial Health Information System Committee and the National Academic Pathology Committee, underscores his commitment to translating research into impactful health solutions.

A trailblazer in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and digital transformation, Prof. Mashele has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into higher education. He has led critical discussions on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and health innovation, ensuring that CUT remains aligned with global technological advancements. His commitment to digital transformation was further solidified in 2024 when he completed a distinguished Learning Program in Human-Centric Digital Transformation.

Prof. Mashele’s contributions to academia have earned him multiple awards, including Best Facilitator/Lecturer accolades at both national and international levels. His influence extends beyond the academic sphere, with his work garnering media attention and international recognition. He was nominated for inclusion in ‘Who’s Who in the World,’ a prestigious acknowledgment of his global impact on education, research, and innovation.

A visionary leader, mentor, and change-maker, Prof. Samson Sitheni Mashele continues to drive academic excellence, research innovation, and digital transformation in higher education. His dedication to scientific discovery and institutional leadership ensures that he remains at the forefront of shaping the future of Health Sciences and higher education in South Africa and beyond.