Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is set to embark on a new era of educational advancement with the appointment of Professor Dipane Hlalele, a distinguished scholar in education and community engagement, who will join as a full professor of education starting 1 June 2025.
This strategic move underscores SPU’s commitment to deepening its research and postgraduate footprint, particularly in rural and inclusive education.
Professor Hlalele is a highly respected academic with a C2 NRF rating, whose research has made significant inroads into the realms of rural education and inclusive learning practices. His impact is further highlighted by his recognition as one of the Top 100 Education Scientists in South Africa and Africa according to the AD Scientific Index for 2022–2024. With his extensive experience and scholarly expertise, he brings a world of insights that align perfectly with SPU’s mission to foster transformative education.
His notable career spans several prestigious institutions, including the University of the Free State and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, along with international engagements that include guest researcher roles at the Nordic Africa Institute and a visiting professorship at the University of Canberra. Furthermore, his advisory role to the Mauritian Government on inclusive education strategies illustrates his capacity to influence educational practices beyond South Africa’s borders.
At a time when universities are increasingly called upon to make research relevant to regional contexts, Professor Hlalele’s research focus aligns seamlessly with SPU’s strategic objectives. His dedication to advancing context-specific research, particularly those that address rural education, inclusive learning ecosystems, and community-engaged scholarship, resonates strongly with SPU’s vision for social justice and democratic engagement.
His extensive contributions to the field of education extend beyond mere scholarship. His involvement in multimillion-rand NRF-funded projects and his proven track record in supervising postgraduate studies—having successfully guided 38 PhDs and 27 Master’s candidates to completion—adds immense value to SPU’s aspirations for enhanced postgraduate development and research output.
Moreover, Professor Hlalele’s editorial roles, numerous published works, and leadership positions—including his tenure as Chair of the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at UKZN and as former President of the Education Association of South Africa—demonstrate his commitment to ethical and impactful research practices.
Expressing his eagerness to be part of SPU, Professor Hlalele stated, “My career has been rooted in the belief that education should be transformative, inclusive and responsive to community needs. I’m excited to join SPU at a time when it is boldly investing in research, people and place.”
This appointment signifies a significant milestone for SPU’s Faculty of Education as it continues to solidify its reputation in advancing inclusive, rural, and community-based educational research in line with its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. The addition of Professor Hlalele not only enriches SPU’s academic landscape but also heralds a promising future for educational research in the region.
