The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) proudly celebrates Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Dean and Head of the School of Health Sciences, on his recent National Research Foundation (NRF) B-rating.
This distinguished recognition affirms his considerable international standing and acknowledges the high quality, consistency, and impact of his scholarly contributions in optometry, vision science, and public health.
The NRF B-rating is awarded to researchers who are recognised by their peers as internationally acclaimed leaders in their fields. Professor Mashige’s rating reflects the global influence of his work and reinforces UKZN’s reputation as a hub for impactful, socially responsive research.
Further attesting to his international research footprint, a recent peer-reviewed study published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry – an Australian-based international journal – profiled the research impact of African optometrists. In this study, Professor Mashige was ranked among the top 10 optometry academics in African universities, highlighting him as one of the continent’s most influential contributors to knowledge production in the field. These leading researchers were identified as pivotal partners for collaboration and innovation in advancing eye-health research across Africa.
Professor Mashige’s leadership extends well beyond the academy. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), an organisation committed to reducing the burden of blindness and visual impairment in Africa. AVRI’s work focuses on research that informs disease control, strengthens human resources for eye health, and supports the development of sustainable vision-care infrastructure on the continent. In parallel, Professor Mashige chairs the African Eye Institute (AEI), an organisation dedicated to strengthening vision-care systems by collaborating with communities, governments, practitioners, and community health workers. AEI promotes access to quality eye-care services and drives initiatives that empower communities, improve well-being, and enhance participation in education, economic activity, and social development.
A strong advocate for collaborative scholarship, Professor Mashige is a founding member of the Centre for Eye and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII) and the African Translational Research Group (AfrTEG). These platforms foster interdisciplinary research partnerships and build scientific capacity to address pressing health challenges in Africa. He also serves on the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (PBODO) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), contributing to national standards, policy development, and professional governance in the optometry sector.
Professor Mashige’s leadership excellence was recently recognised through the Africa Health Excellence Leadership Award, further affirming his commitment to advancing eye health, research innovation, and professional development across the continent.
UKZN congratulates Professor Mashige on these outstanding achievements, which reflect his exceptional scholarly impact, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving eye health and public health outcomes in Africa.
