The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Pretoria (UP) have announced Professor Maano Ramutsindela as the Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, to lead and further developing activities.

Future Africa is a platform that acts as an incubator for transdisciplinary research projects and is a connector for scholars and teams working on similar problems, while existing as a physical and intellectual space for catalysing needed change in African and global science systems.

Future Africa said his appointment signified an historic collaboration between UP and UCT, both top-ranking research-intensive South African universities that have committed to advancing academic excellence and supporting social change and equitable sustainable development.

Ramutsindela, currently serving as Professor of Human Geography in UCT's Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, will also hold the position of Extraordinary Professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UP.

As part of his role in Future Africa's Sustainability Transformations domain, Ramutsindela will assume the role of co-director for the ARUA-GUILD Cluster of Research Excellence on the Politics of Sustainability.

Future Africa said that in recognising the potential of African sciences in addressing global sustainability challenges, both institutions understood the importance of fostering pan-African research collaboration and capacity development

UCT acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation Professor Jeff Murugan described Ramutsindela’s appointment as a significant milestone that underscored both institutions’ unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

“As we strive towards realising our Vision 2030, this collaboration with UP reinforces our dedication to fostering interdisciplinary research and driving positive change that transcends borders and empowers future generations,” said Murugan.

He expressed confidence that Ramutsindela would serve as a beacon of excellence, driving impactful research and innovation that addressed the complex challenges facing Africa and the world.

UP Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Education Professor Sunil Maharaj highlighted that the university’s collaboration with UCT to advance Future Africa’s work in the challenging domain of sustainability transformations held immense potential and benefits for both universities.

Maharaj explained that this collaboration not only served the needs of South African and African universities but also established a powerful model for realising the potential of Future Africa.

Future Africa director Dr Heide Hackmann said that Ramutsindela's extensive experience and commitment to socio-ecological relations and the political ecology of peace parks made him the ideal candidate to lead Future Africa’s efforts in sustainability transformations.

“His appointment is an exciting milestone for the platform and represents a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of global sustainability,” she added.

Ramutsindela said he is humbled and honoured with the appointment and is excited about the opportunity to harness the transformative potential of African sciences in addressing sustainability challenges and working collaboratively towards a sustainable future for Africa and a just society.