Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
Renowned biotechnology researcher and head of the National University of Science and Technology’s (Nust) Applied Genetics Testing Centre, Prof Zephaniah Dhlamini, has been appointed acting Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Business Development (IBD).
In a statement, NUST said his appointment was with immediate effect to ensure continuity in leadership and advancement of innovation and business development initiatives within the university.
Before this appointment, Prof Dhlamini has been serving as the Associate Professor and Director for the Applied Genetics Testing Centre (AGTC).
Prof Dhlamini is a distinguished scientist and academic leader with nearly three decades of expertise in molecular genetics, agricultural biotechnology, biosafety and forensic DNA analysis.
He has built a career defined by innovation, capacity building and international collaboration in the applied life sciences.
His career spans academia, government advisory roles and international organisations. Prof Dhlamini has risen through the ranks from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Department Chair and now Associate Professor and Director of AGTC.
“His leadership has been instrumental in establishing and running Zimbabwe’s first DNA testing laboratory on a commercial basis, while spearheading research projects in forensic DNA analysis, bioprospecting metagenomes for novel biocatalysts and metabolic engineering of sorghum,” NUST said.
Between 2018 and 2025, he served as board member and chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe.
Internationally, Prof Dhlamini has held key positions with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy and the Joint FAO/IAEA Division in Vienna, Austria.
His work included designing biosafety training programmes, evaluating research projects and co-authoring the FAO Biosafety Resource Book, a widely used reference in molecular biology and genetic engineering. He also played a pivotal role in developing FAO’s BioDeC database, cataloguing biotechnology adoption in developing countries.
“Prof Dhlamini combines scientific excellence with project management skills honed through training in project cycle management and policy evaluation.
“He is recognised for his ability to bridge research and application, whether through forensic DNA services that support justice systems or agricultural biotechnology projects that enhance food security.”
His teaching and mentorship have shaped generations of scientists in Zimbabwe and beyond, while his leadership in biosafety capacity building has had a lasting regional impact.
He holds a BSc Honours Degree in Agriculture specialising in Crop Science and an MSc in Biotechnology (with distinction) from the University of Zimbabwe. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, specialising in forensic DNA.
He also holds certificates in project cycle management, policy evaluation, metagenomics, and forensic DNA analysis, undertaken at leading institutions across Europe and Africa.
Source: The Herald Online