Mugambiwa received the recognition during a ceremony at the North West University’s Potchefstroom campus.
‘Getting this award is motivation that I am on the right track and I believe that if I keep working in the same spirit, I will continue to unlock endless possibilities in academia,’ said Mugambiwa. ‘This is reward for hard work, commitment, dedication and for partnership and collaboration of purpose with my friend and co-author Happy Tirivangasi who is now studying in Belgium.’
His award-winning article is titled: Climate Change: A Threat to Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 2 (End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improve Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture) in South Africa.
In the article, Mugambiwa identifies climate change as the greatest threat South Africa faces in attempts to achieve SDG Number 2 and proposes ways the country can overcome the effects of climate change in order to realise the goal.
He plans to continue with research on climate change in Africa and beyond. ‘I intend to undertake long term research work that can potentially provide much needed solutions and interventions on climate change in Africa thereby making available reliable and accurate information on climate change adaptation and resilience.’
Mugambiwa wrote his first research article as an honours student in 2014 and by the time he completed his masters, he had published nine articles. He believes he is an example for young African scholars to follow and make a difference in the world.
He has this advice for students: ‘Procrastination is the thief of time so do not wait to complete your masters or PhD to start writing. Writing is not only for the old – as young people we need to be active in the development of research and innovation in Africa because we are the future.’
