Farming runs in Prof Kenny Mnisi’s blood, and his life-long passion for animal sciences is finally paying off. Based in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, he has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is known for its rigorous and robust rating process.
“Obtaining a Y2 rating is just the first step in climbing the ladder, and I believe that with the right resources, facilities, and support base, I will be able to sit with other animal science scholars at the top of the pyramid one day. For now, it is encouraging that my efforts, sacrifices, hard work and long hours in the animal science laboratories are slowly getting recognised and rewarded,” says a delighted Prof Mnisi.
His efforts are clearly being noticed, as most of his reviewers are convinced that he has the potential to establish himself as a researcher in the near future.
One of the referees had this to say: “Prof Mnisi’s research topic is important for assuring sustainable animal production. He is still an early-career investigator, and in that context seems to have a somewhat advanced career; he already mentors doctoral candidates and is a co-editor of a journal.”
Another reviewer said: “Prof Mnisi's research outputs have originality and merit and will remain relevant in the poultry nutrition discipline for many years. He has a good profile as a national collaborator. He simply needs to expand his engagements with regional and international collaborators/scholars. His perspective on future research reflects his zeal to become an established scientist in his chosen field. Within his limited period of six years in academia, Prof Mnisi has done impressively well as a researcher.”
Youngest in his field at the NWU
Not yet 30 years old, Prof Mnisi is the youngest associate professor in animal science at the NWU.
His primary research focuses on evaluating the use of non-conventional feed ingredients and phytogenic plant products to deliver efficient and sustainable animal production systems while maintaining high welfare standards.
To date, Prof Mnisi has published over 40 high-quality research papers, which is almost double what he had submitted at the time of his rating. He also serves as a co-editor of the South African Journal of Animal Science.
He has successfully supervised over 20 BScHons students and 13 postgraduate students, eight of whom graduated cum laude in their master’s-degree studies. He is currently supervising seven PhD and six MSc students in animal science, and hosts interns from the Department of Science and Innovation – Human Sciences Research Council (DSI-HSRC) internship programme.
At present he is completing a postgraduate diploma in higher education at the University of Johannesburg, his aim being to enhance his teaching and assessment pedagogies.
Solutions for resource-poor farmers
His research focuses on providing nutrition solutions to the animal agricultural industry, especially for resource-poor farmers who battle with high feed costs. “The use of locally available, easily accessible and naturally growing plants with both nutritional and medicinal properties can be a long-term strategy to promote eco-friendly, sustainable and profitable animal agro-enterprises.”
The young professor is full of praise for the NWU. “I am extremely grateful to the dean, Prof Helen Drummond, the school director, Dr Lebo Motsei, and the subject leader, Prof Kwena Mokoboki, for the support they have given me and my students over the years. I am indebted to the NWU for giving me a home away from home and opportunities to pursue my dreams.
“I cannot wait to apply for an upgrade to be rated as an established researcher,” concludes Prof Mnisi, who wishes his late grandmother and brother had stayed a little longer to see what he is achieving.
Prof Kenny Mnisi
