The executive director of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU), Prof Langa Khumalo, has been elected as fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS).

Founded in 2003, the ZAS recognises and promotes outstanding science through election to membership, and this process brings recognition, honour, distinction and excellence to scientific programmes, projects, research and innovation.

“We are pleased to announce Prof Langa Khumalo’s election as fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences at the 19th Annual General Meeting, held on 16 February 2024, in recognition of his immense contributions to the scientific development of Zimbabwe and sustainable development of the rest of the world,” ZAS secretary general Prof Dexter Tagwireyi said in an official letter. The inauguration celebration took place on 15 June 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Prof Khumalo has served in several leading roles in Africa and Europe over the years to develop resources for African languages, and to advance their use as languages of research, innovation, teaching and learning in higher education.

“I am so honoured – I remain humbled by the decision of the ZAS and look forward to making a meaningful contribution,” says Prof Khumalo.

From left are Prof H Chimhundu, dean of the College of Social Sciences, ZAS, Prof Langa Khumalo, executive director of SADiLaR, Prof CFB Nhachi, president of ZAS, and Prof C Chetsanga, founding president of ZAS.