Prof Mbulaheni Nelson Musehane, Centre Manager of the Tshivenda Language Research and Development Centre at the University of Venda, is one of the highly honoured researchers by the University of Venda and the American Biographical Institute.

The University of Venda awarded him a merit award, acknowledging him as an active researcher of note for the period 2007 and 2008. Besides that, the university awarded him a certificate to be awarded to a researcher who made an outstanding contribution by bringing more than R400 000 in research or consultancy funding during 2007/2008 to the University of Venda.

The presentation was made by Prof PA Mbati, vice-chancellor and principal of the university, during an event at the Khoroni Hotel in Thohoyandou.

Musehane has been selected by the institute’s international board of research for the institution’s esteemed Man of the Year to represent South Africa in 2008. “I am humbled to receive these accolades nationally and internationally. I am certain that there are people around the globe who are watching and appreciating what people do in their respective fields. It encourages one to forge ahead with knowledge seeking. The awards are considered as two Christmas gifts while we close the year, waiting for the New Year to unfold,” says Musehane.

He will receive a certificate within six weeks, which is a plaque that is distinguished in appearance with a cherry wood finish and ebony plate with gold lettering. It signifies his selection as a Man of the Year, representing his country in 2008. The board “wishes you much continued success and look forward to hearing from you concerning your nomination. It will be my distinct privilege to recognize your immediate immense accomplishments as a representative of your country,” read a communiqué from JM Evans, president of the American Biographical Institute.

Musehane had presented research papers to 80 regional and national conferences in his career as well as 18 international conferences. Among his publications are 23 books, some of them co-authored with other scholars. He has contributed chapters to 14 books and published 10 articles in refereed or accredited journals. There are 19 articles which have not yet seen the light, while seven articles were published in newspapers, magazines and newsletters. He had received 17 awards in his field of study, research and publication as well as Achievements in Recognition of Community Development Services