The deputy-vice-chancellor: academic of the University of Venda, Prof Xikombiso Mbhenyane, led by example when she scooped the Best Overall researcher award and pocketed more than R15 000 in cash prizes during the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Research for 2009. The ceremony was held at the university’s senate chambers last week. Dr Pascal Bessong was best researcher (overall, 2006 publication output, most funds from external source, high number of projects) while the School of Mathematical and Natural Science received the award for being the school with most output. All active researchers received a merit certificate as acknowledgement. Addressing the researchers, Univen’s vice-chancellor, Prof Peter Mbati, said it gave him great pleasure to acknowledge all the researchers who, against all odds, seized the unique opportunities that presented themselves within the global academic arena. He urged them to work harder in order that the status of the university be guaranteed. He said it was worrying that out of the 23 universities in South Africa, 75%of the total research output was produced by only five universities, with a few universities producing less than 10% of the total output. He added that they should be able to answer the question as to where they would like to see their institution and the future implications for the university. Mbati said there would be no excuse for not doing research as the university would invest R23million in improving teaching and research development in 2010. In response, Mbhenyane said she was humbled by the awards. She said their university´s being rurally based was no excuse for them not to do research. She said a lot still needed to be done in enhancing knowledge that would benefit the community. Mbhenyane is also the South African Businesswoman Council’s Businesswoman of the year for 2009 in the professional category. Her active participation in the new strategic direction in the institution demonstrates that leadership and transformation are imperative for the success of any institution of higher learning. She played a vital role in the transformation at Univen. Other researchers also received certificates, cash, and floating trophies and fully sponsored international conferences.