The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has achieved an impressive milestone, ranking fourth nationally among South Africa’s 26 public universities for creative research outputs. This recognition, announced in the Creative Research Outputs and Innovations Report 2024 by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), highlights TUT’s growing impact in creative scholarship and its contribution to national research excellence.
In the latest evaluation, TUT was awarded 9.5 creative output units, representing 11.29% of the total national share for 2023. This is a significant improvement from previous years, where the University earned 4.5 units in 2022 and 3.5 units in 2021. The steady increase demonstrates the institution’s commitment to advancing and promoting high-quality creative research. The top three universities in this category were Stellenbosch University (14.7 units), the University of Johannesburg (11.1 units) and Rhodes University (10 units), with TUT closely following in fourth place. This achievement highlights the university’s strong performance and its growing influence in the creative research space.
Creative research outputs are assessed across various disciplines, including Fine and Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Performance and Dance, Design, Film and Television and Literary Arts. These works are evaluated by expert panels based on their scholarly and creative merit. The evaluation process follows a strict set of criteria outlined in the 2017 Policy on the Evaluation of Creative Outputs and Innovations and the 2021 Implementation Guidelines, ensuring that only the highest-quality contributions are recognised.
TUT’s performance in creative research outputs has shown remarkable progress over the past five years. In 2019, the University did not receive any recognised creative research units. By 2020, it had secured 6.1 units, making up 3.69% of the national share. In the following years, it continued to make steady gains, earning 3.5 units in 2021, 4.5 units in 2022, and finally, 9.5 units in 2023.
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at TUT.
This upward trend reflects the institution’s increasing emphasis on research excellence, particularly in creative disciplines.
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, expressed pride in the University’s achievement, saying:
“This recognition affirms TUT’s growing influence in the creative research space. Our academics and creative practitioners continue to push boundaries, producing work that is not only artistically significant but also contributes to national and global knowledge systems.
“We remain committed to promoting a research culture that blends creativity with scholarly excellence, ensuring that TUT remains at the forefront of innovation and artistic expression.”
While TUT has made significant strides in creative research, it continues to work on expanding its impact in innovation. The DHET’s evaluation process also includes innovation outputs, such as patents and plant breeder’s rights, which are critical for driving technological advancements. Although TUT did not receive innovation units in 2023, its strong performance in creative research sets a solid foundation for future developments in both fields.
For media enquiries:
Phaphama Tshisikhawe
University Spokesperson
066 211 1441 / 012 382 4711
Faculty of Arts and Design - Tshwane University of Technology