TUT appoints Prof Bohani Mtileni as Full Professor in Animal Sciences

Prof Bohani Mtileni has accepted an appointment as Full Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, effective 1 March 2026, to strengthen research on climate-smart livestock systems.

Prof Mtileni His promotion marks a milestone for the Faculty and reinforces its commitment to research excellence innovation and societal impact.

Prof Mtileni is a recognised leader in animal breeding and genetics with a focus on genomics, climate resilience and sustainable livestock production systems. He integrates molecular and quantitative genetics to identify adaptive and disease-resistant traits in livestock, thereby improving productivity, adaptability and disease resistance, particularly in smallholder and emerging farming systems operating in variable-climate environments across Africa. His work responds to the need for climate-smart agricultural systems that strengthen food security and support sustainable rural development.

He has led and coordinated several nationally and internationally funded research initiatives, including collaborative programmes with academic and research institutions in Germany, the Netherlands, China, Japan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and across Southern Africa. His scholarship has produced extensive peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals and conference proceedings. Through contributions to genomic selection, climate-smart breeding strategies, and evidence-based livestock improvement policies, he has supported progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on zero hunger, climate action and sustainable agriculture.

Prof Mtileni has supervised postgraduate students at the Honours, Master’s, Doctoral, and postdoctoral levels, while he has also mentored early-career researchers. He has contributed to curriculum development, postgraduate training, and academic governance and has served on key institutional research and ethics structures. His work strengthens research capacity, international partnerships, and translational research that bridges science, industry and policy in line with the University’s vision of a responsive, globally connected institution.

He is a member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, the South African Society of Animal Science, the South African Genetics Society and the International Society for Animal Genetics.

Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, congratulated Prof Mtileni and said his promotion reflects sustained research excellence, academic leadership and societal impact. She said his work in climate-smart breeding and genomics aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the priorities of ISP 2026 to 2035 and will strengthen postgraduate training, international partnerships and research impact across Africa and beyond.

The Faculty of Science looks forward to his continued contribution in advancing research excellence, strengthening strategic partnerships and positioning the University as a leader in climate-resilient agricultural science.