Busitema Visiting Professor Motlalepula Matsabisa Honoured with Prestigious Hamilton Naki Award
Prof. Motlalepula Matsabisa, Visiting Professor of Pharmacology at Busitema University, has received the prestigious Hamilton Naki Award from South Africa’s National Research Foundation in recognition of his contributions to African traditional medicine research and pharmacology.
Presented during the National Research Foundation Awards on 3 September 2026, the Hamilton Naki Award recognises researchers who have achieved world-class scientific performance while advancing their careers despite significant challenges.
Prof. Matsabisa’s recognition reflects a research journey that has helped strengthen the scientific study of African traditional medicine. His work examines the safety, efficacy and quality of traditional and herbal medicines and extends into pharmacology, natural product drug discovery, pharmaceutical development and clinical research.
His achievement carries particular significance for Busitema University, where he serves as a Visiting Professor of Pharmacology and maintains a close academic connection with the Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NaPRiC). The relationship supports collaboration in natural products research, drug discovery and the advancement of African medicinal knowledge through evidence-based science.
Prof. Matsabisa’s role at Busitema University is grounded in active academic and research collaboration, particularly in areas where the University is strengthening capacity in the scientific validation and development of natural products and traditional medicines. This shared research interest creates opportunities for deeper collaboration, mentorship and exchange of expertise between Busitema University and other institutions working in the field.
Prof. Matsabisa’s work also reaches beyond the university setting into international efforts to strengthen traditional medicine research and policy. Through his engagement with the World Health Organization’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, he has contributed to broader discussions on the scientific development, regulation and responsible use of traditional medicines.
Reflecting on the recognition, Prof. Matsabisa described the award as representing “success against all odds”, a message that captures the persistence required to pursue rigorous traditional medicine research in a field that has historically faced considerable scepticism.
That journey resonates strongly with NaPRiC’s work at Busitema University, where research seeks to bring indigenous medicinal knowledge into closer conversation with modern scientific methods and translate promising natural products into safe, effective and quality health innovations.
The Hamilton Naki Award adds another significant recognition to Prof. Matsabisa’s career while drawing attention to the value of the academic partnerships through which Busitema University continues to strengthen research in pharmacology, natural products and traditional medicine.
Learn more about Prof. Matsabisa’s Hamilton Naki Award and research through the University of the Free State:
Read the University of the Free State story
You can also explore the work of Busitema University’s Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NaPRiC):
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