Professor Kennedy Dzama, an academic pioneer in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture, has been appointed new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University.
Currently serving as the faculty’s Vice-Dean of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at the university, Dzama brings a wealth of experience and excellence in higher education leadership, research and innovation with him.
He succeeds Prof Danie Brink, who has served as faculty dean since 2017, and assumes his role and responsibilities on 1 January 2026.
“I am deeply honoured and thrilled to serve as the new dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at SU,” Dzama said of his appointment, “and I am committed to leading our faculty with vision, innovation and collaboration to achieve new heights of excellence in research, teaching and community impact, not only on the African continent but globally.”
He is internationally recognised for his groundbreaking research on African animal-genetic resources, particularly in the areas of parasite resistance, climate-resilient livestock systems and sustainable animal production. His work has had a profound impact on the understanding and conservation of African animal genetic resources.
Since joining SU in 2006 Dzama has served as the head of the Department of Animal Sciences from 2013 to 2018, and afterwards, as Vice-Dean of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies.
He also leads SU’s AgriSciences interdisciplinary platform, which includes programmes in Food Systems and Sustainability, which has gained recognition across South Africa and internationally and has collaborations and partnerships that include Wageningen University and Oxford University, among others.
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
He obtained a BSc Agriculture (Hons) in Animal Science from the University of Zimbabwe, followed by MSc and PhD degrees in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Texas A&M University in the United States. Before joining SU he held senior academic positions at the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Fort Hare.
Dzama has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students and has published widely in leading international journals. He has contributed to the development of academic programmes across Southern Africa, including the widely-adopted animal-breeding curriculum and transdisciplinary sustainable agriculture programme.
Dzama has been invited to serve on numerous national and international advisory panels, including the African Union InterAfrican Bureau on Animal Genetic Resources and the UN World Food Programme, SADC and its R&D wing CCARDESA. He is currently chairperson of the Board of Governors of the African Wildlife Economy Institute and chairperson of the Southern Africa Food Lab, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for agricultural and food system challenges.
PIONEER IN HIS FIELD
In recognition of his contributions to shaping agricultural research and policy across Southern Africa, Dzama received the South African Society of Animal Science’s Top Research Scientist Award in 2017.
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU rector and vice-chancellor, said the university is proud to see Dzama step into the role as dean, where his vision and leadership are set take the faculty to even greater heights. “He has already left an indelible mark on SU through his outstanding scholarship and his dedicated service as vice-dean, head of department and programme leader.
“Dzama’s pioneering research in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture has not only advanced knowledge globally, but also positioned SU as a leader in addressing critical challenges of food security and climate resilience. Just as importantly, his mentorship of students and his ability to build collaborative networks reflect his deep commitment to the next generation of scientists.”
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