Two University of Johannesburg academics have received national recognition for research tackling gender equality, social justice, women’s livelihoods and the future of work.
Professor Tanusha Raniga was named the 2026 Distinguished Woman Researcher in Humanities and Social Sciences, while Professor Musawenkosi “Musa” Saurombe was awarded second runner-up in the Distinguished Young Woman Researchers category at the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).
The awards were presented on 20 August 2026 as part of an initiative of the National Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Prof Raniga recognised for research on women, poverty and livelihoods
Prof Raniga, a Professor of Social Work in UJ’s Department of Social Work and Community Development, has spent more than a decade researching the relationship between economic policy, social grants, poverty reduction and decent work, particularly among single-mother households in developing economies.
Her research covers several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- Poverty and hunger reduction
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Decent work
- Peace and justice
A major focus of her work has been finding sustainable ways for women to strengthen their livelihoods.
Her research has examined the economic impact of livelihood activities undertaken by women to supplement social-grant income, with studies conducted across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and eSwatini.
She has also contributed to economic development cooperatives and social entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at creating more sustainable livelihoods.
Building global partnerships through research
Prof Raniga’s work extends beyond South Africa.
She is the lead partner in the Global Transformation and Social Work Practice partnership, which brings together UJ, Fachhochschule Dortmund University in Germany, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Midlands State University in Zimbabwe.
The 2023–2026 initiative is supported by DAAD, the German academic exchange organisation, and focuses on strengthening partnerships linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals between institutions in the Global North and Global South.
Prof Raniga has published more than 70 academic articles and book chapters and has held an NRF C2 rating since 2017.
Her previous honours include the 2013 Young Up and Coming Academic Award and the 2025 Social Work Researcher of the Year Award from the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions.
Prof Saurombe recognised for advancing women’s empowerment
Prof Musawenkosi “Musa” Saurombe was named second runner-up in the Distinguished Young Woman Researchers category.
She is a Full Professor and Deputy Head of the Human Resource Management Programme in UJ’s Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management within the College of Business and Economics.
Her research focuses strongly on gender equality, women’s empowerment and decent work, examining how organisations can improve women’s representation and create more inclusive workplaces.
Her work also explores the changing relationship between technology, talent management, employee wellbeing and organisational sustainability.
One important strand of her research examines women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields and differences in access to technology.
A fast-rising academic career
Prof Saurombe completed her PhD in Industrial Psychology at North-West University in 2017.
She joined UJ as a Senior Lecturer in 2021 before progressing to Associate Professor in 2022 and Full Professor in May 2026.
She currently holds an NRF Y2 rating, effective from January 2024, and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications.
Her research has appeared in international journals including Psychology of Men and Masculinities, BMC Public Health, Frontiers in Psychology and SAGE Open.
Recognition for research with real-world impact
The recognition of both UJ academics highlights the role of research in addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
While their research focuses on different areas, both academics share a common theme: using evidence and scholarship to improve women’s opportunities, livelihoods and participation in society and the workplace.
Their SAWiSA recognition adds to UJ’s growing profile in research focused on gender equality, social development and inclusive economic participation.
