Prof Kennedy Dzama, an academic pioneer in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture, has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU). He will start his term on 1 January 2026.

Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor and Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dzama brings with him a wealth of experience and excellence in higher education leadership, research and innovation.

Dzama 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 thereafter, as the Faculty’s Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Dzama 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 whose collaborations and partnerships include Wageningen University, Oxford University, among others.

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.

He has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students and has published widely in leading international journals. Dzama has contributed to the development of academic programmes across Southern Africa, including the widely adopted Animal Breeding curriculum and the 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 Chair of the Board of Governors of the African Wildlife Economy Institute and Chair of the Southern Africa Food Lab, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for agricultural and food system challenges.

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.

Of his appointment, Dzama says: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to serve as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, 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.”

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath says SU is proud to see Dzama step into the role as Dean, where his vision and leadership will help 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.”

Prof Dzama will succeed Prof Danie Brink who has served as Dean since 2017.