TUT appoints Prof. Bohani Mtileni as full professor in Animal Sciences

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has made a strategic appointment that signals its commitment to addressing one of Africa’s most pressing challenges – sustainable food security in a changing climate.

Prof. Bohani Mtileni has been appointed as a full professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, effective 1 March 2026. He brings with him a wealth of expertise in climate-smart livestock systems that promises to revolutionise agricultural practices across the continent.

Leading Research in Livestock Innovation

Prof. Mtileni’s appointment comes at a crucial time for African agriculture. As a recognised leader in animal breeding and genetics, his work focuses on genomics, climate resilience and sustainable livestock production systems.

TUT said that his research integrates molecular and quantitative genetics to identify adaptive and disease-resistant traits in livestock, improving productivity, adaptability and disease resistance. This work particularly benefits smallholder and emerging farming systems operating in variable-climate environments across Africa, responding directly to the need for climate-smart agricultural systems that strengthen food security and support sustainable rural development.

Also read: TUT Professor Puffy Soundy appointed Chair of AgriSETA

International Collaborations and Impact

The university said that Prof. Mtileni 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 and Ethiopia, and across Southern Africa. His scholarship has produced extensive peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals and conference proceedings.

“Through his 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.”

Academic Leadership and Mentorship

Prof. Mtileni has supervised postgraduate students at the honours, master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral levels, while also mentoring early-career researchers. He has contributed to curriculum development, postgraduate training and academic governance, serving 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.

Also read: Advancing agricultural research: Corteva’s collaboration with research institutions in SA

Professional Recognition

Prof. Mtileni is a member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS), the South African Genetics Society (SAGS) and the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG).

Also read: Another feather in the cap for Peritum Agri Institute

Faculty Leadership Perspective

Prof. Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, executive dean of the Faculty of Science, congratulated Prof. Mtileni on his promotion, saying it “reflects sustained research excellence, academic leadership and societal impact. 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.”