The Order of Mapungubwe in Silver

Prof Malik Maaza Awarded for:

His outstanding contribution to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. He is a pioneer on the African continent. His work has improved our knowledge and made headway in the development of cutting-edge technology.

Prof Malik Maaza, a native of Algeria and a permanent resident of South Africa since 1996, is a joint staff member of iThemba LABS, a national facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

He holds the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. He is a pioneer in South Africa of the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Maaza is not only a well-accomplished and globally acknowledged authority in his field, but he is also a passionate educator who has graduated no less than 80 Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy students under his direct supervision.

His work has been recognised worldwide through a number of awards, including the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Award in Scientific Excellence, which he received on 28 January 2018 in recognition of his efforts as the pioneer and architect of Nanotechnology on the African continent.

In November 2018, he received the coveted Jose Vasconcelos World Award of Education in Hong Kong, which is granted by the World Cultural Council in recognition of deserving individuals who are renowned educators and experts in the field of education and research, and to legislators of education policies who have brought about significant influence in enriching the culture of mankind.

Since his return to the African continent, where he has chosen South Africa as his adoptive home, Maaza has contributed in various ways to strengthening the scientific landscapes both at the African and South African levels as well as their global visibility.