Best Researcher Award
Thabang Molokomme
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Thabang Molokomme is a South African researcher affiliated with Vaal University of Technology, whose scholarly work addresses contemporary challenges in higher education, digital learning and educational development. His research examines the relationship between technological accessibility, institutional preparedness and the experiences of students and academic staff. Through investigations into emergency remote teaching and learning, his work contributes to discussions about educational resilience, inclusive digital transformation and the sustainability of higher education systems. His research achievements and scholarly contributions form the basis of recognition under the Best Researcher Award at the International Forensic Scientist Awards. [1]
Abstract
Thabang Molokomme’s research focuses on challenges affecting higher education institutions in South Africa, particularly the transition towards digital and emergency remote teaching and learning. His 2025 publication investigates how technological limitations, institutional readiness and socioeconomic disruptions influence educational continuity during crises. Using qualitative phenomenological research and the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the study examines the experiences of students and lecturers in the Vaal region. Its findings highlight the importance of reliable digital infrastructure, institutional policies and human-centred support systems in strengthening educational resilience. [2]
Keywords
Higher Education; Emergency Remote Teaching; Digital Learning; Educational Technology; Online Learning; Institutional Preparedness; Social Sciences; Educational Resilience; South African Higher Education.
Introduction
Digital transformation has become an important consideration in contemporary higher education. However, maintaining accessible and effective teaching during emergencies remains a significant institutional challenge. In South Africa, electricity interruptions, technological inequalities and differences in institutional capacity create additional difficulties for students and educators. Molokomme’s research addresses these interconnected issues by examining the practical challenges associated with emergency remote education and identifying considerations for improving institutional preparedness. [2]
Research Profile
Molokomme’s scholarly profile is associated with social sciences and higher education research, particularly the investigation of digital learning environments and institutional responses to educational disruption. His research considers how technology, organisational conditions and external environmental factors influence teaching and learning outcomes.
An important aspect of this work is its attention to the experiences of both students and academic staff. Rather than examining digital education exclusively as a technological process, the research considers the institutional and human factors that influence its effectiveness. This perspective provides a broader understanding of educational accessibility, participation and continuity during periods of disruption.
Research Contributions
A significant contribution of Molokomme’s research is its examination of emergency remote teaching within the specific socioeconomic and technological circumstances of the Vaal region. The 2025 study incorporates the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of ten purposively selected students and lecturers.
The findings identify technological constraints, inadequate institutional preparedness and unpredictable electricity interruptions as important barriers to effective remote education. The study also recognises the psychological pressures experienced by participants and recommends greater consideration of human factors within the analytical framework. These contributions provide practical insights for educational institutions developing more inclusive and adaptable digital learning strategies. [2]
Publications
One documented publication highlighting Molokomme’s research direction is:
- Molokomme, R. T., & Mahlakwana, M. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. [3]
Research Impact
According to the supplied Scopus researcher information, Molokomme’s academic profile records four indexed documents, 14 citations and an h-index of 3. These indicators provide quantitative information about his indexed research output and citation activity. His publication on emergency remote teaching also contributes to scholarly discussions concerning educational technology, institutional resilience and digital inclusion in developing educational contexts. [1]
Award Suitability
The Best Researcher Award recognises researchers demonstrating meaningful scholarly contributions, research development and academic impact. Molokomme’s documented publication, research approach and indexed scholarly indicators provide relevant evidence for consideration. His investigation of educational challenges addresses issues of practical importance to higher education institutions and supports discussions about sustainable and accessible learning environments. His research demonstrates the relevance of context-specific investigation in addressing contemporary social and educational challenges.
Conclusion
Thabang Molokomme’s research contributes to understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation in higher education. His investigation of emergency remote teaching highlights the importance of technological accessibility, institutional readiness and human-centred educational strategies. Through his scholarly work and documented research performance, he demonstrates an active contribution to the Social Sciences. His academic profile provides a relevant foundation for consideration for the Best Researcher Award at the International Forensic Scientist Awards.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Thabang Molokomme, Author ID 59558428200. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=59558428200
- Molokomme, R. T., & Mahlakwana, M. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(5), 155–173.
https://www.ijlter.net/index.php/ijlter/article/view/2310
- Crossref/DOI record. (2025). Understanding Difficulties of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Preparing Institutions in the Vaal Region for Future Crises. DOI: 10.26803/ijlter.24.5.8.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.5.8
- International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. (2025). Volume 24, Issue 5: May 2025. Journal publication archive.
https://www.ijlter.net/index.php/ijlter/issue/view/145
- Vaal University of Technology. (n.d.). Institutional affiliation of the researcher.
- International Forensic Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Official awards website.
forensicscientist.org
