On 12 February 2026, Unisa opened its 2026 academic year by celebrating employees whose performance in 2025 went above and beyond their regular duties. Among the honourees was Lufuno Kgamedi, Archivist at Library and Information Services (LIS), who received the Support Staff Excellence Award – reserved for staff whose contributions strengthen institutional effectiveness beyond routine responsibilities.

Kgamedi’s work safeguards institutional accountability, records integrity and research asset preservation, critical pillars that uphold academic credibility in a distance-learning university of Unisa’s scale. Her impact extends beyond maintaining records; she ensures that the systems supporting research and governance remain robust and reliable.

Currently pursuing doctoral studies in information science, Kgamedi embodies the scholar-practitioner model, blending operational excellence with research-informed practice. Her influence also extends nationally through her mentorship in the South African Society of Archivists (SASA) Elite Edge initiative, where she guides emerging professionals and strengthens the archival pipeline.

Dr Makutla Mojapelo, Chair of the Department of Information Science, said: "Mme Lufuno Kgamedi mentors new professionals through SASA’s Elite Edge initiative, helping them realise their career goals. Her contribution to the profession was reaffirmed at the official opening. As SASA, we are proud of her."

Her manager, Anri van der Westhuizen, reflected on her contribution: "Lufuno’s commitment to excellence, intellectual curiosity and professionalism consistently elevate the standards of our work. She approaches archival practice with both rigour and purpose, and her growth as a scholar-practitioner strengthens not only our team but the broader profession."

Janice Dee Wee, Acting Executive Director, and Dr Khomotso Marumo, Director: Client Services at LIS, also acknowledged her consistency, professionalism and future potential.

Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Lufuno Kgamedi, Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Dr Dan Mosia

Kgamedi’s recognition reflects more than individual achievement. It demonstrates the strength of Unisa’s talent development ecosystem, where staff advance academically, contribute nationally to their disciplines and reinforce institutional excellence through specialised expertise. By cultivating scholar-practitioners like Kgamedi, Unisa strengthens both knowledge creation and leadership capacity, developing professionals who lead in their fields while fortifying internal systems.

Excellence at Unisa is not a moment – it is a trajectory.

* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Coordinator, Library and Information Services