16/08/2026
Ladies and gentlemen we introduce our Head of Academics, Dr Morutse Mphahlele, Pr.Sci.Nat. (PhD)
Agricultural Scientist | Researcher | Academic | Animal Production Specialist | Entrepreneur | Education and Training Leader
Dr Morutse Mphahlele is a South African agricultural scientist, researcher, academic and entrepreneur with extensive experience in animal production, animal health, agricultural education and training, research and development, and farmer development. He is a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Science with Environmental Sciences from North-West University. His doctoral research focused on gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep in Limpopo Province, with particular emphasis on seasonal prevalence and anthelmintic resistance.
Dr Mphahlele's research career has focused significantly on livestock health, veterinary parasitology, anthelmintic resistance, gastrointestinal parasites and sustainable livestock production. His work has contributed to the understanding of parasite prevalence, risk factors associated with anthelmintic resistance and the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintic treatments in livestock. His research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, including studies on anthelmintic resistance in sheep in South Africa.
He has also developed expertise across a broad range of agricultural disciplines, including animal production, poultry production, small-stock production, animal nutrition, animal health, dairy production, natural resource management and agricultural extension. Earlier in his career, he served in academic and lecturing capacities at agricultural colleges, where he contributed to the development of agricultural students and future agricultural professionals. A published professional profile from the South African Veterinary and Paraveterinary Congress records his experience in teaching and agricultural extension.
Dr Mphahlele is currently the Head of Academics at Scientia Agri Institute www.scientia.edu.za, an agricultural education, training and research institution based in Malelane, Mpumalanga. Scientia Institute provides agricultural education and training in areas including animal production, plant production, animal health and related professional and technical fields. The institution also undertakes research and development activities, including pharmaceutical research.
As an academic and institutional leader, Dr Mphahlele is passionate about transforming agricultural knowledge into practical solutions that benefit farmers, students, agricultural businesses and rural communities. His work integrates scientific knowledge, practical agricultural training, research, entrepreneurship and farmer development.
His professional interests include livestock production and health, agricultural research, parasite management, veterinary parasitology, agricultural education and training, farmer development, agricultural entrepreneurship, pharmaceutical research and sustainable agricultural development.
Dr Mphahlele has also contributed to scientific knowledge through research publications and academic collaborations. His research has involved collaboration with researchers and institutions including North-West University, the University of Pretoria, the Agricultural Research Council and other South African academic and agricultural organisations.
Beyond his scientific and academic work, Dr Mphahlele is committed to developing the next generation of agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs. Through Scientia Agri Institute, he contributes to the advancement of agricultural skills development, practical training, farmer support and innovation within the South African agricultural sector.
His professional philosophy is founded on the belief that knowledge should be transformed into practical action and opportunity. Through education, research and collaboration, he seeks to contribute towards a more skilled, productive, sustainable and economically inclusive agricultural sector in South Africa.
