# A Node For African Thought

Research and Innovation

To achieve and maintain the University’s vision and mission, the research and innovation division contributes mainly by promoting the research related goal of the institution which is: to drive growth in UNIZULU research and Innovation

Dr Penelope ZG Buthelezi

Faculty:        Education

Department: Maths, Science and Technology Education

Discipline:    Life Sciences Education (PhD)

Highest Qualification: PhD. in Science Education

Contact details

Email: ButheleziP@unizulu.ac.za

Campus: Kwa-Dlangezwa

 

Research Interest Areas

Integrating the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Euro-centric epistemologies in Life Sciences pedagogy, leading to meaningful curriculum transformation,

Integrating the History of Science into Life Sciences Pedagogy,

Safeguarding/Documenting Indigenous Knowledge

Active Research Projects

1. Facilitator in Community Engagement Project: Creating sustainable teaching and learning environments in the rural Northern Kwa-Zulu-Natal schools

2. Main Researcher/ Leader of the community engagement project titled: Safeguarding Indigenous Wisdom for Indigenous Communities in Empangeni Rural Areas.

3. Member in a Community Engagement Project: Promoting entrepreneurial education by incorporating entrepreneurial character and African thought in the previously disadvantaged University, KwaZulu Natal

M/D Supervision completed (3 or 4 projects)

Exploring the significance of Quality Management System in enhancing teacher professional development in King Cetshwayo District (In Progress).

Research Niche Area(s) of current projects

History of Science (HoS)
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Impactful Research Publications

(Author(s); Year; Title; journal / publisher)

Impact of integrating the History of science into Life sciences teaching viruses on students’ comprehension of microbiology concepts. Published by: International Journal of Innovative Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences Authors: Buthelezi PZG, Mpuangnan K (2023)

Embarking on Discovery: Journey through Scientific Inquiry Steps Published by: Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology Authors: Buthelezi PZG, Mpuangnan K (2024) .

Investigating the extent of integrating the History of Science into Grade 12 Life Sciences textbook in the FET Phase DOI: 10.55284/5m5d6q03 Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Author: Buthelezi PZG (2025)

The integration of Indigenous Knowledge into Life Sciences in developing Human Reproduction Pedagogy in the Further Educational Training Phase” DOI: 10.55284/jeqc5q61 Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Author: Buthelezi PZG (2025)

Barriers to the Effective Integration of Indigenous Epistemologies in Life Sciences Teaching Practices https://doi.org/10.55284/dt7z8h65 Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Author: Buthelezi PZG (2025)

Developing a Theory for Conceptualizing Ancestral Life Sciences (Izimfundiso Zomdabu Zokuphila/Traditional Teachings of Life) DOI: 10.55284/w24kqz14 Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Author: Buthelezi PZG (2025)

Investigating Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions and Attitudes on the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Life Sciences Curriculum: A Qualitative Approach https://doi.org/10.55284/h18a0934 Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Author: Buthelezi PZG (2025)

Strengthening the Functionality of Families and Grassroots Society to Fight Gender-Based Violence Published by: Editorial Team Science of Law Journal (Indexed by Scopus) Authors: Khanyile HG, Mpuangnan K, Buthelezi PZG (2025)

Research Platform

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7171-4701

Google scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CoT7664AAAAJ&hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-penelope-zamashenge-gugulethu-buthelezi-555846367/

 

A Node for African Thought

KwaDlangezwa Campus

1 Main Road, Vulindlela,

Kwadlangezwa, 3886

 

Richards Bay Campus

Coner Guldengracht & Cent Cir Road,

Richards Bay, 3900

Quick links

Research Outputs

Research Ethics

Policies and Processes

Training and Development

DHET Accredited Journals

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Contacts

Director: 035 902 6779

Research Office Secretary: 035 902 6273

NRF & Postgraduate Funding: 035 902 6909

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