Professor Malik Maaza, Senior Research Scientists at iThemba LABS, won the NSTF-GreenMatter Award at the 20th NSTF-South32 Awards held on 28 June 2018. The award recognises an individual's or organisation's work towards biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and a greener economy over the last 5 to 10 years. The award was presented to Prof Maaza by the Minster of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, who is also the event’s patron.

The World Cultural Council (WCC) bestowed National Research Foundation (NRF)’s Professor Malik Mâaza with the JOSÉ VASCONCELOS World Award of Education for 2018 for his positive impact on the cultural legacy of mankind. The announcement of the award was made yesterday, on Monday 04 June 2018 at the City University of Hong Kong, while the award itself will be conferred to Professor Maaza at the 35^th World Cultural Council Award Ceremony which will take place at the same venue on Thursday 8 November 2018.