Dr. Mhlangabezi Slayi is an NRF Y2 rating researcher and lecturer in the department of Animal and Pasture Science at the University of Fort Hare. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from UFH and has over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and academic facilitation across both secondary and higher education sectors. Dr. Slayi teaches Smallstock Production, Dairy Science & Technology, Principles of Animal Nutrition, and Beef Production and Game Ranching modules at undergraduate level, while actively supervising postgraduate students. His academic portfolio is underpinned by a strong and growing research record, with publications in high-impact, DHET-accredited national and international journals, contributing to over 606 citations and an h-index of 15. His research focuses on climate-smart livestock production systems, integrating animal nutrition, rangeland management, and livestock health to improve productivity and resilience in smallholder and communal farming systems. He is particularly passionate about developing community-based, participatory intervention models that bridge scientific research and local knowledge to address the impacts of climate change on livestock production. Through his work, Dr. Slayi continues to contribute to interdisciplinary research, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement, positioning himself as an emerging leader in sustainable livestock systems in Southern Africa.