Dr Thomas Raphulu is a Scientific Manager Grade B at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), Mara Research Station from 2008 to date. His role in the Department is to provide expert, problem focused and client/farmer agricultural research, technology development and transfer of knowledge impacting on development strategic objectives towards improved agricultural production.

He has joined LDARD from the University of Venda where he spent 6 years lecturing Animal Science students. He has extensive experience in Livestock research, community services/engagement and lecturing. His specialization is on animal nutrition and physiology with the focus in improving production and livelihood of the rural communities. He also has interest on the impact of climate change on livestock production. He serves in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Research Committee.

He matriculated at Tshinavhe Secondary school and obtained the degrees specializing with Animal Sciences, Bsc (Agriculture) ,  Bsc.Hons  and MSc (Agriculture) from the University of Venda and PhD from the University of Pretoria. He has published several articles in internationally accredited peer reviewed journals, presented papers/posters at conferences or symposia and contributed book chapter. He is a registered Professional Animal Scientist (South African Council for Natural and Scientific Professions) and a member of South African Society for Animal Science.