UWC Future Researchers | Second Edition

July 2021

SECOND EDITION

FUTURE RESEARCHERS AT UWC

Office of the DVC: Research & Innovation

FOREWORD Doctoral education has been the focus of examination and scrutiny during the last few years. As an institution, we give shape to our commitment to increasing participation in higher education and building capacity. In keeping with the National Development Plan 2030, we worked to create PhD graduates who have the skills to become transformation agents and participate actively in knowledge production. Within the sector the primary concern has been finding the balance between massification and quality assurance.

UWC, like other institutions, participated in the inaugural national PhD audit of the Council for Higher Education. Through this process, we have been able to reflect on the quality of doctoral education at UWC. We are proud to have received a very positive evaluation and look forward to addressing areas of development that were identified. At present our Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for doctoral production is slightly above the national average and has exponentially increased over the last five years.

The last five years presented us with many challenges including, but not limited to the fees-must –fall movement, dwindling funding and the pandemic. Doctoral education at UWC has been in good shape. These challenges place tremendous stress on our available resources and the cohort of doctoral students who enrolled during 2016-2021 faced unprecedented challenges in the course of their studies. Amidst these trials, there are many accounts of activism, engagement, resilience and sheer determination.

This edition is dedicated to recent doctoral graduates who embodied the spirit of UWC. We asked them to look back on their journey and to identify lessons for the benefit of the broader UWC community. in this way, we live out the UWC motto of learning from the past to create a brighter future – respice prospice.

Our heartfelt and warm congratulation to our newly minted doctoral graduates. We acknowledge you and all those who have supported you on this journey.

Prof. Mario R. Smith, PhD Clinical Psych (Columbia University, USA) Acting Director: Division for Postgraduate Studies, UWC

PROF JM FRANTZ GRADUATING WITH THE BLUE GOWN

Why should you strive to graduate with the Blue Gown at UWC? Perhaps you have dreamt to be an academic, a love of wisdom or you have a research focus area that you want to contribute to through research? If you are able to answer yes to one or more of these questions then perhaps doing a PhD might be the right choice for you. The PhD (Doctor of Philosphy) is an academic or professional degree that allows you to be called Doctor on completion. A PhD is not a magic potion and does not change you as a person overnight but when you have this title, it does tend to earn you the respect of your peers. One of the most obvious reasons to do a PhD is the desire to make an original contribution to your subject. This is a defining quality of a PhD that sets it apart from other university qualifications – the goal of the PhD is to create something new and significant that will stand alongside the work of previous scholars in your field.

It helps you to contribute to the goal of the country to increase the number of PhD graduate in SA. The South African government has 2

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identified that producing people with a PhD degree is an important goal for the country and higher education institutions should take responsibility for the knowledge production through PhDs. Universities have been given the mandate through our National Development Plan to increase the number of graduate outputs to 100 per million people.

In 2020 during our 60th celebration we were able to graduate 63 PhD students at our December graduation. This was an amazing achievement during a time when all higher education institutions were struggling to manage the COVID pandemic. In addition, you are also able to make a new contribution to your field through the research conducted for your PhD. Congratulations to our staff and students who contributed to building the academic pipeline by completing and graduating with your PhD. However, the journey may not always have been easy and we have a few graduates whether staff or students share their stories with us.

Q

&A

Phenomenal!

Empowering

Transformational

OLUWAFUNMILOLA ADENIYI Tell us about the background of your research.

My research set out to do two things: (1) Kick start a legal conversation and consciousness about hunger among students in tertiary intuitions as a human rights violation, and; (2) Propose and advocate for policies that will bring meaningful and measurable change to this problem.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

I started my PhD journey knowing I wanted to do something impactful within the food security space for my PhD- food insecurity is still a big issue in South Africa! In the first year I mulled over a completely different topic (thankfully that research didn’t go to waste though as it ended being presented at an international conference).

The Eureka moment was an encounter with a student, toward the middle of 2017. Before this encounter, I was like many others who accepted ‘hunger’ as part of the student experience. I just never applied my mind to how devastating the effects can be on students. Then a student on campus walked up to me around lunch time and asked for some money- she had not eaten in two days. I took her to the nearest Café, bought some food for her and gave her some cash. In that moment, I knew I wanted to do something about it. It should not be okay that people have to learn while they are hungry. I did some research and conceptualised a project – Access to Food for Students Project- it was wholly embraced by my institute- The Dullah Omar Institute. The project set out to drive policy change in the tertiary education sector on the right to food, through advocacy and research. My PhD thesis aligned to the research aspect of this project.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

First a solid support system. From my faith, to my spouse, to my parents and my friends, everyone truly wanted to see me finish this and that was very encouraging. It was like having a band of

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cheerleaders cheering you on towards the finish line. They also put action to their words- from giving me breaks to help me write, to supplying endless cups of tea while writing.

Second, the strong desire to be intentional in being a role model for my kids. Teaching them about starting and finishing a thing through my actions was important to me. Also mirroring for them the value, dignity and rewards of working hard towards a goal and achieving said goal.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

This is a hard one. I’ll say first my circle of women, with my mother topping the list. Being surrounded by women who do not think the word ‘impossible’ exists is very inspiring- it opens your mind up to a limitless horizon.

I am also inspired by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact through what I do.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

Has to be the number of times I asked myself what I was thinking ever signing up for a PhD program (lol). That and sitting at my home desk one winter night around 2am and having a good cry about how tough it was, wiping my face and proceeding to write up another 2000+ words before day break.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

Brilliance is over rated, resilience is under rated!

That for me was the re-occurring theme through the arduous journey. You come into a PhD program, all puffed up about what you know and what you can achieve. In no time, it cuts you down to size, it humbles you. There is such an abundance of knowledge out there that up until that point you have not scratched the face of it.

Also it is not the easiest of journeys and what

keeps you on it is your resilience to finish. You never really come out as the same person you were when you started the program.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

When life gives you lemons, you can choose to sit at the feet of those lemons and cry or you can make a chilled cup of lemonade and enjoy. I think this was true for most Post grad students over the lock down. For me, I saw an opportunity- to concentrate and wrap up my thesis. Of course the practicalities were challenged, being a mum of two active young ones, but challenges do not always mean impossibilities.

Post PhD though, I am tired of the pandemic and I wish we can all get the vaccines ASAP and return to a semblance of normalcy, sooner rather than later.

How was your your supervision experience in one word?

Great. Both my supervisor and co supervisor (Prof E Durojaye and Prof J de Visser) were 100% on board with what I was trying to achieve through my research and provided valuable insights and constructive feedback when needed. Being subject matter specialists was also a plus because I could lean on them and we could bounce ideas off each other. I particularly liked that they were not averse to me disagreeing with them and they gave room for my growth through the years. I think I scored gold in that regard.

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute. Gradually entrenching myself in academia as I try to produce a couple of journal articles out of my thesis.

What does the future hold for Oluwafunmilola Adeniyi?

The real journey has just begun- academia will always hold a soft spot in my heart- I

“Brilliance is over

rated, resilience is under rated!

”

thoroughly enjoy lecturing! But I am also keen on moving into spaces where real change can actually be effected- the development space.

CAREL JANSEN VAN VUUREN Carl recently submitted his Ph.D. thesis for examination, the title being: Contemporary leadership behaviour enabling leadership effectiveness in a public university. The research aimed to develop a model from existing theory, corroborated by empirical research, to complement current leadership theory and furthermore assist practitioners to navigate their decisions under dynamic, volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

Having worked in a senior leadership position in corporate, multi-national organisations for more than 25 years, Carl has experienced first hand the significance of leadership on organisa tional performance. His

desire to understand many of the factors impacting on leader effectiveness has inspired Carl to engage in research.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

My wife and soul mate, Magda Jansen van Vuuren. Her love and care cannot be expressed in words. My best friend who encouraged and supported me 24/7.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

I am fascinated by leadership and the real impact leadership has on organisations.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher) The best thing that has happened to me was Prof Jose Frantz’s motivation to change my PhD study from doing research in a private, to a public Higher Education Institution. This materialised at a time when I made a career change which could potentially have derailed my studies.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student? (i) Do research in a field you love, it should excite you all the time. (ii) Failing to plan is planning to fail. (iii) Be realistic and set achievable goals. (iv) Perpetually revise your work, “sleep on it” and do not compromise quality. (v) Focus on the golden thread, be crisp and clear on what your message is. (vi) Think, think, think before you write.

Stretch your mental capacity to the fullest possible.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

All online: meetings, supervision, write shops, training and webinars.

Regular telephone calls and networking with piers.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Incredible.

What are you academics)?

currently

doing

(work/

I am currently conducting research in the UWC’s Leadership Development in Higher Education Research Niche Area. Working with Prof Marieta du Plessis we are working to establish a new Masters degree in Socially Responsive Leadership, aiming to create a Unit for Leadership Studies, create and expand a network of national and international collaborators to advance the leadership niche agenda, maximize research output through publication and presentations at conferences, and also maximizing post graduate student throughput.

What does the future hold for Carl Jansen Van Vuuren?

We wish to advance the agenda and goals of the leadership research niche over the next few years. We believe leadership is fundamental to the UWC’s Institutional Operating Plan and the executive leadership’s efforts to strengthen UWC’s position as a research university, contributing to the transformation of lives through its knowledge production endeavours and recognised for its general research capabilities and research strengths in selected areas.

“Do research in

a field you love, it should excite you all the time.

Think, think, think before you write.

Stretch your mental capacity to the fullest

”

possible.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS @ UWC

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ZEENAT YASSIN-BURNS Tell us about the background of your research.

My research focuses on the social aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, specifically health related stigma and its impact on vulnerable and orphaned children. HIV-related stigma is a concept that is fluid, ever changing and sometimes poorly understood. To address HIV-related stigma we needed a theoretical understanding of the manner in which stigma operates and is mediated to impact the wellbeing of an individual, especially children who have been disproportionately affected.

Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are stigmatised as a result of their affiliation to familial HIV/AIDS infection or death irrespective of their own HIV status. Experiences of HIVrelated stigma has acted to negatively impact psychosocial well-being of OVC’s. Despite its important the psychosocial well-being of OVC’s in relation to HIV-related related stigma remained poorly investigated and understood resulting in inadequate support and resources dedicated to reducing HIV-related stigma and mitigating its influence on the well-being of affected children. My PhD set out to contribute to the body of knowledge by providing such an understanding through the development of a social transactional model of HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS. What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

For me personally, I have always gravitated towards helping and protecting children as I believe that children are our future and deserve the best opportunities to grow, develop and explore the world free of judgement and danger.

Early in my academic career I was taken by the plight of children who have been severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. I believe that it is through my research that I am able to make a difference, indirectly to the lives of vulnerable and orphaned children.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

There were two things that keep going:

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supervision and progress. Supervision was instrumental to my success. My supervisors provided a supportive environment and guided me throughout my PhD journey. As supervisors they offered a listening ear, provided invaluable advice regarding the research process and motivated me to work through challenges.

Secondly, progress. Throughout my PhD journey I encountered many challenges which is to be expected as no research journey is smooth but I was always motivated by progress. Despite the challenges it was the small wins that kept me going. Seeing my study grow and take shape from the proposal stages to conducting research in the field. I was always excited to see what came next? What would I find? or How would this shape the way I understood the content or experiences of children? It was this sense of small achievements and curiosity that was fulfilling and kept me going till the end.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

My supervisors (Prof Frantz and Dr Erasmus) are my biggest inspiration. In them I found strong women who could lead and effect change in others while remaining empathetic and supportive. I have never seen female leadership and power as embodied by them. They showcase what good academics are and proved that women of colour could do all things great. More importantly they place the empowerment, growth and the capacity development of others at the forefront of their role.

They truly are inspirational and are my role models.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher The best experience throughout my PhD journey was the opportunity to travel and showcase my work. I had received funding support from the NRF to present my developed model at the 9th International Conference on Stigma at Howard University in Washington, DC. This was my first international conference presentation hosted in a country other than South Africa. I remember being nervous and excited all at once, like I was starting my first day of school. Networking with others from different countries and having the opportunity

“Research is not about how intelligent you are. It is the very opposite, it is about needing to know and learn.” share my work was amazing. I grew so much from the experience and continue to network with some of the individuals I met on this trip.

Staffing South African Universities Framework which is supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

What does the future hold for (Zeenat YassinBurns)?

If you don’t succeed try again. Research is not about how intelligent you are. It is the very opposite, it is about needing to know and learn. It is about perseverance and tenacity.

When something does not work the first time, dust yourself off and try again. It is through such determination and perseverance that the greatest personal and professional growth takes place. Since graduation, I have realised that this journey is not only about my contribution but rather about how much I have learnt, grown and developed both as a scholar and as an individual.

I am eager to expand my research in my current interest area of HIVAIDS and health related stigma. I am currently writing a research proposal which focuses on family functioning and HIVrelated stigma which is supported by the NRF. I have also taken the opportunity to partake in a mentorship programme in the upcoming year that focuses specifically on the field of HIV/AIDS research within the Social Sciences discipline.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I was not particularly challenged by COVID-19 in a traditional sense as during the initial lockdown I was in the process of write up and submission.

However, the end of my journey was lonely and isolating as a result of the pandemic. I relied on technology to reach out to my supervisors and friends for support during this time. I was also blessed to have sufficient resources as a student and be surrounded by family that could offer support and comfort during these uncertain times.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Transformational What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am currently a lecturer in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society. As part of my role I participate in the New Generations of Academics Programme housed under the FUTURE RESEARCHERS @ UWC

9

MERVYN COETZEE Tell us about the background of your research.

As a former resident of Bonteheuwel and survivor of the injustices and brutality of Apartheid, I am wired for egalitarian thinking and practice.

On a more personal level, I was born with a physical anomaly. I was born with 12 fingers: two thumbs on each hand. In this sense, I had to endure decades of ridicule, embarrassment, belittlement and being made to feel less than a human being for being different naturally.

It was this specific aspect that would form the root inspiration for embarking on the type of research my doctoral study had embraced: “Trauma, injustice and identity: investigating an egalitarian and autoethnographic approach to analysing students’ personal narratives.”

I have taught academic literacy and language related courses in the B.Ed. Foundation Phase programme at UWC. In addition, I have spent 15 years in the United States in various capacities.

One of these is learning and teaching at middle school and college levels. In light of this, I have learned much about life in both the so-called “developing” and “first” worlds.

During my time while teaching in California, I had encountered an experience that would forever change my approach towards learning and teaching in South Africa.

I was facing an audience of about 200 4th and 5th grade

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learners and was about to ask for volunteers to help with a skit. Before I was able to complete my request, almost every single learner had eagerly raised a hand with enthusiasm. This was very surprising to me. I had come from learning and teaching backgrounds where intimidation and a lack of self-confidence were commonplace. In this regard, I wanted to come to grips with the issues that gave rise to this apparent reticence.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

There were several issues that motivated me to continue and push forward towards the completion of my study. As the only member of my family of six children, I was the only one able to complete high school. In this regard, I wanted to honour them through the successful completion of this degree. Another key issue that motivated my study was my desire to share my findings with the rest of the learning and teaching community. I believe that the issues my study has investigated are critical in understanding the deep-rooted issues of affect that impact student performance and success.

As my role in the solution, I have endeavoured to inspire, empower, enable and eventually ennoble those learners/students in my care.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

When I started embarking on the study I was very anxious because I had doubted my ability to conduct the research at this level. It was my supervisor Professor Siva who constantly motivated me. He would send encouraging messages that inspired me and helped me to believe in myself and my ability to excel.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration is to honour my mother and late father, and make my two sons Blake and Luke and my siblings proud. Another motivating factor is that I am solutions-driven. When I see something that is not right, I am motivated to try to get to the heart of the problem. I then subsequently endeavour to find possible solutions to the issues at hand. Motivating others who are enduring similar hardships to mine, are what inspires me push for excellence in myself and others.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

I think one of the most embarrassing things that I have encountered was being in the presence of senior academics, many of whom are well published when, on the contrary, I had not published anything. This fact in itself was very daunting although it did not prevent me from striving to successfully complete my study.

Another very scary experience was my computer suddenly shutting down and me being in fear of having lost hours and hours of new work.

Fortunately I was able to retrieve the work from emails that I constantly sent to myself as I updated my study.

There are certainly lots of lessons you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt from my journey is that there has to be a personal and an academic connection between myself and the supervisor who will be accompanying me on this journey. I was fortunate that I had a supervisor who was both exceptionally competent and sincerely compassionate given the various challenges I had encountered along the way. It is very important for you and your supervisor to develop a road map with specific goals and timelines by which to shape your progress towards completion. I also learnt to persevere, and not to be side-tracked by the various challenges I had encountered. Another significant lesson that I embraced, is to say, “Yes!” to those in need; you may never know the impact it can have on someone. Practically, I have learned to always backup my work and to email the latest revisions to myself.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

It is true that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown had a tremendous impact on everyone. I was initially very intimidated by this sudden and unusual change in my routine and lifestyle. But I believe that everything in life comes down to “perspectives”; it is not just the way in which to look at life but the way I chose to look at it. In this sense, I choose to view the changes and an opportunity to devote the majority of my free time to the completion of my study.

“Motivating others

who are enduring similar hardships to mine, are what inspires me push for excellence in myself and others.

”

On a practical level, I have learnt that it is very important not to rush your study. It is critical to take frequent breaks throughout the day. I have also discovered that researching at this level is like embarking on a long distance race. In this sense, proper planning, exercising and adequate rest are vital for one’s overall well-being.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Phenomenal!

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am currently working in the University’s the Academic Planning Unit assisting with academic reviews and the University’s curriculum transformation, renewal and Africanization initiatives, among other things.

What does the future hold for Mervyn A. Coetzee?

Upon the recommendations from each of the three external examiners respectively, I am currently embarking on redeveloping my study into a book for publication. A major aim would be for the study to reach a wider academic readership; specifically targeted at those practically involved in learning and teaching at all levels in education from the foundation phase to postgraduate levels. I am also currently offering my services as a motivational speaker to High School learners particularly there was from the townships and rural areas.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS @ UWC

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RONEL DAVIDS Tell us about the background of your research.

My research was on parents parenting children who are deaf – this includes children who are hard of hearing and profoundly deaf. Its focused was on (title) Developing guidelines for parents parenting children who are deaf.

advancing research in the field of disability and particularly in deafness, where so little research has been done, holds invaluable significance for those working within the field of social work and in the public health sector especially within the context of South Africa.

The study highlighted the need of support for parents in South Africa through parent support programmes. Importantly, what the review revealed was that there are only two parent intervention programme for hearing parents parenting children with a hearing loss in South Africa. The study itself was explorative in that it sought to research a relatively new problem about which little is known. It attempted to provide a solution based on collaborations in the form of guidelines, and therefore lends itself to local relevance to influence policy issues in South Africa pertaining to the crucial need for parental support as government should design and facilitate programmes to strengthen families (Department of Social Development, 2013).

Its international relevance forms part of an international call for action for adapted Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPOD) which calls for a research agenda through collaboration of practices in various countries (Moeller et al., 2013).

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

I kept telling myself – “this too shall pass”. This became my mantra on my journey. But, having supportive and understanding supervisors makes the journey a little more easy. Regular check-ins and the understanding and support was great especially when I felt the journey was too hard.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

Before entering academia, I worked within the Deaf community as a social worker and as a sign language Interpreter. I was always aware that many hearing parents were always seeking assistance with regards to the challenges they faced when parenting their child who is deaf.

There was always this curiosity of why do so many children who are deaf identify with the deaf community as their place of belonging.

Many leave home at a very young age because of feeling excluded in their own families. Hence my research in trying to understand these reasons and also how can support be provided to hearing parents who often know very little if not anything about the deaf world. Furthermore, 12

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Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

I think the area of research that I am currently in, inspires me. – I am able to use my PhD studies in my learning and teaching and community/ stakeholder engagement. One organisations is using the findings of the study as part of their funding proposals – so I am glad that after all that hard work that went into the study it, can be used as a funding tool for local relevance.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

The best thing that could have happened to me as a PhD student was publishing my PhD in article format.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

Reach out for help – often the journey can be a lonely one, often we make the mistake thinking we are alone on this journey. The mind can be our biggest battlefield. Stop listening to the inner voice when it says you can’t or when it says it is too difficult. Tip: surround yourself with people/ academics who are willing to walk the journey with you and who have different skill sets to assist you. Keep your supervisors updated on your progress and lastly, avoid comparing yourself to others – your research is unique – some students

move at a faster pace, while others take time to understand and to develop their own set of skills in research.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

Balancing a teaching load, work commitments, family life and studies was challenging especially during Covid19. However, I had good support i.e. my family, supervisors and may I add a good working environment that was supportive. I also think the Self-Management Academic Scholar programme (SMASP) played an important role.

As emerging researchers, a few of us that were completing our PhD’s and MA studies, frequently got together to attend online workshops on topics that included; developing academics to enhance their understanding of the competitive environment and equipping self-and resilient academics to deal with the ever changing environment. Our online workshops also provided us colleagues with an opportunity to share our progress often leaving us recharged.

In addition, the SMASP programme provided us with life coaches – a much needed resource when embarking on a PhD or Master’s study.

It provided a supportive, comfortable and confidential space for me to share my progress and often my frustrations – my highs and lows How was your supervision experience in one word?

Supportive What

are

you

currently

doing

(work/

academics)?

Lecturing in the Social Work Department and currently the Undergraduate Theory Coordinator.

I also supervise 4 MA students and co-supervising 1 PhD student in the Social Work Department.

What does the future hold for Ronel Davids?

More research that makes a positive difference in the field of deafness in South Africa. Would like to do more stakeholder engagement and research between UWC and the Deaf community – disability community - in areas for example of GBV and interdisciplinary collaborations so that issues of disability are more prominently featured on our UWC agenda..

“Reach out for

help – often the journey can be a lonely one, often we make the mistake thinking we are alone on this journey.

”

FUTURE RESEARCHERS @ UWC

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MAMOTHENA CAROL MOTHUPI Tell us about the background of your research.

My research focuses on determinants of maternal health outcomes. I specifically wanted to measure health systems performance and its relationship with outcomes such as maternal mortality while taking into consideration the social determinants of health.

Despite investments, quality improvement programs and the continued commitment, maternal mortality rates in South Africa are still high when compared to similar countries. The reasons for high mortality rates are varied, and exist at the individual, community and health facility level. They include high infection rates for HIV, hypertension, and obstetric haemorrhage.

These outcomes, on the other hand, can be related to the social determinants like drivers of HIV infection in South Africa, the rise of obesity and NCDs, poor quality of antenatal care, the efficiency and effectiveness of referrals and emergency obstetric services, and poor access to care due to constraints such as costs and transport, education/care-seeking etc. So, one can look at the clinical causes of death and/ or underlying systemic factors t h a t

make those risk factors and outcomes more likely. I used a framework called the continuum of care to help me focus on this broad public health perspective. That framework considers interventions at different stages of the pregnancy journey and even before conception, and captures the environments people live in (through water, sanitation, housing for instance) and even nutrition factors. My challenge was to develop a way to analyse these multiple factors together in a new measure of health system performance as related to maternal health. The conception of health system in this instance is of course broad, as it includes the performance of other sectors related to health, which the health system has a mandate to collaborate with through multisectoral decision making platforms.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

I wanted to engage with a comprehensive way of understanding public health problems, and devise new ways to measure performance that enhance the co-accountability of multiple sectors for health outcomes.

I have always been interested in women’s health and maternal health, and due to some of my background studying epidemiology I also gravitated towards measurement related research problems.

Through this research I also got to engage more with qualitative research by interviewing experts and decision makers in maternal health and related areas in South Africa and LMICs in general. So, I was privileged to be able to integrate their voices into my own approach because I believe in creating solutions that are likely to resonate with stakeholders making the policies and plans in maternal health and public health.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

Different things at different

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times. Mainly it was my interest in my research topic, the more it evolved the more intricate it became. It was a steep learning curve for me because I was learning a lot of new theories and methodology in order to build my own approach.

It felt like endless learning and discovery but whenever it translated into tangible progress in my research it gave me a real shot of extra motivation to keep going. So, the interest in my topic kept me learning, the learning enabled progress, and the progress or little milestones along the way convince you that you are that much closer to the finish line. Whenever I felt stuck, I would step away from the research and do some broad general reading of things that interest me in maternal health and public health in general. somehow reminds you that research can be exciting and that your work is meaningful

rejected by a journal.I thought I would never graduate! But when I look at the reasons it was mainly a poor fit with the journal and the fact that I could have included more data and framed the whole paper slightly differently. None of these were indictments on my ability as a researcher (hello imposter syndrome) – one can always collect more data and do more analysis (which I was already doing) and sometimes taking a step back and reframing helps YOU communicate your own research better. You learn something about the audience on the receiving end of your research, and the nuances of article vs thesis writing. In the end it was one of the best things to have happened in my PhD research journey. It made me detach myself from outcomes because they are never guaranteed, and focus more on my efforts and to be clear about my purpose. I

in the grand scheme of things.

published four papers from my PhD.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

The desire to know. That’s the more internal reason for being in and doing research. I am a bookworm and I am inspired by knowledge, learning new things that I feel can be transformative and make our experiences or way of doing things better in some ways. Sometimes solving system wide problems necessitates paradigm shifts in our minds that enable us to look at problems a different way and devise the solutions differently. But I am also inspired by being an inspiration to my family and loved ones, those I grew up with, my friends and so on.

The people that are my biggest inspiration are the ones that opened doors for me in different stages of my life. It means they see something in you that you don’t yet recognise in yourself.

May I be that way for someone else. They are a combination of people who spoke positively over my life, encouraged me to take up an opportunity, offered friendship and support, and other ‘little’ things. The little things can really make all the difference in the world.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

Pick a topic you are interested in, and follow it into the interesting directions it takes you. Where that curiosity lies is often where the gap is. And that may be the only thing to keep you going when the realities of day to day research and life hit, and threaten to distract you from the project.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

The scariest thing was having one of my articles

But discipline is equally important. Sometimes the only joy/pride I could derive was that each day I actually put in an x amount of hours into my work, regardless of how I felt about it at that time. When you take pleasure in the discipline itself, one day you wake up and you have made progress through a very difficult process and you start to believe that you can actually do this.

My setup and challenges were different from my colleagues and you play the cards you are dealt the best way you can. So, needless to say, do not compare yourself with someone else in your program because you are dealing with a different starting point, topic, set of tools and resources, support systems, and coping mechanisms as individuals. Just make yourself proud in how much you try, given your own unique circumstances.

I gained a lot of support from being in touch

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with my fellow PhD students and the faculty members, trying as much as I can to be a part of the community by attending the meetings, retreats and being involved in various initiatives.

Sometimes it can feel routine but really that is where a sense of belonging comes from, collaborations are made, your future opportunities, and possibly lifelong professional networks can come from. So as much as you can, even if you are studying remotely, make yourself available for others, check on them, allow them to check on you.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I was quite negatively impacted by covid. It hit just as I was writing my thesis and completing one of my publications. So in what needed to be my last year of the PhD. I was isolated from my husband and young children for a few months due to lockdown and suffered quite a bit mentally and physically. It felt like a real sink or swim moment. So I realized that I needed to swim. And friends and family and colleagues who would call, give encouragement, send a pizza, or

flowers, really helped me stay afloat. Life in that scenario really becomes about the little things – a walk, a healthy meal, a nap, a video call. Those little things keep you positive that things can get better, and with that little bit of faith you do what you need to do – like write your thesis.

How was your your supervision experience in one word?

Empowering What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am a postdoctoral research fellow studying gender and health issues in the SoPH at UWC. What does the future hold for Mamothena Carol Mothupi?

More research-oriented work, I try not to overthink it. I slowed down a bit on my volunteering and community projects in the last couple of years of my PhD and I would like to build those connections where I live now. For the long term, alongside being a researcher, I think quite a bit about social entrepreneurship as a way to more tangibly plant my skills in the community where I grew up ( and others like it ) and grow with my people that way.

“Pick a topic you are interested in, and

follow it into the interesting directions it takes you. Where that curiosity lies is often where the gap is.

”

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RUKSHANA AHMED Tell us about the background of your research.

I am currently in the process of amending my PhD protocol on bio decontamination in dentistry. The study aims to determine the efficacy of automated vaporizing devices in a dental surgery. Several studies of this nature has been conducted in the medical field with little research into the implications for dentistry.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

I had initially started my PhD on a different topic and I was at the very early stages of reading into the topic but it was just not coming together for me. Then COVID- 19 happened and all that I was reading was about this new virus and the implications in our field. Suddenly there were new protocols and different ways of doing things that we routinely do. My supervisor and I then decided this was the way to go. It was a subject that was relevant, novel and sparked my interest.

I would not have accomplished what I have thus far if it was not for Prof Jose Frantz. I had no contact with Prof Franz prior to joining the DTS programme, but in the past few years her approach to research and her ability to motivate us as researchers has been phenomenal. I would never have had the courage to move so far out of my comfort zone if it was not for Prof Frantz’s motivation, encouragement and her vision to empower. The opportunities and exposure to institutional structures that she provides allows us to develop as early-career researchers.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

The best thing that happened to me as a researcher was completing a systematic review

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

There are so many blessings that I choose to focus on while on this exciting and demanding journey.

Firstly I realised why I was starting this journey of self-development and the commitment I needed to make to see it through. Secondly I knew that my family, friends and colleagues were understanding and supportive. Being part of the DTS program gave me the space and the skills to quip myself to complete the tasks thus far. The deadlines in the program removes any chance of procrastination and ensured I got the work done. The added bonus for me was meeting some amazing friends that became like family in the DTS program and we are our own cheerleaders! Lastly and importantly my faith.

Who is your biggest inspiration/what inspires you?

There are several colleagues that are like minded that I draw inspiration from. Colleagues that are role models and often share their journey in academia in such inspiring ways that it encourages me on my journey. However

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in five months and having it published! I have to acknowledge both Prof Roman as the facilitator and my supervisor Dr R Mulder for being instrumental in the systematic review.

taught me to slow down and to be mindful. The pandemic has taken its toll on our psychological and physiological wellbeing and has forced me to re-evaluate how I live my life.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

I honestly didn’t think I was capable of doing research at this level, let alone to enjoy it. My advice to anyone that wants to delve into this aspect of academia is to find a topic that resonates with you, something that you can read for hours and hours because that is what you can expect.

One of the benefits of being part of the DTS program was sessions with a coach. These sessions highlighted my struggled to excel in all my roles and highlighted the importance of finding the balance and appreciating the present. The timing of these sessions were ideal and to have access to this expertise at the height of our COVID- 19 first wave allowed me to navigate through the uncertainty a bit more grounded.

Learn to accept criticism and separate the feedback from the person. We get so passionate about what we are researching that having it critically assessed can be challenging.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Mentorship

Carving the time to work on your post graduate studies is essential and this is extremely challenging when you have clinical and academic requirements that are your main focus. Finding the balance in it all is most important.

Apply for programmes like the DTS programme.

I cannot begin to explain the positive impact the programme has had on me. It is exceptionally demanding and as a full time staff member juggling work, home and the requirements of the DTS programme can be overwhelming. However when you reflect at what you have achieved with the guidance and support it is worth it.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I have learnt to be gentle with myself and acknowledging that there are certain things I can control and others not. I see myself as a sort of “fixer” and at times I would over extend myself because it is what is needed of me, but 2020 has

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am a dentist / lecturer in the Prosthetic department at the dental faculty of the University of the Western Cape. I predominantly teach third year undergraduate students the theoretical and clinical aspects of constructing dentures.

What does the future hold for Rukshana Ahmed?

My aim for the immediate future is to complete my PhD. I realise that I am only at the proposal stage, but for me it is the most challenging (& exciting) part as I lay the ground work for my study.

It might not seem as a major accomplishment to the seasoned researcher, but for me, who for many years only identified with the clinical teacher role, this is a major mind shift. So, in addition to completing my PhD at some point I would like to impart some of the skills I have acquired in this program, one being finding your research voice.

“There are so many blessings that I choose to focus on while on this exciting and demanding journey.

”

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MBUKENI ANDREW NKOMO Tell us about the background of your research.

I am a trained agricultural biotechnologist, who has a purpose of enhancing academic excellence through innovative teaching and learning approaches, quality research that may impact society positively. My field of expertise is Botany and laboratory experience ranged from Effect of Climate change on Plants (Specifically progressive drought stress and salinity), Plant Pathology (Effect of different fungus and their mycotoxins on plants), Soil Science and Phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated land using plants. The main theme of my PhD is to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms, proteomics pathways, and metabolomics fingerprint involving nutrient uptake and stressresponse, including the uses of key metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway to modify and control abiotic stresses. I have trained a number of Plant Biotechnology post graduate students in different physiological and biological techniques in other to help identify how plants are affected

by Environmental Stresses and to help in finding ways to combat the effect of these stresses. I have also demonstrated multiple skills working in agricultural biotechnology industry. Which includes Mass Spectrometry (For identification of proteins), HPLC (Identification of phenolic acids) and ICP-OES (Identification of mineral content and heavy metals concentration) Bio-typing (identification of micro-organism), ELISA, Plant Tissue Culture, Statistical Analysis, Research Design and Sessional Lecturing.

time make sure the lab has a good supportive structure meaning, this could be postdoctoral student that can assist you. I was Dr. Ashwil Klein first student when he first started a Lab at UWC. He, believed and the only best thing you can do as a supervisor is to believe in your students and always push them to do more. I really appreciated their combine efforts with Prof.

Marshall Keyster. Especially during my Thesis writeup and publication preparation meetings they took pro-active steps and always practiced what they preached. I found this to be incredibly valuable in working with them, they will always allow me to explore and challenge nearly all possible perspectives to any idea surrounding my PhD project.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration came from my mentors Prof. Ndimba (ARC/UWC) and Dr. Ndimba (iThemba labs). They are friend when I need a shoulder to cry on, mentors when I need advice

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

Whenever I felt like giving up and things were not working out. I will always think of my daughter “Mabatho” and think of a life that I would wish for her to live.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

I always tell other student that when choosing a supervisor, the best thing to look for its their availability. If they are not available most of the

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regarding my PhD work and parents when I need guidance on life’s problems. I could go on forever talking about them I’ll suggest to do a story about them and you’ll understand why they inspire me.

I had already completed my lab work and had to start writing. So gave me the time I needed to start writing and since we were on lockdown the only time I had I could just focus on writing.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

How was your supervision experience in one word? )

The scariest part of my Journey was losing all of my Data and worked around the end of 2018 when I was planning to submit. I was hijacked in symphony way at Delft in the process lost all of my belongings and the laptop that had my work. Meaning I had to go back to the laboratory to start over, but with faith and a strong desire for science I was able to start afresh and complete all the experiment and writing up in less than 2 years.

What are you academics)?

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

Backup your work, Backup your work on the virtual space “Google drive” should be your friend as anything is possible. To avoid going through the most Backup.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I feel it has worked best for me as when it started

Pragmatic-leaders currently

doing

(work/

I have gone back to complete the journey I had started more than 10 years ago. When I had first registered to study Biotechnology as an undergraduate student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). But due to financial constrains had dropped out and had to go and work at Caltex garage (as a petrol attendant). I had to go back this year to complete that journey, but not as a student but a lecturer.

I am currently a full time lecturer at CPUT, I am lecturing both undergraduate (Biotechnology I; 1st year and Food Microbiology; 2nd year and postgraduate (Biosafety and regulation; Advance diploma in Biotechnology) studies.

What does the future hold for Mbukeni Andrew Nkomo?

I wish to see myself graduating my first PhD student, 5 years from now.

“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it”

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Please send your feedback and suggestions to: Dr. Lwando Mdleleni Tel: 021 959 4187 Email: lmdleleni@uwc.ac.za Cover image: www.shutterstock.com