Chumasande Dapula, a PhD candidate in the Department of Business Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first graduate of Phase 1 of the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP).

Dapula commenced her journey with the NESP in 2021 under the guidance of Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean of Research Engagement and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the UFS. In February 2024, she was formally acknowledged for her accomplishment. Reflecting on this milestone, Dapula expresses her conviction in her potential as a scholar and envisions a promising future in academia. She remarks, “This achievement is a testament to emerging scholars that come after me, that it is possible to excel despite the challenges and setbacks encountered during postgraduate studies.’’

The Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP)

An initiative by the Department of Higher Education (DHET), the NESP identifies students with exceptional academic aptitude and nurtures them towards careers in academia. This comprehensive three-year programme encompasses a two-year Master's scholarship followed by a one-year internship at a higher education institution in the country. As part of the programme, Dapula completed a Master of Commerce with a specialisation in Business Management at the UFS and an internship within the Department of Business Management.

Impact of the programme

Currently pursuing her PhD in Business Management, Dapula underscores the invaluable insights gained through NESP. She highlights that the programme equipped her with essential academic tools, including the attainment of a Master’s qualification, and transitioning into a PhD candidacy, lecturing, and supervision. Dapula affirms that the experience has significantly influenced the trajectory of her career positively. She asserts, ‘’The acquisition of my Master’s degree and active participation in developmental activities during my internship year have brought multiple gains and benefits, laying the foundation of my academic career.’’