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UFS research group celebrates successes and five PhDs

09 September 2021 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Stephen Collett

prof Walker and Baijnath_web read more — Prof Melanie Walker and keynote speaker, Prof Narend Baijnath, who reflected on his own academic path to instil a sense of pride in the newer generation of academics.

The Higher Education and Human Development Research Group is one of the prestige research groups at the University of the Free State (UFS). The group, under the stewardship of Prof Melanie Walker, A1 NRF-rated researcher, brings together researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows who focus on human development and capability studies in the higher education space.

A colloquium that took place recently (25 August 2021), celebrated the conclusion of research projects such as the Miratho project, and also reflected on the achievements of 2020 and 2021 in challenging COVID-19 times. Most importantly, the group celebrated the five PhD graduates of 2021.

Prof Narend Baijnath, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth of Learning, was the keynote speaker at the celebratory colloquium.

Lessons from Prof Baijnath

Although in the ‘twilight of his career’, Prof Baijnath used his keynote address to share and reflect on his own journey to guide academics and postdoctoral fellows embarking on their new journeys. “Looking back, while I do acknowledge that adversity and struggle may build character and fuel perseverance, it is often the largesse and generosity of others that makes the difference between whether you realise your full potential or not,” Prof Baijnath said. “Local community members pitched in to cover my own university fees and the cost of books when times were tough, and never asked to be repaid,” he remembered.

However, it was also the support his mother gave him, because “she valued education above all else”. “She made sure that my needs were provided for as a priority before attending to other needs of the family,” he said.

Prof Baijnath, through his own circumstances, resonates with young people at universities today, because getting through university is a daily challenge for many of our youth who are desperate to escape poverty and fulfil their dreams. “They bristle with potential, are hardworking and focused, and hungry for success. Even though many more funding opportunities exist today that were non-existent back then, the struggle to escape poverty and disadvantage persists for many,” he said.
Read the full keynote here

PhD students and graduates invaluable

The five PhD graduates are Dr Berth Kibona; Dr Fenella Sommerville, Dr Martino Mazinga; Dr Monique Kwachou Tangah; and Dr Ndakaitei Manase. “It is a mighty achievement to reach this milestone. Only those who have completed the journey or who are currently embarked upon it will fully understand the momentousness of this occasion,” Prof Baijnath said in his remarks.

Of the current group of PhDs, all draw on the capability and human development approach – each with a with different focus: access to higher education in Zambia; alternative post-school pathways in Malawi; student activism and social media in South Africa (SA); climate justice and the role of universities in Malawi, decolonising higher education in SA; and architecture and human development. “Our PhDs are so important in the life of our research group,” Prof Walker emphasised.

Four of the five PhD graduandi. From the left; Dr Monique Kwachou; Dr Martino Mazinga; Dr Bertha Kibona; and
Dr Fenella Somerville. (Picture: Stephen Collett)

Research output contributes to prestige

The event further celebrated the publication of books, such as the Miratho project book due for publication later this year, which examines the opportunities, obstacles, and outcomes for low-income youth and higher education. In addition, there is the forthcoming 2021 book by Dr Carmen Martinez-Vargas on participatory research, and Prof Walker’s 2020 edited book on epistemic justice. This is in addition to a steady stream of peer-reviewed articles in international journals and book chapters.

The awarding of international grants and research opportunities embodies the empirical success of the group. Senior researcher Dr Faith Mkwananzi serves as the chief investigator on a research project with the Open University and Coventry University. Funding for the project is through the British Academy (BA). Another project undertaken by Dr Mkwananzi is the Changing the Story project, which is also funded by the BA. “All this funding will allow very exciting projects to go ahead and further strengthen our contributions to Global South research,” said Prof Walker. The group also welcomed a new research associate from Lancaster University, Dr Melis Cin. Dr Cin is the successful recipient of a large grant for decolonising peace education in Africa.

Overall, research projects undertaken by members exemplify a commitment to rigorous and original South-based research and to social justice through advancing human development and expanding people’s freedoms.

Dr Fenella Somerville and Dr Faith Mkwananzi (PhD Co-Promoter)

The HEHD Research Group with guests at the colloquium.

Dr Monique Kwachou and Dr Carmen Martinez-Vargas (PhD Co-Promoter).

Dr Martino Mazinga and Dr Mikateko Hoppener (PhD Promoter).

Dr Bertha Kibona and Prof Melanie Walker (PhD Promoter)

Prof Phillippe Burger, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Poverty, Inequality and Economic Development.

Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director: UFS Research Development.

News Archive

Guest lecture: Mr Pretorius, CEO of McCarthy Limited

2004-11-05

The challenges facing business leaders in a rapidly changing South Africa

“The world we used to know does not exist anymore. Leaders are continually dealing with crisis and opportunities, in a high-pressure environment,” said Mr Brand Pretorius, honorary professor from the University of the Free State , delivering his 13th guest lecture on the challenges facing business leaders in a rapidly changing South Africa .

Mr Pretorius, CEO of McCarthy Limited, identified certain trends which are responsible for changes to the South African business environment. He said the South African business environment is ever-changing, fast moving, complex and unpredictable. “As business people we have to deal with the impact,” he said.

“Years ago we were globally isolated. Now we live in a shrinking borderless world with crumbling trade barriers. Globilisation of our economy is accelerating. For South African business leaders this creates a sea of export opportunities,” he said.

Although there are ongoing demands for substantial profit growth from shareholders, the days of focussing only on their interests are gone, said Mr Pretorius. Stakeholder commitment now enjoys high priority and business leaders have to deal with the challenges accompanying black economic empowerment and employment equity.

Customers are also well-informed and demanding. Business leaders could easily loose the loyalty of their customers because of a hyper-competitive environment with an oversupply of goods and services.

Mr Pretorius stated that staff want to be involved and are looking for meaning in their workplace. Employers also have to deal with HIV/Aids in their workplaces. Trauma, absenteeism and financial implications could have a great effect on the viability of a business.

Against these changes Mr Pretorius pointed out the challenges business leaders are facing. In doing so a number of questions arise. The external business climate is characterised by turbulence and change. Internally there is a need for stability and meaning. How do we handle both challenges effectively?

Because of changes strategy decay is taking place and past strategies become irrelevant. Mr Pretorius said that business leaders need to modify their business models to prevent the downfall of their companies.

It is important for leaders to know what is happening in their world. “Continuous innovation is a critical success factor. The reality is that innovation is the only insurance against irrelevance,” he said.

Because of a changed environment leaders must perform and transform, simultaneously. How do we strike a balance between focused transformation and the achievement of world class performance, asked Mr Pretorius? “We need to bring about meaningful and sustainable empowerment, in order to create an inclusive economy and society. Leadership and management profiles should reflect the diversity of our teams, however at the same time every effort should be made to stop the brain drain and retain the expertise of experienced white managers.”

He also stated that leaders have an important role to play in terms of employment creation and corporate caring. “Sustainable stability and prosperity will not materialise without efforts in this regard.”

Mr Pretorius said that above challenges could be addressed by developing the ability to focus on creating a better future, rather than defending the past, a long-term vision, facing new realities, enhancing the value of brands and mobilising IT and the Internet to serve the business and customers better.

Retaining a positive vision of the future, embracing change and transformation, building your business according to the right principles and values and aspiring to be the best are some of the guidelines, according to Mr Brand, for future business success. He stated that creating a value advantage above one’s competitors, customer satisfaction and retention and inspirational leadership will add to the success of one’s business.

“We are indeed living in the era of the ultimate challenges, but also the ultimate opportunities. Let me clearly state that I have hope – in my view the tide has turned. Every day I experience small miracles inspired by ordinary people making an extraordinary difference,” said Mr Pretorius.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 November 2004

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