One such initiative, the
UK-USDP, led by the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa campus in collaboration with the
University of Venda (UniVen) and the
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Scotland, stands as a compelling example of the programme’s impact. Anchored in shared objectives, clearly defined outcomes, and meaningful international collaboration, the project has delivered notable results.
All seven UK-USDP doctoral recipients are on track to submit their theses by June 2026, marking a significant milestone for the participating institutions and for staff development at UFS. Throughout the programme, candidates were supported by a dedicated and experienced team of supervisors drawn from across the project consortium. This collaborative supervision model contributed substantially to the candidates’ academic development and research success.
The effectiveness of this support was evident during the UK-USDP closing workshop, held from 18 to 22 January 2026 in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. At the workshop, candidates formally presented their completed doctoral research, showcasing the depth, rigor, and relevance of their work.
UK-USDP Coordinator, Prof Grey Magaiza, described the initiative as a successful model of academic internationalisation rooted in shared purpose. “The UK-USDP represents a successful example of academic internationalisation rooted in mutual focus, clear project rationales, and tangible outcomes. Its success demonstrates the value of global-local collaborations,” he said. Prof Magaiza extended his appreciation to all participating institutions - UFS, Univen, and UHI - and also acknowledged the academic research unit (ARU) for foregrounding the initiative.
Prof Lynette Jacobs, Acting Director:
Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations, highlighted the intellectual significance of the cohort’s research. She emphasised the quality and depth of the doctoral studies, particularly their contribution to advancing Southern theory. “Embedded in the social sciences and focused on mountain ecologies, these studies generate knowledge that is both contextually grounded and globally relevant. UFS is increasingly recognised as a leader in African mountain research, and this body of work strengthens interdisciplinary scholarship that deepens our understanding of African mountain ecologies,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience, doctoral candidate
Gcina Mtengwane expressed appreciation for the academic and professional development enabled by the programme. "I am grateful to have been part of the SA UK-USDP project as a PhD candidate in
Sociology, with supervision from the University of the Free State (UFS) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI),” she said.
She also acknowledged the collaborative relationships built during the programme. “I extend my sincere thanks to my supervisors,
Dr Divane Nzima from UFS and
Prof Vicky Johnson from UHI, for their invaluable support and guidance. I also thank the entire SA UK-USDP team for their collaboration and camaraderie. The close-off session in Limpopo was a memorable blend of formal engagement and collegial interaction, with particularly valuable networking opportunities. The experience has been enriching, and I am grateful for the relationships built and the lessons learned."
The quality of the presentations at the closing workshop affirmed that the doctorol recipients are well-positioned for successful careers in academia and research, underscoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the USDP model.
As UFS continues to advance its Vision 130 priorities, initiatives such as the UK-USDP highlight the importance of targeted international collaboration in building sustainable research capacity and supporting emerging scholars within the global knowledge landscape.