Doctoral Reflections of Journeys in the Humanities and Social Sciences in South African Universities
Title: Doctoral Reflections of Journeys in the Humanities and Social Sciences in South African Universities
Authors: Tebogo J. Lebakeng and Koliswa M. Matebese – Notshulwana
Publishers: UJ Press
Book Description: A doctorate is the highest academic qualification on offer at academic institutions of higher learning. As such, it requires doctoral candidates to conduct research at the most advanced academic level. Candidates are required to demonstrate high-level research capability for successful submission, defence and final acceptance of a thesis. A key requirement is that the thesis must make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontier of a discipline or field. That is why as a terminal degree, the candidate is trained to produce not mere consume academic knowledge. The thrill of the degree finally being conferred on a candidate comes after extensive academic work that can sometimes be stressful, frustrating, discouraging and isolating, and which can induce self-doubt. At the end of the study, the student might have lost friends and family as the rigours and pressures of the work take its toll on relationships. That is why the qualification is a milestone achievement and a life-changing experience that also requires candidate to significantly adjust his/her attitude as a scholar.
Ms Zoliswa Ntsoko (South Africa) is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant who assists with general administration and research. She is a seasoned professional with a background in Disaster Management. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Milpark Business School, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management from Regenesys Business School. She also holds certificates in Project Management, and in Disaster Management. Previously, she has worked as a Disaster Management Specialist at the City of Johannesburg – Disaster Management Centre.
Ms Cecilia Lwiindi Nedziwe-Moyo is the Research Coordinator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She previously served as a Regional Coordinator at the Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA) in Zimbabwe between 2007 and 2013. She completed her master’s degree in International Studies, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia as a Rotary Peace Scholar. She has just completed her doctoral studies at Rhodes University. Her areas of interest include: gender, foreign policy, regional organisations and conflict resolution.
Ms Thembeka Somtseu is a seasoned professional with a background in the textile and construction sectors. She holds a National Diploma in Business Administration from the Durban University of Technology, and studied Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked as a corporate communications specialist for more than ten years, serving in both local and multinational companies.