Department of Science and Technology Education

Another win for our champion

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Ms. Nonkanyiso Pamella Shabalala - 1st runner-up in the South African National Three Minutes Thesis Competition and PhD candidate in the Department of Science and Technology, specialising in Environmental Education.

Nonkanyiso Pamella Shabalala is pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Education qualification in the Department of Science and Technology Education of the College of Education at the University of South Africa.

She began her PhD journey in the year 2019. She was born in Mthwalume a village in the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, on the 25th of December 1992. She graduated with a Master of Education in Environmental Education degree in June 2020, Honours Bachelor of Education in Environmental Education (CUM-LAUDE) in May 2018 and Bachelor of Education in Intermediate and Senior Phases in April 2017 at the University of South Africa.

She is a teacher by profession and teaches in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa. She took part on the 2nd August 2021 in the 9th Unisa Research and Innovation Student Showcase in 2021. The theme of the showcase was “Transformative research in the advent of global crises”. Students were required to submit abstracts and were then called for presentations. From  the social sciences she became the winner amongst Doctoral students for her prestigious research presentation and contribution.

Again, on the 29th of October 2021, she took part in the South African National Three Minutes Thesis Competition, where PhD Fellows had to present their research study within Three minutes. The competition was hosted by the University of Free States following an initiation by Queensland University. Among other participants from the Rhodes University, University of Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu Natal, Northwest University, University of Free States, and Central University of Technology, she took a position of a 1st runner-up representing UNISA.

“From this competition I learnt that when you know your study well you do not need 10/15mins to explain to the audience as you can cover every research aspect within Three minutes. The competition challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and stretch beyond my limitations” (Shabalala). She mentioned that 2021 has been a great year and she has really witnessed what it means to be a hard worker, as all her hard work has paid off. All these accomplishments are a sign of her dedication and love for academia. Winning and being a first runner up in the National, is all about her growth, self-development, networking, exposure to the academia world and recognition as a young developing researcher. Lastly, “I would like to extend my gratitude to the College of Graduates staff. To mention a few, Prof Mgutshini, Prof Mbatha, Prof Nxumalo, Dr Gumbi, Dr Hlongwa, and Dr Managa, I cannot thank you enough for your patience and assistance, ngiyabonga”.

#Moleboheng Ramulumo 

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Publish date: 2021/11/09

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