The College of Human Sciences (CHS) hosted its first Honours Student Symposium in September 2023. The symposium took place online using the Microsoft Teams platform. Students enrolled in an honours programme and some who have completed honours research projects, presented their work to a larger audience. The symposium provided a platform for honours students to showcase their research, projects or academic achievements, and receive feedback from peers, academic departments and the broader academic community.

Valentia Mthimkhulu-Nkabinde, from the CHS Tuition and Learner Support Office, was the programme director for the event. She opened the symposium and welcomed the audience. 

Prof Zethu Nkosi, Executive Dean: CHS, delivered the opening address and gave the audience two definitions of a symposium. The first definition was that a symposium is a meeting or a conference where people discuss a particular subject, but what stood out was the second definition, namely: "A symposium is an ancient Greek festival where people drank around the table and discussed ideas." Nkosi highlighted that, because Unisa is a higher education institution, it would treat this symposium as a platform for sharing ideas and receiving constructive criticism.

She congratulated students who have already completed their honours qualification, and encouraged those still busy to work hard and complete their studies. The students were also encouraged to consider registering for their master’s degrees next year.  She went on to thank the audience for joining the session to witness the occasion, and also thanked the keynote speaker, Dr Tonny Matjila, for the continued support from the College of Graduate Studies. Lastly, the Executive Dean thanked the programme director, and the organiser of the event, Zuzeka Prudence Mkra.

Harvesting epistemologies in the elevation of mentorship in academia

The keynote speaker, Dr Tonny Matjila, Research Training and Development Officer: College of Graduate Studies, spoke about the process of harvesting and the work that goes into the journey that takes one to the harvest period. He touched on a number of things, including student skills development and how it provides students with the necessary tools to engage in research effectively. He spoke about how long the process might take, but that the rewards at the end were worth it.

Matjila went on to speak about mentorship and how it is important in shaping students’ research interests, helping students navigate challenges, and providing valuable insights based on real-world experiences. He talked about agility and innovation, and how they foster an environment that encourages experimentation, creativity and innovation. Through mentorships, students are encouraged to generate new ideas, challenge existing assumptions and find novel solutions to complex problems. He touched on cultivating emotional intelligence, which plays a vital role in managing oneself and others in academia. He encouraged everyone to develop self-awareness, empathy and strong interpersonal skills to navigate challenging situations.  

In his conclusion, Matjila mentioned that academia is a nurturing environment for students, fostering their growth into active participants in research and knowledge creation. The education, mentorship, resources and opportunities provided by academic institutions are instrumental in shaping students into capable researchers who can make meaningful contributions to society. 

Honours students’ presentation topics 

• Langa Nokuthula (Communication Science): The COVID-19 "infodemic": an analysis of Covid-19 vaccine-related conspiracy theories, conspiracy beliefs and fake news on social media
• Mhlanga Phumla (Communication Science): Adoption of digital communication platforms to enhance work productivity and creativity at Masakhane Advertising Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Sigenu Athenkosi (Communication Science): Adoption of digital communication platforms to enhance work productivity and creativity at Blue Moon Consultancy during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Mosadi Malekana (Information Science): Enhancing service delivery at the Springs Public Library in Gauteng Province of South Africa
• Bongumusa Dlamini (Anthropology and Archaeology): Exploring the perceptions of root causes of gender-based violence by university students at Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg
• Nathma Samie (Psychology): Exploring the relationship between zero-sum beliefs and climate anxiety in people between the ages of 18 and 70       
• Sifiso Mdluli (Development Studies): Exploring the barriers affecting people living with disabilities within the workforce of the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Social Development
• Khomotso Ramphaka (Development Studies): Analysis of low-cost housing challenges in the city of Johannesburg: A case study of Devland area in ward 24
• Kopela Ipeleng (African Languages): Dipapiso tsa Boitelo mo mabokong a ga S.F Motlhake: Molebo wa Bolebapopego jwa Serašia (The analysis of imagery in Motlhake’s protest poems: Russian formalism theory)

The aim of this symposium was to promote academic excellence, encourage intellectual exploration, and provide students with valuable presentation and communication skills. It has also helped to foster a sense of community among honours students and the college, creating a supportive and stimulating academic environment.  

* By Zuzeka Prudence Mkra, Tuition and Learner Support Office, College of Human Sciences