Research

Committed to serving Unisa and empowering researchers

Share

Dr Thelma Louw

When several distance education institutions – the University of South Africa, Technikon Southern Africa (TSA) and the Vista Distance Education Campus – merged in 2004, Dr Thelma Louw knew that significant changes were on the horizon.

Having joined the TSA in 1991 as a language practitioner before becoming a project manager, she skilfully managed her career path, keeping pace with the challenges of the dynamic environment created when three institutions became one.

Post-merger, following several changes to Unisa's internal structures, she became Deputy Director of the Sustainability Office. Now the Head of Unisa's Sustainability, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, she explains: "I have seen many changes, and many people come and go. The merger has kept on challenging me to grow and groom others. It has been like starting a new job more than once, without having to change my employer."


Steadfast in her service to Unisa and the research community

Before assuming her current role, Louw completed a two-year stint as Acting Campus Director for the Science Campus in Florida when the new laboratory buildings were under construction – an experience which has stood her in good stead as she continues to interact with a range of Unisans from various disciplines.

As a researcher in higher education, business ethics, environmental sustainability and business administration, her contribution to the research community is manifold: she has, amongst others, been a full committee member of the Professional Research Committee (PRC) for more than six years.

She voluntarily serves as the Chairperson of the Research Development Leave (RDL) workgroup, which presents workshops to Professional Research Group (PRG) researchers – both professional and administrative staff – guiding them as they apply for leave to complete a research-based master's or doctoral degree, or a journal article.

Now, in her quest to empower others and ensure that the RDL workgroup contributes meaningfully to helping PRG researchers, she ensures that applications are adequately vetted before recommending the successful applications for approval.


Never too old to study

"I have always believed in Unisa. I think it is an enormously important institution for South Africa, empowering the youth and the adult population," says Louw. So, practising what she preaches and mindful of the statement that one is never too old to learn, she obtained a doctorate in Business Leadership at 50 – something she describes as a birthday present to herself.


PRC, a research enabler

Since 2010, Louw has published 12 journal articles and a book chapter, some of these thanks to the support of the PRC. "It would not have been possible to complete my doctorate, in particular, if it weren't for the PRC and its benefits. These range from financial grants for attending conferences and presenting papers to RD leave which allows you to dedicate time to research," Louw notes.

Another crucial benefit she highlighted is the networks researchers establish and build through the PRC, linking people from diverse (and even unexpected) quarters.

The PRC also offers skills development interventions, such as an annual writers' retreat. Louw explains: "I have seen how PRG members benefit from the academics we invite. These scholars have specialised expertise that is valuable to impart to our researchers."

Looking to the future, Louw hopes to see mechanisms introduced through the insights and research findings of PRG researchers from Unisa's campuses and regions and that they are taken to a higher level to the extent of influencing management decisions of the institution.

* By Mpho Moloele, PR and Communications, Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation

Share

Publish date: 2022/08/18

Unisa Shop