Proudly African, globally relevant: Celebrating the PRG's research for impact

Research

On 20 May 2025, Unisa’s Professional Research Group (PRG) proudly hosted its Research and Innovation Week workshop under a powerful theme "Proudly African, globally relevant: Celebrating PRG’s research for impact". The event brought together professional and support staff to celebrate impactful research that is not only rooted in African realities, but also shaping the global research landscape.

Front, from left: Mampe Phora (Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities), Patricia Lethole (Ekurhuleni Hub Centre Manager) and Pindiwe Seloma (North Eastern Region Manager: Student Administration).
Back, from left: Kgomotso Nyamakazi (Ekurhuleni Hub), Dr Lesiba Molepo (North Eastern Region Regional Director) and Dr Vuyokazi Sigaqa (Mthatha RSC Centre Manager, Eastern Cape Region). Pictured next to them are two of the workshop attendees

This year’s workshop demonstrated the vital role of PRG in transforming visionary ideas into impactful research. Projects showcased at the event highlighted a deep commitment to service, sustainability and innovation by building bridges between local communities and the world.

Flagship projects from the regions

From vision to reality, the Professional Research Committee (PRC) Champions Research with Impact theme was explored. Amisha Benode from PRG opened the session with a compelling reflection on how the Professional Research Committee (PRC) has helped support staff turn their research dreams into tangible outcomes. Linking to this, Prof Tennysson Mgutshini, Executive Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, affirmed the value of research that serves humanity while contributing to global knowledge production.

His sentiments were echoed by Prof Meahabo Magano, the Executive Director of Tuition and Facilitation of Learning, who started these projects in the regions under her stewardship as chair of the Unisa Women’s Forum. This spirit of innovation and social relevance was evident in all the projects showcased during the workshop.

Bee engaged: Youth empowerment through beekeeping

Presented by Dr Lesiba Molepo and Pindiwe Seloma (North Eastern Region)

The duo shared their vibrant beekeeping project in Ga-Seloane Village. Started in 2023, the initiative empowers unemployed youth through skills development and collaboration. With support from the local tribal authority, Unisa North Eastern Region, Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, the Unisa Women’s Forum and others, the project grew into a fully-fledged engaged scholarship initiative. Formal partnerships were signed, ethical clearance was secured and a workshop on CV-writing has already led to one participant securing employment.

A significant milestone was reached when the Malatane tribal authority donated an office to the project, now used for administrative work, storage and life skills workshops. The team has also planted flowers and crops, aligning with Unisa’s Natural Sciences Catalytic Niche Area. The project received formal funding and registration documentation for 2025, making it a proud example of what can be achieved through community-led, research-driven development.

Service to humanity through wetlands and sustainable farming

Presented by Patricia Lethole, Kgomotso Nyamakazi, and Mampe Phora (Ekurhuleni Hub)

This Ekurhuleni-based project centres on building sustainable communities through wetland restoration and green economic activities. The team collaborates with local groups engaging in sewing, seed banking, herbal gardening, recycling and bird sanctuary development. The primary objective is to illustrate the interconnectedness of multispecies interactions by highlighting the equilibrium between individuality and collectivism in fostering multispecies relationships. Illegal dumping in wetlands significantly disrupts the habitats of avian species, microbiomes and reptiles. Facilitated by Prof Janet McIntyre-Mills and supported by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including Prof Mpho Dichaba, Dr Enid Pitsoane and Vho-Mphatheleni Makaulule, the project aims to highlight the balance between individual agency and collective ecological responsibility. The team has already contributed chapters to several books and authored a number of articles, demonstrating how local action can inspire global thinking.

Weaving women’s stories: Art, leadership and economic power

Presented by Dr Vuyo Sigaqa (Eastern Cape Region) and Dr Daniel Mosako

Dr Vuyo Sigaqa, the PRC’s Marketing and Communications Convenor, closed the session with a beautifully curated textile exhibition, created with the artist and academic Dr Daniel Mosako. Their project celebrates the role of women in using woven textiles not just as crafts but as tools for storytelling, peacebuilding and economic empowerment.

The exhibition illustrates how textile design reflects resilience, creativity and leadership, both locally and globally. "Weaving becomes a form of political and social expression," Dr Sigaqa explained, captivating the audience with the layered beauty and significance of women’s contributions to economic and cultural sustainability.

Celebrating professional and support staff as global researchers

The workshop proved that the professional and support staff at Unisa are not just supporting research; they are making significant contributions. PRG continues to champion initiatives that blend African-rooted research with global relevance. The showcased projects are not only transforming communities but also reaffirming Unisa’s commitment to inclusive, impactful research.

Together, we move from vision to impact.

* By Dr Vuyo Sigaqa, Mthatha RSC Centre Manager, and Amisha Benode, Professional Research Group

Publish date: 2025/06/05