University of the Free State USDP programme aims on improving overall quality of PhD qualifications in South Africa
“Meeting new people from various cultures and countries is one of the highlights of my work. It forces me to be open-minded and provides me with many learning opportunities,” says Chevon Slambee, coordinator of strategic projects – such as the University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP) – in the Office for International Affairs at the University of the Free State (UFS). Working with her on the USDP programme is Bonolo Makhalemele, who enjoys the multifaceted and dynamic nature of this initiative.
The USDP, which falls under the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), is a doctoral training programme aimed at developing a cohort of ten academically excellent and competent doctoral staff members in the field of global health. Five of these candidates are from the UFS, and the other five are from the University of Venda.
Improving scope of PhD profile nationally
As administrators of the USDP, Slambee and Makhalemele are responsible for the key outputs of the programme, including successful project coordination and ensuring that all deliverables are met. This comprises sound financial management, creating awareness and visibility, and providing support to the USDP candidates, ensuring that they achieve their academic goals. Another important aspect of their work is to maintain stakeholder relations between the institutions involved in this programme, i.e., the UFS, the University of Venda, the University of Virginia in the US, and the Department of Higher Education (DHET).
Both Slambee and Makhalemele believe in the merit of the USDP programme. Slambee is of the opinion that programmes such as the USDP in Global Health affords clinicians, who are doctors by profession and not necessarily professoriate, an opportunity to study towards a PhD.
“In the South African context, where less than 45% of academics hold a PhD qualification, programmes such as the USDP, funded by the DHET, focus on issues of equity and redress, and affords black academics the opportunity to complete their PhDs. Being given the chance to study towards a doctorate degree in global health is a fantastic opportunity that will help to improve the breadth and scope of our PhD profile nationally, thereby improving universities’ mandate of being learning and knowledge generation hubs,” says Slambee.
Makhalemele agrees that programmes of this nature have made a significant contribution towards transformation in various aspects. She adds, “Considering that South African universities are currently experiencing an aging professoriate and a shortage of black and particularly female professors, especially in the areas of science and technology, this programme has an important role to play in increasing the number of academic staff with PhDs.”
She also believes that creating and reinforcing partnerships and collaborations between national and international institutions will ultimately enhance the overall quality of doctoral qualifications in South Africa.
Ground-breaking research results in new medical innovations
Besides all the opportunities the USDP programme is offering the participants, including funding, dedicated research time, publication in national and international journals, and exposure to new knowledge paradigms, Slambee and Makhalemele are excited about the ground-breaking research that will emanate from this programme, which will result in new medical innovations and impact global health overall.
“Global health is one of the critical issues for the future of the human species, especially in Africa, where both infectious and non-communicable diseases threaten development. It is exciting to bear witness to the impact that our candidates’ research will be making to this realm, ultimately improving the quality of life of many,” says Makhalemele.
Apart from its global impact, touching the lives of people on an international scale, this programme has also personally affected both Makhalemele and Slambee.
Makhalemele says she has found a deeper appreciation for the realm of science and how vast it is. She adds that the programme has also allowed her to constantly tap into her creativity and use unorthodox methods to solve problems. “This was especially highlighted during the 2020 academic year when we had to look at new ways of working and managing the project as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown,” she says.
Slambee says the USDP programme has enhanced her understanding of global health. “I am learning about biomarkers and scientific jargon that I did not think I would ever encounter if it was not for this project. I also believe that, with the programme being so diverse in terms of areas of specialisation, it has the potential to address the array of challenges globally.”