WSU SCHOLARS INSPIRE HONOURS STUDENTS TO ADVANCE IN THEIR RESEACH JOURNEY

Some of the country’s most pressing challenges ranging from the need to improve teacher performance in high schools to strengthening skills development for public sector innovation, were brought into a sharp focus at the Walter Sisulu University’s Institutional Research & Innovation Day last week Thursday at the Health Resource Centre in Mthatha, where Honours students presented their papers in front of renowned researcher.

A sense of pride and joy from mentors filled the venue as the mentees simplified complexities of public debt and foreign currency exchange rate volatility, explored how food waste can be substituted in diets to combat hunger and promote sustainability.

The students stepped into a space where their ideas were not only heard, but valued.

Each topic carried the ambition of a young scholar eager to contribute to South Africa’s future. Each voice carried the weight of curiosity, courage and the hope to make a difference.

For the honour’s students, the experience was more than an academic exercise. It was a moment of becoming.

Zimasa Qaqamba Busuku, who is doing research on improving teacher performance in high schools walked away deeply inspired.

“I’ve gained a lot from the comments from other experts. I’m inspired to go deeper into research and be part of such spaces more and more,” she said.

Sharing same sentiments, Yonela Tyani who explored the public debt and exchange rate volatility said the opportunity opened a door she did not realise she was ready to walk through.

“This opportunity means a lot. It helped me uncover my capabilities as an emerging researcher,” she reflected.

She added that the day strengthened her belief that research demands resilience, dedication and self-trust.

“It’s all about believing in yourself, learning from your weaknesses and becoming a better person,” shed added.

Their reflections echoed the intention of the day as scholars in attendance offered feedback that was firm yet nurturing.

They stood not to break the young researchers, but to build them, preparing them for a future where they will carry the weight of discovery and innovation.

WSU’s seasoned academics reminded the students that their journey matters, with Prof Seraphin Oyono-Oyono urged them to hold onto the path with courage.
“We are here to encourage you. You are starting a journey. This is not an easy journey, but stick there,” he said.

He praised their presentations and stressed the importance of research that strengthens education.

“We need people to take over. Do your honours, your masters. Before you know it, you’ll be the ones asking difficult questions.”

Adding to this, Directorate of Research and Innovation Director Prof Thobeka Ncanywa Prof Thobeka Ncanywa highlighted that WSU’s research space is intentionally designed to nurture emerging scholars.

She said faculties nominate their strongest candidates across honours, masters and doctoral categories, including innovative and community-based mentorships.

“The goal is to build research that holds social impact and to ensure WSU’s work reaches high-quality publications,” she added.

By: Yolanda Palezweni