By Menziwa Msibi
The subject group Chemistry at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus hosted the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Sasol Foundation during a visit on 2 June 2023.
The purpose of this visit was to reinforce the visiting parties’ commitment to support and enhance research capabilities by providing scholarships for honours, master’s, and PhD students.
The visit also aimed to determine how the NRF and the Sasol Foundation can assist the NWU in acquiring the necessary equipment and research support to facilitate effective research training for postgraduate students.
Dr Bulelwa Keke, a tertiary portfolio manager at the Sasol Foundation explained that their focus is on encouraging students to pursue postgraduate studies, thereby building a pool of globally competitive human capital and skilled science researchers.
“The Sasol Foundation also aids postgraduate students with additional research support to enable them to complete their degree studies within the minimum time to reduce delays in students qualifying in their fields,” he added.
“The Foundation invests in tertiary education to empower individuals with the skills required to participate in the economy, to contribute to social development, and to become self-reliant citizens,” said Dr Keke.
He added that the NRF-Sasol scholarship provides a full cost bursary that covers financial assistance for students’ tuition, accommodation, meals and subsistence. The foundation also offers a top-up for other research expenses, such as sample testing and analysis.
Lehlogonolo Phaahla, a professional officer at the NRF’s Directorate of Human Infrastructure Capacity Development, who manages funding programmes for postgraduate students in South African higher education institutions, explained the NRF’s mission.
“The NRF aims to promote research excellence and impact through funding and human capacity building. It actively engages in mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with local and international partners for the betterment of South African’s National System of Innovation and global science.
“In 2023, with the available budget, the NRF was able to fund a portion of students from the overall eligible applications received from higher education institutions. The NRF cannot fund all eligible applicants, but fortunately strategic collaborations with different stakeholders such as the Sasol Foundation enable us to address this issue,” added Lehlogonolo.
Dr Ishmael Mooketsi and Dr Molladi Maseloane who are mentors and scientists from Sasol, were also in attendance. They visit their students twice a year, providing support regarding their students’ academic and research progress and performance.
The students from the subject group Chemistry appreciated the opportunity to engage in lively conversations with the speakers. They asked questions and sought clarity on various topics, including personal challenges that they face as postgraduate students.
Prof Zimbili Mkhize, lecturer and deputy leader of the subject group, said they are grateful for the longstanding partnership with the Sasol Foundation and the NRF, and for the scholarships, research support and specialised equipment they provide.
Postgraduate students and lecturers from the NWU’s subject group Chemistry with delegates from the Sasol Foundation and the NRF.
