The Academic Citizen: Recent Episodes
The Academic Citizen
A weekly podcast about critical issues in higher education. All episodes are free to download and share.
In this final episode of the season, we focus on the intricate web that connects life on our planet. We zoom out to hear about how Marion Island is a location for space science, and then zoom in to learn how SA Agulhas II and Marion Island serve as extraordinary training grounds for the next generation of scientists. Young researchers learn technical skills of their fields and also how to observe, question, and collaborate in environments that demand accuracy and humility. South African research plays a crucial role in the global community of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic science. It provides an essential piece of the puzzle in understanding how ecosystems across the globe are interconnected. What happens in this isolated archipelago ripples outward, informing our knowledge of climate, biodiversity, and the delicate balance that sustains life.
This episode invites listeners to explore how scientific knowledge, cultural understanding, and lived experience come together in the pursuit of discovery. And perhaps the most powerful insight from the Marion 2025 voyage is that every scientist spoken to views their work not as an individual effort, but as part of an intergenerational project. It is a testament to the episode's theme: everything is connected.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this season and to share the journey to Marion Island. We extend our gratitude to Prof. Charne Lavery and Prof. Jean Brundrit for conceptualising and leading the SANAP Artists and Writers Programme, and for the valuable access, experiences, and insights this initiative has provided. We also like to thank all the guests who agreed to be interviewed for this season.
We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Mr Marcel van der Berg, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Mutshutshu Tsanwani, Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Thato Mtshali from the Department of Forest, Fisheries and Environment.
-Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Prof. Michael Kosch from the South African National Space Agency.
-Ms Sarah du Preez and Ms Emma Swanepoel from the University of Cape Town
-Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay.
For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
-South African National Antarctic Programme
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure
-South African National Space Agency
-Marine Information Management System
This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · South African National Space Agency · Marine Information Management System · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University
The ocean surrounding Marion Island is a breathing wilderness - a vast and mysterious realm where familiar giants coexist with tiny creatures that emit an almost magical light. These diverse beings move through the water in intricate ways that we are only beginning to understand. On the surface, it may seem simple and ordinary, but beneath the steel-blue waves lies a vibrant, lively world teeming with life and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
We follow the creatures we recognise as they slice, glide, and hunt through the sub-Antarctic waters, and we uncover the vital role of microscopic organisms that quietly sustain the entire ecosystem and keep the heartbeat of the ocean alive. This episode encourages curiosity to witness an ocean in transition, from iconic species navigating these waters to the importance of microscopic life, and how its chemistry and rhythms are shifting with profound consequences for the creatures that call it home.
We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
-Mr Chandler Patel, Ms Megan Clarkson, Mr Dylan Manyoka, Mr Peter Cunningham, Mr Yinhla Shihlomule,Ms Camilla Smyth Mr Kwanele Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
-Ms Emma Swanepoel and Ms Sarah du Preez from the University of Cape Town.
For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/
This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University
Marion Island may be thousands of kilometres from the South African mainland, but it buzzes with activity: tiny, and large fluttering, crawling, nesting, scurrying movements. In this episode, we dig deeper into the island’s living world to explore the extraordinary creatures that inhabit this subantarctic terrain. From insects smaller than a fingernail to birds that undertake vast journeys across the Southern Ocean, and even the mice whose presence has altered the ecosystem, we examine some of the animals that live in this harsh environment.
Why are these species important? What makes their survival so exceptional? And what insights are scientists gaining about biodiversity, adaptation, and ecological vulnerability at one of the planet’s most remote research locations? Using vivid descriptions, expert knowledge, and field observations, this episode explores the diverse life forms coexisting on this windswept island and the vital research aimed at protecting them. We start with the tiniest inhabitants and gradually broaden our focus to include some of the feathered and furry creatures that define life here.
We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Ms Camilla Smyth, Mr Chandler Patel, Mr Andile Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau, Ms Rhiannon Gill and Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Dr Daniela Monsanto from the University of Johannesburg
-Ms Naomi Monk from the University of Pretoria
-Dr Keith Springer from Mouse Free Marion
For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-BirdLife South Africa and Peter Ryan’s book
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
-Mouse Free Marion
-South African National Antarctic Programme
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure
This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za BirdLife South Africa · Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · Mouse Free Marion · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University · Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa (New Edition) - Peter Ryan
With only five days’ notice, Mehita was thrown into a whirlwind of preparation: rushing between medical clearances, work arrangements, and the essential question: what does one even pack for a month on the ice-cold Southern Ocean? In this unexpected turn of events, she found herself standing on East Pier beneath the warm autumn sun, flanked by two kit bags and staring in awe at her home for the next 33 days - the SA Agulhas II. Her destination: Marion Island. Hear her story of sudden departures, scientific voyages, and the quiet awe of life changing somewhere in the middle of learning about the science of the subantarctic ocean.
The South African National Antarctic Programs Artist and Writers Project was devised and is run by Prof Charne Lavery at the University of Pretoria and Prof Jean Brundrit from the University of Cape Town. It is a pilot program designed to improve public engagement with South Africa's Antarctic involvement through the arts and humanities. The Project is funded and supported by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Government. This episode introduces the SA Agulhas II, South Africa’s national scientific research vessel, and Marion Island, South Africa’s subantarctic territory.
We want to thank the following guests on this episode:
- Dr Azwianewu Makhado and Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
- Mr Yinhla Shihlomule, Ms Eleanor Weideman, Mr Chandler Patel, and Mr Peter Cunningham from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
- Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay
- Prof. David Hedding from the University of South Africa
- Ms Nicola Marneweck from the University of Pretoria
- Ms Kanyisa Makubalo from the South African Weather Service.
For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
- South African National Antarctic Programme
- South African Polar Research Infrastructure
- South African Weather Service
This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. The Academic Citizen Website · Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment · South African National Antarctic Programme · South African Polar Research Infrastructure · South African Weather Service · Centre for Science Communication, Stellenbosch University
What happens when you combine science with electrifying and nostalgic sonic experimentation? In this episode, we explore the ideal fusion of music and science as we share stories of scientific research with researcher, science communicator, and producer, Prof Alice Motion. Focusing on the psychological aspects of public understanding of science, this episode illustrates that, much like facts, emotions and social relationships play a significant role in how we create, share, and absorb knowledge. Music, much like science, holds epistemic authority, making the partnership between science and music immensely valuable for improving access to and understanding of scientific research in society. Come with us with the last episode of season.
What happens when you combine science with electrifying and nostalgic sonic experimentation? In this episode, we explore the ideal fusion of music and science as we share stories of scientific research with researcher, science communicator, and producer, Prof Alice Motion. Focusing on the psychological aspects of public understanding of science, this episode illustrates that, much like facts, emotions and social relationships play a significant role in how we create, share, and absorb knowledge. Music, much like science, holds epistemic authority, making the partnership between science and music immensely valuable for improving access to and understanding of scientific research in society. Come with us with the last episode of season.
Humans need to re-establish our connection with the Earth. In this episode, we explore the role of sound in helping us understand how waste has impacted the spaces and experiences of our planet with sociologist, filmmaker, and performer Dr. Julie Patarin-Jossen. Through feminist and queer perspectives, this episode helps us develop a new emotional relationship with the natural world, especially as we are called to protect our home, Earth. Come with us.
Similar to spoken and written language, clothing conveys important symbolic meaning and serves as a creative space for preserving daily traditions. In this episode, we highlight indigenous language and knowledge systems with independent fashion practitioner, researcher, and archivist Siviwe James. Through the use of sound, we emphasize the significance of traditional clothing as primary cultural materials, allowing for a deeper exploration of history and culture, particularly in relation to isintu and intlonipho. Listen to the episode on our website or on all streaming platforms. Come with us.
The sounds of nature can offer a unique listening experience and make us aware of our spaces and the species that exist. In this episode, we head deep into the green urban belts and wild spaces of Aoteroa with wildlife filmmaker, storyteller and host of Tune into Nature Podcast, Karthic SS. This episode guides our attention and appreciation to nature's soundscapes where listening can offer whole different modality to learning about the presence of species and growing conservation efforts. Come with us.
When we think of museums, we often envision a traditional building with objects and artefacts. In this episode, we challenge this notion with Dr. John Kannenberg from The Museum of Portable Sound. This episode delves into the concept of collecting and showcasing sound as cultural and museological heritage, offering a new perspective on traditional museum and music practices. By examining the portability of sound, this episode emphasizes that sound is an integral part of our cultural heritage and is not confined to a single space. Come with us.
Listening is dynamic, especially in recreating historical places. In this episode, we explore Willow Road in Fairview, Gqeberha with musician and sound artist Andrei Van Wyk. It focuses on using sound to evoke the lost homes and communities of Willow Road, destroyed by the Group Areas Act of 1950. By reconstructing the past through sound, this episode highlights how audio can revive aspects of lost spaces. Come with us.
In this episode, we take a journey through time to explore radio archives from the colonial era. Presented by Luc Marraffa, a PhD candidate at the Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis at the University of Amsterdam, this episode focuses on the histories that have been erased from radio records. It examines these narratives through the interdisciplinary lenses of sound studies, critical archive studies, and decolonial approaches. By revisiting these colonial radio archives, this episode encourages us to rethink how we engage with archives, urging us to carefully uncover and give voice to unheard and non-verbal cues. Come with us.
On the premiere episode of Season 7, listeners are treated to an interstellar auditory experience in the form of an audio postcard. Narrated by Sarah Kane, a PhD researcher in Astronomy from Cambridge University, this episode offers a captivating exploration into the innovative realm of data sonifications. Kane, along with her esteemed team, sheds light on groundbreaking research insights concerning the effectiveness of utilising data sonification in astronomy outreach and communication, with a specific focus on reaching audiences with visual impairments. Come with us.
Are you interested in, passionate about or working on the possibilities of using audio to create, shape, and distribute scientific and academic research to the public? Submit a proposal/abstract for our upcoming virtual symposium "Sound Matters: Interdisciplinary Explorations Into Audio Knowledge Production" in collaboration with the South African Research Chair in Science Communication and the South African Journal of Science. To participate, submit a 300-word proposal and a 100-word bio (in one document) by 9 October 2023. We welcome suggestions for presentations of individual or collaborative contributions, panels, or showcases of audio scholarship. More info here: https://lnkd.in/dQiGY6Z4. No conference or registration fees!
[FROM THE ARCHIVE - 2018} In the Netherlands, a study revealed that 1 in 3 academics suffer from mental health disorder. This then begs the question if the same applies to Academics here in South Africa? If so what could be the reasons? Is mental wellness an Institutional problem? Is mental health gendered? How can academics cope?
This week’s podcast seeks to answer the above questions. Kholeka Shange caught up with Elvis Munatswa, a PhD Candidate in Psychology at Wits and had on the above issues.
Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by Simbarashe Honde
In this episode, we explore three ways of understanding journeys from movement as knowledge with A/Professor Harmony Signaporia, to the ethics of flying and climate change with Dr Henri-Count Evans and to the elusiveness of nature and the wild by Dr Gabriella Leighton. Journeys is the final episode of Season 6. Come with us.
Part 2 is with Prof Mehita Iqani, Dr Henri-Count Evans and Dr Gabriella Leighton.
In this episode, we explore three ways of understanding journeys from movement as knowledge with A/Professor Harmony Siganporia, to the ethics of flying and climate change with Dr Henri-Count Evans and to the elusiveness of nature and the wild by Dr Gabriella Leighton. Journeys is the final episode of Season 6. Come with us.
Part 1 is with Prof Iqani and A/Prof Harmony Siganporia.
Are you an academic, researcher or institution or department of higher education? Do you want to make a podcast to share your research with the world? Speak to us, we can help! We are open to being commissioned from 2023.Intro and Outro Music by The Academic CitizenBacking Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
In this episode, we explore three ways of understanding journeys from movement as knowledge with A/Professor Harmony Signaporia, to the ethics of flying and climate change with Dr Henri-Count Evans and to the elusiveness of nature and the wild by Dr Gabriella Leighton. Journeys is the final episode of Season 6. Come with us.
In the latest episode of #TheAcademicCitizen, being delayed is not being denied. We explore the choppy waters of what it means to be success? with Adv Thato Toeba, who or what determines failure with Dr Sthabile Kolwa and unpacking the enabling conditions that aid us in taking risks and learning from our failure with Dr Dee Marco.
Part 2 comprises of Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu, Dr Sthabile Kolwa and Dr Dee Marco.
In the latest episode of The Academic Citizen, being delayed is not being denied. We explore the choppy waters of what it means to be success? with Adv Thato Toeba, who or what determines failure with Dr Sthabile Kolwa and unpacking the enabling conditions that aid us in taking risks and learning from our failure with Dr Dee Marco.
Part 1 comprises of Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu and Adv. Thato Toeba
Being delayed is not being denied. In this episode, we explore the choppy waters of what it means to be success? with Adv Thato Toeba, who or what determines failure with Dr Sthabile Kolwa and unpacking the enabling conditions that aid us in taking risks and learning from our failure with Dr Dee Marco. Come with us.
Breath is life. In this episode, our academic citizens explore how breathing helps our mental and physical well-being with Dr. Ela Manga and the advocacy for improved air quality in our cities and health with A/Prof Tolullah Oni. A special thank you to Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu for permission to use excerpts from her ethnographic audio Hold For Sixty, None, Two and Seven, which focuses on the use of breath in our personal and academic life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breathe with us.
The past informs the present while the past and the present inform the future. In this episode, our academic citizens help us trace the importance of knowing the events and memories that inform our heritage with archaeologist and heritage specialist Dr Sven Ouzman, to our identities with feminist free radical Youlendree Appasamy, and the guiding our spirituality with music curator and DJ Dr Mohammad Shabangu.
The deep colour blue: often associated with vastness, the fear of the unknown yet calming, enduring and complete. Continuing from the last episode where we explored the colour Green, our three academic citizens help us explore and expand our understanding behind the symbolism of the colour blue. Our journey takes us from exploring the journey and unpredictability of the ocean with artist and oceanic researcher Meghan Judge, to understanding the noise pollution affecting our seas with zoologist and behavourial ecologist Professor Aliza le Roux and understanding how ocean can play a meaningful role in our food processes and health with artist and PhD candidate Zayaan Khaan.
As universities grapple with what it means to take seriously the imperative to green our campuses and research practice, this episode explodes the colour green: to consider the importance of indigenous knowledge, the relationship between ecological and social diversity and how envy and competition shape our relationship to academic work. In this episode, we think out loud with the colour green with three academic citizens. Our journey takes us from a conversation with a philosopher turned organiser (Dr Alex Lenferna), to reflecting on biodiversity with applied conservationist (Dr Zoe Nhleko) and settle back into our bodies with narrative psychologist (Dr Jill Bradbury). Come with us.
This episode explores the complexities that arise when considering the financial status of our universities and the higher education sector in general.
Like any institution in a capitalist economy, universities revolve around money, income, and expenditure. We explore some aspects of the bigger picture of how money makes the university go round.
Animating the Post-Pandemic Academic Experience “You cannot come back to the same thing. You can’t step into the same river twice.” Dr. Carla Tsampiras
After a 4 year break, the Academic Citizen podcast, has staged a comeback. In doing so, the team as led by Professors Mehita Iqani and Nosipho Mngomezulu are reanimating the commitment to growing space for the higher education community in South Africa and beyond to explore what we do and why it matters.
This 6th season is being curated into inter-disciplinary themed conversations in each episode. In Comebacks we share conversations with a number of academics about their experience and lessons from the return to campus after the period of loss.
Carina Truyts is part of the pioneers at South Africa’s newest university, Sol Plaatje University in Kimberly. She has established the Anthropology department there. Her teaching and research is focused on contextual knowledge production, sharing and engagement. Truyts’ Masters Research was on Nourishment in the 'first thousand days' in the context of precarious livelihoods in a small Cape Winelands town.
In this episode she shares with with Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu the excitement, countless opportunities and responsibilities associated with being part of this pioneering exercise. They also speak about institutional cultures and the ethical conundrums faced at such new establishments.
Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
Writing for academic journals is highly competitive. The common saying in academic circles is, “get published or perish!”
There’s no simple formula for getting published, expectations vary both between and within subject areas. But there are some challenges that will confront all academic writers regardless of their discipline. How should you respond to reviewer feedback and rejection? Is there a correct way to structure a paper? Why should I pay to get my article published? What is open access publishing and why must I pay for it?
Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu explores these above questions and more with Oscar Masinyana, the managing editor of Taylor & Francis South Africa. Taylor & Francis publishes around 70 highly regarded academic and professional journals from the region in collaboration with learned societies, institutions and co-publishers
Researched, Edited, Produced and Scheduled by
Simbarashe Honde
In the Netherlands, a study revealed that 1 in 3 academics suffer from mental health disorder. This then begs the question if the same applies to Academics here in South Africa? If so what could be the reasons? Is mental wellness an Institutional problem? Is mental health gendered? How can academics cope?
Well, this week’s podcast seeks to answer the above questions. Kholeka Shange caught up with Elvis Munatswa, a PhD Candidate in Psychology at Wits and had on the above issues.
Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by
Simbarashe Honde
Dr. Beth Vale is a researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. She is a Mandela Rhodes and a Rhodes Scholar. Dr. Vale was a postdoctoral fellow under the NRF Chair in Local Histories, Present Realities at Wits University. Her research explored Johannesburg nightclub cultures as sites of identity, attachment and place-making. Vale’s doctoral research completed at Oxford, was an ethnographic study exploring the medication-taking practices of HIV-positive adolescents in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. She worked as part of a mixed-methods team that worked collaboratively with government and local NGOs to inform policy and programming.
In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu caught up with Dr Vale and they chat on youth research, intimacy, HIV and writing for the public. They also discuss effective ways of engagement, conflict and identity construction in disseminating research.
Academic bullying is a prevalent but unexplored phenomenon in South Africa. In this week’s episode, Kholeka Shange and Dr Colett Gordon discuss how it manifests itself in the context of Higher Education and beyond.
Photo Cred: Melanie Wasser
Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
The Academic Citizen team is back and refreshed from the semester break. In this episode Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu introduces new cohost, Kholeka Belinda Shange.
Shange is currently pursuing a PhD in History of Art. Her research is focused on visual representations of uMntwana Magogo kaDinuzulu. She is a Wits University graduate with a BA (Hons) in Dramatic Arts and a Master’s degree in Film and Television studies. Her Master’s research examined how spoken word poetry served as a vehicle through which young black male poets in Johannesburg reimagined stereotypical representations of black masculinities in mainstream cinema and popular media. As part of this degree, she produced and directed the short film “Rainbow’s Men”.
In this episode, Mngomezulu and Shange discuss various themes which they would like to probe and deliberate on this semester. Themes ranging from the role of lecturers in addressing student problems, feminism in academia, what it means to be vulnerable yet at the same time be fully present and importantly exploring alternative ways of disseminating knowledge.
In these days of social media and activism terms like being “woke’ “consciousness” are being thrown around and Mngomezulu and Shange also plan on dissecting what those terms mean amongst many other issues of concern in higher education.
Produced, Edited, Researched and Scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
The Academic Citizen this year, since its relaunch in March 2017 has produced 14 episodes.
In this episode, Prof Mehita Iqani and Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu reflect and look back on some of the interesting and topical conversations exploring diversity of topics and opinions relating to higher education in South Africa, today and into the future. We also bid farewell and good wishes to Prof Iqani who is going on Sabbatical from next semester.
The episodes sought to explore different themes and issues affecting Higher Education in South Africa. The themes ranged from decolonization of Higher education and curriculum, women in science, medical aids, the role of universities in societies, wage gaps, issues of gender inequalities in universities. These shows have featured prominent academics and student voices from various universities in South Africa and beyond.
Produced, researched, edited and scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
Public Intellectuals aim to help societies to better understand themselves and the world around them. Their writing and public talks can help create an informed citizenry and more just societies.
Athambile Masola, is a teacher, and a PhD researcher who blogs about education, feminism and politics. This week’s show features a discussion with Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu about the nature and role of the public intellectual in various public spaces.
According to Masola, writing can be a form of activism and often ends as being political. Is writing as a form of rioting that can be disruptive and open up public spaces for a diversity of voices?
Photo Cred: Aaron Burden
Researched, Edited, Produced and Scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
Most universities are at the forefront of denouncing social injustices and inequality yet, in 2013 for instance the highest paid chancellor earned an annual salary of 3.2 million more than what the President of South Africa earns. These figures reflect shocking high salary discrepancies between high earners in these institutions and low earners.
Prof Mehita Iqani in this episode tackles this bone of contention amongst many in academia with Prof Rasigan Maharaj, the founding Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation (IERI) in the Faculty of Economics and Finance at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Prof Maharaj says it is not enough to only discuss minimum wage, there should be discussions on what the maximum wage should be in South African Institutions of Higher Education.
Together they also explore questions of innovation, equality, accountability, pay scales, and socially engaged scholarship.
Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by:
Simbarashe Honde
Dr Hleze Kunje wrote his four-year-long PhD thesis in isiXhosa, about Xhosa people who settled in Mbembesi, an area outside of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He graduated with his PhD in April 2017 and is a lecturer at Sol Plaatjie University. Hailing from rural Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape, Dr Kunju says his love affair with the language began at a young age. An artist and intellectual Dr Hleze merges his love for language with multi-lingual pedagogy, academic rigour, and curiosity to present an expansive picture of the importance of African languages.
In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu talks to Dr Hleze about his journey, ethnographic practice, pan-Africanism and the importance of community.
Produced, Edited, Scheduled and Researched by:
Simbarashe Honde
What does it mean to decolonise science? How can African knowledge be integrated into scientific research? Does emphasising indigenous knowledge systems mean abandoning western knowledge systems?
In this week’s episode we explore these questions with Dr Nosiphiwe Ngqwala, a lecturer at Rhodes University in the Faculty of Pharmacy. The discussion touches on questions of research into medicines and health, water purity and biotechnology and how African and western forms of knowledge can be integrated.
Produced, Researched, Scheduled and Edited by:
Simbarashe Honde
One of the most significant worldwide transformations in education has been the drastic increase in women's access to institutions of higher learning. But the question is, has this addressed the gender gap in institutions of higher learning in South Africa?
In this episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu and Dr Asanda Benya look into factors which influence the Gender Gap. They also reflect on why it is important to take gender concerns into account and how institutions of higher education can respond to the gap.
South African universities suffer from serious traffic congestion, lack of parking spaces and high pollution levels. Even though many staff and students aspire to own a car, arguably the bicycle offers huge potential to transform the environment and culture of campuses.
In this episode Dr Mehita Iqani and Dr Njogu Morgan, a post-doctoral researcher based at the South Research Chair in Spatial Analysis and City Planning at Wits University, discuss cycling as a lifestyle, health benefit, environmentally friendly alternative to the car. They look into the factors which kind of transport people lean towards and reasons behind the choices.
Both cycling enthusiasts, they round up a dozen reasons to leave that car in the driveway and consider the affordable bicycle as a way to get around.
Produced, edited, researched and scheduled by:
Simbarashe Honde
In 2016 the Department of Higher Education released a report which stated that almost half (47.9%) of the students who start university do not finish their degrees and a large majority of these are black. Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu took time to discuss these statistics with Leila Abdool Gafoor, the Team Leader for Psychological Services at PsyCaD at University of Johannesburg to interrogate why this is so and why particularly students from historically disadvantaged background make up the majority of the dropouts.
Dr Mngomezulu also looks into how universities through mentorship can support students in graduate programmes who come with little understanding of the complex landscape of higher education and how different philosophies in graduate programs drive expectations for academic excellence and ideal career pathways. Produced, scheduled, edited and researched by: Simbarashe Honde
Are universities stuck in an ivory tower, cut off from day to day reality? In this episode, Prof Mehita Iqani discusses how research should and could be engaged with “communities”. The guest is University of Cape Town Associate Professor, Tanja Winkler, deputy dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. They speak about how universities, through scholarly work conducted in a mutually beneficial partnership between traditionally trained "experts" and members of a community, can work together for development and empowerment.
Prof Winkler agues that both parties should collaborate on an equal footing to identify problems which the communities face and work together to find solutions based on equality, and social justice.
Produced, scheduled, edited and researched by:
Simbarashe Honde
Photo Cred: Marianne de Klerk
Online learning takes the form of a virtual classroom in which students from across the globe can watch, listen to a lecture at a time convenient to them, at their own pace. It allows participants to interact with one another and engage with resources in work groups.
The University of Cape Town offers a, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed for self-directed distance learning that offers free online courses with no entry requirements. According to UCT's Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching website, the content of the MOOC is as innovative as the technology used to disseminate it. The idea behind the course is to examine the intersection of medicine, medical anthropology and the creative arts.
Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu, spoke at length with Susan Levine, an Associate Professor of Anthropology in the School of African and Gender Studies, Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Cape Town to find out more about online learning, with particular emphasis MOOC.
Produced, edited, scheduled and researched by
Simbarashe Honde
Women scientists have a critical role to play in Africa’s development. They have made significant strides in Science making incredible progress across the continent. Yet, despite this advancement, the reality remains that many countries are simply not equipped, or prepared, to accommodate this growth.
In a 2016 Unicef funded study looking into, “Women in science in Africa”, found that women remain heavily underrepresented. Africa is a vast continent of diverse cultures and traditions, which in turn bring unique challenges, complex policies and practises that inhibit women compared to their male counterparts, yet despite these factors women continue to overcome the barriers and obstacles. In this particular episode, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu celebrates one such woman. Dr Nicole de Wet a population studies expert who has been working on the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of adolescent health outcomes in South Africa. She is the first runner-up award in the 2016 Distinguished Young Women in Science category for the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Produced by: Simba Honde
Despite policy initiatives aimed at structuring affordable low cost health care funding products, medical schemes have remained unaffordable, and therefore inaccessible, to the majority of South Africans. Universities, through insurance companies, provide medical aid with high premiums to their staff. Coupled with high tuition, international students attending South African universities also have to pay high prices for compulsory medical aid cover.
The cost of treatment in general and medicine in particular is an important barrier to health care access, with the rising cost of medicine contributing to the growing pressure on affordability. Prof Mehita Iqani had a discussion with Prof Alex van den Heever, the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and adjunct professor in the Wits School of Governance, on what how medical aids in South Africa are structured and what it means for universities. Is it possible for universities to drive affordable health insurance for all staff and students?
African scholarship wears a linguistic mask, making it invisible to the majority in Africa, accessible only to those with keys manufactured in Europe” Ngugi wa Thiong’o (2017).
In this episode “Intellectualization of African Languages”, Dr Nosipho Mngomezulu reflects with Associate Prof Brenda Mhlambi, Head of Department of African Languages (University of the Witwatersrand) on the major factors responsible for the low status and restricted roles for African languages in South African higher education institutions. They discuss key themes of decolonization of higher education, African languages beyond orature, nationalism, young people’s linguistic creativity and the impact of evolving linguistic practices on and off-line on higher education.
Photo Cred: Samantha Sophia
Many people are of the view that academics only write for academics. They conduct and carry out research into complicated issues where the findings often end up confined to journals. As a result, most people do not have access to some of these important research findings and if they do, their use is often beyond the grasp of the ordinary person.
Today’s episode seeks to challenge that and explore alternative ways in which academics may disseminate their research material and findings to the public. Mehita Iqani spoke to the science and education editor of The Conversation, Natasha Joseph. The Conversation, which has partnered with The Academic Citizen, is an online platform where academics can publish their work for the benefit of the public.
In the final episode of The Academic Citizen for 2016, Dr Mary Hames joins us to discuss issues of gender and sexuality within spaces of higher learning.
Heteronormativity and patriarchy are still dominant within South African society, which makes it important to analyse how our universities respond to questions of sexuality and the rights of queer community members.
This conversation reflects on issues of acceptance and inclusion, which range from official university rules, to disciplinary procedures when discrimination has taken place, to teaching methods in the lecture hall.
We also speak to queer students about their experiences and how inclusive university spaces are.
Prof Vishwas Satgar discusses the importance of increasing awareness about environmental issues and transforming energy and renewable energy policy.
In this week's episode, Prof Satgar reflects on the current state of multilateral efforts towards climate justice and how this relates to socio-economic disparities, particularly in developing countries like South Africa.
Some ways in which university stakeholders can contribute to solving climate issues relate to establishing zero-waste societies, divesting from anti-climate justice businesses and using resources in a more sustainable manner.
We also chat to some students about their views of climate justice and why it is important for universities to become more environmentally-conscious.
Dr Roger Davis from Red Deer College joins The Academic Citizen to discuss plagiarism and its impact on pedagogy. The problem of plagiarism is complicated by students' lack of knowledge about appropriate citation methods and the importance of enhancing critical thinking while still encouraging creative thought.
Davis delves into the nuances of sharing ideas and knowledge versus repeating the academic research of others without providing proper credit, and explores how institutions have dealt with cases of plagiarism.
Professor Jane Duncan of the University of Johannesburg, discusses the various ways in which protest has been 'policed' at university campuses around South Africa. From interdicts and suspensions to the deployment of private security and police units, Duncan explains why students have started to feel unsafe and, in some cases, under attack.
This conversation explores how all stakeholders in higher education have to take responsibility for their roles in escalating protest and work together to find solutions to the ongoing fees crisis.
We also chat to some students about how they feel about the presence and involvement of police on campus.
Parliamentary Liaison Officer for Equal Education, Andile Cele, joins The Academic Citizen to highlight the importance of primary and secondary education in the transformation of the higher education sector.
Problems stemming from access and resources, to racial and socio-economic differences define the space of education and the experience of the learner. Cele explains how this creates academic challenges, financial difficulties or total barriers to entry in higher learning.
We also chat to some students about their opinions of the biggest challenges faced by young people pursuing an education in South Africa and why basic education is important.
Dr Lubna Nadvi shares some insight into the #FeesMustFall student protests at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN). Speaking from Howard College campus, where she is based, Nadvi expands on some of the grievances of students, the recent surges in violence and clashes with campus and private security, and the university shutdown.
Nadvi places emphasis on the importance of university communities coming together and communicating in order to find sustainable solutions to the fees crisis in South Africa's higher education sector.
We also chat some students about their opinion of the recent protest action at UKZN.
In our special episode for this week, the incoming President of the Student Representative Council, Kefentse Mkhari, joins the podcast to discuss the wave of national protests against the current fee system. Mkhari explains the demand of the #FeesMustFall movement: free, quality and decolonised education.
We also address the recent violence during protest, the referendum called by Vice-Chancellor Adam Habib and the way forward for the Wits University community.
Prof Serdar Değirmencioğlu joins The Academic Citizen to provide some insight into the state of higher education in Turkey. This conversation follows from systematic and recurring dismissals and suspensions of thousands of academics and other government workers, including Değirmencioğlu, since July 2016.
Restrictions on academics' work and international travel have weakened Turkey's higher education system while the Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further entrenches its authoritarian regime.
We also get some student perspectives on academic freedom and the current situation in Turkey.
Photo Credit: Trevor Pritchard
Professor Hlonipha Mokoena joins The Academic Citizen to discuss the fees and funding debates regarding higher education in South Africa. Mokoena explains the work of eight-member Wits Panel that delivered a report titled 'Funding Model(s) for Higher Education in South Africa' to the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education chaired by Justice Heher. Some of the the proposed solutions include re-defining the concept of 'fees' and drawing on corporate, government and university revenues in order to fund higher education.
The panel included Professors Roger Gibson, Laetitia Rispel, Christopher Malikane, David Hornsby, Mtendeweka Mhango, Cathi Albertyn and Dr Nthatisi Khatleli.
We also chat to the some students about the work of the panel and the funding crisis in South Africa’s higher education sector.
Professor Deirdre Carabine joins the podcast to introduce the Virtual University of Uganda (VUU), Africa's first fully-functional online education platform for postgraduate studies. Carabine discusses the online learning tools, fee structure and how technological advances can create new opportunities for the future of learning in Africa.
We also chat to some students about their experiences with online learning and their opinions of VUU.
Photo credit: Olu Eletu
n this week's episode, Goldsmiths College Professor Natalie Fenton joins The Academic Citizen to discuss the state of higher education in the United Kingdom. Fenton explains the student protests against fees that emerged in 2010, as well as rent strikes that happened this year. She also discusses ongoing industrial action by academic staff and the impact of marketisation and Brexit on the higher education sector.
We chat to some students about their knowledge of higher education in the UK and get their opinions of recent events.
Dr Sadhna Mathura and Dr Jacobus Diener join The Academic Citizen to discuss concerns of postdoctoral researchers in South Africa. They are representatives of the newly established South African National Postdoc Network, which is working to promote the interests of postdocs. Diener and Mathura shed light on postdocs' numerous contributions to higher education in South Africa, including teaching and research, and their many concerns relating to remuneration, conditions of employment, grievance procedures and relationships with host institutions.
We also chat to some students about their understanding of postdocs and how postdocs can be better supported by universities.
As of 2016, Postdoctoral Fellows hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand are permitted to join the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU) as full members. Visit asawu.org.za for more information.
The Editor of Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Phil Baty, joins The Academic Citizen to discuss the importance of global university rankings and how they work. Baty says that rankings bodies use different criteria and methodologies to "rate" higher education institutions. Therefore, it is important to look beyond face value and deeper into the details of the data.
We also chat to some students about their experiences with and understanding of global university rankings.
Professor Sioux McKenna joins the podcast to explain the importance of doctoral degrees in solving social and economic issues in developing societies. We also explore the challenges faced by PhD researchers, including funding, work/study balance and completion rates, and share some tips to follow for making it through your doctoral degree.
We also chat to students about their opinion of PhDs and whether they would pursue a doctoral studies.
In this week's episode, Dr Oritsegbubemi Oyowe discusses the role of African Philosophy in advancing knowledge. He argues that African culture and intellectualism plays an important role in transformation in the post-colonial university. We also hear from students on their views about African Philosophy and whether it has shaped their own experiences in daily life.
Dr Nomalanga Mkhize joins The Academic Citizen to think through the role of multiple languages in higher education. We explore how language shapes meaning and how assimilation to Anglo-Saxon norms and culture have influenced attitudes towards indigenous languages. She suggests that a multi-idiomatic approach could assist the transformation project in higher education institutions in South Africa.
We also get some views from students who question the importance of language in South Africa's democratic era.
Misan Rewane, the Director of Lagos-based organisation, West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), joins this week's episode. We reflect on higher education in Nigeria and explore the merits of 'vocational education' as a tool for unemployed youths to gain skills and improve their access to steady employment. We also get some student opinions on whether a vocational or academic education is more relevant for African youths today.
The President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Cape Town, Rorisang Moseli, addresses the state of student politics in South Africa today and shares his views on protest, transformation and the student experience in South Africa's public universities.
Photo by Schalk Van Zuydam
Explore the state of higher education in India. Professor Dilip Menon explains how the rise of Hindu nationalism and the adoption of neoliberal values have contributed to a climate of protest at higher education institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of Hyderabad.
In this week’s episode of The Academic Citizen, Dr Shose Kessi introduces the Black Academic Caucus, which is based at the University of Cape Town, and explains how its objectives relate to transformation and decolonisation within spaces of higher learning.
As discussed in previous episodes, fees have become a major issue for universities in South Africa and beyond. Gerald Wangenge-Ouma joins The Academic Citizen to argue that the call for fee-free education is unrealistic. In his view, fees form an important part of funding for the university in order to maintain access and quality for students.
Photo by Charlie Foster
Gender-based violence is an issue on all university campuses, as multiple rape allegations at various universities and the #RUReferenceList have shown. Maria Wanyane and Charlene Beukes from the Gender Equity Office (GEO) at Wits University join The Academic Citizen to explore these issues and the importance of gender equity in spaces of higher learning.
In this week's episode, The Academic Citizen explores the topic of transformation in South Africa. The show's guest, Nazeema Mohamed, outlines the necessity and challenges of bringing change to the higher education sector within a growing and evolving democracy.
Academic Staff play an important role in universities. They teach students, research phenomena and help develop the status quo within the institutions that they work. As part of the labour force, they are entitled to liberties and protections enshrined in the Constitution. Professor David Hornsby joins The Academic Citizen to explain what academic staff unions are and why it is important to be unionised.
Dr Prishani Naidoo joins The Academic Citizen to discuss the politics of protest action within the context of university campuses in South Africa. The conversation centres around the university as a microcosm of society and the legitimacy of violent and non-violent forms of protest. We also gain insight into students' perspectives on protest action and how it impacts their experiences at university. Photo by Tony Carr
Resources, competition, quality: these are some of the concerns behind the increasing capitalisation within societies, not only in South Africa, but throughout the world. Join Professor Salim Vally and The Academic Citizen as we delve into the problems of the marketisation of higher education.
For more on Salim's views, visit: http://theacademiccitizen.org/2016/05/11/5-the-marketisation-of-higher-education
Photo by John Walker
Professor Shireen Hassim joins The Academic Citizen to discuss various issues relating to university governance - including accountability, resource allocation and quality assurance - within the context of South Africa. The Academic Citizen also gains some insight into the perception of university management from the perspective of students. Photo: Life in General
The #FeesMustFall movement has ushered calls for transformation within higher education in South Africa, with fee-free education at the forefront. Dick Forslund explains why and how fee-free education can be made possible. The Academic Citizen also gathers some student voices on how they are impacted by fees.
For more on Dick's views, visit: https://theacademiccitizen.org/2016/04/27/3-is-fee-free-education-possible/
Photo by Mike Hutchings
The #FeesMustFall movement that emerged in October 2015 has changed the face of student participation within spaces of higher education, with protests breaking out at major universities all over South Africa. Join The Academic Citizen as we explore Shibu Motimele's view on why Fees Must Fall.
Photo: Paul Saad
Let's explore the historical background to fees-payable higher education in South Africa. We talk to Leigh-Ann Naidoo about the distribution of resources during Apartheid, and hear from some students about their parents' experiences. At the basis of this issue is this right to education for all, which is enshrined in the Constitution.