Silindile Mkize
NESP Scholar, MUT
Participating in the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Program (NESP) has been a transformative journey, both personally and professionally. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my career path, allowing me to grow as an academic and to develop a deeper understanding of the demands and rewards of a career in higher education.
One of the most significant aspects of my NESP journey was the comprehensive support system that surrounded me. I received unwavering guidance from my academic supervisor, Prof Msomi. His mentorship was crucial in helping me navigate the complexities of my research, providing both academic insight and personal encouragement, as I transitioned into my role as a lecturer. My experience was further enriched by the support of my supervisor, Dr. Kotelana. She played a pivotal role in my development as an educator, offering me the opportunity to engage deeply with the academic environment, by ensuring I was involved in the day-to-day responsibilities of lecturing, and in the broader aspects of academia, including curriculum development, student engagement, and research.
My internship was a profound learning experience. The structured support from NESP and the mentorship I received allowed me to teach several courses, engage with a diverse student body, and conduct research that contributed to my academic portfolio. Each lecture, assignment, and interaction with students provided me with insights into the teaching profession that can only be gained through experience. One of the key reflections from my time in the NESP internship is the realization of the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in academia. The experience also highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with colleagues and students, as these connections are essential for fostering a positive and productive academic environment.
The NESP is a remarkable initiative that provides aspiring academics with the tools and opportunities to develop their careers. The transition from internship to full-time employment can be challenging, and providing a pathway to secure academic positions would greatly benefit participants and ensure that the investment in their development continues to yield results. In conclusion, my time in the NESP has been a period of significant growth and learning.
Innocentia Queen Zintle
NESP Scholar, NMU
The Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) scholarship, has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey. I remain grateful for the scholarship’s financial and developmental opportunities; the scholarship allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. I gained critical research development through external mentorships, and the exposure to conferences was invaluable for my career; these experiences were pivotal in shaping my early career as an academic.
During my NESP internship, I had the opportunity to present my research on the teaching of mathematics using an African language in the Foundation Phase at both local and international conferences, an experience that broadened my academic network and gave me a global perspective on education.
I am currently employed as a lecturer at a private college and am working towards transitioning into the public university sector.
I have collaborated with the mentors I gained through the NESP on research projects and paper submissions to journal articles, a testament of the transformative experience in my development as an emerging academic aligns with my long-term goals of contributing to higher education, specifically in the areas of decolonization and the use of African languages as languages of instruction in higher education.
