Faranani Gethe
NESP Scholar, WITS
I have always aspired to transition from industry to academia, and the NESP opportunity came at the perfect time when I was figuring out how to make this change.
The program enabled me to pursue and complete my MSc in Real Estate, which I achieved with distinction. During the program, I had the chance to attend two (2) academic conferences, where I presented and published two (2) conference papers and one (1) journal article with the program’s support.
The one-year internship following my master’s degree gave me the opportunity to develop both teaching and course development skills.
Through the mentorship provided during the internship, I was able to develop and present my first PhD proposal within the same year.
The program also prepared me for an academic career, enhancing my competitiveness.
Immediately after the internship, I was appointed as a sessional lecturer, and just seven (7) months later, I secured a full-time Lecturer position.
Lerato Mapela
NESP Scholar, WITS
The NESP program offered me an opportunity to pursue my masters qualification full-time in 2021, and provided the critical stepping stone I needed, ultimately allowing me to pursue my passion for teaching and learning full-time. My studies were a success. My work has been published in a high-impact journal in my field; the South African Journal and Management Science (SAJEMS).
The NESP programme assisted with the necessary fees required for this publication, and the sponsorship of an academic conference in Cape Town.
Upon completion of my Masters in Finance, I embarked on an academic internship sponsored by NESP. That’s when I started lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate courses whilst also involved in research. My internship year began on 1 June 2022 ended 30 June 2023. After my internship contract, I was immediately offered a fulltime position, a success that would not have been possible without the invaluable opportunity provided by NESP.
Since then, the following were my noteworthy achievements to date:
- Received a research grant together with my supervisor to conduct research for the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in 2023 on shadow banking activities and Fintech. This work was also presented at the SARB policy dialogue workshop and is currently under review for publication.
- Appointed as a Panel Chair for the Inauguration of FirstRand chair event,15 April 2024, University of the Witwatersrand.
- Appointed as Panel Chair for the Liberty in collaboration with Wits University Fintech Hub Launch event, 6 May 2024.
As I reflect on my journey, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity the NESP program provided. It was the catalyst that transformed my career and allowed me to fully embrace my passion for teaching and academia. All that I have achieved so far, from the joy of engaging with students to the fulfilment of pursuing my true calling, would not have been possible without the support and guidance of NESP.
