Dr Mikateko Mathebula, a senior researcher at the University of Free State’s centre for development support, is one of three early career academics from the institution who have been selected to be trained as professors.
Dr Philip Aghoghovwia, a senior lecturer in the department of English and cultural studies, and Dr Brian van Soelen,a senior lecturer in the department of physics, will also join the department of higher education and training programme.
The programme aims to turn senior researchers or lecturers into associate professors and full professors in a shorter space of time than usual.
It was started during the #FeesMustFall protests after students complained about the absence of black professors.
Matheblua, 35, from Benoni, on the East Rand, said: “I knew I was nominated but I thought the chances of being selected were slim. I feel very fortunate and grateful. I am especially grateful for the continued support and mentorship provided by Prof Melanie Walker.”
Mathebula said it's important for women to have the same opportunities as men in any given profession.
“I think there is more that can and should be done to recognise the value of women in academia in particular. I have been very fortunate to receive ongoing support and to have my potential recognised, especially by other women like Prof Melanie Walker, who has been my mentor since 2013.
“I am therefore grateful for the opportunities that I have been presented with and I hope to inspire and support other women in the same way that I have been,” she said.
Mathebula said the importance of education was instilled in her and her siblings by their parents, who were both high school teachers.
“They sent us to the best schools they could afford and we always had educational games at home like Maths 24 (my father is a mathematics teacher) and there were always many books in the house, which stimulated my interest in reading as a child,” she said.
Aghoghovwia said he was excited and honoured to be part of the programme as its assessment process was rigorous.
“I cannot say I expected it; any rated researcher with high-quality work could have got into the programme. I am extremely delighted that I was selected,” he said.
Van Soelen said he hoped the programme would open new collaboration opportunities, foster new research projects and develop the skills needed to significantly contribute to academia, both in SA and internationally.
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