 Matshepe Letseka
|
African philosophy is key to grooming critical thinkers Matshepe Letseka is passionate about African philosophy and her study in this discipline resonates well with the University of South Africa, an African university which values its Africanness. Letseka, a lecturer in the College of Education, was conferred a doctoral degree in Philosophy of Education during the spring graduation ceremonies. Letseka embarked on a study that analysed the perceptions of undergraduate philosophy of education students regarding African philosophy – with reference to students at an open distance learning institution. Her study was premised on Odera Oruka’s classification of African philosophy and confirmed that African philosophy was more than traditions, culture or ubuntu, and more complex than students made it out to be. It created a link between the students’ flawed “As a lecturer, I realised that there were many issues especially with regards to prescribed books offered by higher leaning institutions on this subject. I felt that there was a need for discussion and clarification especially about the writings of African Philosophy.” Letseka’s research found that students associated African philosophy with African people’s traditions and cultures, and with ubuntu. The findings also showed that students lack critical thinking skills. However, she says, the way students were taught contributed significantly to their perceptions and lack of critical thinking skills. She recommended that apart from general philosophy, the principles of African philosophy – ubuntu, communalism and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) – should be introduced into in the school curriculum, and emphasised in the curricula of higher education institutions. This, she said, will assist learners in acquiring critical thinking skills from an early stage of learning. She also recommended the teaching of critical thinking skills at universities. Given the rarity of the qualification in the discipline even at Unisa, Letseka were delighted with her accomplishment. She also was glad that her doubts concerning her age (she is 52 years young) were unnecessary. Letseka said she was grateful to her supervisor, Prof Elizabeth Venter from the College of Education, for the encouragement, and to her husband whose love for books and research rubbed off on her. Her message to current and aspiring alumni is: “Study as much as possible, surround yourself with people who will motivate and inspire you and in that you can reach any of your goals.” |
 Mamasegare Mabel Mphahlele
|
Chemistry PhD at age 31Most 31-year-olds are just starting to find their feet in their careers and to build a solid foundation for their future. But this is not the case for Mamasegare Mabel Mphahlele. After all, she is no ordinary 31-year-old.She has always had her feet on the ground and she knew, even when she was in high school, that she would achieve great things at a young age. The world of chemistry is what makes Mphahlele tick and her ambition to become a Doctor in Chemistry was realised when she graduated in October this year.And Unisa, she says, provided just the right environment for her to do so. Mphahlele excelled in the science subjects during her high school years and always passed with flying colours – there was no denying that the world of science was made for her. After completing her master’s degree, she worked for three years at Aspen Pharmacare.Shortly after this, in October 2009, she set her sights on completing a doctoral degree. The road to her doctoral degree was paved with determination, passion, and hard work. She previously held a graduate position at Unisa and worked in the Chemistry Department for three years.In addition to her research work, some of her duties included teaching first-year students, conducting demonstrations and assisting with science experiments. The young doctorate graduate admits to being academically inclined and having worked at Unisa further confirmed that.”I enjoyed teaching and interacting with students. In future I would like to promote the world of science and encourage young people to become chemists and scientists.”
Mphahlele’s dream is to become a full professor and she is eager to start the journey towards reaching that goal. |
 Pholoso Disoloane
|
Passion and commitment a perfect recipe for success Studying towards a doctoral degree takes on average three years to complete. But for Pholoso Disoloane, from Unisa’s Public Administration, three years seemed too long. Believing she could achieve her doctorate in record time, Disoloane completed her degree a year after submitting her thesis. And now, at age 32, she holds a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (DLitt et Phil) degree in Public Administration. Yearning for her DLitt et Phil, Disoloane said she was grateful to her husband who inspired and supported her to complete her degree. She wrote seven chapters required for her thesis in one year. Part of what motivated her speedy work, was the passion for her research which focused on the code of conduct at the Capricorn District Municipality in the Limpopo Province. Through her research, Disoloane identified that municipalities in this province had various challenges with corruption and ethics, amongst others. Her studies centred on why this occurs and why behaviour patterns have not and do not change as were evident from the unqualified audit reports they have received during past years, she explained. Disoloane recommended that consultations with municipality staff on the code of conduct were necessary and advised municipalities to appoint ethics officers who will independently resolve challenges facing municipalities. She added that the code of conduct should be designed and formulated independently from the MunicipalSystems Act and the Structures Act. The ambitious lecturer said there is no stopping her now as she planned on achieving a distinguished career by becoming an NRF rated researcher and a full Professor. |
Alumni news
Spring 2012 doctoral degree graduatesLeave a Reply |
|
