Dedicated Unisa PhD student receives prestigious scholarship

Thulisile Lemekoane, a dedicated and passionate Unisa Information Science PhD student, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 ARMA International Educational Foundation (AIEF) Scholarship. Lemekoane is grateful for the financial assistance, recognising the invaluable support it provides as she embarks on her exciting research journey.

Thulisile Lemekoane

The AIEF scholarship has been a beacon of hope for information management professionals since its inception in 2006, fostering the growth and development of individuals who can shape the future of the profession. Its primary objective is to empower and support individuals pursuing an associate, bachelor, graduate or postgraduate degrees in information management. Over the years, AIEF has been a reliable resource, fostering education and research in the field of information management.

Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Lemekoane’s dedication to her studies and research made her a standout candidate for the AIEF scholarship. Her research topic “Ingesting digital records into the National Automated Archival Information Retrieval System – Gauteng, South Africa”, aims to contribute valuable insights and advancements in the field.

Speaking on the significance of receiving the scholarship, Lemekoane expresses, “This scholarship will enable me to put more time and focus into my studies, gain knowledge and produce high-quality research.” She adds that the financial assistance will alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with her PhD journey, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her research objectives.

As Lemekoane embarks on her research journey with the support of the AIEF scholarship, she carries with her the hopes and aspirations of a brighter future for information management in Gauteng, South Africa, and beyond.

Lemekoane, who currently works at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa, advises those who would like to follow in her footsteps to study further, find their niche, ensure that they pursue what they are passionate about and do it diligently. “Ensure you have clear goals and aspirations for yourself. Exercise patience – the journey will have bumps, but do not lose focus and never give up,” she concludes.

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences