Rhodes University hosted a two-day celebration of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), marking its 10th anniversary with powerful reflections, strategic dialogue, and future-focused conversations.
The day opened with a warm welcome from the Masters of Ceremony, Dr Hellemann, followed by an official address by Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University. In his speech, Prof Mabizela recognized esteemed guests from the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), University of Cape Town (UCT), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for joining the event. Prof Mabizela underscored the significance of nGAP, stating: “The nGAP is more than a programme—it is a movement that has managed to transform the future of academia.”
He highlighted the historical context and national urgency that led to the inception of the programme in 2015, with Rhodes University playing a central role in its foundation. nGAP was developed to address equity, transformation, and the rejuvenation of an aging academic workforce. Over the past decade, it has successfully inducted hundreds of young scholars into academic careers, reshaping institutional cultures across South Africa.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms Mandisa Cakwe, Director of the University Capacity Development Directorate at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Speaking on behalf of the government, she emphasized the policy frameworks underpinning nGAP—chiefly the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (2024–2029). Ms Cakwe highlighted the programme’s role in reducing unemployment, increasing female academic participation, and advancing transformation in the sector.
A dynamic panel discussion chaired by Mr Thabang Moleka followed. Titled "Reflections on the Journey: Transforming Challenges to Impact", the panel included: Dr Phakathi (Economics Department), Dr Motsitsoe (School of Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences), Ms. Nqowana (Rhodes University Community Engagement), and Mr. Mavuso (Geology and Anthropology). These nGAP scholars shared their experiences, strategies for success, and the tangible impact of the programme in their fields.
Dr Phakathi spoke on her journey as a teacher, “Every challenge is an opportunity to address the injustices and inequalities that are in the education system.” While Dr Motsitsoe focused on the research side of the program, “Rhodes is my academic home, therefore, research-wise it is best for us scholar that will be more on research so that we can teach the next generation to be scholars, without research we cannot bridge the gap between academia and the field of academia, when one has to do the work." The panel was supported by curated posters and multimedia presentations, showcasing the continuing achievements of nGAP participants.
In a session titled "Life Beyond nGAP", Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Mzilikazi addressed the critical question of sustainability beyond the six-year nGAP support period. She called for ongoing institutional backing to ensure continued academic growth, promotion, and leadership development for nGAP alumni. She noted that while the scholars have been supported generously thus far, “it is now time for them to give back to the university, to the system, and the nation.”
Another key highlight was the session on “Strengthening the Mentorship Legacy: Reflections, Connections, and Future Pathways,” facilitated by Prof Mathews. This interactive discussion between mentors and mentees focused on enhancing the quality and ethos of academic mentorship. Mentors emphasized the need for mentees to take initiative and act with integrity. Mentees, in turn, called for mentorship rooted in openness, trust, and holistic support.
The day’s formal programme concluded with a presentation by Dr Amanda Hlengwa, Rhodes University’s nGAP Coordinator, titled “Beyond Success: Lessons from a Decade of nGAP Programme Implementation.” Her address detailed the growth, institutional learning, and evolving strategies that have defined nGAP’s legacy at Rhodes. VC’s Gala Dinner: Celebrating People and Progress. The celebrations transitioned into an elegant Gala Dinner, opened once again by Professor Mabizela, who shared heartfelt reflections:
“Today marks an important day where we celebrate the 10th anniversary of NGAP. I am proud of Rhodes University for having an attraction to nurture and develop a significant number of young black and female academics as part of the NGAP programme, enhancing the structural institutional imperative of transforming and changing these young academics as they are contributing highly to teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. The future of Rhodes University is very bright.”
The VC offered a special tribute to Dr Amanda Hlengwa, referring to her as the “Mother of nGAP” at Rhodes University. He praised her ethical leadership and dedication in building the programme into a model of excellence.
The final speech of the evening came from Dr Motsitsoe, an nGAP alumnus, who extended thanks to the VC for his relational and visionary leadership. He also paid tribute to Dr Hlengwa, who was presented with flowers amid emotional expressions of gratitude from colleagues and scholars alike.
The second day of the program focused on leadership development, academic career planning, and strengthening the programme’s future impact.
Mr. Thabang Moleka opened the day as the MC, welcoming guests and introducing keynote speaker Professor Nomfundo Nzuza-Moroe, an experienced academic and researcher dedicated to advancing the next generation of scholars. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she previously served as the Head of the Audiology Discipline. Additionally, she is the Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Humanities. Associate Professor Moroe is an alumna of the nGAP program at WITS. Prof. Moroe reflected on her journey and the program’s evolution, emphasizing the nGAP philosophy of “growing our own timber” as a symbol of solidarity and transformation. Associate Prof. Gladman Thondlana spoke about the mindset needed for leadership in higher education, stressing the importance of commitment, respect, resilience, and the willingness to unlearn and relearn while challenging systems that perpetuate inequality.
A panel session followed on crafting three-year career plans, encouraging scholars to take control of their professional trajectories. Co-facilitated by Dr. Williams and Dr. Baduza, the session featured a powerful lightning round with a distinguished panel of mentors across disciplines. Professors Megan Campbell, David Khanye, Sibanisezwe Khumalo, Sonwabile Mnwana, Earl Prinsloo, Jen Snowball, and Glad Thondhlana, together with Doctors Luyando Katiyatiya, Sinenhlanhla Memela, Yolani Ndamase and Tiffany Pillay, shared hard-won lessons and candid insights. Their reflections—from “apply for everything, even if you think you’re not ready” to “document everything; that dossier becomes your promotion portfolio”—fostered a vibrant, honest dialogue. Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Dr Williams shared: “By making tacit knowledge explicit and offering a structured, actionable roadmap, we equipped ECAs with both the confidence and the concrete steps required to pursue ambitious academic careers.” In a parallel session, Dr DeVega led a candid dialogue with panellists Drs. Phakathi, Nxumalo, and Mr Mavuso, exploring why they joined academia and how they navigate it. As the day ended, Ms Lundt from DHET hosted an interactive session asking scholars what the government could do to improve the programme, prompting rich feedback and future-focused suggestions.
Prof Jo-Anne Vorster, Head of CHERTL, shared, “ The nGAP is a very special program, therefore nGAPPERS came as a community of emerging scholars that got an opportunity to learn from each other, mentors, and the nGAP manager, this program should be located in a teaching and learning space, and be managed by someone who is in the academic field, who will enable the members of nGAP to have an understanding of what it means to be an academia.” She then closed the event by thanking the DHET for the continued funding of the program, all participants, and bidding farewell to visiting universities.