Thembani Mkhize and Yashena Naidoo graduate and present in Edinburgh
Thembani Mkhize and Yashena Naidoo celebrated a significant milestone on November 28 as they attained their Master of Science by Research in Sustainable African Futures (MSc[R] SAF) from the University of Edinburgh. The ceremony took place at the iconic McEwan Hall, symbolising the culmination of their hard work and dedication in the first phase of the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme. This innovative programme brought together scholars from various institutions across Africa, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge on tackling issues related to sustainability and sustainable development. Their journey doesn’t end here. Both Mkhize and Naidoo have been selected to advance to the doctoral programme’s second phase and are set to embark on their PhD studies in 2025, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to further their studies and advance their research skills.
In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainability issues, Mkhize and Naidoo were invited to present their respective MSc dissertations and/or PhD proposals in Edinburgh, in a hybrid workshop titled Co-producing Sustainable African Futures. Held at Heriot Watt University and attended by scholars and students, the hybrid discussion is part of a collaboration between The University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University and the GCRO. It was preceded by a discussion titled Co-Producing Sustainable African Urbanism, with the GCRO hosting scholars from both universities in June 2024.
The follow-up hybrid discussion offered Naidoo, whose research seeks to develop a novel approach to quantify and understand Gauteng’s economy at a granular spatial scale, the opportunity to present her proposed doctoral study. Mkhize, whose doctoral study proposes using the case of Zandspruit - one of six settlements that the City of Johannesburg has earmarked for formalisation - to explore the link between unofficial toponymy and in situ upgrading. Both presenters benefitted from the feedback - clarification questions, remarks, and suggestions - that they received from the audience, which will go a long way in shaping their respective studies going forward.
Congratulations and best wishes to both Mkhize and Naidoo as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their academic pursuits and beyond!