New Podcast Launched to Explore Issues on Higher Education

A new podcast, funded by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University, has been launched in order to create a space for debate and discussion on issues about higher education in South Africa, and beyond.

Titled, The Academic Citizen, the podcast explores a diversity of topics and opinions relating to higher education in South Africa, today and into the future. Each episode welcomes a guest for an in-depth discussion of a particular issue relevant to university life today, and also features commentary from students on the topic at hand.

The Academic Citizen (TAC) is an independent podcast series that is funded and sponsored by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU), the union representing academic staff at Wits. The podcast does not seek to be a platform to represent the views of individuals belonging to the union or to present the stance of the union as a collective. Instead, it aims to be a platform for learning more about a diversity of views, and gaining deeper insight into the challenges, and possible solutions, facing higher education in South Africa.

The current host of the podcast is Mehita Iqani, an Associate Professor in Media Studies at Wits, and researched, scheduled, edited and produced by Balungile Mbenyane.

The podcast is weekly, and goes live on Wednesdays before midnight. Ten episodes have been published so far, including:

  1. Higher Education During Apartheid, with Leigh-Ann Naidoo
  2. Gender Equity in Universities, with Maria Wanyane and Charlene Beukes
  3. Is Fee-Free Education Possible, with Dick Forslund
  4. Issues of University Governance, with Shireen Hassim

The Academic Citizen wishes to continue shedding light and perspectives of all stakeholders within higher education, in order to improve the understanding of issues that relate to education and development in South Africa.

The podcast is available on numerous platforms: iTunes, the Podcast app for iOS and the Pocket Casts app for Android. It can also be accessed on Soundcloud and on www.theacademiccitizen.org.

Feedback and suggestions for future shows are welcomed at moc.liamg@neziticcimedacaeht. For more about ASAWU visit www.asawu.org.za

Dear SAERA Members

You are welcome to the official website of the South African Educational Research Association (SAERA). This platform serves as a central hub where one can stay informed and be kept abreast of the latest news and developments about events like seminars, symposiums, workshops, conferences organized by SAERA.

SAERA is a community of like-minded scholars who are passionate and dedicated to active and result-oriented educational research capable of solving the challenge confronting teaching and learning. SAERA was founded with a fundamental aim of enhancing educational research in South Africa and beyond. As a learned association, SAERA aim to foster collaboration among researchers, educators, and policymakers, to create an environment where theory and practice converge meaningfully. Our association aspires to bridge the gaps that often exist between academic research and practical implementation, a gap that, if left unaddressed, can stifle our efforts towards educational transformation. A central tenet of our mission is to promote rigorous research quality. In an age where information overload has become a norm, it is important that we not only produce research but ensure that our researches are of quality and highest standard. Our commitment to research integrity is unwavering, and we strive to cultivate an atmosphere where scholarly work is not only respected but also valued for its impact on educational practices. We believe that through high-quality research, we can influence policies that will make a tangible difference in the education sector.

Over the years, paucity of quality research outputs has been a daunting stumbling block to research frontiers in Africa and the rest of the world. As we forge ahead in this 21st century, it is crucial to devote particular attention to developing the next generation of researchers. It is important to note that investing in young researchers is not merely a gentle encouragement; it is a necessity. They are our torchbearers in the relentless quest for knowledge and innovation. To achieve this, we offer mentorship programmes, workshops, and resources aimed explicitly at equipping young researchers with the skills and knowledge they require to succeed. By nurturing these talents, we ensure that the field of educational research remains dynamic, robust, and responsive to the ever-evolving educational landscape to meet the need of the modern society.

Our vision is not defined by individual achievements but by the establishment of a cohesive, coherent, and inclusive academic and research identity within the education sector. We seek to create vigorous and responsive epistemic communities that foster collaboration, dialogue, and innovation. These will serve as platforms for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and brainstorming solutions to common issues in educational research. Moreover, we recognize the importance of interaction with national and provincial education departments and research agencies. These relationships are vital as they pave the way for informed policy-making backed by solid research evidence. We will actively seek to engage these stakeholders, ensuring our research informs their initiatives. This collaboration enables us not only to advocate for the importance of educational research but also to influence policy decisions that will lead to improved educational outcomes for all South Africans.

As we strive for local impact, we must also set our sights on the global stage. The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and our efforts should reflect that reality. Therefore, SAERA is committed to establishing links with international educational research organizations and similar entities across Southern Africa and the broader African continent. Together, we can share insights, learn from one another, and contribute to a unified body of knowledge that serves our collective goals. These collaborations will enrich our understanding and elevate our standing in the global academic community, allowing us to contribute actively to international discourses on education.

Yours in scholarship.

 Prof. Melanie B. Luckay.