Doctoral Student’s Abstract Selected for CHE Conference

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PhD candidate, Mr Simangaliso Zulu from the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance presented his research abstract at the Higher Education Conference hosted by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in Pretoria on 3 March. The theme of the conference was Promoting Access to and Success in Postgraduate Studies.

This annual conference brings together leading academics, researchers, policymakers, students, and government officials, among others to share their experiences and research findings and discuss topical Higher Education issues.

Zulu’s presentation received positive feedback from the track chair and conference participants. His research titled, Key Factors Influencing Graduation on Time Among Postgraduate Students: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, investigated the factors that enable master’s and PhD students at a South African university to graduate on time.

‘My extended abstract was in alignment with the conference theme and received significant interest which served the purpose very well.  My investment in academic writing is now paying dividends. This is one of my proudest moments,’ he said.

The CHE is a statutory body established with a mandate to advise on matters pertaining to Higher Education. Zulu was amongst the youngest researchers to have their research abstract selected for presentation. ‘When I received an email advising me that I was selected for a stand-up presentation, I was overwhelmed with joy. The entire experience meant the world to me,’ he said.

Zulu is currently working on various research projects collaborating with researchers at local and international universities to investigate the role of local government in city branding and its contribution to local economic development. He is also examining the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on SMMEs in the tourism sector in eThekwini Municipality.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied