PhD Candidate Represents South Africa at BRICS Young Scientists’ Forum

PhD Candidate Represents South Africa at BRICS Young Scientists’ Forum

PhD candidate at UKZN, Mr Luthando Molefe was among the 50 early-career researchers in South Africa chosen to represent the country at the 8th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF) 2023 following the 11th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting led by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.

The YSF and Ministerial Meeting were part of a series of activities leading up to South Africa’s hosting of the 15th BRICS Summit. 

Molefe joined 200 early-career researchers from BRICS countries to discuss societal challenges like climate change, environmental responsibility, education, mindset, skillset, and society’s future among other topics. He presented his research on An Arts-Informed Critical Analysis of Teachers’ Narratives Towards Mentorship for Professional Learning in Selected South African School Contexts which is part of his PhD study.

Speaking about his selection, he said, ‘We received a communique from South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation alerting all the applicants to be patient due to the large number of applications for 50 spots. I was over the moon to have been selected and tasked to represent South Africa. This is testimony to my work that seeks to respond to challenges in the field of education.’

He added that the YSF deliberated on common and country-specific challenges that continue to act as a barrier to quality education, transformation and decolonisation.

‘It is, therefore, now time to keep the ball rolling – through theory and practice.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela and Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Supplied