Connected on the frontline
Our new front desk administrator, Refilwe Mmakola, likes to understand connections and make them work, whether it’s on a human level, by helping people along in an academic environment, or more technical, by deciphering IT particulars or electrical infrastructure. She also feels connected to nature and loves exploratory adventures like hiking, boat rides and wine […]
From small-town girl to admin aficionado
Yolande Barendse Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Yolande Barendse spent many happy days playing barefoot on the gravel roads of Pearston, between Graaff-Reinet and Somerset East. In the summer, playtime continued into the cool of the evening under the open, starry skies. Today, she is equally at home in university town Stellenbosch with its […]
Continuous inequalities threaten global HIV/Aids progress
Eva Kiwango, South Africa’s country director for UNAIDS, addressed the MPhil students at the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management on the urgent need to address inequalities in order to get back on track with global HIV/Aids targets. THE EYE of the recent Covid-19 storm lasted a mere two years. Yet, many people reached pandemic fatigue […]
Key voices inspire students to turn the HIV/Aids tide
“IF YOU want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This well-known African proverb highlights the universal and timeless truth that we are simply better together. With almost 8 billion people in the world, each with unique skills, traits, interests, contacts and resources, it’s only logical that combining these […]
Reflecting on a masterful MPhil workshop
With the “Master your master’s” workshop behind us, we asked the session chairs as well as our programme manager to reflect on the week. Some of the aspects they highlighted were the range of experts and topics, the level of student engagement and how well-organised the workshop was (with the occasional technical hiccup). Key thoughts […]
Pandemic preparation with community-led monitoring
It’s a brand-new week after all the excitement of the “Master your master’s” workshop. With such an extensive range of topics covered, there’s plenty of on-target information for our MPhils to reflect on as they continue the journey. A focus area on Friday was the importance of community mobilisation in pandemic preparedness and primary healthcare, […]
Decolonising global health
The theme of inequality and its role in hampering progress with ending the HIV/Aids pandemic continues to surface at our MPhil workshop this week, emphasising how critical it is to address this issue. Speaking on “Decolonising global health” today, Dr Catherine Kyobutungi from the Africa Population and Health Research Center in Kenya will demonstrate how […]
AI tools and academic writing – looking to the future
AI tools like ChatGPT have led to heated debates about their pros and opportunities versus their limitations and pitfalls. Whatever your view, the fact is that these tools are here to stay. But how do you make use of them in an ethical way when it comes to research and academic writing? Dr Kudzayi Tarisayi […]
Africa and the race to end Aids
Africa’s structural and socioeconomic challenges have meant that the continent has been the region hit hardest by HIV and Aids since the start of the pandemic. With several ambitious global targets, is Africa catching up or falling even further behind? Two of our 2023 master’s students – Chambalson Chambal and Mekolle Julius Enongene – shed […]
From concept to a well-structured research report
Choosing a research topic that is relevant to your field of work, speaks to your skills and experiences and stirs your heart is vital. To do your research and insights justice, it’s equally important to document your proposal and findings effectively and professionally. At the end of the day, whether you master your master’s is […]