In an effort to instill a sense of belonging among the postdoctoral community, Rhodes University’s Research and Innovation portfolio has invited postdoctoral fellows to look for independent funding projects and research opportunities, and bring them to the university for approval and collaboration.
This invitation was made by the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Dr Nomakwezi “Kwezi” Mzilikazi, at the inaugural 2025 Postdoctoral Research Forum Networking Meeting held recently.
The Postdoc Forum was created to ensure that fellows at Rhodes University feel part of a strong academic community, while also giving them space to share ideas, build collaborations, and tackle common challenges.
The first event brought together fellows and university leadership to share research activities, professional opportunities, and future plans for the year. Hosted by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), it was only the second official gathering since the forum’s creation in March. Fellows mingled over drinks, exchanging ideas about career growth, research opportunities, and collaborations.
Officiating at the event, Mzilikazi said postdoctoral training should be a transformative journey.
“My vision is simple: it should not be a temporary stopover or research in isolation, but a holistic experience that builds both academic depth and transferable skills,” she said. “ If you are here on a university-funded postdoc, why not apply for an externally funded one in your second year? That way, you’re not rushing to leave. You can stay longer, supervise students through to completion, build stronger research outputs, and leave Rhodes positioned not just as a lecturer, but as a senior lecturer or higher.”
Professor Sybert Mutereko, director of CPGS and host of the meeting, encouraged fellows to be proactive.
“Opportunities don’t come automatically,” he said. “How many people know your name outside this room? The more visible you are, the more doors will open. If you don’t brand yourself, others will, often in ways you may not like. Take ownership of your professional identity.”
Prof Sybert Mutereko, “Opportunities don’t come automatically.” Photo: Supplied
Fellows thanked the university for creating platforms that support their growth, such as postgraduate conferences, mentoring, and opportunities to adjudicate student presentations. Plans were also announced for a Postdoc Symposium later this year, where fellows will showcase publications, awards, and research, positioning themselves for recognition such as the Women in Science Awards.
The forum has lined up activities across the academic calendar: orientation in the first term, a postgraduate funding fair in the second, the postgraduate conference in the third, and capacity-building and research showcase events in the fourth. Beyond social events, the forum aims to celebrate achievements while strengthening academic capacity.
The meeting also saw the election of Dr Sihle Pokwana as forum secretary, joining the leadership team of Dr Melvine Ouma (chairperson), Dr Bimbo Fafowora (deputy chairperson), Dr Nasiphi Ntshanga (social and community representative), and Dr Eric Maina (academic and research representative).