By Siya Hlebani
The Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair has become a landmark gathering that unites students, scholars, funders, and institutions across the province in a shared pursuit of educational advancement. Launched in 2024 at Rhodes University, the 2025 edition represented a compelling convergence of vision, collaboration, and opportunity at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
This year’s Fair attracted a broad scope of funders and aspiring scholars from various Eastern Cape universities, positioning itself as a powerful platform for connecting students with life-changing postgraduate opportunities. The event was held at NMU’s Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha, which is notably the only campus of its kind on the continent.
The opening address was delivered by the NMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Azwinndini Muronga. In his remarks, the DVC emphasised the importance of postgraduate studies in shaping the continent’s future and reaffirmed the critical role of universities and research institutions in building a knowledge-driven society. He commended the Fair as a dynamic effort in bridging the gap between financial opportunity and academic pursuit, stating that “without access to funding, many dreams fall flat before they can even take flight”.
Professor Muronga highlighted the significance of the Fair not merely as an informational gathering, but as a “deliberate intervention to strengthen the research and postgraduate ecosystem” of the Eastern Cape. “Funding is often the bridge between potential and realisation, between dreams deferred and dreams fulfilled,” he said, urging students to see themselves as valuable contributors to societal transformation through their research. The DVC also reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming not only institutions, but communities and the nation as a whole. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he reminded all present that “education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world”.
Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, provided reflective remarks that traced the origins of the Fair to a Rhodes University student-led initiative. She recounted how Mivuyo Dalasile, the then SRC Postgraduate Councillor at Rhodes University, approached her in early 2024 with a simple but impactful idea: “Why don’t we invite funders to campus?”
This suggestion quickly evolved into a broader vision: if national funders were to make the trip to the relatively remote town of Makhanda, then the event needed to have regional significance. With that, collaboration with Nelson Mandela University and other Eastern Cape institutions was born. What began as a grassroots proposal quickly gained momentum. From 12 exhibitors in 2024 to over 25 this year, the Fair has expanded dramatically, positioning itself as a signature event in the academic calendar of the province’s universities.
This expansion signals increased commitment and trust in the Fair's vision from both national and international funders. Dr Mzilikazi reiterated the importance of accessibility and diversity in postgraduate education, advocating for more inclusive funding models that recognise the unique barriers many South African students face.
Dr Mzilikazi echoed Professor Muronga’s emphasis on collaboration as a strategic response to limited resources and a means to leverage collective strengths across institutions. She acknowledged the guidance and encouragement from the four university vice-chancellors who tasked executive teams with finding ways to work together for the betterment of the province and its citizens. She encouraged the attending students to engage meaningfully with funders, explore opportunities, and build networks that would support their postgraduate journeys, not just in terms of funding, but in lasting professional relationships. “Some of the friendships that we make during our postgraduate studies, we carry them throughout our lives, they become our collaborators, our reference writers, our network connectors,” she said.
From the perspective of the participating universities, Dr Mngeni, the Director for Postgraduate Studies at the Walter Sisulu University and Professor Shale, the Director for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Fort Hare, offered insightful reflections on the Fair’s broader impact. Dr Mngeni stressed the importance of mentorship and ongoing academic support structures. At the same time, Professor Shale spoke about embedding social responsiveness into postgraduate education, ensuring students leave university not only as scholars but as contributors to societal change. Their joint remarks reinforced the role of collaboration among institutions in building an inclusive and sustainable academic ecosystem.
A key highlight of the Fair was the reflective session titled “Navigating the Funding Frontier”, presented by Ms Thokozani Nxitya, a PhD candidate from Walter Sisulu University. In this session, Ms Nxitya offered a practical and deeply personal account of the funding journey. She guided students through the complexities of funding applications, emphasising the importance of strategy, timing, and presentation. She also highlighted how to tailor one’s application to meet funder expectations and how to remain resilient through rejection. Her session stood out for its clarity, relatability, and encouragement, especially for first-time applicants.
Among the many postgraduates in attendance, two final-year undergraduate students from Rhodes University stood out for their courage to engage the funding world early.
Owami Shabalala, a Bachelor of Science candidate majoring in Microbiology and Zoology, and Oyisa Ralo, a Bachelor of Arts student pursuing a triple major in History, Economics, and Industrial Sociology, shared their experiences. Both students said the Fair opened their eyes to the breadth of postgraduate opportunities available locally and internationally. “I now realise how much planning I need to do before I finish my degree. It’s not too early to start applying and preparing,” said Shabalala.
Ralo said, “The Fair offered human interaction, something a website or pamphlet can’t give you. Speaking to funders directly made the process feel accessible and real.” They also noted the Fair helped them realise that opportunities exist beyond South Africa’s borders, including scholarships for international study. Their proactive spirit stands as an example for other undergraduates to think ahead and act early.
With participation from institutions across the Eastern Cape and a growing number of funders, the 2025 Postgraduate Funding Fair proved to be more than just an information-sharing event; it is becoming an ecosystem of opportunity.
Students left not only with contact details and brochures but with clarity, inspiration, and tools for action. The Fair demonstrated the power of collaboration between academic institutions, funders, and students, pointing toward a future where postgraduate education is no longer a dream deferred but a reality accessible to all. Rhodes University students who could not make it to the Fair in Gqeberha are encouraged to go to the Postgraduate Funding Office to enquire about funding and information about the exhibitors that were at the Fair.
As the event concluded, a shared sentiment among organisers, funders, and students alike was that the Fair is more than just an annual gathering. It is a growing movement towards decolonising access to education, empowering students to envision a future that transcends traditional limitations. With a record number of funders present, including major research councils, development agencies, and international scholarship bodies, the 2025 Fair proved that South Africa's academic future is not only bright but also supported, strategic, and steadily becoming more inclusive. The Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair has now been added to the universities’ calendars and is planned for 2026 and beyond on the second Friday of May each year. It continues to be a beacon for those navigating the often-murky waters of postgraduate possibilities. Through the collaboration of institutions, funders, and motivated students, it shines a path towards equitable academic transformation and inspires the next generation of scholars to reach higher, bigger, dream bigger, and move beyond borders.