“The Research Winter School gave me a new dream, I want to be a research guru now,” says Ms. Mangaleni Hlatywayo, whose research study focuses on mental health in the workplace.

The Central University of Technology (CUT) continues to inspire the next generation of scholars through its impactful Research Winter School, a powerful academic intervention designed to equip postgraduate students, supervisors, and early-career researchers with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in the world of research.

Far from being just another academic event, the Research Winter School has become a catalyst for transformation. It does not only offer workshops but provide valuable tools for academic success and creates a community of scholars supporting each other’s growth.

Ms. Mangaleni Hlatywayo, a doctoral candidate whose research focuses on factors influencing mental health in the workplace, said the programme was a pivotal moment. “I’ve done my master’s before, but I found so many gaps in my knowledge. This programme helped me understand how to write a proper thesis, select the right research paradigm, and diversify my sources, rather than relying solely on the internet. Still, by integrating insights from professors and fellow PhD candidates,” she shared.

What began as a stressful and overwhelming academic journey for her has been reimagined into a meaningful pursuit: “Now, I want to become a research guru,” she said, visibly inspired.

Her study, which looks at how to improve employee well-being despite work overload, now benefits from her improved understanding of qualitative and mixed research methods.

 

“I have grown and matured as a supervisor and a scholar. Last year alone, with inspiration from this Winter School, I published 15 articles and graduated four students,” shared Prof. Mokhampanyane from the Faculty of Humanities: Language and Social Sciences.

The newly appointed Professor Matsolo Mokhampanyane from the Faculty of Humanities: Language and Social Sciences, attributes part of her academic advancement to the Research Winter School. “It was a developmental journey for me. Before being part of this programme, I was a supervisor but did not truly empower my students the way I was supposed to,” she explained.

After participating in the programme, not only did she improve her supervision approach, but she also began producing tangible results: “Last year alone, I graduated four students, and I expect four more this year, all thanks to the growth I experienced through this Research Winter School,” a clear demonstration of the programme's impact on academic productivity.

In addition to student success, Prof. Mokhampanyane also became a prolific contributor to academic publishing. “From last year, I wrote 15 articles, eight of which have already been published. This was all inspired by the environment and support I received through the winter school,” she stated proudly.

“I’ve learned how to work smarter, not harder. The everyday engagements offered me something I’ll use throughout my PhD journey,” reflected Ms. Nicole Joannou, Teaching and Learning Coordinator and first-year doctoral student.

The impact of the Research Winter School was not limited to students and professors alone. Ms. Nicole Joannou, Teaching and Learning Coordinator at the Welkom Campus and a first-year PhD candidate, attended the programme with the hope of jumpstarting her research journey. “My participation in this programme was the best decision for my journey. I’ve learned practical tools like how to better manage my research library, save time through research apps, and keep my study aligned so I don’t waste effort going off-track,” she said.

Based on the recommendation by a colleague who attended previously, Joannou said she had high expectations, and they were exceeded. “I would absolutely recommend it to any future researcher who wants to up her game.”

This year’s programme not only bridged knowledge gaps and introduced new research tools, but it also fostered a supportive academic culture. From time management and mentorship strategies to understanding philosophical paradigms and publishing pathways, participants were left feeling empowered, connected, and equipped to pursue research with confidence and purpose.

As CUT continues to invest in research capacity-building through initiatives like the Research Winter School, it is clear that the ripple effects, higher student throughput, better quality research, and stronger academic leadership are at the top of the list.

Uploaded: 07 July 2025