The newly capped PhD holders at Welkom Autumn graduations are from left: Dr Sithulisiwe Bhebhe, Richard Nyika, Shoorai Konyana and Dr Senzeni Sibanda.

 Dr Edward Qhobosheane (recipient) and his supervisor, Prof. Pule Phindane (on the podium). By the end of the ceremonies on 11 April 2024, CUT would have awarded 18 doctoral degrees. 

The Central University of Technology celebrated the achievement of five Doctors of Education at the Autumn graduations held at Welkom Campus on 4 April 2024. The celebration marks the university’s 20^th anniversary of academic excellence.

In their academic journey, the scholars showcased their impactful research in areas critical to the education sector.

Dr Sithulisiwe Bhebhe’s research titled “Technology Integration into Teacher Education in Selected Higher Education Institutions in Southern Africa” investigated technology integration in teacher education within Southern African higher education institutions, aiming to identify effective models for integration. She further examined the perspectives of heads of department and lecturers on technology integration, explored factors influencing integration plans, and proposed recommendations for enhancement. Drawing from Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Andragogy theories, her study employed a qualitative approach, using multiple-case study methodology and interpretive research philosophy. Data-gathering techniques encompassed digital approaches necessitated by COVID-19 limitations.  She co-published two articles with her promoters in accredited journals.

 Dr. Richard Nyika

His study, "A comparative evaluation of TVET system in Zimbabwe and South Africa in preparing engineering graduates for green Economy”, indicated that the nation must transition to address climate change and promote sustainable development. It further showed that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems play a fundamental role in reconfiguring the new employment landscape by providing skills requirements for the green economy. The research informs the TVET systems in South Africa and Zimbabwe of their strengths and weaknesses in preparing engineering graduates who work in emerging green industries. Dr Nyika has also published papers in various journals. 

Dr. Shoorai Konyan

Her research titled “Transforming Teacher Proficiency: An Analysis of the Zimbabwean and South African Teacher Education Models” compared the strengths and weaknesses of initial teacher education in both countries, aiming to enhance teacher training programs. She also explored attributes that promote and hinder pre-service teacher education models in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research will contribute to the teacher education field by directly comparing initial teacher education in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

In her research titled “Intermediate phase teachers’ motivation and job Satisfaction amid COVID-19 pandemic’, Dr Senzeni Sibanda explored intermediate-phase teachers’ motivation and job satisfaction amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. She discovered that teachers experienced job dissatisfaction owing to the challenges emanating from adaptations in teacher practices. Based on these findings, she developed a model, "Enhancing Teachers' Job Satisfaction using Technology, " to mitigate job dissatisfaction during pandemics through technology integration.

Dr. Edward Qhobosheane’s topic, “Communicative Language Teaching in English as a First Additional Language: A Framework for Teacher Development in Free State”, explored Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in English as a first additional language, focusing on teacher development in the Free State province. The findings of his study revealed that learners’ lack of communicative competence is due to deprived opportunities that they experience at school during English First Additional Language (EFAL) periods, as well as during other content subject lessons where teachers do not use English as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT).

Back row: newly capped doctors from left: Drs Sithulisiwe Bhebhe, Richard Nyika, Shoorai Konyana and Dr Senzeni Sibanda. Front row seated, promoters, supervisors, and co-promoters from left: Drs Alfred Modise, Awelani Rambuda, Joel Jamire and Luzaan Schlebusch.

Uploaded: 04 April 2024