Empowered by the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP), Keletso Zitho described her journey as deeply rewarding.

Mrs. Keletso Zitho, currently pursuing her PhD in Management Sciences: Hospitality and Business Administration, has steadily built a strong academic and professional profile grounded in dedication, resilience, and passion for the hospitality industry. She holds a Master of Management Sciences in Tourism and Hospitality Management, achieved through the prestigious Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP), funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Her master’s research, which examined occupational injuries experienced by housekeeping staff in all-star graded hotels in the Free State, resulted in a published article titled “The influence of workplace injury occurrences on productivity: A housekeeping manager’s perspective.” Her work was further recognised internationally, as she presented at the International Conference on Tourism Research and Hospitality, strengthening her growing research footprint.

Beyond her postgraduate qualifications, Keletso also holds a Diploma and BTech in Hospitality Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, reflecting a balanced fusion of industry knowledge and academic vocation.

A journey of growth through NESP

Reflecting on her time as a NESP intern and master’s student, Keletso describes her journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding. She highlights how the programme demanded exceptional discipline, particularly during the demanding data‑collection phase. However, it was during this period that she experienced some of her most significant personal and academic growth.

Initially planning to conduct her study solely in Bloemfontein, Keletso had to broaden her sample to the wider Free State Province when several hotels declined to participate. This required additional travel, logistics planning, and timeline adjustments, an experience she says strengthened her adaptability, problem‑solving skills, and confidence as a researcher.

Keletso attributes much of her successful journey to the comprehensive support provided by NESP. She describes the assistance as holistic and impactful, extending well beyond financial aid. Her supervisor, Dr Dalene Crowther, played a pivotal role, offering consistent mentorship, constructive feedback, and academic guidance that enabled her to progress steadily.

She also acknowledges the Special Projects Office at CUT, the unit responsible for managing NESP for its accessibility, administrative efficiency, and ongoing support. According to Keletso, the combination of mentorship, academic exposure, resources, and financial assistance was more than sufficient in enabling her to thrive.

The main challenge Keletso faced was navigating the complexities of data collection. Hotel participation hurdles forced her to redesign her approach and travel extensively across the province. “Balancing academic demands with logistical challenges required perseverance, but with strong mentorship and institutional support, she was able to overcome these obstacles and become more resilient.”

Having completed her master’s degree and internship, Keletso aims to continue bridging the gap between academic research and practical improvements within the hospitality sector. She hopes to translate her findings on workplace injuries into actionable safety strategies that hotels can implement to better support their staff. Her long‑term goal is to contribute to the field of occupational health within hospitality, collaborate with fellow researchers, and strengthen academic discourse through impactful, practice‑driven research.

Reflections and Recommendations for Future Scholars

Keletso believes the most valuable aspects of NESP were its mentorship opportunities, academic exposure, workshops, and financial stability. These components, she notes, played a crucial role in shaping her professional identity and supporting her success.

Looking ahead, she recommends that NESP revive a network of current and past scholars. Such a community, she says, would offer mentorship, peer support, and opportunities for shared learning, enriching the experience for future beneficiaries.

To current NESP scholars, her advice is clear, “plan effectively, manage your workload, and embrace every opportunity the programme offers.” She reminded fellow beneficiaries that being part of NESP is a privilege, one that can profoundly influence their academic and professional trajectories when used wisely.