by Kgaugelo Selane
A compelling and thought-provoking research day, "Promoting Impactful Research for the Good of Society”, was hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Soshanguve South Campus, late in November 2023.
During the five parallel sessions, presentations by Masters and Ph.D. candidates, featured their varied studies aimed at making tangible contributions to society. The agenda of the day emphasized the significance of promoting impactful research, igniting discussions and paving the way for a more integrated approach to enhance society through research.
The keynote speaker, Dr Robert Nkuna, Director-General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, reflected on his own transformative journey, spotlighting the crucial role institutions play in moulding individuals and promoting vibrant characters. Addressing the dichotomy between academia and practical application in problem solving, Dr Nkuna stressed the importance of bridging this gap. He articulated how academia often focuses on filling knowledge gaps, while the field of public policy leans towards solving immediate societal issues. He also highlighted the necessity of aligning both spheres to achieve impactful outcomes beneficial to society.
Dr Nkuna also focused on the challenges students face in attempting to explore research topics pertinent to governance or business. These are due to perceived barriers within academia. He advocated for an increased integration of students into real world challenges, urging a closer connection between theoretical research and practical application. He proposed the concept of "embeddedness in research", advocating for students to gain genuine exposure to the challenges the state faces.
Ms Samela, a master’s candidate presented her research titled “Does social cohesion and nation building exist better on social media than in communities”. It outlined the dimensions of social cohesion, drawing attention to the aspects of belonging, social justice, advocacy, political participation and acceptance within a community. She also mentioned in moving towards a notion of nation building, the importance of focusing on the fusion of different histories, languages, cultures and religions within a unified legal framework to encourage unity and create a sense of national pride.