In South African higher education, an enduring motif for the past two decades is the notion of the ageing white, male professoriate. One might surmise that at this juncture, such a cohort would have, by now, left the system. What cannot be disputed is that there is an urgent impetus to cultivate a succession of early career academics, poised to replace those phasing out of the system. However, various factors hinder these emergent scholars within our system — from inadequate funding at the postgraduate level to the allure of better salaries offered by government and private sector.

Given that early career academics are already navigating a host of challenges — from job insecurity to the pressures of ‘publish or perish’— these issues can significantly hamper their professional progress. The Early Career Academics Advancement Programme, the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) and other such initiatives are in place to assist emerging academics but these are selective. Organisations, retired and senior academics have an imperative to lobby for systemic changes that make research funding more accessible, transparent, and supportive of young academics. Moreover, the establishment of a campus atmosphere conducive to the flourishing of young scholars remains vital, bestowing upon them support and direction within the system.

Exploring these issues will be a stalwart leader of the sector, Prof Loyiso Nongxa, former Vice Chancellor of Wits and Head of the National Graduate Academy of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences at the University of Pretoria. This ENGAGE will take place on 10 October 2023 (14:00-15:00).

Once you have registered you can immediately add the event to your calendar (with all the Zoom details) or you will receive an email with the Zoom details for the engagement. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to other colleagues who may be interested in attending.