Two Sol Plaatje University (SPU) academics are among the delegates from 23 South African universities taking part in the South Africa Higher Education and Research Week in Paris, France from 27 June to 2 July 2022.

The week-long programme, organised through Campus France and coordinated by the Embassy of France in South Africa, is aimed at promoting South Africa’s higher education and research landscape among all interested higher education institutions in France, and will include a series of diverse engagements, meetings, workshops and visits to French cultural and research sites.

Professor Gilbert Pwiti and Dr Lorenzo Pinto, both Lecturers in Heritage Studies, met with Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Andrew Crouch and SPU Research Office Director Ms Takatso Semenya ahead of their departure for France on 25 June. “We wish our colleagues well on their journey, which will see them gain knowledge and experience that will stand them and SPU in good stead upon their return. We will also see them act as ambassadors for SPU on an international level, helping to forge new relationships on a personal and institutional level,” Prof Crouch said at their meeting.

“This project and our colleagues’ participation highlights the importance of building relations and growing networks with both fellow South African universities as well as among the 41 participating Universities in France,” Ms Semenya added. “As we continue to build a solid relationship with our National Research Foundation, SPU is appreciative of the NRF travel grants which made it possible for our academics to participate in this prestigious event.”

In addition to representatives of the 23 South African public universities, officials from the Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, the Council on Higher Education, Universities South Africa, and the South African Qualifications Authority are also participating in the event.

SPU wishes Prof Pwiti and Dr Pinto an enriching and enjoyable trip, and we look forward to engaging with their new knowledge upon their return!