Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Faculty of Education hosted a Postgraduate Indaba on 19 May 2026 to strengthen postgraduate supervision capacity and support the Faculty’s growing research pipeline.
The session focused on practical approaches to Honours and Master’s supervision, including supervision models, admission processes, supervisor allocation, student expectations and the role of constructive feedback in postgraduate success.
The Indaba formed part of the Faculty’s preparation for expanded postgraduate activity and the planned development of doctoral level study. It also provided a platform for academics to reflect on supervision as both an academic and developmental responsibility.
The session was led by the Faculty’s outgoing Dean, Prof Boitumelo Diale, who has been appointed as the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Inclusive Rural Education and Early Childhood Development. Her facilitation enabled the Faculty to draw on senior academic experience and support the transfer of knowledge among colleagues.
In his opening address, the new Dean of Education, Prof Dipane Hlalele, said the Indaba had grown from a discussion on supervision models into a broader platform for academic engagement, collaboration and reflection.
“As a faculty and as an institution preparing to enter the doctoral space, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that our postgraduate systems, supervision practices and research outputs meet the highest standards of academic excellence,” he said.
Prof Hlalele also emphasised that postgraduate supervision is a deeply human process that requires quality, compassion, collegiality and mutual respect.
The Faculty noted that strong Master’s supervision is an important foundation for future doctoral supervision. By strengthening supervision practices now, the Faculty is building a more sustainable pipeline of capable supervisors and research ready postgraduate students.
The Indaba reflects SPU’s continued work to strengthen research capacity, support postgraduate success and grow the University’s academic contribution in areas that respond to South Africa’s developmental needs.
