NRF 25 years: Dr Lindokuhle Talent Zungu

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers that we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and we hope that you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF.

Dr Lindokuhle Talent Zungu is a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Zululand. He received funding from the NRF for his Master’s and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

Since secondary level, I wanted to become an economist holding a PhD. What is so funny is that I did not understand how to reach that level, but I knew I needed to be dedicated and committed. I was also inspired by the career of former President Thabo Mbeki.

Regarding university choices, I considered the University of Zululand for various reasons, such as it being the university of the people, a university that is able to accommodate historically disadvantaged students coming from a very poor background, like me. I believe that is what helped me to push to this level, as I did not feel humiliated when I was among other students.

What inspired me was their program offerings, especially BComm, as I had conducted narrow research on where their alumnae ended up after university – location, cost, and opportunities for research or internships. Career progression typically involves gaining relevant experience, developing skills, and networking within the chosen field. It’s not uncommon for career trajectories to evolve over time based on changing interests, opportunities, and circumstances. Flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning are often my key components of successful career development.

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Economics at the University of Zululand where I am also currently a lecturer.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

Receiving an NRF bursary for my Master’s and PhD studies had a profound impact on both my career and personal life, shaping my trajectory in significant ways.

Professionally, the NRF bursary provided crucial financial support, alleviating the burden of tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs. This financial stability enabled me to fully immerse myself in my studies and research, dedicating more time and energy to advancing my academic pursuits. As a result, I was able to achieve higher academic performance, produce quality research outputs, and successfully complete my degrees within the stipulated time frames.

Moreover, the NRF bursary opened doors to various opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences, workshops, and seminars relevant to my field of study. These experiences broadened my knowledge, expanded my network of peers and collaborators, and enhanced my research skills, ultimately contributing to my growth as a scholar and researcher.

On a personal level, the NRF bursary provided much-needed financial stability, reducing stress and allowing me to focus on my academic and personal goals without the distractions of financial worries. It also afforded me the freedom to pursue extracurricular activities and interests outside of academia, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Furthermore, the impact of the NRF bursary extended beyond myself to those around me. It positively influenced my family by easing financial burdens and instilling pride in my academic achievements. Additionally, it benefited my university by contributing to its research output and reputation, enhancing its standing in academic circles.

As a recipient of the NRF bursary, I also had the opportunity to mentor and inspire other students, sharing my experiences and insights to support their academic journeys. By serving as a role model and mentor, I hope to pay forward the support and opportunities that I received through the NRF bursary, thereby contributing to the growth and success of future generations of scholars.

Overall, the NRF bursary has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, providing financial support, professional development opportunities, and personal growth experiences. Its impact extends beyond myself to my family, university, and the broader academic community, highlighting the transformative power of investment in higher education and research.

What is your area of expertise?

As I am specialising in macroeconomics and dealing with various issues, which include but are not limited to socio-economic issues, my current work is based on understanding what contributed to the income inequality that we see today and linking it to various macroeconomic variables.

These macroeconomic variables include macroprudential policies and how they contributed to income inequality and the scrabbling growth that we see today in South Africa and other countries in the world.

It goes beyond that by understanding and considering the significant issue of inequality, how it contributes to the issue of crime and other socio-economic issues.

Why is your work/studies important?

Studying socioeconomic issues and prudential policies is crucial for understanding the causes and dynamics of economic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. This helps policymakers design targeted interventions to address these issues, leading to inclusive growth and social development.

Prudential policies, which govern financial institutions and markets, are essential for preventing systemic crises and ensuring financial resilience. Implementing sound prudential policies can safeguard against economic downturns and mitigate the adverse effects of financial shocks.

In South Africa, where socioeconomic disparities and financial vulnerabilities are prevalent, these studies can inform policy decisions, promoting stability, equity, and sustainable development. The insights gleaned from these studies can be applied globally, helping other countries navigate similar challenges and build more resilient and equitable economies.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

Based on the work I am currently doing, I have been recognised by the University of Zululand as the Best Emerging Researcher and I was further invited by the World Bank Group to participate in the “World Bank Young Professionals Program” that took place in 2024.

In 2021, I was selected as an Associate Member of the Pan-African Scientific Research Council for a period of five years. In the same year, I received an award for being the best Master’s candidate in the Economics Department (ERSA).

In 2019, I was amongst the few South Africans who were selected to participate in the SA-TIED young scholar programme under the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER). Following an evaluation of research performance, UNU-WIDER awarded a contract as a part-time research assistant. I am an avid researcher, and my work has been published in accredited journals of economics as well as in working papers. My work can be accessed on Google Scholar.

My best achievement, based on my PhD which was sponsored by NRF: “Both international examiners commented that this study is one of the most comprehensive Doctoral theses, exceeding the bar for a Doctoral degree. It has made at least seven original contributions and exceeded expectations for a Doctoral thesis. While the internal examiner commented that the work shows novelty and can be published as a whole. This dissertation has produced eight papers, six of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals”. The title of my thesis was Macroprudential Policies and Income Inequality in Emerging Economies.

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