NRF 25 Years: Kwena Kgaabi

NRF 25 Years: Kwena Kgaabi

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

Mr Kwena Kgaabi is a Research Grants Coordinator at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Research and Innovation. He was an intern and then Liaison Officer at the NRF, and also received NRF funding for his Master’s studies.

How did your journey start?

I started my career journey at the Capricorn College for FET in Polokwane in pursuit of a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) qualification in Information Technology and Computer Science post-matric. I wasn’t entirely certain what I wanted to do after matric, so this was a great learning opportunity that helped to open my eyes while embracing growth and maturity at that time.

Towards the end of my college studies, I figured that IT and Computer Science were not really my first love. I applied at the University of Venda (Univen) to pursue a career in Law but it was short of space. I then went for an option in Media Studies, majoring in Media and English, intending to change to Law the following year but ultimately never did. They say time is of the essence, and I experienced this first-hand. I continued with the degree until the Honours level at the University of Limpopo (UL) where I completed in 2016 (one-year period).

Fast forward, I finally completed my Master’s degree in Communication Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA) which was funded by the NRF during my stay at the organisation as an employee. I completed the last part of the qualification, which was funded by the UNISA postgraduate office, while in the new role as an employee of the University of Pretoria.

I am proud to state that I started my career at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in 2017 as an intern. During my tenure as an intern, I focused my contributions on international scientific relations, working closely with the directorates responsible for collaborations with the rest of the African continent and overseas. I also contributed to the strategic functioning of the then-newly established business unit: Strategy, Planning and Partnerships. The internship opportunity further enhanced my scientific diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and organisational planning skills. It has further augmented my appreciation regarding the concept of a National System of Innovation (NSI), with a specific emphasis on the role of a public funding agency in catalysing the NSI.

I then obtained a permanent role at the NRF as a Liaison Officer from 2018 to 2021. As a Liaison Officer, I focused my contributions on coordinating the implementation of African collaborative joint research grants, and management plans, including collaborative calls and stakeholder workshops with strategic partners; the launching of multilateral calls to strengthen collaborative relations amongst SA and its partners in the Southern and Eastern region; assisting in the interrogation of cost centre reports, projections and reconciliation of budgets and expenditures and various research grants; working closely with the Director in facilitating implementation of the joined MoUs with partner agencies; and assisting in driving the Africa Stakeholder Engagement Forum which was aimed at engaging all relevant and critical stakeholders of the NRF.

I joined the University of Pretoria in January 2022 as a Research Grants Coordinator responsible for local and international grants management. In this role, I am responsible for the implementation of local and international funding opportunities at the university with a focused attention on pre and post-award grants management. These include, but are not limited to, grant set-up; following up on submitted grant applications and informing researchers on the funding decision; facilitating feedback from external review panels to incorporate suggestions and improve future submission; and monitoring that grant recipients comply with the grant conditions and advise where there are deviations.

I believe in hard work and that nothing comes easy in life. My mantra in life is in Sepedi which goes; “tloga tloga e tloga kgale, modiša wa Kgomo o tšwa natšo šakeng” which is loosely interpreted that we need to work hard to attain our set goals.

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

The NRF has had a huge impact on my life and career because it was the first organisation where I started my career as a permanent staff member. It further contributed positively to my career by funding my Master’s studies for which I am eternally grateful. This helped me to progress in my career by opening even more opportunities.

I have since developed into a key stakeholder in the National System of Innovation (NSI) due to all the opportunities made possible by the organisation. It taught me professionalism, accountability, networking, hard work, and confidence as a young professional.

Today, I play a significant role in changing the lives of our researchers at the university and I look forward to helping even more potential researchers in the future.

What is your area of expertise?

As I already mentioned, I work at UP as a Research Grants Coordinator.

Concerning my studies, my area of expertise is in Communication Science with a Master’s degree obtained from UNISA in 2022. My research focus was on Tracking the diffusion and adoption of ICTs among SMMEs in the agribusiness sector in Tshwane, South Africa. Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are key catalysts for advancing inclusive growth and development in South Africa. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have transformed and revolutionised the way people, governments and SMMEs operate in the modern world.

This study shed light on the diffusion and adoption of ICTs by SMMEs in the agribusiness sector in the City of Tshwane.

The findings showed that a variety of ICTs have been adopted by SMMEs to improve communication with their clients, but at a low rate of adoption. The most popular recommendations mentioned the need for sufficient funding support from the government to help improve the business operations of SMMEs.

I am currently working on a concept for a potential PhD study.

Why is your work/studies important?

The importance of this study is multifaceted as follows:

  • Understanding the Role of ICT in SMMEs: It highlights the significance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the growth and development of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the agribusiness sector. By examining the adoption and diffusion of ICT, the study provides insights into how these technologies can enhance efficiency, communication, and operations within SMMEs.
  • Addressing Challenges: By identifying challenges faced by SMMEs in adopting ICT, the study offers valuable recommendations on how these challenges can be addressed. This includes strategies for overcoming financial constraints, improving access to technology, and enhancing digital literacy among SMME owners and employees.
  • Government Support: The study underscores the importance of government support in fostering the growth of SMMEs. It provides insights into the specific areas where government intervention is needed, such as providing funding support to enhance ICT adoption and addressing regulatory barriers that may hinder SMME development.
  • Local Relevance: Focusing on the agribusiness sector in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, the study offers context-specific insights that are relevant to the local business environment. By understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by SMMEs in this region, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to support their growth and development.
  • Contribution to Inclusive Growth: SMMEs are recognised as key drivers of inclusive growth and development. By examining how ICTs can empower SMMEs in the agribusiness sector, the study contributes to efforts aimed at promoting economic inclusivity and reducing inequalities within the South African economy.

Overall, this study has the potential to inform policy decisions, guide investment strategies, and stimulate innovation in both the agribusiness sector and the broader SMME ecosystem in South Africa. Additionally, the insights generated from this research can also be valuable for other regions and countries facing similar challenges and seeking to leverage ICTs for SMME development.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

  • 2024: CISCO Academy: Data Science certificate
  • 2022: University of South Africa: Master of Arts in Communication Sciences
  • 2021: University of Johannesburg, Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR Digital Certificate
  • 2018-2019: World Intellectual Property Organisation: Advanced Course on Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions;  General Course on Patent Cooperation Treaty; and a General Course on Intellectual Property
  • 2017: Africa International Advisors, Microsoft Excel certificate: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced level + Project Management certificate  
  • 2015: University of Venda, Academic Mentor Certificate  
  • 2013-2015:  University of Venda: Bachelor of Arts Media Studies, Majors (English and Media Studies)  
  • 2016: University of Limpopo, South Africa: Bachelor of Arts Honours (Media Studies)  
  • 2011: University of Venda, New Venture Creation Certificate
  • 2008-2010:  Capricorn College for Further Education and Training: Information Technology and Computer Science Level 2 & 3 + Cisco IT Essentials certificate  

The rights to this article (content and images) are reserved by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. This work is licenced under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED) license: this implies that the article may be republished (shared) on other websites, but the article may not be altered or built upon in any way. Credit must be given to the National Research Foundation and a link provided back to the original article.

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